Stress Supplements

Under stress, the fight-or-flight response kicks in. The autonomic nervous system is activated and releases the hormones cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline into the blood. The heart rate goes up, vital organs receive more blood and the digestive organs, by contrast, less.

The body is built for short, acute stress situations, after which it returns to rest-and-recovery mode. The term stress itself was only coined in the 1930s by the Hungarian scientist Hans Selye.

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzyme reactions in the body, including those in the nervous system and the muscles. It is also a mineral whose intake is on the low side for many people, because it is found mainly in green vegetables, nuts, pulses and whole grains.

Which form you choose makes a difference to how gentle it is on the stomach and to the amount of elemental magnesium per capsule. Bisglycinate and malate are often chosen in this area; oxide contains a lot of mineral per milligram but is an inorganic salt.

Roughly four groups. Magnesium and B vitamins, the nutrients with an authorised claim. Adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola. Amino acids such as L-theanine and glycine. And formulas focused on rest and sleep.

For each product, look at the substance, the form and the amount per daily dose. With a herbal extract, standardisation also matters, as described on the Herbs page.

It all comes down to the balance between tension and relaxation. Working out what gives you energy and what causes tension, and making conscious choices about it, helps more than any supplement. Talking about it with others brings relief and often offers a different perspective.

A daily rhythm with enough exercise, healthy food and regular relaxation through meditation, yoga or breathing exercises also helps. If complaints persist, discuss them with your GP. A supplement is an addition, not a solution for persistent complaints.