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Functional ways to reduce your body's stress response

By: Amelia Hunt, FNTP


It's amazing the amount of stress we are ALL under in this life, sometimes it actually feels very stressful or we could be stressing ourselves without even realizing it. Either way we could all use a little help in this arena. There are a lot of ways to manage stress, but today I'm going to give you some ideas of supplements you could take to actually alter the way your body mechanically manages your stress load. As you read through these options for functional supplementation, choose ones that you think relate most to your stress scenario.

*consult your physician before taking anything*


Adaptogens:

Adaptogens exhibit neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, anti-depressive, anxiolytic, nootropic and CNS stimulating activity. Adaptogens exert an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental work capacity against a background of stress and fatigue, particularly intolerance to mental exhaustion and enhanced attention.

Chronic stress from constant overstimulation of cortisol can lead to imbalance of our endocrine system. Adaptogens improve the natural stress response.

Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 3(1), 188–224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3010188

To implement adaptogens into your life you can take it supplements, there are also some really tasty teas and coffee substitutes.

  • Mudwtr

  • Four sigmatic

  • RASA

  • Moondust

  • Ashwaganda: reduces stress & anxiety

  • Ginseng: Boosts memory, reaction time, calmness, & immunity

  • Tulsi/Holy Basil: Reduces physical and mental health, stress-related anxiety and depression

  • Reishi: Reduces stress & anxiety. Improves sleep

  • Lion's mane: Improves cognitive & brain health. Reduces anxiety & depression

  • Chaga: Immune health, reduce inflammation, blood sugar, & blood pressure

  • Cordyceps: Boosts stamina & increased energy

  • Licorice root: Reduces stress (great in tea form, yummy and sweet)


CBD oil:

Hemp supplementation tends to support psychometric measures of perceived sleep, stress response, and perceived life pleasure and was well tolerated with no clinically relevant safety concerns. Based on the evidence, CBD may potentially help manage the symptoms of anxiety.


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