Over the Counter Stress Relief – Which is Best?

Best Over the Counter Stress Relief Products

Between work, home, health, and family, sometimes life can get a little overwhelming. But when it comes to stress, we should not be accepting it as a daily occurrence.

That’s because the stress response evolved from a different time when people were running from predators rather than prioritizing which email to respond to. And the types of stress we do experience tend to be long-lasting.

When we experience prolonged stress, we become desensitized to stress hormones. As a result, our bodies fail to halt their production, and they wreak havoc on our health.

Elevated stress hormones cause inflammation, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and even cancer. It can also lead to mental health challenges such as sleep disorders, poor cognitive reasoning and memory, anxiety symptoms, fatigue, and burnout.

We should all be doing things to reduce the stress in our lives, things like eating well, exercising, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing sleep. But that’s easier said than done, especially if you are stressed.

One way you can start feeling better quickly is by investing in a stress relief supplement. A supplement designed to improve your body’s response to stress and undo some of the damage caused by prolonged periods of stress. With the right supplement, you can begin to feel better and will be better able to make the other changes you need to in your life.

Supplements for Anxiety and Stress

Here are our top 5 supplements to improve your body’s stress response and take back control!

• #1 Best Overall Over the Counter Stress Medication – SRS – The Stress Reduction Supplement
• #2 For female vitality – Kurapeak
• #3 For Mental Performance – Performance Lab Mind
• #4 Best over the counter stress medication for sleep – Motion Nutrition Unplug
• #5 Best Premium Product – Lyma Life

#1 SRS – The Stress Reduction Supplement (New in 2021)

Our number one pick was an easy choice. SRS is all-natural and utilizes the most up-to-date studies to include the best stress-busting ingredients at optimal dosages. It works to undo the damage done by chronic stress and improves your stress response. It also targets other common symptoms of stress. SRS improves sleep and increases energy and focus. In a world full of distractions, it will allow you to focus and refocus even if your mind wanders.

SRS contains a blend of amino acids, herbal medicines, and vitamins and minerals.

Ashwagandha 500 mg

Whether you are asking an ayurvedic doctor or a western nutritionist, they tend to agree that Ashwagandha is a pretty miraculous herb. It has been used for thousands of years to reduce stress and anxiety, increase concentration and focus and enhance energy. And modern studies have demonstrated the benefits time and time again.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are amazing and rare herbal medicines that strengthen your nervous system by adapting to the needs of your body. Ashwagandha has been shown to work with your nervous system to reduce levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and undo some of the damage done by chronic stress. In one study, participants took 250 mg of Ashwagandha over 60 days. At the end of the study, their cortisol levels were 30% lower!

Tyrosine 300 mg

Tyrosine is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein. Stress can block the production of certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine, which can result in poor concentration, memory, and reasoning. However, Tyrosine naturally increases levels of these neurotransmitters and therefore undoes some of the damage done by stress, and makes focusing on the task at hand easier.

In a systematic review, it was concluded that supplementing with Tyrosine improves psychological functioning in stressful or mentally demanding situations.

Serinaide (Phosphatidyserine) 100 mg

Phosphatidylserine is a chemical found in cell membranes that is important for brain function. Studies show that supplementation reduces stress and anxiety and improves cognitive function, memory, and attention span. It also reduces cortisol directly, as well as ACTH, which stimulates the production of cortisol.

Magnesium Glycinate 150 mg

Traditional magnesium supplements are poorly absorbed by the body. However, Magnesium Glycinate is the best-absorbed form. Unfortunately, it is estimated that 75% of people don’t get enough magnesium. This is because our food gets magnesium from the soil it grows in and the quality of soil is depleting across the world. If you are deficient in magnesium, your body cannot operate optimally because it contributes to over 300 bodily functions.

One important role of magnesium is keeping the parasympathetic nervous (PNS) healthy. The PNS plays an important role in the stress response, bringing us to a state of calm. Therefore, if you have a magnesium deficiency, then you may feel stressed for much longer than you need to. As if that wasn’t concerning enough, studies have shown that deficiency can cause a stress response unnecessarily.

Taurine 500 mg 

Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid with roles in energy production, sleep, and mood regulation. Supplementation has been shown to effectively reduce stress because of its interaction with GABA receptors.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important neurotransmitter that promotes a state of calm and relaxation. GABA levels can become depleted from stress, injury, or food intolerances. To undo the damage caused by stress, it is important to increase GABA levels. However, supplementing with GABA is ineffective because the molecules are too large to cross the blood-brain barrier.

On the other hand, Taurine is better absorbed by the body and has a similar structure to GABA. This structure means that it can act on GABA receptors in the brain and stimulate its release.

