Vitamin Trader - Healthy Discounts on Quality Vitamins

Are you overeating, feeling helpless, drinking more, smoking, or subjected to emotional storms, or not sleeping? You can use techniques to calm the mind and you can exercise, but in additon to these measures Dr. Michael Murray suggests some key nutrients to help you combat stress.

Common signs of stress and nutrients to combat them:

Nervousness & Anxiety

•  Try L-theanine. Clinical studies have demonstrated that L-theanine reduces stress, improves the quality of sleep, diminishes the symptoms of PMS, heightens mental acuity and reduces the negative effects of caffeine. L-Theanine works quickly (within 30-40 minutes) in two important ways to combat stress:

 It stimulates alpha brain wave activity which can last from 8-12 hours. Alpha brain waves are synonymous with an alert yet relaxed state. It increases the formation of GABA which is a neurotransmitter key to relaxation and memory.

•  Try GABA. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a natural calming agent in the brain. It appears that many people with anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, and other brain disorders do not manufacture sufficient levels of GABA. Many popular drugs such as Valium, Neurontin, baclofen, and Valproate act by increasing the effects of GABA within the brain. However, while these drugs have numerous side effects and are highly addictive drugs not suitable for long-term use, GABA in the right form is completely safe and remarkably effective without side effects. Natural GABA in the form of PharmaGABA is a special form of GABA naturally manufactured from Lactobacillus hilgardii – the bacteria used to ferment vegetables in the preparation of the traditional Korean dish known as kimchi. PharmaGaba increases alpha-wave production by the brain (a state often achieved by meditation and characterized by being relaxed with greater mental focus and mental alertness).PharmaGABA is fast-acting, especially when it is taken in a chewable tablet. Generally, the effects are felt within the first 15 minutes, and have been shown to last up to 4 to 6 hours.
  
•  Try 5-HTP. Stress, poor diet, and insufficient exercise cause our brains to produce low levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates our mood, appetite, and ability to get a good night’s sleep. When our brains aren’t producing enough serotonin, we may experience depression, suffer from obesity or insomnia, or otherwise function at less than our mental and physical peak. 5-hydroxy tryptophan (5-HTP)--an amino acid extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia plant-- is available without prescription and has been shown to be safer and more effective than prescription drugs in treating conditions associated with low levels of serotonin.
  

Poor Sleep

•   L-theanine-a simple amino acid from green tea, can profoundly enhance the tranquility of sleep. Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health in Japan have found that taking a pure L-theanine dietary supplement before bed produces a significant improvement in sleep quality.
  
•  5-HTP-(5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid is the middle step between tryptophan and an important brain chemical, serotonin. A key benefit of 5-HTP is its ability to decrease the time required to get to sleep and decrease night time awakenings thus increasing sleep quality.
  
•  Melatonin – is a hormone that is critically involved in regulating circadian rhythm (the natural rhythm of hormone secretion) that controls the sleep/wake cycles.
  

Long Term Stress

•  Ashwagandha herb is an adaptogen-it can help the body resist long term stress. Unrelenting stress can play havoc with blood sugar levels. Stress also causes elevated cortisol levels which, over time, can impact cardiovascular health. Ashwaganda processed into the supplement Sensoril provides a high level of adaptogenic activity which reduces cortisol levels and fasting blood sugar. Sensoril has been shown to have a positive effect on mental cognition and memory. Those using this Ashwaganda extract reported increased feelings of well-being, a reduction of stress symptoms and greater mental cognition.
  
•  Try a combination of Sensoril and Eleuthero (another adaptogen), lavender and rhodiola. Eleuthero increases the ability to overcome many physical stressors. Lavender herb can reduces anxiety, nervous exhaustion and depression. Rhodiola supports the central nervous system improving attention and sleep while reducing fatigue and stress.