It's that time of year again – the sun is setting early, the temperature is dropping, and you might feel the need to sleep for longer or find it difficult to do the things you usually enjoy.
Indeed, these winter months can take a toll on your overall well-being, especially your mental health.
The good news is you can ease the winter blues and manage those negative feelings by adding wellness supplements to your daily routine.
In this article, you will discover:
- The 7 vitamins and nutrients that are good for your mental well-being;
- How supplements can help your brain stay in top shape; and
- The top 3 supplements you can take for your mental health
Which Vitamins and Nutrients Are Good For Mental Health?
There are many vitamins and nutrients that can help take care of your mental well-being. Here are seven of them which are backed by science:
1. B Vitamins
Known for their mood-altering properties, B vitamins can help you function day-to-day with more clarity. It can combat various health issues like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and memory loss. Specifically:
- Vitamin B1 is used by the body to convert glucose into energy so the brain can function normally.
- Vitamin B12 enhances the production of dopamine and serotonin, which is important in ensuring that you are in a healthy mental state.
2. Vitamin C
We all know vitamin C for its immune-boosting properties. However, many people might not know that this vitamin also plays an essential role in our mental well-being.
According to studies, those who have vitamin C deficiency are more likely to experience chronic fatigue or even depression compared to those with normal levels.
Those with normal levels of vitamin C were proven to experience fewer anxiety symptoms and have better mood and cognitive function.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the supplements that can help boost your mental health since this contributes to the brain's healthy function. Some people who experience anxiety symptoms have shown low levels of vitamin D.
For some, staying under the sun is their primary source of vitamin D. However, it's better to take vitamin D supplements, especially during the winter months, to ensure that you won't be deficient.
4. Zinc
Zinc is one of the essential minerals needed for the biochemical and biological functions of the body, including the immune system, metabolism, and the brain's development.
Studies revealed that zinc deficiency might result in behavioral disruptions and reduced brain functions. Therefore, zinc supplements can be quite helpful in reducing symptoms of mental health problems.
5. Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the minerals that help calm the nervous system. In fact, magnesium deficiency can lead to sleep problems like insomnia, which, later on, can result in poor mental function.
Increasing your magnesium intake can help with sleep and reduce symptoms of depression, hypertension, and premenstrual syndrome.
6. L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid that can reach the brain and influence its function by boosting calming brain chemicals while decreasing neurotransmitters that are linked to stress and anxiety.
Research also shows that L-theanine promotes relaxation without grogginess and sleepiness the following day.
7. Omega-3
Omega-3 can help reduce signs of mental health disorders since fatty acids travel easily through the cell membranes, which allows them interact easily with the cells responsible for controlling your mood.
It also boosts the neurotransmitter, thereby contributing to better mental well-being.
Top 3 Supplements For Mental Health
1. Zen Remedy L-Theanine
Zen Remedy
L-Theanine can help ease anxiety and stress and reduce insomnia. However, don't confuse L-Theanine with a sedative since this amino acid can help improve sleep quality without causing drowsiness.
Zen Remedy's L-Theanine does not contain additives, so you can be sure that all you're going to consume is pure L-Theanine in a 400 mg serving per capsule. Take this supplement twice daily if you want general stress relief and focus.
Here's why Cooper loves Zen Remedy L-Theanine:
"My wife suffers from anxiety and at times mine can get the best of me. I'm going to give you all a great tip take these before a job interview. (Me and my wife both got jobs) No more butterflies, my wife took them in her first week of a new job and in the process of buying a house. We are ordering the 2nd bottle now." - Cooper C., U.S.A
2. Forty Winkz ZMA
Forty Winkz ZMA Sleep Support with Zinc & Magnesium
$29.99
A combination of Magnesium, Zinc, and vitamins B and C is one of the best ways to help relax your body and snooze your way into a better mental state. Resting after hours of hard work is essential for your physical and mental health to recover fully.
What better way to achieve zen than by having a peaceful goodnight's sleep?
Here's why Lindsay takes Forty Winkz ZMA everyday:
"This is the only ZMA product I can tolerate because of the forms of the vitamins used. I also like the supporting vitamins that are added. I find that my sleep is more restful and I wake up feeling refreshed. I can see how it helps the body recover from both everyday stresses and muscle recovery alike. I won't be without this!" - Lindsey A., U.S.A
3. Arctic Advantage Krill Oil
Arctic Advantage Krill Oil Softgels
$29.99
Omega-3 has been proven to be good for the heart and mental health, even tackling disorders like depression and schizophrenia. In short, it promotes good heart and brain health and can help regulate inflammation in the body.
Here's why Morgan added Arctic Advantage Krill Oil in his routine:
"Added these to my supplement routine for the last month & am a big fan! No fishy aftertaste and no acid reflux, which I've experienced with other versions of fish oil before." - Morgan, U.S.A
Make Self-Care A Priority!
Your mental health should be your priority in any season. The cold temperature doesn't mean you can't engage in activities you like in the warmer months. To experience the sunnier side of winter, we need to get creative in enjoying what we normally do, have social interaction, and take wellness supplements proven to help support our happiness and mental health.