NutraChamps Blog

Tag: happy

Get Happy: GABA’s Mood-Boosting Properties
Are you feeling anxious or stressed out? Are you having trouble sleeping at night? If so, you may want to consider taking GABA. GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating our mood and sleep patterns. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of taking GABA and how it can help you lead a more relaxed and peaceful life.

What is GABA?

GABA is a neurotransmitter that is naturally produced in the brain. It works by inhibiting the activity of neurons, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. When we experience stress or anxiety, our brains release a chemical called glutamate, which stimulates our neurons and makes us feel more alert. GABA works by counteracting the effects of glutamate, which helps to calm our nerves and reduce anxiety.

Benefits of taking GABA

Reduces Anxiety

One of the main benefits of taking GABA is its ability to reduce anxiety. Studies have shown that GABA supplements can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve mood. In fact, one study found that GABA was just as effective as a prescription anti-anxiety medication in treating anxiety disorders.

Improves Sleep

Another benefit of taking GABA is its ability to improve sleep. GABA plays a key role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle and promoting restful sleep. Studies have shown that GABA supplements can help to improve the quality and duration of sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Boosts Mood

GABA also has mood-boosting properties. It can help to increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that are associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. By boosting these neurotransmitters, GABA can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a host of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. GABA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and improve overall health.

Taking GABA can have a range of benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving sleep, boosting mood, and reducing inflammation. If you are interested in trying GABA supplements, we recommend NutraChamps Calm Gummies, which contain GABA along with other calming ingredients like L-Theanine and Lemon Balm. So, go ahead and give GABA a try – your body and mind will thank you for it!

Sources:

Abdou, A. M., Higashiguchi, S., Horie, K., Kim, M., Hatta, H., & Yokogoshi, H. (2006). Relaxation and immunity enhancement effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) administration in humans. BioFactors (Oxford, England), 26(3), 201–208.

Byun, J. I., Shin, Y. Y., Chung, S. E., & Shin, W. C. (2018). Safety and Efficacy of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid from Fermented Rice Germ in Patients with Insomnia Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial. Journal of Clinical Neurology (Seoul, Korea), 14(3), 291–295.

Lapin, I. P. (2001). Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): a tranquilizer and nootropic drug. CNS drug reviews, 7(4), 471–481.

Wang, Y., Liu, X., Zhou, H., Liu, L., & Zhang, Y. (2021).
March 9, 2023
5-htp: The Happy Pill You Never Knew You Needed
Are you constantly feeling down in the dumps? Do you struggle to get a good night’s rest? Have you tried every antidepressant and sleep aid under the sun, but nothing seems to work? It might be time to try 5-htp.

But what is 5-htp, you ask? 5-htp, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a naturally occurring amino acid that is derived from the seed of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. It’s often used to boost levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood, sleep, and appetite.

So, what does 5-htp do? It helps to lift your mood and can even improve symptoms of depression and anxiety (1). It can also promote better sleep by increasing the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep (2). And if that wasn’t enough, 5-htp may also help with weight loss by curbing cravings and decreasing appetite (3).

But wait, there’s more! Some studies have even shown that 5-htp can help with chronic headaches and fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue (4).

Now, before you run to the nearest supplement store, there are a few things to consider. 5-htp may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re taking certain medications, such as SSRIs or MAOIs, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking 5-htp (5). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid 5-htp.

So, who should take 5-htp? If you’re struggling with mood, sleep, or appetite issues and have been unable to find relief with other methods, 5-htp may be worth a try. Just be sure to consult with a healthcare professional first.

And when it comes to finding a high-quality 5-htp supplement, look no further than NutraChamps. Our 5-htp capsules are made with 100% pure 5-htp and contain no additives or fillers. Say goodbye to the blues and hello to a happier, healthier you with NutraChamps 5-htp.

References:

Cangiano C, Ceci F, Cascino A, Del Ben M, Laviano A, Muscaritoli M. Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Am J Clin Nutr. 1992 May;55(5):846-50.

Byerley WF, Judd LL, Reimherr FW. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a review of its antidepressant efficacy and adverse effects. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1987 Oct;7(5):127-37.

Cangiano C, Laviano A, Del Ben M, Preziosa I, Angeletti G, Cascino A, Rossi-Fanelli F. The effect of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects. J Neural Transm. 1992;88(2):143-50.

Russell IJ, Vaeroy H, Javors M, Nyberg F. Fibromyalgia syndrome improved using a mostly raw vegetarian diet: an observational study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2001;1:7.

De Vries M, van der Heijden J, Leusink G, van der Meer J, de Kloet E, Verhoeven W. The effects of
January 9, 2023
Emotional Intelligence 101
Do you have a hard time dealing with your emotions? You’re definitely not alone. In fact, many people don’t know how to actually identify the emotions they’re feeling. Wikipedia defines emotional intelligence as the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions. Even though this skill is highly crucial, a statistic from Harvard business shows us that fewer than 20% of companies even qualify as emotionally intelligent. In order to be truly successful in many areas of life, having emotional intelligence is a key component.

