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Supplements to Make You Merry and Bright
The holidays can be a wonderful time of year. They do tend to involve more social events which often lead to more alcohol and food consumption than at other times of the year. When you add being gluten free and possibly having other food allergies to the demands of buying presents, entertaining and being entertained, you have a recipe for increased stress and anxiety. If you have lost a loved one recently or at the holidays in the past that can bring up difficult emotions at this time of year also. Financial stresses may impinge on your well being at this time of year as well due to present buying and entertaining. Having relatives and friends who don’t understand your gluten-free diet can also add stress.
Two of my favorite amino acid supplements are Sam-e and L-Theanine, and both have great applications at the holidays. L-Theanine is a decaffeinated extract of green tea, it has an effect on GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), one of the calming neurotransmitters in the brain. It is not habit forming, unlike prescription anti-anxiety medication. It usually takes effect in twenty minutes and lasts four to six hours. One of its nicest feature is that it increases focus while simultaneously decreasing stress and anxiety. It can be taken in the evening for those who have trouble falling asleep. It also has a protective antioxidant effect on the brain.
Sam-e is an amino acid that we make in our bodies. It has three main effects, it is a powerful antidepressant, it is good for joint pain and protects the liver from toxins. The antidepressant effect is especially good for those who have lost loved ones and find painful memories resurfacing during the holidays. For those who have had one too many glasses of good cheer at the holidays, Sam-e can protect your liver from the cellular damage caused by the alcohol. It is also helpful for painful joints. Sam-e takes between a week to three weeks to fully take effect, so it is best to start it before the holidays begin.
It is important not to lose your healthy lifestyle habits during this busy time of year. Continuing to eat a nutrient rich balanced diet, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and making sure to exercise regularly are still the cornerstones of maintaining your health and well-being during the holidays. That said, Sam-e and L-Theanine can play a supportive role in keeping you merry and bright this season. For Dr. Doherty’s C-liac Vitality Sam-e and LTheanine click the links in this article or on the menu to the left.
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