NutraChamps Blog

Tag: nervous system

  • Nervous about Your Nervous System? Try These 5 Supplements for Support

    Nervous about Your Nervous System? Try These 5 Supplements for Support

    The nervous system is a complex network that controls our body’s movements, sensations, and cognitive functions. It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. However, due to our hectic lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and stress, our nervous system can become compromised. Fortunately, certain supplements can help support the nervous system and improve its functioning.

    In this blog post, we will explore 5 supplements that can provide nervous system support.

    1. Magnesium: Magnesium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including nerve function. Studies have shown that magnesium deficiency can cause neurological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Magnesium can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety by regulating the release of stress hormones. It also supports brain function by enhancing memory and cognitive performance. Magnesium supplements are widely available and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

    2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that our bodies need but cannot produce on their own. These fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function and development. Studies have shown that omega-3 supplements can reduce anxiety and depression by decreasing inflammation and regulating neurotransmitters. Omega-3 supplements can be found in fish oil, krill oil, or algae-based supplements.

    3. Vitamin B-Complex: The B-vitamins are essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system. They play a crucial role in nerve function, neurotransmitter synthesis, and energy production. Vitamin B6, in particular, can help reduce stress and anxiety by increasing the production of the neurotransmitter GABA. A deficiency in B-vitamins can lead to neurological disorders such as peripheral neuropathy and depression. Vitamin B-complex supplements are widely available and can provide overall nervous system support.

    4. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by regulating cortisol levels and enhancing GABA receptors. It also has neuroprotective properties and can improve cognitive function. Ashwagandha supplements can be found in capsule or powder form.

    5. L-Theanine: L-Theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves that has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. It works by increasing alpha waves in the brain, which promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. L-Theanine also improves cognitive function and can enhance attention and memory. L-Theanine supplements can be found in capsule or powder form.

    The nervous system is a crucial component of our overall health and well-being. Poor dietary choices, stress, and environmental factors can compromise its functioning. Fortunately, certain supplements can provide nervous system support and improve its functioning. Magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B-complex, Ashwagandha, and L-Theanine are all supplements that can help support the nervous system. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

    Sources:

    • Boyle, N. B., Lawton, C., & Dye, L. (2017). The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Subjective Anxiety and Stress—A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 9(5), 429.
    • Grosso, G., Pajak, A., Marventano, S., Castellano, S., Galvano, F., & Bucolo, C. (2014). Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of depressive disorders: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PloS one, 9(5), e96905.
    • Kennedy, D. O., & Wightman, E. L. (2011). Herbal extracts and phytochemicals
  • 5 Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System

    5 Ways to Regulate Your Nervous System

    One of the most complex and critical systems in the body is our nervous system. It works in harmony to communicate with our body and gathers information from touch, smell, taste, sight, smell, and sound. There are two main parts of our nervous system, they include the central nervous system (made up of the brain and spinal cord) as well as the peripheral nervous system (consists of nerves and ganglia). Did you know that the body actually has billions of nerve cells?! It’s hard to even imagine all that goes on behind the scenes. 

    Without even realizing it, so many of us are walking around with dysregulated nervous systems without a clue as to what is going on. A dysregulated nervous system can impact our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We can become more erratic, feel easily overwhelmed, snappy, reactive, deal with sleep issues, have skin or gut conditions, and so much more. The bottom line is that a dysregulated nervous system can impact many different aspects of health and causes us to lack balance in the body. 

    The good news is that it is possible to regulate your nervous system through consistent practices, routines, and support. In this article we are going to cover 5 ways you can begin to regulate your nervous system to feel more peace, calm, balance, and groundedness.

    Humming, chanting, or singing

    You may already love to hum along to your favorite song, but did you know that there are actual mental health benefits associated with this? The Vagus nerve is connected to our vocal chords, so huming, chanting, and singing can stimulate this nerve. This vibration actually increases our vagal tone’s health. A low vagal tone can result in depression, anxiety, gut issues, and inflammation. 

    Deep breathing

    Breathing is something that happens throughout the day without us even needing to think about it. By actually being conscious of our breath and practicing deep breathing we can actually benefit the parasympathetic nervous system. This lets the anxious brain know that it is okay to relax and that you are safe. Deep breaths get more oxygen to the thinking brain. 

