Try these herbs and supplements to help balance your diet and your emotional health, especially during stressful times.
Everyone knows exercise is a great stress-buster, but equally as important is your body's fuel. Add these herbs and supplements to a healthy diet to de-stress and regain clarity.
| Recommendation | Rationale | Notes |
| A daily multivitamin | Helps fill in the gaps of a nutritionally poor diet. | Look for one rich in calcium, zinc, bioflavonoids, and selenium. |
| Essential fatty acids (EFAs) | Improve mental processing and increase calmness, which lead to a greater ability to handle stress. | Foods rich in EFAs include seeds, nuts, and cold-water fish, such as salmon and mackerel. |
| Rhodiola | Reduces stress and fatigue, improves memory, enhances concentration, and increases overall well-being. Also stimulates the immune system and enables the body’s defenses to ward off effects of stress. | Another adaptogenic herb that helps combat stress is eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus; 2,000–3,000 mg daily; also known as Siberian ginseng); however, you should take either rhodiola or eleuthero—not both. |
| Theanine | Promotes relaxation and helps optimize physical and mental performance during stressful times. | An amino acid, it’s found naturally in green tea. |
| Vitamin C | Decreases the secretion of stress hormones and helps boost the body’s natural defenses. Also supports the formation of collagen (what tendons are made of) and helps fight infection. | Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and kiwi. People suffering from kidney stones should avoid excessive amounts of vitamin C. |
| Sources: James Rouse, ND, and Kim Erickson, herbalist. | ||