Zinc 10 mg

Zinc is essential to the healthy functioning of your nervous system, and therefore your stress response.

Prolonged stress depletes levels of zinc. Therefore, supplementation is a good idea to return to optimal health after a prolonged period of stress. Zinc supplementation has been shown to re-stabilize cortisol levels.

Chamomile Extract 100 mg

Chamomile is a herb that reduces stress by decreasing cortisol levels. It also helps indirectly by promoting restful and restorative sleep. It does this by binding to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain.

Bioperine® 

Piperine is a bioactive compound found in black pepper. It increases the absorption of other ingredients so that you can fully benefit from them. However, the black pepper on your kitchen table only contains around 5% Piperine. Bioperine is a patented extract that contains 95% piperine.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Clinically researched by experts in the field.
• Contains a blend of amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and herbal remedies to undo the damage caused by stress.
• Improves your stress response, increases energy, promotes restful sleep, and improves motivation and focus.

Cons

• Only available to buy on the manufacturer’s website.

#2 Kurapeak – Female Vitality

Kurapeak is a vitality supplement designed for women. The same company has also designed a similar product for men, Centrapeak.

Kurapeak has been designed to help women with their work, health, and home life. It aims to boost energy and libido, improve concentration, and reduce stress and anxiety.

You no longer have to live in Siberia to experiencing the life-enhancing properties of Ginseng – in today’s globalized world, you can find all of the best plants from across the Globe. Kurapeak contains only the best and most well-studied ancient medicines. It contains L-Panax Ginseng, Pine Bark Extract, Tumeric, Tyrosine, Saffron, L-Theanine, Rhodiola Rosea, Maca, and BioPerine.

Here we will explore a few of the ingredients but click here to see a full breakdown.

L-Theanine – 100 mg

L-theanine is an amino acid best known for its presence in green tea. Studies have shown that it encourages relaxation without causing drowsiness. When taken in supplement form, L-theanine can also aid sleep, whereas, in tea, caffeine will also be present, which could negate some of the benefits.

Rhodiola Rosea – 100mg

Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that has been shown to improve the stress response. It has been used for centuries to reduce fatigue, stress, and anxiety symptoms.

Turmeric Curcumin 50:1 200mg

You probably have Tumeric in your kitchen cupboard, but were you aware that Tumeric can boost dopamine and serotonin? This is because of the active ingredients, curcuminoids. However, the Tumeric you put in your curry only has around 5% curcuminoids which means you have to eat a lot to experience the benefits. The Tumeric in Kurapeak, on the other hand, contains 95% curcuminoids!

The benefits to mood are illustrated by this randomized controlled trial. People suffering from depression were either curcumin, Prozac, or both. Those who took either one reported similar improvements, while those who took both reported the greatest improvements.

Panax Ginseng 120 mg

Ginseng is an adaptogen that has been used for over 5,000 years! It is said to improve boost energy, mental clarity, increase sex drive, and improve overall mood and wellbeing. Modern studies have confirmed its benefits to the health of the brain and nervous system, leading to a reduction in stress and fatigue.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Gender-specific.
• Clinically researched ingredients.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Increases energy and combats fatigue.
• Boosts libido.
• Contains a blend of ancient medicinal herbs from around the world.

Cons

• No vitamins or minerals.
• It can only be purchased on the manufacturer’s website.

#3 Performance Lab Mind

Performance Lab is an established nutrition company that uses advanced technologies and evidence-based ingredients to create effective and unique supplements.

Mind is a nootropic designed to optimize your mental performance. It elevates cognitive function and increases blood flow to your brain, improving your mood, energy levels, and focus. Thus, helping you to better manage stress.

We have already spoken about two of the ingredients in Mind under SRS: Tyrosine (250 mg) and Phosphatidylserine (100 mg). Mind also contains:

Citicoline (Cognizin) 250 mg

Cognizin is a form of citicoline patented by Performance lab. Citicoline has the ability to enhance memory and learning and improve attention span. It also has other neuroprotective benefits, such as repairing brain cell membranes and reducing inflammation.

Maritime Pine Bark Extract 75 mg

Maritime pine bark extract is an antioxidant that increases nitric oxide levels while distributing glucose and oxygen to brain cells. This process supports brain and heart health, reduces inflammation, stabilizes blood pressure, and improves memory, focus, and mood.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• A nootropic that will improve brain health.
• Boosts learning capacity, focus, memory, and energy levels.
• Recover quicker after stress.
• Addresses symptoms related to stress, such as fatigue and poor cognitive reasoning.

Cons

• Not specifically designed to reduce stress.
• It can only be purchased on the manufacturer’s website.

