Modern parenting comes with its own set of stressful experiences, and as parents, we often find ourselves thinking about the simpler times of the past. Today’s children are under significant pressure regarding their education and future, which triggers their stress responses. This constant pressure can impact their mental and emotional well-being in various ways.
That is why in this episode, we delve into effective supplements for stress management. These supplements serve as more than just remedies for symptoms; they are essential tools in promoting resilience and mental wellness. Let us uncover everything behind these supplements to enhance your stress management toolkit.
Stress management and its impact on attention, learning, and nutrition.
Stress can hit us hard, and we all know that feeling. And like what I always say, when we're stressed, our bodies can't heal, we can't think properly, our attention wavers, and our memory is affected. It's like our whole system is thrown out of balance.
Children's nervous systems are particularly sensitive to stress, which hampers their functioning. Even if kids have positive lives with healthy foods, loving families, and great schools, they can still experience stress. Sometimes, it's the pressure from school or internal worries that cause stress. I've worked with bright young adults who felt pressured to perform even though their parents were relaxed and supportive.
It's important to note that stress doesn't always stem from major events; it can arise from repeated stressors in our environment. When stress moves us from a parasympathetic state to a sympathetic dominant state, we experience physical discomforts like chest pains or gastrointestinal issues. Personally, I've felt this stress acutely after losing a close friend and team member.
Stress affects sleep and robs the body of essential nutrients. Even if you're a great eater, stress and genetic factors can impede nutrient absorption. That is why managing stress on a daily basis is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
Moreover, proper nutrition is crucial for effective stress management. When our bodies receive the right nutrients, they are better equipped to handle the physiological impacts of stress. A balanced diet provides the essential vitamins and minerals that support brain function, regulate mood, and maintain energy levels.
Stress management through nutrition and supplements.
As I've mentioned, proper nutrition is essential. We want to eat foods that calm our nervous system rather than agitate it. We need to pay attention to what affects our stress levels – both what helps and what hurts. I know sometimes, we tend to consume unhealthy comfort foods, especially when stressed, but it’s important to recognize that these choices can exacerbate our stress rather than alleviate it. Instead, focusing on nutrient-rich, calming foods can help manage stress more effectively and support overall well-being.
This can apply to our kids too, who might crave comfort or sensory-related foods when their nervous systems are activated. Proper nutrition can either help or hinder us in stressful situations, so it's important to keep blood sugar stable. Personally, I’m choosing cashew yogurt because it has the protein I need.
Making mindful food choices can make a significant difference in how we cope with stress. In fact, an anti-inflammatory diet is beneficial, as it directly impacts both our microbiome and our brain through the vagus nerve. This connection means stress can manifest physically, as I know well – I feel it in my body when I'm stressed.
As for supplements, my number one favorite is magnesium, particularly our Neurotastic Multi-Mag Formula. Our family-friendly formula, designed for brain health, includes both L-threonate and glycinate, which are very effective forms. L-threonate crosses the blood-brain barrier and helps calm things down. It also supports sleep, and while I take mine at night, some people take it multiple times a day. For clinical issues, like OCD, it can be used more frequently.
Another personal favorite for stress management is B vitamins. Many individuals with mental health issues have genetic variants like MTHFR, which affect how their bodies utilize B vitamins. I use methylated B vitamins, specifically methyl B plus from Douglas Labs, which works well for me. B vitamins are essential for alertness and sleep regulation, but they should be used carefully, especially if you have genetic variations. I highly advise consulting with a qualified provider to determine the right dosage and form of vitamins or supplements that you need.
Supplements for stress and anxiety in autistic individuals, including GABA, magnesium, and inositol.
GABA, magnesium, methylated B vitamins, and inositol are pivotal in my approach to stress management and mental health support. GABA, an amino acid supplement, stands out for its ability to alleviate anxiety and improve mood, serving as a cornerstone of my regimen for promoting restful sleep. Its calming effects extend to individuals with autism, where it has notably reduced agitation and enhanced behavioral stability.
Understanding genetic factors like MTHFR through comprehensive testing, such as with Max Gen labs, informs personalized nutrition plans. This genetic insight guides tailored supplementation strategies, ensuring individuals receive the most beneficial forms and doses of B vitamins to support mental clarity and emotional balance.
Inositol is another essential supplement in my toolkit, clinically proven to aid in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) management and support sleep for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Its calming properties complement GABA's effects, providing gentle relief from stress and anxiety without sedating.
These supplements not only address symptoms but foster holistic well-being across diverse age groups and health conditions. By integrating them thoughtfully into daily routines, families can optimize their mental health strategies and cultivate resilience together. Embracing these supportive measures not only enhances individual health but also sets a positive example for children, promoting lifelong habits of self-care and emotional regulation.
Elevate your mental wellness journey through the power of our Neurotastic™ Multi-Mag Brain™ Formula designed to support a calm brain and optimal mental health: https://drroseann.com/magnesium/
Not sure where to start? We'll help you find the right solution tailored to your needs. Visit https://drroseann.com/help/ today and take our FREE Brain and Behavior Solutions Matcher.
For more information about anxiety, check out the following:
- Anxiety
- Clinical guide anxiety
- 5 surprising ways magnesium helps adhd anxiety ocd and depression
- 7 supplements for anxiety
- Inositol for mental health evidence based benefits
- Anxiety coping skills for teens
- Natural anxiety relief for kids
Links and Resources:
➡️ Join our FREE Natural Parenting Community to receive science-backed resources for your child and family. Join here.
➡️ Get help from Dr. Roseann and her team. Apply here.
➡️ “Is it ADHD or something else?” Take the quiz.
