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8 Supplements and herbs to help you deal with stress

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Times of high stress can affect your health, your sleep, and your entire sense of well-being. While chronic long-term stress is a cry for a change of lifestyle and a more serious intervention, sometimes we go through stressful periods knowing there is an end in sight. If this is your situation, know that a good diet, 8 hours of sleep a night, exercise and the following supplements can help see you through.

The following supplements will help you feel more relaxed, help you avoid illness, and help you sleep:

    Vitamin B complex
    Tryptophan
    Calcium Magnesium
    Vitamin C
    Vitamin D
    Multi-vitamin or Total Nutrition Formula
    Omega 3s
    Melatonin (if insomnia is a problem)
    Valerian Root (if insomnia is a problem)

Vitamin B complex
While a few of the B vitamins are regularly recommended for stress, it is always best to take B vitamins in a B complex form, as B vitamins work together. Research has also shown that taking one B vitamin alone over time can actually cause deficiencies in other B vitamins. B vitamins are nature's valium. They soothe the nervous system and aid in many functions in the body and brain. They may also help you sleep.

L-Tryptophan
L- tryptophan is an amino acid our body needs in order to make serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is the basic "feel good" neurotransmitter, whereas melatonin is needed for sleep.

Calcium and magnesium
Calcium and magnesium work together. Magnesium is calming to the body. You can take it as a supplement, or soak for 40 minutes in epsom salts.

Vitamin C and vitamin D
In times of great stress, the immune system is often suppressed. An extra boost of vitamin C and vitamin D aid the immune system and may keep you from catching a virus or a bacterial infection at an already difficult time.

Multi-vitamin or Total Nutrition Formula
Times of high stress are a good time to ensure that all of your nutritional needs are met. A daily multi-vitamin and/or Total Nutrition Formula will aid you in getting all the nutrients your body requires.

Omega 3s
Krill oil, flax seed oil, fish oil, or a good oil blend will help with stress and aid in concentration and mood stabilization.

Melatonin and valerian root
If L-tryptophan and B vitamins have not reversed your insomnia, add melatonin and valerian root to your nightly routine. Also see Natural Insomnia Cures. (see link below)

Conclusion:
Coping with stress in a healthy way includes a healthy diet, adequate exercise, good sleep, and avoiding those shortcut stress reducers that do more harm than good. Don't rely on drugs, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or junk food to help you through stressful times. They don't help at all, even though it may seem like they do at the moment. This is a time to take excellent care of yourself to minimize the stress on your body even though there is more than enough stress in your life. An inability to handle stress is a sign of adrenal stress. Check out Natural Remedies for Adrenal Fatigue and see this Nerve Sedative Recipe for a tincture you can make yourself.