Often when we’re feeling down, it’s hard to pull ourselves out of the spiral of negative or anxiety-inducing thoughts. But since supplements don’t control our thoughts, how could they possibly be able to help? If you’ve ever had a night of poor sleep followed by a miserable morning where nothing actually went wrong then you’ve felt how closely physical health and emotional wellbeing are connected.
Believe it or not, some supplements are claimed to make a real difference in improving state of mind. Some believe that supplements can soothe the nervous system and boost positive neurotransmitters to improve mood – but can they really? Are you ready to discover the truth about the power of supplements?
Can Supplements Calm The Mind Through Affecting The Nervous System?
When your nervous system is overstimulated, it becomes much harder to feel calm or in control. You might notice your heart racing, your thoughts speeding up, or a feeling of emotional tension that’s hard to shake. These are signs that your body is stuck in “fight or flight” mode, which is a stress response that, when prolonged, can make your mind feel scattered or on edge.
The opposite of that state is the “rest and digest” mode, which promotes calm and recovery. Supporting your nervous system’s ability to shift between these states can play a major role in emotional wellbeing.
Some ways to do this include consistent habits like deep breathing, gentle movement, spending time in nature, and consulting with a therapist. Another is giving your body the nutrients it needs, such as GABA and Magnesium, to regulate nerve activity.
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is a calming neurotransmitter that helps slow down overactive signals in the brain (1,2). Low GABA levels have been linked to feelings of anxiousness and sleep disturbances. A 2019 study of 30 participants found that supplementing with GABA or compounds that support its activity may help ease nervous tension and promote mental peace (3). While thousands of positive product reviews attest to this, more research is still necessary to confirm these findings in the scientific world.
- Magnesium is a mineral that plays a vital role in nervous system regulation (4). It helps support healthy communication between the brain and the body (5). Many people don’t get enough magnesium from food alone, and low levels have been associated with irritability, fatigue, and low mood. Supplementing with magnesium can help regulate GABA levels and restore balance, particularly during times of high stress (6).
Neither of these supplements will “fix” mood on their own, but they can nudge your body in the right direction, thereby making it easier for your mind to slow down so you can return to a more grounded emotional baseline.
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Can Supplements Boost Happiness Hormones?
Mood isn’t just emotional, it’s also chemical. While serotonin and dopamine are often considered to be “happiness hormones”, they also double as neurotransmitters that influence mood. The reason for this is that the brain relies on neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine to regulate how we feel, think, and respond. Imbalances in these chemicals are often involved in low mood, lack of motivation, or emotional flatness (7).
Therapy, especially approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help retrain the brain’s response patterns. But supporting neurotransmitter health through diet and supplements may be recommended to complement that process. Two supplements that have been found to help address depression are Saffron and Turmeric extracts.
- Saffron extract has gained attention for its ability to support healthy serotonin activity (8). In fact, several clinical studies suggest that it may promote emotional wellbeing and help reduce occasional feelings of sadness (9,10,11).
- Turmeric, particularly its active compound curcumin, has demonstrated various mechanisms of improving mood. For example, in addition to potentially supporting neurotransmitter function (12,13), it provides antioxidant effects and can help to regulate the HPA axis, a process that can reduce the impact of stress on the body and brain (14).
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Can Gut Health Supplements Affect Mood?
Increasing evidence supports the notion that gut health and mental health are invariably linked. For example, gut health can influence GABA production (15,16) and serotonin levels (17). Furthermore, dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut) is highly correlated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline (18,19,20). For these reasons, taking a probiotic to restore gut balance may result in improved moved. Similarly, treating other digestive concerns, such as IBS, may help to improve mental wellbeing (21).
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Conclusion: Supplements Are Only A Piece Of The Puzzle
Mood challenges are rarely caused by just one thing, and they rarely respond to just one solution. Supplements really can really boost mood and mental wellbeing, but they are only one part of the bigger picture. Therapy, social support, physical activity, sleep, and stress management are also important pieces of the puzzle. Supplements can’t replace these practices, but the can complement and support those efforts.
The bottom line is that when chosen wisely and paired with other strategies, supplements can be a useful tool in the broader journey toward a better mood and a calmer mind.
If you’re curious about using supplements for mood, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider, especially if you’re also taking medication or managing a mental health condition. A professional can help you understand what type of supplement might be helpful for you.
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