Wind down by drinking up.
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At the end of a long day, what helps you unwind?
What Ingredients Help You Relax?
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Magnesium- and ashwagandha-based beverages are great for reducing stress, for example.
Low magnesium levels are associated with higher levels of stress, Schneider explains.
Magnesium reduces [stress] by supporting the function of GABA receptors, which are crucial for relaxation.
Similarly, ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps lower cortisol levels while promoting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.
Other ingredients that can help you relax include L-theanine and B-vitamins.
Additionally, verify youre complementing these beverages with a whole-food, plant-predominant diet, Schneider suggests.
These strategies have stronger, more consistent evidence for supporting mental well-being over the long term.
Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation, Schneider notes.
Hot Chocolate
Its not just a seasonal delighthot chocolateis another relaxing beverage that can help soothe you.
The cocoa in hot chocolate often contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid that produces serotonin and melatonin.