In this blog post we are going to talk about all things emotions including some of the signs that you might be overly impacted by emotions. We are also going to define what emotions really are and give you some tips to practice emotional intelligence. If you’re looking to improve in this area, you’ll definitely want to continue reading!

Are emotions controlling your life?

Without even realizing it, your emotions might be running the show. Emotions aren’t something we can visibly see, only something that can be felt, and sometimes they can go under the radar. Many people have learned how to suppress or hide their emotions so well that they have become numb to their feelings.

The good news is that when properly dealt with and expressed, emotions are a healthy and productive part of the human experience. If you have a suspicion that negative or repressed emotions are controlling the way you think, feel, and act these are some signs:
1. You’re constantly keeping busy
2. You avoid confrontation
3. You’re easily triggered
4. You’re quick to react instead of thinking about how to respond
5. You often numb yourself with alcohol, drugs, overindulgence
Distraction and avoidance are two things that keep people stuck in not knowing how to properly deal with their emotions. You might think that these two behaviours are helping you stay in control of your emotions, but in fact the opposite is true.

What are emotions?

Emotions are quite interesting when you really think about it, they’re made up of three main components, a subjective experience, a physiological response, and behavioural response. Emotions are a reaction to an external event or situation. An example of this could be feeling joy when you see someone you love, or feeling fear when you need to do a presentation. Emotions influence our daily lives and without knowing how to deal with them functionally, can overwhelm us.

As human beings, we have the capacity to feel a wide spectrum of emotions from euphoria to anger. The most important practice when it comes to identifying how you deal with emotions is to see if there is balance. Without balance, you may be riddled with too much fear that can lead to anxiety. With too much pent up anger, it can lead to self-destructive behaviors and coping mechanisms such as smoking, drinking, or doing drugs.

In the next section of our blog, we are going to give you some of our best tips to practice emotional intelligence so that you’re in the driver’s seat instead of emotions running you.

Emotional Intelligence Tips

Take a moment to pause:

When we’re in an emotionally charged state we can tend to react quickly or respond without really thinking things through. Feelings of stress, anger, hurt, or frustration can activate our fight or flight response which comes from the sympathetic nervous system. If you give yourself a chance to pause before reacting it creates space between what’s happening in the body and what you actually want to communicate.

Practice breathing when feeling overwhelmed or anxious:

Worries get the best of us all at some points, when you’re consumed with anxiety and what-ifs a great practice is leaning into the breath. Imagine the breath like an anchor, it can help to keep emotions at bay and provide you with security. When you practice deep breathing you deliver more oxygen to the brain which in turn helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This helps you to get out of your head and into your body, making you more calm and more present.

Sit with your feelings:

We live in a society of distraction and avoidance. It has never been more easy to numb our ignore our uncomfortable feelings. While many people think it’s better to not feel negative emotions, the opposite is true. When you resist, feelings will persist. One way of gaining emotional intelligence is to practice actually sitting with your feelings. As hard as it can be, sometimes the only way out is through. By giving yourself time and space to process and deal with emotions you’re allowing your mind and body to accept them. Eventually you’ll teach your body to understand that all feelings are temporary, even the tough ones.

Practice self-compassion:

How do you speak to yourself when you’re dealing with negative emotions? Do you show yourself kindness or tear yourself down? Another great way to develop emotional intelligence is to practice self-compassion. If you don’t know where to start, self-compassion can look like comforting yourself, writing yourself a letter of encouragement, or being more mindful. As humans we all deal with a wide range of emotions, the best thing you can do is to learn how to be at peace with them and fully accept them for what they are, just feelings.

Building emotional intelligence takes time and practice, it won’t happen overnight but can absolutely improve a little bit every day. No one is an absolute master of their feelings and emotions at all times, after all, we’re only human. But being able to identify where an emotional trigger is coming from or sitting with uncomfortable feelings can improve your life immensely.

Sources:

https://www.niagarainstitute.com/blog/emotional-intelligence-statistics
January 9, 2023
How to Start Romanticizing Your Life – Appreciating the Little Things

“I’ll be happier when…” This is a phrase I used to find myself saying in my head and out loud far too often. “I’ll be happier when I’m more successful, I’ll be happier when I get older, I’ll be happy when I find true love.” It wasn’t until more recently that I realized I might be waiting my entire life to finally be happier. By constantly waiting to be happier my actual life passes me by every day. I started to take a look around at the people I know are the happiest and tried finding underlying commonalities. There was definitely something I noticed among the happiest people, they’re usually the ones who appreciate the little things. They are able to make the best of even the most mundane days and tasks, and they’re truly at peace with being present.

Through this observation, I started to practice the art of slowing down. I came across a term that’s becoming popular and being thrown around which says, “romanticize your life.” What does it mean to romanticize your life? When I think about some of the most romantic lives that are lived, it’s lives where pleasure and self-care are at the forefront.

The French are a great example of people who romanticize their lives. They take their time to eat a baguette while walking down the street to work, they enjoy a good glass of wine, they love a good chat, and they take time to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. In North America, we often don’t have the time within our busy lifestyles to actually slow down and appreciate these little things.