    Spending more time in nature:

    These days, so many of us spend so much time in front of a screen and stuck indoors. Research shows that nature has the power to reduce feelings of fear, anger, and stress which and which in turn can benefit the nervous system. Time in green space decreases cortisol and has a profound ability to ground us. Afterall, we are biologically wired to spend time outside and under the sun.

    Shake it off

    We hold a lot of stress and tension in our body, especially when we feel overwhelmed and overstimulated after a busy day. By engaging in physically shaking off the worries and stress, we can actually calm the nervous system, which in turn calms our body and mind. Jumping up and down or dancing it out is a great way to do this. It might seem silly if you’re not used to it, but overtime it really can work.

    Physical touch

    Hugging, cuddling, and holding hands with someone we feel safe with just simply feels good. But did you know that physical touch actually has benefits for the nervous system! Through safe physical touch, the brain also releases serotonin and dopamine which regulate the pleasure centre of the brain and offsets feelings of anxiety.

    Overall, nervous system regulation doesn’t have to be complicated. Most of these practices go back to the basics that we tend to overlook because we get too caught up in life’s stressful demands. By paying more attention to the signals of the body you’ll be able to help yourself become more grounded and calm. If you have any other nervous system regulation techniques we would love to hear your suggestions in the comment section of the blog below!

    Sources:

    https://sass.uottawa.ca/sites/sass.uottawa.ca/files/how_to_stimulate_your_vagus_nerve_for_better_mental_health_1.pdf

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270448533_Examining_Group_Walks_in_Nature_and_Multiple_Aspects_of_Well-Being_A_Large-Scale_Study

     

     

  • The Importance of Vitamin B12

    The Importance of Vitamin B12

    Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is one of the most crucial vitamins that our body needs to function properly. However, this little vitamin often gets overlooked and underestimated. It may not be the most glamorous or trendy vitamin out there, but let me tell you, it is a vital component for a healthy lifestyle.

    In this blog post, we are going to explore the wonders of Vitamin B12, where to find it in food, why it’s important to supplement for vegans and vegetarians, and how NutraChamps has got your back with their delicious Vitamin B12 and D3 gummies.

    Food Sources:

    Let’s start with food sources. Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. But for all you plant-based foodies out there, don’t worry, there are still some plant-based sources of Vitamin B12 such as fortified cereals, fortified plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast.

    Importance of Vitamin B12:

    Now let’s talk about why Vitamin B12 is so important. This little vitamin plays a vital role in maintaining healthy nerve cells, producing DNA, and forming red blood cells. Without enough Vitamin B12, you may experience fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and even neurological changes such as tingling in your hands and feet.

    Supplement for Vegans and Vegetarians:

    Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you may struggle to get enough Vitamin B12 in your diet since it is mostly found in animal products. Therefore, it is important for vegans and vegetarians to supplement with Vitamin B12.

    Studies have shown that vegans and vegetarians have a higher risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency than meat-eaters. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that 92% of vegans and 77% of vegetarians were deficient in Vitamin B12. This is why it is crucial for vegans and vegetarians to supplement with Vitamin B12.

    NutraChamps Vitamin B12 and D3 Gummies:

    Now, for the fun part! NutraChamps has got your back with their delicious Vitamin B12 and D3 gummies. These gummies are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and have a yummy cherry flavor. One serving of NutraChamps Vitamin B12 and D3 gummies contains 2500mcg of Vitamin B12, which is more than enough to meet your daily needs.

    Even though Vitamin B12 may not be the most glamorous or trendy vitamin out there, it is undoubtedly one of the most crucial vitamins that our body needs to function properly. Without enough Vitamin B12, you may experience fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and even neurological changes such as tingling in your hands and feet.

    For vegans and vegetarians, it is especially important to supplement with Vitamin B12 since it is mostly found in animal products. NutraChamps Vitamin B12 and D3 gummies are a tasty and convenient way to ensure that you are getting enough Vitamin B12 in your diet. Treat yourself to these delicious gummies, and give your body the boost it deserves.

    Sources: