Combating stress with nutrition

As it's Mental Health Awareness week, we want to talk about one aspect of mental health in particular, Stress.  Everyone experiences stress from time to time but according to research 1 in 4 of us experience mental health problems within our lifetime. The main problem is that people often do not recognize the warning signs.  Although avoiding stressful situations is not always possible, you can use some natural methods to help keep you mentally focused and calm.

A little bit of chocolate gives a little bit of happiness It's often said having a little bit of something you like does you good. Therefore, treat yourself to a few cubes of dark chocolate from time to time when you are feeling stressed. Chocolate contains ingredients that have a happy effect on people giving it the reputation for being the ‘love molecule’. When choosing chocolate aim to go for one that contains Xylitol rather than sugars or sweeteners as Xylitol does not have the negative effect on your mood like sugar does.

Probiotics; your voice of reasoning It may be worthwhile taking a probiotic daily. There is a strong association between a healthy gut which has good levels of friendly bacteria and a healthy mind. The gut is classed as your second brain and with good reason. The friendly bacteria strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus helps reduce stress levels by encouraging the release of calming brain chemicals. Phosphatidyl Serine; is your mind thinking? Stress can disrupt hormonal levels causing insomnia, a feeling of being wired but also exhausted. Phosphatidyl serine is a friendly component of the brain that supports memory, concentration and helps the body and mind relax at the end of the day. Remember to treat yourself to some therapies It's so easy to neglect yourself because you are busy. Everyone needs some pampering to help them unwind. Most treatments take no longer than an hour and there are a few different therapies that you can use to help with stress. Some find that acupuncture or an aromatherapy massage does the trick to relax them. If you find that you are constantly in a vicious cycle of stress then cognitive behavioural therapy may help you think and act in a positive way to manage and deal with stress levels. Sip your way to happiness Instead of drinking caffeine which is one of the main culprits of stress, have herbal teas to support your adrenal glands. Some teas that would be particularly supportive are liquorice, ginseng and ones with apple extract. Have a healthy week Totally Nourish team

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Products you may find helpful...

Patrick Holford Brain Food is a unique blend of vitamins, phospholipids and other key nutrients which may help you maintain focus, concentration and memory. Patrick Holford Mood Food provides nutrients which play synergistic roles in brain function and may support nervous system activity. Patrick Holford Chill Food contains vitamins, amino acids and herbs, Chill Food is designed to help support you when under pressure.

BioCare Phosphatidyl Serine contains Phosphatidyl Serine which is involved in adrenal function and nerve cell function. Phosphatidyl serine is the major phospholipid in the brain. BioCare Mindlinx is a probiotic supplement designed for children to support the healthy function of the gastrointestinal tract and support overall wellbeing.

Xylitol Chocolate is extremely delicious and made with natural sweetener Xylitol. Low-GL and actually good for your teeth! We all deserve to treat ourselves! BioCare AD206. The adrenal glands are the body’s ‘shock absorbers’ at times of stress. BioCare’s innovative AD 206 contains specific nutrients and plant extracts to help support adrenal function during stressful periods.