Sip your stress away: 5 dietitian-approved drinks guaranteed to calm your worst days
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In the hustle and bustle of modern life, stress has become a constant companion for many of us. As we age, the need to find simple, natural ways to unwind and relax becomes even more crucial for our overall well-being.
While there are countless strategies to combat stress, sometimes the simplest solutions, like enjoying a calming drink, can offer significant relief.
Here are five dietitian-approved beverages that promise to soothe your nerves on even the most taxing days!
Before we dive into our top picks, let's explore why certain drinks can have a calming effect.
It's not just about the warm sensation of a hot beverage or the comfort of a familiar routine; specific ingredients can actively promote relaxation. Dietitian Carolina Schneider, MS, RD, emphasizes the role of magnesium, ashwagandha, L-theanine, and B-vitamins in reducing stress levels.
According to her, “Low magnesium levels are associated with higher levels of stress. Magnesium reduces stress by supporting the function of GABA receptors, which are crucial for relaxation."
Schneider also warns about the market being flooded with botanical drinks that “claim to reduce stress” but “lack scientific support.” Instead, she recommends these “strategies that have stronger, more consistent evidence for supporting mental well-being over the long term.”
1. Chamomile Tea: The Timeless Tranquilizer
Chamomile tea is a classic go-to for relaxation. Its magic lies in the compound apigenin, an antioxidant that latches onto brain receptors to encourage a state of calm. “Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation,” says Schneider.
Whether you've had a day filled with back-to-back appointments or you're winding down after a family gathering, a steaming cup of chamomile tea can be your ticket to tranquility.
2. Green Tea: The Zen Master's Brew
Green tea, including its powdered form, matcha, is more than just a health trend. It's a lightly caffeinated beverage that's rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes a relaxed yet alert state by increasing alpha brain waves, as per Schneider. This makes green tea an excellent choice for those moments when you need to de-stress without losing focus, perhaps while reading a book or engaging in a gentle hobby.
3. Hot Chocolate: The Comforting Classic
Hot chocolate isn't just for the winter holidays. The cocoa in this beloved drink is a source of tryptophan, which the body uses to produce mood-regulating serotonin and sleep-inducing melatonin. The warmth of the beverage itself can also have a psychologically soothing effect, making hot chocolate a year-round comfort drink.
4. Cherry Juice: The Sleepytime Elixir
Thanks to social media, tart cherry juice has gained fame as a sleep aid. It's brimming with melatonin, tryptophan, and antioxidants like procyanidin B-2, which together help combat oxidative stress and promote better sleep. A glass of cherry juice in the evening can be a delightful prelude to a restful night.
5. Warm Milk: The Nostalgic Nightcap
Warm milk may remind us of childhood, but it's not just for kids. Milk is packed with ingredients that foster relaxation, such as tryptophan, melatonin, and magnesium. Heating up a cup of milk is a quick and comforting ritual that can help signal to your body that it's time to wind down.
Incorporating these drinks into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to manage stress. However, it's important to remember that these beverages should complement a balanced diet. Schneider advises maintaining a
“whole-food, plant-predominant diet” for consistent mental well-being.
Have you tried any of these calming drinks? Do you have a favorite recipe or a special twist you add to make it your own? Perhaps you have other stress-reducing tips to share with our community. We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
While there are countless strategies to combat stress, sometimes the simplest solutions, like enjoying a calming drink, can offer significant relief.
Here are five dietitian-approved beverages that promise to soothe your nerves on even the most taxing days!
Before we dive into our top picks, let's explore why certain drinks can have a calming effect.
It's not just about the warm sensation of a hot beverage or the comfort of a familiar routine; specific ingredients can actively promote relaxation. Dietitian Carolina Schneider, MS, RD, emphasizes the role of magnesium, ashwagandha, L-theanine, and B-vitamins in reducing stress levels.
According to her, “Low magnesium levels are associated with higher levels of stress. Magnesium reduces stress by supporting the function of GABA receptors, which are crucial for relaxation."
Dietitians suggest several calming drinks that can help ease a stressful day, including chamomile tea, green tea, hot chocolate, cherry juice, and warm milk. Image source: Pexels.
Schneider also warns about the market being flooded with botanical drinks that “claim to reduce stress” but “lack scientific support.” Instead, she recommends these “strategies that have stronger, more consistent evidence for supporting mental well-being over the long term.”
1. Chamomile Tea: The Timeless Tranquilizer
Chamomile tea is a classic go-to for relaxation. Its magic lies in the compound apigenin, an antioxidant that latches onto brain receptors to encourage a state of calm. “Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation,” says Schneider.
Whether you've had a day filled with back-to-back appointments or you're winding down after a family gathering, a steaming cup of chamomile tea can be your ticket to tranquility.
2. Green Tea: The Zen Master's Brew
Green tea, including its powdered form, matcha, is more than just a health trend. It's a lightly caffeinated beverage that's rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes a relaxed yet alert state by increasing alpha brain waves, as per Schneider. This makes green tea an excellent choice for those moments when you need to de-stress without losing focus, perhaps while reading a book or engaging in a gentle hobby.
3. Hot Chocolate: The Comforting Classic
Hot chocolate isn't just for the winter holidays. The cocoa in this beloved drink is a source of tryptophan, which the body uses to produce mood-regulating serotonin and sleep-inducing melatonin. The warmth of the beverage itself can also have a psychologically soothing effect, making hot chocolate a year-round comfort drink.
4. Cherry Juice: The Sleepytime Elixir
Thanks to social media, tart cherry juice has gained fame as a sleep aid. It's brimming with melatonin, tryptophan, and antioxidants like procyanidin B-2, which together help combat oxidative stress and promote better sleep. A glass of cherry juice in the evening can be a delightful prelude to a restful night.
5. Warm Milk: The Nostalgic Nightcap
Warm milk may remind us of childhood, but it's not just for kids. Milk is packed with ingredients that foster relaxation, such as tryptophan, melatonin, and magnesium. Heating up a cup of milk is a quick and comforting ritual that can help signal to your body that it's time to wind down.
Incorporating these drinks into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to manage stress. However, it's important to remember that these beverages should complement a balanced diet. Schneider advises maintaining a
“whole-food, plant-predominant diet” for consistent mental well-being.
Have you tried any of these calming drinks? Do you have a favorite recipe or a special twist you add to make it your own? Perhaps you have other stress-reducing tips to share with our community. We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