#4 Motion Nutrition Unplug

Unplug is an award-winning supplement designed to help you sleep. Stress can often cause difficulty sleeping, which can lead to worsening symptoms. In order for your body to recover, you need sufficient sleep, which will help you to have more energy and less anxiety and stress. Sleep also regulates hormone production, so with better sleep, you should feel more balanced.

Motion Unplug contains some of the ingredients found in SRS, although some at lower potencies Ashwagandha Root  (100mg), Magnesium Citrate (100mg), Zinc (10mg), and Bioperine® (2.5mg).

It also contains some of the ingredients included in Kurapeak, L-Theanine (150mg), and Rhodiola Rosea Extract (50mg).

It also contains:

Brahmi Powder (100mg)

Bacopa monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb used to improve memory, relieve anxiety and stress, and treat epilepsy. Studies show that it is a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to improve cognitive function, focus, memory, and learning capacity. It also reduces anxiety and calms the nerves, promoting restful sleep. It should help you to feel more alert upon waking.

Montmorency Cherry (100mg)

Melatonin is the hormone responsible for your sleep-wake cycle. Montmorency Cherry is a natural source of melatonin that can improve how long it takes you to get to sleep.

Amla (50mg)

Amla is an Ayuveruic medicinal plant that has been used to restore lost vitality and vigor. It has anti-aging properties to your energy, hair, skin, and vision. It also promotes a healthy immune system, heart, and liver.

Iodine (Potassium Iodide)      100μg (67% RDA)

Iodine supports your nervous system and thyroid function, which makes you more resilient to stress.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Improves sleep.
• Supports cognitive function.
• Vegan, organic, and gluten-free.
• Plastic-free packaging.
• Reduces inflammation.
•   Increase of energy upon waking.
• Helps you to switch off and calms the mind.

Con  

• It will not work for everyone – some people may still struggle to sleep despite taking Unplug.

You can purchase Motion Nutrition Unplug here.

#5 LYMA Life

LYMA Life is an elite supplement that will help you to find balance and feel your best. They have used modern technology to make patented forms of well-known ingredients. Their patented forms are modified to be highly bioavailable. Our review found Lyma Life very very expensive.

You won’t find their patented forms of herbs and vitamins in other supplements. However, forms of the herbs can be found in supplements we have covered already. Including A form of Ashwagandha – KSM-66 Ashwagandha (600 mg), Cognizin (250 mg), and Curcuminoids – Hydrocurc (250 mg).

Other ingredients include:

Cynatine HNS (250mg)

This is a patented form of Keratin, which is beneficial to your hair, nails, and skin. Although to really see the results, you need to supplement consistently for 90 days

Lycored Lycopene (30mg)

Lycored Lycopene is the patented version of Lycopene, an antioxidant found in some fruits and vegetables. It benefits your skin, bones, vision, and cardiovascular system.

The Wellmune (250mg)

The Wellmune is standardized 1-3, 1-6 beta-glucan. It provides support to the immune system and can be beneficial for people with allergies.

K2Vital (75 ug)

A patented version of vitamin K. Vitamin K is beneficial to bone and heart health and cognitive function.

Vita-algae D3 (2,000 iu)

Vitamin D is a mood-boosting vitamin that we absorb from sunlight. This is a very high dose, above the daily recommended dose. However, there is evidence for the benefits of taking vitamin D at this high dose.

Afron (28mg)

A patented form of Saffron. Saffron is a powerful antioxidant that could improve your mood and help you to focus.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High doses of effective ingredients.
• Uses patented forms of ingredients to ensure bioavailability.
• Benefits to your focus, mood, nails, skin, hair, and sleep.

Cons

• Comes at a high price tag.
• Some evidence that the benefits of lycopene are best experienced through consuming it in food.
• Not much evidence for some of their patented ingredients being better than cheaper forms.
• It takes 90 days before you experience all of the benefits.

You can purchase LYMA Life here.

FAQ

Will a stress relief supplement improve my mental health?

Stress is often a contributing factor to mental health struggles. However, you should still speak to your doctor for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and never come off prescription drugs before discussing it with your doctor first. People with anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, and other illnesses can sometimes find relief in dietary supplements, but everyone is different.

What are some other methods for relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression?

Dietary supplements are often a great help for people with anxiety and depression. However, they are not a stand-alone solution. Always consider your doctor’s medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. Many people experience the snowball effect. Once they start to feel a bit better, they have more motivation to make other positive changes in their lives, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practice, which can help relieve stress and improve mental health further.

Will taking supplements have any side effects?

We have only included the highest-quality supplements on this list. All of them are completely natural, with no hidden ingredients. Therefore, you should not experience any negative side effects. However, everyone is different, and you should pay attention to how you feel and speak to your doctor if you feel something isn’t right.

Click here to read more about our number one over-the-counter stress relief product – SRS.