In today’s day and age, people are starting to value their health more than ever before. As our lives are arguably getting more stressful, individuals worldwide are trying to find a holistic approach to pursue their inner balance and peace of mind. That’s precisely where the combination of spiritual yoga practices and targeted supplements comes into play.
The Synergy
The title of this article begs the question: why do supplements and yoga work so well together? First of all, while the physical benefits are irrefutable, yoga has so much more to offer! Physical postures, breathwork, meditation, and practicing mindfulness may also contribute to:
- Stress reduction
- Mental clarity
- Anxiety reduction
- Sleep improvement
That being said, natural supplements can provide key nutrients or target specific needs that support and amplify numerous potential benefits that consistent yoga practice has proven to offer. As many yogis like to say: 1+1=3. Even though this doesn’t make sense mathematically, the point is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Yoga can increase your body’s receptivity and various supplements from ashwagandha to vitamins may provide nutrients and essentials for deeper practice and well-being.
Key Natural Supplements For Your Journey
Since we already discussed the overall benefits of combining supplements and yoga, let’s look at some of the most popular and beneficial natural products that you can use in combination with yoga to make the most of it.
Kratom
This Southeast Asian plant has recently gained increasing popularity among Western consumers and yogis are no exception. Many kratom users report it can provide relaxing effects and the potential to ease discomfort. With these potential benefits, kratom is making its way to become one of the more popular supplements on the market.
Magnesium
No serious discussion about supplements and yoga can happen without mentioning magnesium. Apart from supporting better sleep quality and reducing anxiety, magnesium is an essential mineral for muscle function and nerve transmission. These positive properties make it a good choice for recovery and supporting physical endurance, two things that go hand in hand with practicing yoga.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens is an umbrella term that includes plants such as rhodiola, ginseng, ashwagandha, and many others. These plants can help your body manage stress and enhance mental resilience. Recent research shows that ashwagandha specifically may help combat stress and anxiety. Combining them with your yoga practice can make their calming and stress-reducing effects even more prominent.
Hemp Flower
Rich in non-intoxicating CBD, hemp flower can alleviate tension and promote general relaxation. These properties are a prime example of synergies between supplements and yoga, as hemp flower can support a deeper presence during meditation and allow you to relax more deeply into certain yoga poses.
Vitamin D
Last but certainly not least: Vitamin D. Known as the sunlight vitamin, it is important for the functioning of every healthy person. In addition to supporting bone health and the immune system, vitamin D is one of the key vitamins connected to mood regulation. Together with yoga, it can help you enhance your overall well-being.
Beyond the Mat
While combining supplements and yoga is a great idea for anyone seeking to optimize their physical and mental health, it is important to consider other factors. A balanced diet, consisting mostly of whole, unprocessed foods in combination with proper hydration and regular, quality sleep, is the foundation of a healthy life. A truly holistic approach to one’s health should not fail to consider all the surrounding factors, such as exposure to stress or healthy eating habits, before deciding on supplementation and yoga practice.
Pro Tips and Tricks
The combination of yoga and supplements should be as mindful as the yoga practice itself. Stocking supplements without a clear goal can be counterproductive; it is essential to carefully consider what you hope to gain from your yoga journey and which supplements can best support you on that path.
When speaking about supplements, timing is also important. If you decide to use adaptogens, it is recommended to consume them before your practice, while recovery-focused supplements like magnesium are best consumed after. Supplements that provide foundational support (such as vitamin D) should be incorporated into your daily routine whether you’re practicing that day or not.
Finally, always listen to your body. Some people react differently to certain supplements, and if you recognize that the effects are not suiting you, it’s best to contact your healthcare professional, who can provide you with guidance. To minimize the possibility of the absence of effects, it is important to choose high-quality, reputable brands that offer first-class products.
