Kill stress naturally with these 5 essential nutrients

Stress is one of the most serious issues we face today as human beings on this planet. It is present in almost every aspect of life, be it work, traffic, family, kids, colleagues, deadlines, errands, drama, bills, relationships, more bills, health, so on and so forth. In this fast-paced, ever-growing sprawl of modernisation, it’s hard not to get caught up in it all. Trying to find a healthy balance in which important relationships are nurtured, our health is fully taken care of and we’re staying on top of things is practically impossible.

If you happen to be feeling somewhat stressed at the moment, for whatever reason, I hope that you can find solace in the fact that others are going through it too. Your situation may be unique to you, but there are others with the same struggles, experiencing the same isolating emotions and coping under a similar strain of parallel pressures.

Unfortunately, as humanity has grown and evolved, stress has changed from being a necessary reaction of the body (think fight or flight within the animal kingdom), to an ever-present nuisance, wearing us down and degrading our health. It’s one of the leading causes of diseases, illnesses and mental health issues, and is an ongoing battle within ourselves and our surroundings.

One of the ways we can help to combat the symptoms of stress, is through the use of vitamins, minerals and various nutrients found in a healthy diet. The most relevant of which are the following:



1. L-Theanine

What it does: Relaxes the mind without inducing drowsiness. Enhances brain functionality which improves concentration and helps the psyche deal with stress.

Naturally high levels occurring in: Green and black tea.




2. B-Vitamins

What they do: Whilst providing a powerful energy source, they also have the ability to lower stress. This in turn is the perfect recipe for improving productivity, which is why you’ll always see B Vitamins added to energy drinks. When the body is put under stress, the B-Vitamins are used up, so it’s important to replenish reserves when faced with difficult times.
B-Vitamins within the body are also used up with the intake of alcohol, coffee or black tea. Birth control pills and antibiotics will also deplete the bodies B-Vitamin levels.

Naturally high levels occurring in: Lentils, split peas, black beans, spinach, mushrooms, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, collard greens, soybeans, fish, poultry, meat, milk, eggs.

3. Vitamin C

What it does: Although Vitamin C is mostly famous for it’s immune-boosting qualities, it’s also pretty good at reducing stress by lowering cortisol levels and blood pressure.

Naturally high levels occurring in: Bell peppers, kale, broccoli, chili peppers, papaya, strawberries, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, pineaple, kiwi, mango, citrus fruits.

4. Mangesium Citrate

What it does: Lowers cortisol levels and prevents symptoms of physical and emotional stress. The two stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline cause the magnesium inside of cells to be released. With prolonged stress, this can deplete our mineral levels and in turn worsen the symptoms creating a vicious cycle. 
Stress > Depletion > Worsened Symptoms > Higher Stress Levels.

Naturally high levels occurring in: Spinach, pumpkin seeds, chard, yogurt/kefir, almonds, black beans, figs, avocado, dark chocolate, banana.

5. L-Tyrosine

What it does: Improves cognitive functions, providing mental clarity and positively impacts mood levels. When our minds are clear, with concentration levels improving, as well as our happiness, it’s hard for stress to take a hold in the first place.

Naturally high levels occurring in: Soybeans, cheese, meats, seeds, eggs, dairy, beans, fish, whole grains.

Mother nature has all that we need to heal ourselves, we just have to know how to use her.