Exam season is upon us and most parents will attest that exam stress will be starting to settle in too. For many scholars and students, no matter how well they prepare during the year, the thought of sitting to write several papers will see their heart rate rise. While planning and preparation are key in terms of studying, and getting enough rest is essential too, sometimes they need a bit of assistance. We know that supplements for stress and promoting wellbeing at this time can do the world of good.
Nutrition and supplementation are just as important for cognitive function as they are for physical performance. Supplements are especially beneficial for improving focus, memory, and stress response during this time.
Cobus Botha, a Natural Medicine Expert and Head of Education and Development at Coyne Healthcare suggests that a combination of the following supplements will work well together to alleviate stress and improve concentration over long periods of time. Comments Botha, “The correct combination of good quality supplements can be helpful for stress and anxiety in general, and because Coyne Healthcare products are researched nutraceuticals, they tend to have a higher bio-availability (potency) and be better utilized in the body.
Coyne Healthcare Purest Omega.
Omega-3, a beneficial fatty acid, is a natural remedy for anxiety and can improve mental health (Su, et al 2018)It’s called Purest Omega because it boasts a leading TOTOX Score of 5, while the GOED recommends a maximum acceptable score of 20. The TOTOX Score measures rancidity – oxidation, meaning this Omega-3 is guaranteed to be fresh & pure. Up to 80% of fish oil on the market is oxidised / rancid and exceeds the acceptable TOTOX score (Opperman, 2013)
Coyne Healthcare Biomax® PQQ with CoQ10.
Together, PQQ and CoQ10 work hand-in-hand to support the cells’ energy-producers. By protecting neurons and stimulating nerve growth factor, these two nutrients also support cognitive performance (e.g. memory and your ability to pay attention for longer periods) and protect cells from oxidative damage, which can lead to cognitive decline (Yamaguchi, 1993).
Terranova Magnesium – the master mineral.
Magnesium is traditionally used to calm and regenerate the nervous system and is often referred to as ‘the master mineral’. It plays a major role in brain function and mood, people who do not have enough magnesium can experience mild anxiety or depression.
During times of stress – like exams – the magnesium supply is used up more quickly by the body, leading to even more stress so it’s essential to maintain this (Cuciureanu & Vink, 2011) The addition of Green Oat (Avena sativa) offers added nervous system support, it has been traditionally used as a nervous system nutrient.
Terranova B Complex with Vitamin C is formulated with ingredients that allow the body to resist the damaging effects of physical or psychological stress and restore optimal physiological function. It effectively keeps your brain neurons ‘firing’, improving memory and cognitive function (Kennedy, et. al. 2010) Powerful adaptogen herbs (like Ashwagandha, Siberian Ginseng, and Rhodiola) have been added to this formula to not just help the body cope with stress, but thrive through it.
Available online from Phytoceutics, and from Wellness Warehouse, Faithful to Nature, and other leading independent health store retailers nationwide.
Coyne Healthcare is a leader in the field of evidence based nutraceuticals within South Africa and has been collaborating with global experts since 2013. As pioneers in the industry Coyne Healthcare cultivates relationships with scientists and researchers from across the globe to bring together the best of science and natureIt is committed to assisting and supporting consumers across various aspects of their health. Be it addressing a condition or illness or simply wanting to live a happier and healthier life.
Terranova is an international, multi-award-winning supplement company founded in 2008 by Stephan Terrass with more than 100 different nutritional and botanical products. Terranova’s formulation concept is scientifically advanced, while at the same time being rooted in the company’s deeply holistic principles. This unique approach provides intensely synergistic nutritional and botanical formulations that are profoundly effective, precisely balanced, gentle on the system and contain only active ingredients.
| REFERENCES |
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| Cuciureanu, M. D., & Vink, R. (2011). Magnesium and stress. In R. Vink (Eds.) et. al., Magnesium in the Central Nervous System. University of Adelaide Press. |
| Kennedy, D. O., Veasey, R., Watson, A., Dodd, F., Jones, E., Maggini, S., & Haskell, C. F. (2010). Effects of high-dose B vitamin complex with vitamin C and minerals on subjective mood and performance in healthy males. Psychopharmacology, 211(1), 55–68. DOI |
| Opperman, M., & Benade, S. (2013). Analysis of the omega-3 fatty acid content of South African fish oil supplements: a follow-up study. Cardiovascular journal of Africa, 24(8), 297–302. DOI |
| Su, K. P., Tseng, P. T., Lin, P. Y., Okubo, R., Chen, T. Y., Chen, Y. W., & Matsuoka, Y. J. (2018). Association of Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Changes in Severity of Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA network open, 1(5), e182327. DOI |
| Yamaguchi, K., Sasano, A., Urakami, T., Tsuji, T., & Kondo, K. (1993). Stimulation of nerve growth factor production by pyrroloquinoline quinone and its derivatives in vitro and in vivo. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 57(7), 1231–1233. DOI |
