If you browse your local grocery store or vitamin shop, you’ll find an array of different vitamins and minerals that promise to solve any and every problem. But, do they actually work?

If you’re experiencing higher stress or just suffer from general day-to-day anxiety, there are a lot of natural remedies that actually do alleviate symptoms. With so many options, it’s hard to weed out the trends like Kava or Passionflower and find the tried and true supplements that are best for you.

Below, we’ve rounded up the top five supplements that are backed up by scientific evidence to help ease anxiety and stress.

Vitamin D

Your body produces vitamin C in response to sun exposure, so if you’re feeling extra stressed during the winter, that could be why. Vitamin D is shown to play a big role in regulating mood, as well as aiding in brain function and development.

Adaptogens

Studies have shown that the adaptogenic herb rhodiola rosea works to stabilize stress levels and promotes homeostasis, making it easier for your body to adapt to physical and environmental strains. HUM’s clinically proven “Big Chill” supplement helps your body and mind to cope with anxiety symptoms.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids come from our diet because our bodies are not able to produce them naturally. Studies have found evidence that omega‑3 fatty acids found in fish oils may reduce anxiety in healthy people who have not been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Specifically, two omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — are thought to have the most potential to benefit people with anxiety.

 

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that helps our bodies regulate stress. Additionally, it can act as a barrier of sorts that blocks stress hormones from entering the brain. A natural muscle relaxer, magnesium helps reduce anxiety, irritability, and restlessness.

B-Complex

Vitamin B12 is known for helping boost your energy levels, but it also helps to stabilize mood. B-complex vitamins include thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid and the cobalamins (vitamin B12). This group of B vitamins works together to manage how the body processes stress in the healthiest way possible.

As always, consult your doctor with any questions about taking any supplements.

xx, The FabFitFun Team