Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event that promotes good mental health for all! This year’s theme is anxiety.

Anxiety can be triggered by a stress response in the body- when the sympathetic nervous system gets activated and the body produces a cascade of hormones, namely cortisol and adrenalin. It is sometimes called a ‘fight or flight’ response which manifests in physical symptoms that include anxiety and tension. Some can experience anxiety as racing thoughts, palpitations, breathlessness, problems sleeping or loss of appetite.

For some, meditation and mindfulness can be helpful, and for others, talking to a friend may help put things into perspective. Boosting endorphin levels through exercise can also send a positive energy through the body and increase feelings of courage and harmony. 

  • Relaxation rituals such as hot baths with essential oils can help with unwinding muscle tension and stress
  • Be in the moment and take one thing at a time
  • Practise good sleep hygiene. Switch off blue-light emitting devices at least one hour before bedtime 
  • Surround yourself with positivity and the people you love
  • Reach out for help from friends or healthcare professionals
  • Be compassionate towards yourself and take time to reflect 

Can food supplements help with anxiety?

In times of stress, we can tend to reach for convenience food, high-sugar foods and alcohol, however it is at these times that we need to eat more nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods than ever. The need for certain nutrients may increase when the body is under mental, emotional or physical stress, these include magnesium, vitamin B6, thiamine, and niacin (known as neuro-vitamins).  As part of a healthy and balanced diet, magnesium can support the nervous system and contribute to normal psychological function. Foods that supply magnesium include dark green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains. However, due to soil depletion and poor eating habits, many people may not be getting enough magnesium in their diet alone.

MindScopic Mood Master* has been formulated to help support the mood while reducing a sense of stress and anxiety. This powerful formula is based on scientific research and contains magnesium, neuro-vitamins and l-tryptophan alongside prized botanicals- ashwagandha extract, valerian and griffonia (providing 5HTP).

The Gut-Mood Connection:

Did you know that 95% of the serotonin in our body resides in our gut. Our digestive system is constantly communicating with our brain, and when there is an imbalance of healthy bacteria or hormones, our gut will send out signals which can influence mood, stress and anxiety levels.

Garden of Life Microbiome Formula Mood + contains 50 billion live bacteria cultures and a diverse blend of 16 strains. Strains include those clinically studied specifically for optimising mood and relaxation. This probiotic formula also provides over 300mg of ashwagandha and is formulated by Dr. Perlmutter; a board-certified neurologist with expertise in the microbiome. 

Nature’s Answer Ashwagandha:

Traditionally used in Ayurveda, Ashwagandha has been known to be one of the most prized botanicals. Ashwagandha has been historically used to support a calm mind and encourage restful sleep. Recent studies show that it also has the potential to reduce cortisol and lower stress levels. Ashwagandha’s botanical name Withania somnifera gives us a clue about its traditional use - as ‘somnifera’ means sleep-inducing.

Nature’s Answer Ashwagandha is a concentrated and holistically balanced, alcohol-free liquid herbal extract – being in a liquid form allows for faster absorption and utilisation than tablets. It is standardised to provide a guaranteed level of its active plant constituents known as withanolides. 

Nature’s Answer Passionflower:

Poor sleep is a common aspect of anxiety disorder that can lead to a lowering of mental and emotional resilience. Passionflower, otherwise known as Passiflora, is used in herbal traditions to induce calm, rest and sleep. It is the natural flavonoid compounds found in passionflower that have been linked to improving sleep duration, sleep quality and relieving anxiety. Nature’s Answer Passionflower is an alcohol-free, concentrated liquid herbal extract of passionflower for efficient absorption.

Nature’s Answer Chamomile:

Anxiety can negatively affect optimal digestion, just as stress may lead to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Chamomile flowers are traditionally used to soothe the stomach, induce relaxation and combat symptoms of anxiety.

A super-concentrated formula, Nature’s Answer Chamomile Flowers alcohol-free liquid extract can be taken before bedtime or up to three times a day in a small amount of water. 

Any claims mentioned in this blog are based on research and are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, please consult a doctor before making changes to your diet or supplementation. 

*It is advised not to combine Mood Master™ with anti-depressant medication or MAO-inhibitors, due to contra-indications.

References:

  • www.mentalhealth.org.uk
  • Langade, D., et al. (2019). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Insomnia and Anxiety: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study. Cureus, 11(9), e5797. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.5797
  • Soulimani, R., et al. (1997). Behavioural effects of Passiflora incarnata L. and its indole alkaloid and flavonoid derivatives and maltol in the mouse. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 57(1), 11–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-8741(97)00042-1