Stress - Health Stores To Rescue Stations...

Stress – health stores to rescue stations...

Over 60% of people globally report feeling stressed to the point it affects their daily life, according to the Ipsos 2024 World Mental Health Day Report.

Cognitive health has grown in importance among consumers globally, ranking among the top five most important functional need states for the first time, according to the Kerry Institute. Consumers are thinking more about their cognitive health due to modern lifestyles that impact stress.

Experiencing chronic stress often results in fatigue, irritability, and concentration difficulties. Many find it challenging to remain attentive during work, meetings or even daily routines. Over time, stress's detrimental impact may cause memory slips, mental fog and a decreased ability to cope with additional pressures.

Studies suggest that the cognitive impacts associated with prolonged stress can start earlier than many think, affecting memory, attentiveness and problem-solving abilities, Kerry reports. This highlights the need for products aimed at enhancing mental clarity and resilience.

Meanwhile, Kantar’s 2024 wellness report identified a vicious cycle: stress leads to poor eating habits, which makes managing weight harder, which in turn adds more stress.

Many know they need improved sleep habits to combat this – 45% of consumers recognise that going to bed early is crucial to reduce stress, though less than two thirds (63%) of people regularly get a good night’s sleep.

Magnesium glycinate and taurate are beneficial supplements, while herbs like ashwagandha, lemon balm, and chamomile offer calming and soothing effects. B vitamins are essential daily nutrients that fuel the brain and nervous system, supporting energy production and cellular housekeeping, especially when paired with magnesium and vitamin C.

CoQ10 and antioxidants like NAC or glutathione are important too, according to Martina Della Vedova, Nutritional Advisor at Natures Plus. Mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells which also play a role in metabolism and waste management, are abundant in neurons. Therefore, it’s crucial to support cells not only in generating energy but in sustaining it and keeping the cellular environment clean.

Here, we focus on just a few of these assets that can be found on the health store’s shelves…

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, a herb used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, is well-documented for its ability to combat stress and enhance overall vitality. In support of its Sensoril ingredient in a crowded market of ashwagandha products, Kerry points to clinical backing and efficacy in reducing stress and anxiety symptoms.

A 2024 study shed light on the stress-reducing benefits of ashwagandha. This research, focused on Sensoril, sought to scientifically evaluate its effectiveness in managing chronic stress.

Conducted over eight weeks, this randomised, placebo-controlled trial involved 98 participants who were either given varying doses of Sensoril (125, 250, and 500mg per day) or a placebo. The study utilised the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to measure outcomes, finding significant reductions in stress levels among those taking Sensoril, at even the lowest dose of 125 mg daily.

“Brands can position themselves as thought leaders in the wellness space by not only offering products like those containing Sensoril but also by educating consumers about stress, its impact and stress management strategies,” says Kerry.

Sharing insights into the mechanism of stress, the role of adaptogens in managing stress, and science-backed ingredients like ashwagandha can empower consumers to make informed health and wellness decisions.

Gut feelings
“There’s a reason why the gut is often dubbed the ‘second brain,’ as the gut and brain are interlinked by various pathways,” says Dr Emma Derbyshire, Public Health nutritionist and advisor to PrecisionBiotics.

“There’s constant chatter and biofeedback between the gut and brain, known as the gut-brain axis, but we’re only beginning to appreciate the implications of this cycle of stress and sub-optimal gut health.”

Another in the team of advisors at PrecisionBiotics, clinical nutritionist Suzie Sawyer, adds: “Stress and anxiety can lead to poor sleep, and then unhealthy food choices, which in turn can affect gut health.

“Researchers have actually identified a link between irregular sleep patterns, which have been linked to a host of health issues, and harmful gut bacteria. But then several studies show that changes in gut bacteria can increase or reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.”

Many Brits do take proactive steps to support their gut heath as PrecisionBiotics discovered in a survey – over half (54%) drink plenty of fluids, 49% try to eat more fibre and 28% eat probiotic foods.

Worryingly though, only 56% of people think they know what to do to support their gut health and 40% say they don’t know what to do. But only 22% of those questioned take a probiotic supplement, but there is no doubt that probiotics have the potential to transform health and wellbeing.

The survey supported a range of targeted formulations that are scientifically studied to improve the gut microbiome and address specific challenges such as mood, emotional balance and fatigue.

A 2024 meta-analysis published in Psychological Medicine concluded that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains had prominent efficacy in the treatment of individuals with anxiety and depression.

“It usually takes at least four weeks for probiotics to start to work. Finding the formulation that works best for you may also involve a little trial and error,” concludes Dr Derbyshire.

L-Theanine
In a New Natural Business interview last year, Revive Active nutritionist Nicola Sainty said with a smile: “While the old adage of ‘keep calm and carry on’ is emblazoned on mugs, t-shirts and t-towels and might have been the mantra of older generations, it’s clear that ‘putting up and shutting up’ is not the answer, and that we need to start building our inner resilience to handle everyday pressures more effectively.

“Your Aunt Gertie was right when she said a good cup of tea and chat will make you feel better! L-Theanine is an amino acid found in tea and is revered for its calming properties by promoting alpha brainwave activity, leading to a relaxed yet alert mental state. Bundle that with a good old chat and all seems well in the world.

“High amounts of L-Theanine have been found in green tea, and it packs a powerful punch with its catechin compounds, potent antioxidants helping to neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.”

Cherry on top
Nicola Sainty also recommends Montmorency cherry juice a couple of hours before bedtime. With its natural compounds, Montmorency cherry juice offers a holistic approach to sleep support, making it a popular aid for better rest as it contains both a natural source of melatonin and tryptophan.

“Tryptophan is an amino acid needed to make serotonin, a ‘feel-good’ chemical because it helps regulate mood, promoting feelings of happiness, calm, and well-being, as well as needed to make melatonin, our key sleep hormone, signalling it’s time to rest,” Sainty says. “Naturally, as it gets darker in the evening, our melatonin levels rise, helping us feel sleepy and set the body’s internal clock for a good night’s sleep.”

Tryptophan can also be found in bananas, oats and turkey, and many other natural whole foods.

Magnesium
Magnesium glycinate is known for its role in relaxing properties and calming effect on the nervous system.

Faisal Tai MD, a board-certified psychiatrist in Houston, emphasises Magnesium glycinate’s calming effect on the nervous system, potentially helping individuals fall asleep faster and experience more restorative sleep. It is “particularly helpful to people dealing with anxiety, as sleep disturbances often worsen feelings of unease,” he says.

In addition to supplementation, magnesium is also found in leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, almonds and many other natural wholefoods.