Many introverts struggle with low energy and mental burnout. We wonder how we can gain mental clarity and consistent energy levels–without getting overwhelmed in the process. You may know that supplements can help improve your health, but in what other ways can they help introverts?
People have sought dietary supplements for decades. In the 19th century, traveling salesmen sold cure-all medicines known as snake oils. These pseudo-medicines promised to cure all ailments, from arthritis to the flu.
Fortunately, nowadays, pharmacies and health food shops sell beneficial supplementary products. The size of the supplement industry in 2020, was $61.2 billion. This sector includes the sale of minerals, enzymes, vitamins, and other beneficial nutrients.
Surprisingly, vitamins weren’t fully discovered until 1948. By this time, vitamin B complex and vitamin C were being commercially produced. Now, millions of people in the US use supplements to match the RDA of various minerals and vitamins.
It is clear that many dietary supplements aid physical health and help boost the immune system. But, what about mental well-being? Could supplements help to boost mood and confidence for instance?
What is meant by supplements?
The term dietary supplements encompasses a wide variety of products. Enzymes, proteins, and herbal remedies may all come under the banner of supplements. Some people take supplements to increase their vitamin intake. Others to reduce the risk of ailments like osteoarthritis.
Some supplements include ingredients said to give more confidence and enhance moods. Many naturally occurring ingredients help to reduce anxiety and thus boost feelings of confidence and happiness. This is highly appealing to introverts who struggle with social confidence.
Supplements may include powders, capsules, or pills. They may include herbs or vitamins. Some may make use of minerals such as zinc to aid metabolism. Or they might use vitamins to improve concentration and focus.
Are supplements good for you?
The majority of people do not get all the required nutrients they need from their diets. In these cases, taking the right supplement will help with balancing vitamin and mineral needs.
Taking too many supplements can be detrimental though. Vitamin poisoning is genuine but highly unlikely to happen if the manufacturer’s instructions are followed.
For best results with supplements, a chat with your regular doctor or a nutritionist would be helpful. They will be able to recommend where you might benefit from supplements.
How might supplements help you?
Supplements can be taken as part of preventative care, to boost nutrient intake, or to treat ongoing conditions. Cod liver oil is rich in vitamins C and D, and this helps treat arthritis for instance. When it comes to introvert brain function, supplements can help in several ways.
Neurotransmitters
Some supplements help boost dopamine or serotonin—the feel good hormones. This can improve mood, and reduce anxiety.
Better blood flow
Some supplements include vinpocetine which is used to treat dementia and failing memory. Along with ginkgo biloba and other herbs, circulation can be improved. Enhanced blood flow will help improve cognitive functions. It does this by efficiently delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
Reduced oxidative stress
Supplements that are rich in antioxidants help protect against free radicals. They also protect against damage from oxidants. Oxidative stress leads to tissue damage.
Weight loss assistance
Some IV therapy treatments, for example, can also provide benefits when it comes to weight loss. Certain IV formulations can include amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that aid in boosting metabolism and promoting fat burning. These nutrients, when delivered directly into the bloodstream through IV therapy, can enhance the body’s ability to break down fats and utilize them for energy.
The cost of IV therapy varies depending on the location. So, if you’re considering treatment in NJ, do your research on Wegovy cost NJ or other IV treatment options. Additionally, IV therapy can help replenish essential nutrients that may be lacking in a restrictive diet, supporting overall wellness and maintaining energy levels during weight loss journeys.
Do supplements improve brain function?
Some supplements affect neurotransmitters and others help reduce oxidative stress. But, are there noticeable benefits to be had? Will you feel more confident and have better focus at work if you take supplements?
Here are half a dozen areas that may be improved by taking herbal remedies and other supplements.
1. Confidence and self-esteem
Because we live in a very extrovert-biased world, some introverts find it very hard to build self-esteem. But there are many effective ways to build self-confidence. These include mindfulness techniques and meditation among others.
No supplement is going to magically deliver confidence. But, some supplements will promote mental wellness which will naturally aid feelings of confidence.
Vitamin B, probiotics, and magnesium are all beneficial to feeling good about oneself. Anxiety actually depletes B vitamins. A vitamin B complex will reduce stress, and clear the mind. Vitamin B1 is said to boost self-confidence and feelings of well-being.
2. Focus and concentration
As people age, brain function can diminish. Memories fade, and recollection becomes harder. Due to this, a quarter of over-50-year-olds take supplements to boost brain function.
However, even the young have difficulty focusing and concentrating at times. Fatigue and a poor diet can affect concentration at work.
Caffeine anhydrous is sometimes used in supplements to give an instant energy boost. This helps improve focus for a period. But, herbs such as ginseng and other natural ingredients are also useful in boosting energy.
3. Brain fog and energy levels
There are some great ways to charge your batteries without supplements. Yet, some simple dietary supplements may be of great assistance too. Good sleep patterns are essential to having a clear mind to focus on tasks.
Now and again though, everyone gets a little brain fog. Melatonin is needed to balance and regulate energy flow. Combining this with vitamin D and vitamin B12 could lead to a clearer mind and more energy.
Being able to think clearly and focus will naturally make you feel more capable. This is where supplements may help overall emotional well-being and help confidence grow.
4. Improved memory
Staying mentally active is vital to keeping the mind functioning optimally. Playing brain games and partaking in hobbies will keep the mind healthy. But, a little boost may not hurt.
Vitamin B12 once again appears here. This vitamin along with Omega 3 and curcumin may help your memory. Curcumin comes from the spice, turmeric. It is believed to protect against Alzheimer’s and has antioxidant properties.
5. Enhanced mood
For general emotional well-being, some supplements will boost mood. Magnesium, Omega 3, and vitamin D, all help to enhance mood in general.
Omega 3 helps with normal brain function and communication between brain cells. The benefits of magnesium include support for muscle and nerve functions. Magnesium also boosts energy production.
Magnesium binds with calming receptors, resulting in a more stable and peaceful mood.
6 Reduce anxiety
It is important to take on board that not everyone will benefit from supplements. Some may find great help in certain ingredients, while others find different supplements more helpful. Some ingredients such as kava have attracted the interest of the FDA. The FDA warns against using kava so care should be used when selecting supplements for your health.
This is why a consultation with your doctor is advisable before starting a new health regime of any kind.
However, there are some perfectly safe herbs and vitamins that may help to reduce feelings of anxiety.
Green tea helps many people relax due to L-Theanine. This amino acid is available as a supplement. Other ways to reduce anxiety include the use of magnesium, melatonin, chamomile, saffron, or valerian root.
Precautions when taking supplements
As mentioned, you should take medical advice when making changes to your lifestyle if they include supplements or alternative medicines. This is especially true if you have an ongoing condition or are taking any prescribed medicines. Some herbs can react with other medicines and may cause unwelcome symptoms.
Summary
Naturally occurring herbs have been used to help improve well-being for hundreds of years. Vitamins and minerals are vital for brain function. Supplements that include herbs and vitamins may help boost your cognitive abilitie.
Having a clear mind and good energy levels will lead to better focus and more confidence as an introvert. And some supplements may reduce the risk of diminished brain function in later life.
