Magic Nutrients to Reduce Stress and Depression Symptoms

Relora for stress

Two plant-based nutrients, from magnolia and philodendron bark, are traditional remedies for anxiety and stress. Doctors in this study measured cortisol, a hormone the body releases under stress, in 56 men and women with moderate levels of psychological stress. Participants took a placebo or 250 mg of Relora®, a magnolia-philodendron bark preparation, twice per day.

After four weeks, compared to placebo, cortisol levels in saliva were 18 percent lower in the Relora group. While the placebo group did not improve, the Relora group saw overall stress fall by 11 percent, and overall mood improve by 11 percent. Also compared to placebo, there were larger improvements in perceptions of tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion, and vigor for those who took Relora for four weeks.

Vitamin D for depression and panic

There is some study evidence of a link between low levels of vitamin D and chances for depression and phobia in middle-aged adults. In this study, doctors followed 5,966 participants from childhood to age 50. At age 45, researchers measured vitamin D levels while nurses surveyed mental health.

Compared to those whose vitamin D levels were less than 10 nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/mL), those with vitamin D levels greater than 30 ng/mL were 43 percent less likely to develop depression and 67 percent less likely to have panic disorder.

Those who were more physically active, were not obese, did not smoke heavily, or who avoided watching TV or using a computer for more than three hours per day, were most likely to have the best mental health.

Reference: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition; 2013, Vol. 10, No. 1, 37

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