Natural Supplements that Boost Your Immunity & Help You Chill Out

It is no surprise that prescriptions for anti-anxiety meds rose 34% and anti-depressants rose 18% since mid-February as shown by this recent study, America’s State of Mind Report.  Prescription drugs to treat mental health conditions are on the rise— which inspired me to highlight some natural supplements that assist your brain in serotonin production and balancing hormones.

I have learned the hard way that a chemical imbalance cannot be treated by popping a pill/pills alone.  True health and wellness comes from the food you eat, the way you move/challenge your body, the material you feed your mind, and the relationships you keep.  Bipolar disorder requires intense management of all aspects of your life however the beauty in that is that it forces you to cut out all the bullshit that doesn’t serve you.

Food is the most overused anxiety drug.  Fasting is the most forgotten antidote.  Exercise is the most underused anti-depressant. — unknown

I’ve learned to pay careful attention to my blood test results (which I have done quarterly) and be aware of any hormone imbalances.  Sometimes, what you think is bipolar is a hormone imbalance.  I appreciate this article from www.MoodyMonth.com which describes the role of hormones and how to test them in more detail.  Common hormone disruptors are sugar, flour, dairy, gluten, caffeine, alcohol, stress, a lack of exercise, and even environmental toxins can have an effect.

Personally, I function the best with as minimal prescription medication in my system as possible.  I do believe in using the heavy meds to get you out of a bad spot— but I rely on more natural supplements than I do prescriptive meds.  I find that investigating the root cause of what you are feeling/experiencing will give you insight to what is really going on and how to remedy it once and for all. 

Studies show that taking 5-HTP can assist in the production of serotonin levels, improve sleep and even help reduce the frequency of migraines.  Gaia Herbs is a company that I know and trust— I rely on a number of supplements from there.  I especially love their Golden Milk and their variety of mushroom complexes.  I also use Natural Vitality Calm in a glass of water before bed at night.  Another company I rely on is www.onnit.com.  I love their new mood, alpha brain, and MCT-oil. Many of these supplements will also help with adrenal fatigue.  Dave Asprey describes adrenal fatigue and how to treat it naturally here.

Please know that I am not being paid to promote any of these companies/products.  These are companies that I rely on personally for health and wellness on top of prescriptions, Doctors, and therapists.  I am passionate about the many aspects that encompass health and am committed to waking up with intention everyday that I am able.

Yours in human optimization,

Courtney