How to gift supplements this holiday season

Looking for a few last stocking stuffers? Supplements make a great gift! While we often think of the supplements we take as a very personal choice, like our medications or self care routines, there are a couple of go-to supplements that most people could benefit from. If you want to make the gift even more personalized, just use this supplement gift guide.

Your go-to supplement gift guide

FOR THE ONE WHO HAS TROUBLE SLEEPING

Sleep can be evasive for us all at times, but for that friend who can’t stop yawning and never gets a good night’s rest, maybe it’s time for them to try a supplement. A good sleep supplement can be a game-changer. You could choose from one of the several individual supplements for sleep found here or you could go the easier (and possibly more effective) route of gifting your friend one blend of all the key sleep-supporters. 

Sleep Perfect

With a blend of melatonin, valerian root, L-theanine, GABA, chamomile, hops, and more, this supplement, and other blends like it, support a more regulated circadian rhythm and can help your restless friend fall asleep more easily, sleep more deeply, and wake refreshed.

Sleep & Relax Herbal Tea

While not strictly a supplement, this tea contains Passionflower, Lemon Balm and Chamomile to promote a sense of calm and prepare the body for rest.

FOR THE ONE WHO CAN’T REMEMBER THINGS

Help your forgetful friend with nutrients for a brain boost. There are several supplements that have been proven effective for improved brain function. If you want to learn more about these, check out our previous blog post, Supplements for Memory Support.

Phosphatidyl Serine (PS)

PS is a critical component in brain membranes and is mostly derived from plant sources like soybean and sunflower lecithin.

DHA and EPA (FISH OILS)

Research suggests “good fats” DHA and EPA may considerably support cognitive health, improved learning, and memory function. 

Sona® Memory Plus Capsules 

Another great option is one of the many available pre-blended supplements, which are pharmacist-approved and ensure you get an optimal mix of nutrients. 

FOR THE ONE WHO’S STRESSED OUT OR ON EDGE

For your keyed up friend, here are a few ideas to help them wind down. These supplements are are shown to help with stress reduction and improved mood, and you can learn more about them in our past post on over-the-counter supplements for stress.

CBD oil

A growing body of research suggests that CBD oil, an extract of the cannabis plant (often sold as a tincture in a carrier oil, like coconut oil, and with zero or trace amounts of THC) may be beneficial for relieving the symptoms of anxiety.

Kava

Kava increases GABA receptors to help regulate the symptoms of anxiety and stress. Research even indicates kava can be as effective as low doses of prescription anxiety medications.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine practices. It helps reduce anxiety symptoms and is often used for increased vitality.

L-tryptophan/5-HTP

L-tryptophan breaks down into 5-HTP in the body — taking either of these can increase serotonin levels and decrease anxiety. 

L-theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid or building block that helps the body function properly. It is thought that L-theanine can increase levels of both GABA and serotonin.

FOR THE ONE WHO’S MENTIONED THEIR SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

For your friend struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), choose one or more of these supplements commonly associated with improved mood and neural function.

5-HTP

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a  precursor of serotonin and provides nutritional support for normal sleep and mood.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort has been used for centuries to treat mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Research suggests it functions similarly to SSRIs, helping to regulate the activity of mood-regulating hormones.

Omega 3’s

Essential fatty acids, including Omega 3s, available in flaxseed oil and fish oil, have been shown to play a beneficial role in the immune system and proper nerve and brain function.

Vitamin D

While studies haven’t definitely proven the effectiveness of Vitamin D supplementation for treating depressive symptoms, it’s true that depressive symptoms often correlate with low levels of Vitamin D. This important nutrient helps regulate the activity of melatonin, serotonin, and dopamine.