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06 Sept 2025

HEALTH Stress SOS

25 Oct 2011 6:40 AM

Pharmacist James Geraghty on how to beat stress with supplements, herbal remedies and a few diet and lifestyle changes
Worry

Stress SOS


Ask the pharmacist
James Geraghty

Stress, if left to spiral out of control, can lead to a number of health complaints, including raised blood pressure, poor digestion and trouble sleeping.
It’s important not to let stress get the better of you. If you do find it creeping in, take charge – a few simple actions can help you get those stress levels back under control.

Stress busters
  • Control your breathing. By taking fewer but deeper breaths you will optimise your oxygen intake, helping you to relax and remain calm.
  • Get active. Exercise is a great way of beating stress; not only does it enable you to vent your frustration, it also causes the brain to produce more ‘happy hormones’ (endorphins), so try to work up a sweat for at least 20 minutes a day. Even a brisk walk can make a huge difference to how you’re feeling.
  • Watch your diet. In times of stress certain nutrients are used in larger quantities than normal, so increase the supply where necessary. A broad-spectrum multivitamin supplement is a good way of ensuring your body is getting all the vitamins and minerals it may be missing.
  • If you’re feeling particularly stressed, then you could probably do with a multivit that contains extra vitamin B5, such as Viridian Nutrition’s High Five Multivitamin & Mineral formula. B5, or pantothenic acid, is a key B vitamin that is needed to convert food into energy and to help support the normal functioning of the adrenal glands.
  • Other essential nutrients include Ester-C for the immune system, magnesium for the nervous system and iron for energy.
  • Stimulants such as caffeine can aggravate stress, so try to avoid tea, coffee, chocolate and cola. Good alternatives include chamomile tea, lemon verbena tea and fruit juices.
  • Herbal remedies can also help. All the way from Russia (with love) comes Rhodiola rosea – it helps the body to adapt to various stressors and can be especially useful for the associated symptoms of stress, such as fatigue, low energy and poor sleep.
  • Organic Vervain is brilliant as a nerve tonic, helping to restore and strengthen the nervous system during situations of acute stress and anxiety, while Elderberry can help support an ailing immune system.
James Geraghty is the managing director of the Molloy’s Lifestyle Pharmacy Group. He has a degree in biochemistry and pharmacy, as well as 15 years’ experience of the health industry. A huge believer in the importance of exercise and wellbeing, he regularly lectures to active retirement and special interest groups around the county.

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