4 Key Nutrients for a Healthy Stress Response
There’s no denying it. We live in a stressed-out world! Work, family, health, current events, and so much more have us all pulled in a million directions every day.
Some stress is healthy and normal (even exercise is considered stress on the body, after all!). But it is still smart to understand the effects of stress on health so that you can take steps to manage them.
For example, did you know that certain vitamins and minerals are actually depleted by stress? It’s true, when your body is stressed, it uses up certain nutrients, and that means those nutrients aren’t available to support your body in the other ways in which they are needed (like protecting you from illness and supporting key reactions in the body.
Here are the key vitamins and minerals depleted by stress, what to do to prime your system in times of stress, and how to replenish them when recovering from periods of distress.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is found in high amounts in the adrenal glands and is released in response to stress. It is considered an essential nutrient, since we can’t synthesize it ourselves within the body, we have to consume it as part of our diets. In times of stress, more vitamin C is used by the body. As a result, more vitamin C is needed by the body. In fact, some research has suggested that those with higher levels of vitamin C are also better able to cope with stressful situations.
Upping your vitamin C during times of stress can help replenish what is lost. And don’t worry about overdoing it. Vitamin C is water soluble, and any excess is excreted. Plus, vitamin C is one nutrient for which the RDA may be misleading. Its RDA is intended to prevent disease, not support optimal immunity in a stressed-out world. The National Institute of Health has established a tolerable upper limit of 2,000mg, far more than the 75-90mg RDA for adult men and women.
Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, red and green peppers, papayas, cantaloupes, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, and asparagus. If you want to amp up your C even more, a supplement is a great idea. Our Pure Radiance C® is made from organic camu camu extract and organic acerola cherry extract with 9 antioxidant-rich organic berries and fruits. It isn’t harsh on the belly like many other vitamin C products.
2. B vitamins (especially B3, B5, B6)
B vitamins are important cofactors required for energy production. They also support the modulation of adrenal gland activity and the stress response. This means that B vitamins get used up in times of stress and must be replenished to ensure the adrenal glands have sufficient energy to produce hormones. In fact, research has shown that B vitamins may also be supportive in managing symptoms of stress.
Like vitamin C, B vitamins are water soluble, and amounts higher than the RDA are generally safe and well tolerated. In fact, they may be necessary in times of stress!
B vitamins are found abundantly in animal proteins and liver. Certain B vitamins are also found in smaller amounts in beans, seeds, and cruciferous vegetables.
Our Super B Complex™ includes all eight essential B vitamins plus three important cofactors in a potent, energizing formula. It is made with organic veggies and fruits, then activated with enzymes and probiotics for enhanced bioavailability.
3. Zinc
Zinc is known for its ability to support the immune system, but it also plays an important role in modulating the body’s stress response. It gets used up quickly during times of stress, and prolonged stress has been shown to deplete zinc concentrations in the blood. Replenishing zinc through diet and supplementation can help ensure that you stay healthy, even in times of stress.
Zinc is found abundantly in many animal products like beef, pork, oysters, and poultry. It is also found in certain nuts, seeds, and legumes, like chickpeas, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and kidney beans.
Our Zinc Complex™ combines fermented zinc with an organic food complex of immune-supporting shiitake mushrooms, vitamin C-rich camu camu berries, and wholesome green vegetables and sprouts. Unlike most zinc supplements which can cause nausea and upset stomach, our zinc is gentle and effective. In fact, it is so gentle that it can be taken on an empty stomach.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral used as a cofactor in more than 300 enzymatic systems. Several studies suggest magnesium concentrations are altered in animals exposed to acute and chronic stress.
Magnesium is found in leafy greens, beans, and many nuts and seeds. However, research has shown that our modern-day soil has become depleted of magnesium, and this has resulted in lower magnesium levels in the foods that grow in our soil. For this reason, magnesium supplementation can be supportive, particularly in times of stress.
Prime Your System
The reality is, stress will always be a part of our lives. But knowing what we can do to mitigate the effects of stress on our bodies, and to manage our bodies response to stress will go a long way to improving overall health.
Herbs are a gentle and effective way to actively support your body’s response to stress. Our Stress Remedy™ is an exclusive synergy of organic herbal extracts and adaptogens for natural stress relief. The herbal extracts and adaptogens help to foster balance and calm while lifting your energy and focus.
