De-Stressing to Battle Infections
By Frederick Cheng (RPh), and Christine Cheng (RPh)
Everyone has STRESS. Whether you are conscious of it, or oblivious to it, you have stress. “Stress” is a natural disruption of physical, psychological, or emotional balance. Stress is what stimulates your nervous, endocrine, and, perhaps most importantly, your immune system, influencing its response and effecting the way your body can respond to further stimuli. A controlled level of stress is desirable, though. For example, stress allows the star athlete to score that clutch goal in the Stanley Cup Finals; it is what allows the concert pianist to crank out that memorable performance. However, stress is also what could tip our bodies in a way which renders it vulnerable to attack by bacteria and viruses. Thus, it is imperative that we manage our stress levels during this pandemic to remain in tip-top physical shape should we be faced with Covid-19.
CanPrev’s “L-THEANINE” is a combination of the amino acid, L-Theanine, and magnesium bisglycinate. L-Theanine, found in green and black tea, can reduce the feelings of mental and physical stress as well as induce feelings of relaxation. It increases dopamine and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors in the brain, thereby downplaying the stimuli and reducing the feelings of fear and stress, as well as improving mood and sleep.
Magnesium bisglycinate is easily absorbed and is great for relaxing the mind and muscles without much risk of diarrhea. In effect, this formulation relaxes you quickly while keeping your mind sharp and alert.
Similarly, Metagenics’ “NUSERA” is a 10-unit amino acid milk-derivative that elicits a relaxing, calming response to stress. It comes in a delicious chocolate chew tablet and is safe to use daily.
New Roots Herbal’s “D-STRESS” is a simple supplement of organic lavender oil, which can reduce stimulus of skeletal muscles, and also has an effect on GABA receptors in the brain, both of which lead to an overall relaxed state.
Douglas Laboratories’ “RELORA-PLEX” is a unique, synergistic blend of magnolia and phellodendron extract for relaxation, in combination with several B-vitamins to support normal mental functioning during stress.
Connect with our integrative pharmacists at Cloverdale Pharmasave and Pharmasave Steveston Village about the many natural supplements that can help manage stress and allow the body to fight infections optimally. The few supplements we discussed above have benefited many of our clients, have low risks of side-effects, integrate easily with your existing medication regimen, and are generally safe for long-term use in a variety of age groups. Be sure to consult your physician and your integrative pharmacists before self-medicating.
(Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston Village, B.C.)
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