In today’s day and age, stress is not something that can be avoided altogether, nor should it be. While some stress can be healthy, chronic stress can lead to bigger health concerns. Elevated stress hormones, especially cortisol, can increase inflammation, reduce immunity, and raise the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, chronic stress can negatively impact every aspect of your health and contribute to a wide range of problems from headaches to type 2 diabetes and even anxiety. If you find yourself in the middle of a stressful time, or know that you
have a stressful situation coming (i.e. holidays, a big work project, etc.), you can take steps to help your body deal with the stress, lessoning the impact on your overall health.
Strategies like a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and sleep, and mental health help are proven for relieving stress, but another tool to consider in your arsenal is dietary supplements. While there is no magic pill, these supplements are designed to help reduce the effects of stress on your body as part of a holistic approach.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is what’s known as an adaptogen, which means it’s believed to resist disease and regulate the effects of stress on the body. In a study from September of 2019, participants who took ashwagandha reported feeling less anxious, depressed, or stressed when compared to those given a placebo. Then in December of 2019, a study found that participants given the supplement
reported sleeping better and feeling less stressed than the participants receiving the placebo.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that is believed to have a relaxing effect. In a study published in October of 2019, the participants given L-Theanine saw improvement in three stress-related categories: sleep problems, depression, and anxiety.
Country Life’s Stress Shield
Country Life’s Stress Shield is a specially formulated complex of vitamins (including ashwagandha and L-theanine) that helps bolster and balance you body’s ability to deal with stress. ($28.19 for a one month supply)
If you have any questions, or would like to talk to our supplement specialist, please stop by or call 717-217-6790.
*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Norland Pharmacy. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.