If you’re ready to start slowing down, showing yourself more love, and appreciating the simple things here is how you can start:

1. Take time to cook yourself a delicious meal: When was the last time you actually took the time to make yourself a filling and satiating breakfast? I am definitely guilty of rushing to put something together in the mornings because I wake up too late and need to hurry off to work. What if you actually carved out the extra time in your day to get scrumptious ingredients together and make a nice home-cooked meal? There’s just something about taking the time to chop, saute, roast, and fry delicious food and enjoying it afterwards. This tip in itself will help you romanticize your life. Try putting on some nice music and pour yourself a little glass of wine and you’ll basically feel like you’re in an Italian kitchen!

2. Create a playlist that makes you feel great: Music and sound are a form of therapy. It has been shown time and time again that certain sounds can evoke certain feelings and emotions. Do you have a favorite genre of music that automatically makes you feel more relaxed or puts you in a good mood? Try putting together your own little playlist of feel-good music that you can listen to whenever you need a little pick-me-up. Playlists can be listened to in the car, on the bus, while you’re working, and anywhere!

3. Get dressed up for no reason: Sometimes I get into a bit of a rut and stop putting much effort into self-care or my appearance. This tends to happen because I’m stuck at home or there’s nowhere to go out. One thing I’ve really noticed that helps me feel good is getting ready and taking time for self-care. If you’ve been working from home throughout the pandemic, one thing I suggest is taking the time to get ready in the morning. Do your hair, throw on your favorite outfit and socks, and I swear to you that your day will go so much better by doing these simple things!

4. Eat the dang bread: Life’s too short to be scared of carbs, especially bread! I can’t tell you the number of times that family and friends of mine have stayed away from bread because “it makes you fat.” Where did this myth seriously come from?! Bread is a food that we all love and shouldn’t feel the need to restrict ourselves from in any way. If you’re gluten intolerant, that’s a different story, but even so, there are options available. Why bother completely restricting yourself from food that makes you happy? It’s all about everything in moderation anyways! If you want to start romanticizing your life a little bit more, go to your favorite bakery and get yourself a croissant or bagel this week. Enjoy it guilt-free and know that you deserve to eat delicious foods that make you happy!

5. Document your life: As I get older, I realize the importance of taking pictures and videos of special moments in life. One of my favorite things to do is look through my camera roll at memories from the past.I am so happy that I decided to take videos and pictures of moments that I wanted to remember forever. You can start romanticizing your life even more by taking more pictures of things! Take pictures of your food, the people you love, nature, your pets, and even yourself. We are very lucky to have technology at the palm of our hands that allows us to freeze a special moment in time for later on.

6. Spend time in nature: Does anyone else feel so present to how beautiful life is when they’re in nature? I sure do! Nature has a really good way of humbling you and making your problems seem insignificant. We’re surrounded by so much beauty around us and sometimes we forget because we’re so busy stuck indoors working and tending to other things in life. Going on a simple walk down the street, in a garden, or by a lake will help you fall more and more in love with your life and all the beauty that surrounds us.

7. Write letters to people you love and show gratitude: When is the last time you wrote a handwritten letter or card? I’ve always found that writing a special note to someone is one of the kindest and most simple acts of love. With phones, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches, so many of us don’t feel the need to write something out on pen and paper anymore. What if you took the time for the people you love? Your life will feel so much more full and romantic by writing a letter to someone or even to yourself!

8. Take a bath: For the longest time I’ve been all about showers – they’re quick, efficient, and easy! On the other hand, baths actually force you to slow down, take a breather, and soak in the present moment..literally! Can we talk about just how romantic and relaxing a bath can be. Run the hot water, throw some bubbles in there, and allow yourself to let go of the day. I’m convinced that if we all incorporated more baths in our weeks we would be happier people!

9. Take care of your health: There’s nothing more loving you can do for yourself than taking care of your health. Taking care of your health is about the small actions you take every day. Making conscious choices to do good for your body inside and out will help you feel your best. In return, you will be so much happier! At NutraChamps we have over 85 products that compliment your lifestyle and optimize your health. Everything from beauty aids, to sleep supplements, collagen, greens, and more! Take your vitamins and feel amazing!

10. Rush less: So many of us are busy all the time! Being busy can be a good thing, but always being busy and not having enough time to enjoy life can be a bad thing. Do you find yourself rushing around 24/7? If so, it’s important to eliminate some of the things taking up a chunk of your time so you can enjoy your life a little more! What would it be like for you to have extra time in the mornings or evenings to do the things that light you up? Make time for the little things and remember that you deserve it.

If you want to start feeling happier, don’t wait until tomorrow, next week, or next year. You can start being happy today! It all begins with doing more of the things that bring you joy. With these simple tips listed above, you will begin to take on life at a slower pace and with more ease. There’s so much that happens around us that we can’t control, but one thing we can control are the decisions we make on a daily basis. Choose to be happier, because you deserve it!

January 31, 2022