Better_Nutrition_September_2017

Bluebonnet

Nutrition

Targeted

Choice Stress

Relief blends

holy basil and

rhodiola with

other calming

herbs.

1 2 3 4 5

EDITOR'S PICKS: 5 STRESS-BUSTING SUPPLEMENTS

Gaia Herbs

Stress Response

features the

adaptogenic

herbs holy basil,

ashwagandha,

and rhodiola in

liquid Phyto-Caps.

Natrol 5-HTP

Mood & Stress

has 100 mg of

this amino acid

from a plant-

based source.

It's also a time-

release formula.

NOW Foods

Rhodiola boasts

a standardized

extract of this

adaptogenic

herb. Take on an

empty stomach

for best results.

Organic India

Ashwagandha

is made with

certified organic

ashwagandha. It's

gluten-free and

safe for vegans

and vegetarians.

Tina Rubin, a freelance writer, editor, and writing coach, holds an

MFA in creative writing. Her work has appeared in publications such

as the Los Angeles Times, Vegetarian Times, and Top Agent magazine,

and she produces the online journal Travel by the Books. She lives in

Calabasas, Calif.

calming because they support nerve

function, explains Emily A. Kane, ND,

LAc. Foods with high levels of tryptophan

can also be soothing because tryptophan,

an essential amino acid, produces serotonin,

a chemical considered responsible for

maintaining mood balance. Those foods

include nuts, seeds, tofu, cheese, red

meat, chicken, turkey, fi sh, beans, lentils,

and eggs.

Tool No. 3:

Move More

The National Center for

Complimentary and Integrative Health

notes that yoga, like meditation, is a mind-

body practice that contributes to reduced

stress and boosts immune function.

And if possible, take that yoga mat

outside. Any kind of outdoor exercise—

such as those walks Bodzak mentions

above—is ideal because of the extremely

soothing eff ect the natural world has on

the human brain. Kane notes that it’s also

benefi cial to walk barefoot on the dirt

or sand for a few minutes to connect to

the earth’s natural energy charge. Called

“earthing,” or “grounding,” the practice

contributes to vibrant health.

Tool No. 4:

Make Face-to-Face

Connections

Among other signifi cant techniques

to reduce stress are strengthening our

face-to-face social connections; creating

an environment that induces calm by

minimizing distractions, such as having

the TV news on in the background, and

eliminating clutter. And give yourself

some down time to enjoy favorite

activities such as listening to music,

writing a poem, or going to a movie.

While these tools have been separated

by category, they all work together—the

mind and body function like two sides of a

coin. Over time, as you acclimate to these

practices, you’ll be able to recognize stress

as it happens and let it go. The more you

do it, the easier it becomes.

HOMEOPATHIC STRESS RELIEF

Looking for a gentle way to ease stress, anxiety, and depression? Homeopathic remedies

offer nontoxic solutions that have been used for centuries to treat many ailments,

including stress, anxiety, and depression. Although there is an ongoing debate in conventional

medicine about its effectiveness, homeopathic therapy’s age-old wisdom has been bolstered

over the years by clinical observations showing it works for many people.

Here are my top five choices of homeopathic remedies to help calm and soothe acute

or chronic anxiety, stress, and depression. These remedies are sold individually and in

combination formulas. Use a 30C potency, and follow label instructions for dosing.

ACONITUM NAPELLUS, also called monkshood, has been used for centuries in traditional

Chinese medicine. The roots produce aconite, which is useful for anxiety, panic, and

insomnia.

GELSEMIUM comes from a flowering vine and is particularly effective when treating stress

caused by a specific event, such as appearing in front of a group. It’s also good for general

nervousness.

NATRUM MURIATICUM is the homeopathic version of simple table salt. It can help with

mental strain, anxiety, irritability, and worry.

PULSATILLA is an effective remedy for people who are depressed or sensitive. It’s also

useful for people dealing with anxiety that results from hormonal fluctuations, and is

commonly recommended for anxiety and depression associated with PMS.

SEPIA is good for both anxiety and depression. It’s particularly helpful for people who are

feeling overwhelmed. It’s often recommended for women.

A great advantage of homeopathic remedies is that they’re widely available and

relatively inexpensive, making them an attractive choice for those seeking gentler health

solutions. For more in-depth support, a trained homeopathic doctor can help you refine

your program by prescribing a customized remedy or formula. To find a homeopathic

physician in your area, visit nationalcenterforhomeopathy.org.

—Isaac Eliaz, MD, LAc, MS

(^42) • SEPTEMBER 2017