IN PROFILE
Stressed? Run-down? Both?
I s this you? Have you burned the candle at both ends and are now paying the price? These days, with busy lifestyles, poor sleep, stressful jobs and perhaps a not-so-great diet, many of us might need some additional stress or immunity support, or both. Read on to find out about key herbs and nutrients that can help Periods of stress can leave you feeling like you’re running on empty, because dealing with stress demands more of the body and puts an extra load on the nervous system. Supplementing with herbs can support how your body responds to stress. Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic (Indian) adaptogen herb that improves the body’s ability to adapt to stress. In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is traditionally used to support a healthy stress response and is used as a rejuvenating tonic. support your body during these times. Stressful times taking their toll Also known as withania in Western herbal medicine (WHM), ashwagandha is commonly used to relieve the symptoms of stress and mild anxiety. KSM-66 ® is a standardised extract of ashwagandha with clinically proven benefits. Low immunity If you are fighting off yet another cold this year, you might benefit from some immune support. Apart from plenty of rest and eating a healthy balanced diet, there are herbs and nutrients you could consider for giving your immune system a helping hand. A standout is the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb astragalus, used traditionally for improving immunity and reducing the frequency of common colds, while also supporting the immune system’s ability to fight off illness. A bonus with astragalus is that it also supports the body in adapting to stress, based on traditional use in TCM. When it comes to maintaining the function of the immune system, the big three in nutrients are vitamin D, zinc and, of course, vitamin C. But what you may not know about vitamin C is that it’s also used to support vitality and energy production.
Boost immunity and support stress through diet and lifestyle: Set the foundations for healthy immune and nervous systems with these five easy tips:
Snack smart: If you’re stressed, it can be easy to forget to eat, leading to a drop in blood sugar levels that is likely to affect your mood and energy. Ensure you’ve always got healthy, high protein snacks on hand. See the light: A daily walk in the morning sun will have you breathing more deeply, getting your circulation moving and boosting your vitamin D levels. Early natural light exposure also supports a healthy circadian rhythm, which helps to improve sleep and strengthens the body’s stress response. Shift focus: Committing to a daily gratitude practice is shown to naturally relieve stress. A gratitude practice also boosts the production of the feel-good hormone oxytocin and lowers cortisol, which helps to regulate the immune system. A problem shared: Having a support network of people you can call on for help or to be a sounding board for issues is essential for mental wellbeing. Get structured: Planning and prioritising reduces overwhelm and improves time management. Structure also creates extra space for healthy habits like meal preparation, exercise and meditation, all of which contribute to boosting your immunity.
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ISSUE 65 • 2022
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