A job interview, a new meeting, or any other uncomfortable situation makes you sweat, speeds up your heart rate, and makes you irritable? No doubt, it’s definitely stress!
To cope with these external aggressions, our body goes into survival mode. The goal? Overcome the threatening situation by secreting hormones such as adrenaline and… cortisol, which give us energy and improve our intellectual and physical performance.
While cortisol is necessary to cope with stressful moments, it can become harmful to health and lead to exhaustion if its levels remain high for too long.
High blood pressure, loss of concentration, anxiety, and increased sensitivity are some consequences of this chronic increase in cortisol.
Fortunately, in addition to relaxation methods, there are dietary supplements that can help lower our cortisol levels daily and its harmful effects.
Read also | Our tips for choosing the best natural anti-stress supplements
1. Ashwagandha and other medicinal plants
Straight from Indian Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is a plant found in the form of a dietary supplement.
It is known to reduce stress thanks to its adaptogenic properties. By consuming it, your body would thus be better at adapting to stressful situations.
It notably contains compounds, withanolides, that regulate and balance cortisol production according to the environment.
But it’s not just this Indian plant that is recommended for lowering cortisol levels and stress in general. Other medicinal plants such as rhodiola, passionflower, valerian, and hawthorn have relaxing properties.
In fact, you will often find them in calming teas.
2. CBD or cannabidiol
Stop the prejudices that still give it a hard time! CBD is not a drug, even if it is derived from the same plant as cannabis.
However, some scientific studies show its impact on lowering stress, particularly by reducing cortisol levels. It is still considered that more studies are needed.
There are various forms to consume CBD, with oil being the most common currently.
3. Magnesium, an essential mineral
It is said that dark chocolate can lower our stress. And it’s not entirely an excuse! Indeed, it contains magnesium which is known to help manage cortisol levels.
Magnesium acts on several mechanisms in our body to reduce anxiety and stress.
It regulates the cortisol levels, of course, but also plays a role in the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone, and affects the levels of GABA.
But before rushing to a bar of chocolate, remember that you can simply find magnesium in supplement form to provide it in sufficient quantity.
Be sure however to choose it well so that it can be easily absorbed by the body!
Read also | How to choose the best magnesium according to a pharmacist
4. Omega-3, these fatty acids with multiple benefits
No, omega-3 do not only have benefits for your heart!
Found in fatty fish and other natural sources, or as dietary supplements, omega-3 are your allies when it comes to lowering your stress.
While there may not seem to be a direct link at first glance, these fatty acids, which are good for your health, slow down the production of the stress hormone.
So remember to include rapeseed oil or mackerel in your meals, in addition to dietary supplements, to ensure omega-3 stores and reduce your stress.
Read also | Criteria to consider before buying omega-3
5. Vitamin C supplements
In addition to reducing fatigue, vitamin C would also affect cortisol secretion, allowing it to return to normal levels after a stressful period.
In addition, this vitamin plays a role in mood regulation in general.
I advise you to avoid fruit juices, which not only contain too much sugar without providing a feeling of satiety, but also have little vitamin C.
Prefer whole fruits or dietary supplements that provide you with the necessary amount.
Read also | Advice from a pharmacist on choosing the best vitamin C
