10 Stress Relief Dietary Supplements For Your Patients

Are your patients more stressed than ever? While stress is an inevitable part of all of our lives, after the tumultuous few years the world has endured, it’s likely a concern that you’re addressing more and more with your patients.

In a study published by the American Psychological Association this year, they cite that “many [Americans] reported worse mental health, lower physical activity, disturbed sleep, and increased reliance on unhealthy habits. Just over half of U.S. adults (51%) disagreed that overall, their life has gotten healthier over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and two in five (42%) said that they have relied on a lot of unhealthy habits to get themselves through the last two years. [1]”

If stress is interfering with your patients’ everyday life and their overall health, it’s important to address it. While over the counter and prescription medication should be prescribed as needed, it’s worth educating yourself as well as your patients on supplements as an alternative or quite literally, as a supplement, to other prescribed forms of care.

It’s also important to note patient history of illness, allergies, potential drug interactions and other sensitivities when recommending supplements.

With all factors considered, here are 10 dietary supplements that may help your patients with stress relief:

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagangha, also known as Withania Somnifera or Winter cherry, originates from India, and other parts of Asia as well as Africa [2].

Ashwaganda is typically used for decreasing cortisol levels, making it a great and lesser known supplement for overall stress relief. In fact, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study those who conducted the research found that “the serum cortisol levels were substantially reduced, in the Ashwagandha group, relative to the placebo group [3].”

It’s ability to lower cortisol results in additional benefits such as muscle healing post-workout [4] and helps users to sleep better. It’s best for patients to take this supplement before-bedtime if prone to drowsiness [5].

2. Chamomile

One supplement you’re likely familiar with, Chamomile, is commonly known as a type of tea. Before it’s made into tea, Chamomile is actually a flower. This flower originally was derived from ancient Egypt and Rome. Today Chamomile tea is primarily consumed to help relax the body and mind.

Studies have found that Chamomile helps with anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, is used to promote sleep and aids in healthy digestion [6].

Additionally, the act of preparing and drinking hot water is relaxing in of itself. Not to mention the benefits of hydration that come with drinking a piping hot cup of Chamomile tea [7].

3. Lemon balm

Akin to mint, this plant assists with stress relief and memory, while also being useful to those who commonly experience cold sores. It can be taken orally or used topically on the skin [8].

However, it’s most commonly used as a sleep aid. Because of its affects, doctors and patients should be mindful about what time of the day it’s taken.

4. L-theanine

Primarily found in mushrooms and black tea, this supplement is unlike other supplements we mentioned in that it keeps you both relaxed and alert.

Unlike coffee or other caffeinated beverages that can often exacerbate symptoms of stress and anxiety, this supplement promotes alertness in addition to relaxing the body and mind [9].

In fact L-theanine helps the brain to produce alpha waves, which allows patients to feel both calm and focused [10].

5. Magnesium

While magnesium can be found in a variety of healthy fruits, vegetables and meat, it can also be consumed in the form of a dietary supplement [11].

Magnesium in either form contributes to healthy blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels drop, it can lead to feelings of nervousness, stress and anxiety. This stress can also lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as over-eating or stress-eating [12].

To prevent this, a prescribed dietary supplement is a great way to ensure your patients are consuming a healthy amount of this key nutrient.

6. Valerian root

More of a sleep aid than a day time supplement, Valerian root is best known for its ability to treat insomnia. Although studies vary, some have found valerian root to help with insomnia, as well as anxiety [13].

It’s been used since ancient times and in fact, during World War II, it was used in England to relieve the stress of air raids [13]

Like other supplements mentioned, it can be ingested either as a supplement pill or drank as a type of tea.

7. B vitamins

Similar to magnesium, adequate levels of B vitamins can be achieved through a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein such as meat, fish and beans [14].

When patients are low in B vitamins it can contribute to a host of symptoms including but not limited to headaches, fatigue, and irritability [14], all of which could be made worse by every day stressors.

In other words, stress or anxiety can be greatly heightened by what’s happening inside our bodies. Ensuring patients receive enough B vitamins will help to ensure their bodies are in homeostasis so they are better equipped to deal with the stressors of everyday life.

8. Melatonin

Melatonin is a widely known and available sleep-aid, making it easier than ever for patients and providers to access it. They even sell them in gummy form, which for many is an enjoyable way to take this supplement that may even promote compliance.

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the body to naturally induce sleep. While research regarding the efficacy of melatonin isn’t conclusive, anecdotal evidence boasts its ability to help users fall and stay asleep [15].

9. Rhodiola

This lesser known supplement is primarily known for lowering stress levels in addition to enhancing user’s focus and concentration [16].

In fact in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, the participants who received the supplement containing Rhodiola actually exhibited less anxiety and greater concentration than those who received the placebo [17].

A supplement that could certainly help with long work days that require focus and composure.

10. Kava

Kava is a root that when ground up and strained with water (similar to coffee or tea) becomes a drink that promotes relaxation. Many find that the “buzz” associated with consuming Kava is similar to that of alcohol, so it’s important that users be mindful of that.

It’s often considered as an alcohol alternative. Currently studies suggest that Kava does not contain addictive ingredients and/or suggest evidence of addiction to Kava [18].

Prescribing supplements to patients should be quick, easy and done through a reputable supplier. That’s why BodySite is proud to be partnered with Fullscript, who recently acquired Wellevate by Emerson Ecologics. You can easily make supplement recommendations to patients right on the web using BodySite’s integrations with Fullscript/Wellevate.

Use Fullscript to build templates that you can use with patients right on BodySite and/or browse Fullscript’s pre-built protocols, save them and access those protocols on BodySite. As an example, building or finding a stress protocol might be a great place to start.

Want to try the BodySite remote patient care platform free for 30 days? Click here to get started with your no obligation 30 day free trial.

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