When stress rears its ugly head in life, it's tempting for some of us to turn to cigarettes or a boozy drink to cope.
But if you're looking for something with fewer drawbacks, yoga expert Rachelle Wintzen wants you to consider adding supplements to your daily routine.
For Wintzen, one supplement she recommends to combat stress is Rhodiola. The adaptogen herb is part of a group of natural compounds linked to improving your adrenal system. That's the same system that secretes the hormone cortisone, which is tied to stress.
"This plant-based herb helps to regulate cortisol. When we're in a state of constant stress, we are continuously releasing cortisol," says Wintzen. "This can lead to depression, a weakened immune system and weight gain."
For more on other supplements that help fight stress, check out the video above.
"2 Minutes To Transform" is your guide to small but meaningful changes for a better you. Experts share their tips to transform your life at home, in the office or while you're on the go -- all in under two minutes.
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Vitamins You Need From A To Z
Vitamin A(01 of26)
You may have this one in your skin cream in the form of retinol —vitamin A refers to three fat-soluble retinoids. Those old tales about carrots being good for your eyes are actually true. The root veggies are a good source of vitamin A, which is key for eye health. (credit:Henrik Sorensen via Getty Images)
Biotin(02 of26)
Also called vitamin B7 or vitamin H, biotin is important for the health of your hair, skin, eyes, and liver, as well as for nervous system function. Good dietary sources include egg yolks, sardines, nuts and whole grains. (credit:Alexandra Grablewski via Getty Images)
Vitamin C(03 of26)
If you’ve heard of a college student getting scurvy, you know why vitamin C is important. And our bodies don’t store vitamin C, so regular consumption is key. It’s in citrus fruits (hello, OJ), but also in bell peppers and winter squash. (credit:David McGlynn via Getty Images)
Vitamin D(04 of26)
We’re learning more all the time about the importance of vitamin D. It was originally added to milk to prevent rickets in children. Now, research indicates it may be related to colon cancer and multiple sclerosis. Find it in foods like salmon, beef liver and mushrooms. (credit:tycoon751 via Getty Images)
Vitamin E(05 of26)
You may know about vitamin E’s potential benefits for the skin — after all, it’s found in a lot of moisturizers — but this fat-soluble essential vitamin is also important for the production of red blood cells, and helps our bodies use vitamin K. For food, try spinach, grain products like cereal and cooked eggs. (credit:Eyecandy Images via Getty Images)
Folate(06 of26)
Good folate intake is particularly important for pregnant women, because it’s key for the development of the spinal column and nervous system. Good food sources include edamame, cooked spinach, lentils, and vegemite. (credit:thenakedsnail via Getty Images)
Glucosamine(07 of26)
Some people swear by this amino acid for bone and joint health. Glucosamine is made naturally in the body and is involved in the creation of cartilage. There's also some evidence that glucosamine sulphate can help with knee arthritis. (credit:BananaStock via Getty Images)
Histidine(08 of26)
Histidine is one of the essential amino acids which our bodies need but cannot make. This means we need to get histidine in the foods we eat. Histadine is important for nerve health and the creation of histamine. Foods with histidine include turkey, lamb, beef and cheese. (credit:Jennifer Boggs/Amy Paliwoda via Getty Images)
Iron(09 of26)
Iron is important for every cell in your body, but it’s particularly important for the ability of your blood and muscles to carry oxygen. Iron comes in two forms, heme and nonheme. Heme iron is found in animal products like meat, fish, and poultry, and nonheme iron is found in plant products like nuts and dried beans. (credit:Jan Hanus via Getty Images)
Jack-Jump-About(10 of26)
Commonly — but less entertainingly— known as goutweed, this edible plant was used in the past as a treatment for the joint condition gout (hence the name). It’s been used medicinally for centuries, and some still use it for rheumatoid diseases like gout and arthritis. (credit:Alliance via Getty Images)
Vitamin K(11 of26)
You may have heard vitamin K referred to as the clotting vitamin, because it’s so key to our blood's ability to clot properly. It can be found in foods like dark leafy greens, fish, and liver. (credit:Patrizia Savarese via Getty Images)
Lycopene(12 of26)
This phytonutrient is responsible for the red pigment in foods like tomatoes and watermelon. Some research has associated a lycopene-rich diet with better heart health. Lycopene can be found in cooked tomato products like tomato sauce. (credit:Ron Levine via Getty Images)
Magnesium(13 of26)
Magnesium is often found in calcium supplements, and that’s because the two minerals need each other in the body. Magnesium is also important for regulating our bodies' levels of copper, zinc, potassium, and vitamin D. (credit:diego_cervo via Getty Images)
Niacin:(14 of26)
Niacin or vitamin B3 is known for its role in increasing HDL (or “healthy” cholesterol) in the blood. But it’s also important for your nervous system and digestive system, as well as getting healthy hair and skin. (credit:RunPhoto via Getty Images)
Omega Fats(15 of26)
We’re learning more all the time about what omega-3 fatty acids mean for our health. These fats are a key part of our cell membranes, are important for hormone creation, and play a key role in brain function. You can find these fats in avocados, fish like salmon and flaxseeds. (credit:AlexPro9500 via Getty Images)
Potassium(16 of26)
Potassium is an under-appreciated mineral, especially considering how much sodium many of us have in our diets. There is some research showing that upping your potassium intake and cutting sodium can reduce stroke risk. Get it in foods like bananas and sweet potatoes. (credit:Henrik Sorensen via Getty Images)
Quercetin(17 of26)
This is a type of flavonoid, a plant compound that helps to give fruits and vegetables their particular colours. Quercetin is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, and it’s found in foods like citrus, apples, and onions. (credit:Jack Andersen via Getty Images)
Riboflavin(18 of26)
You may know this vitamin better as B2. It works with the other B vitamins to release energy from food and produce red blood cells. You can find it in common foods like dairy, eggs, lean meat, and milk, and riboflavin deficiencies are rare. (credit:Tara Moore via Getty Images)
Sodium(19 of26)
We hear a lot about trying not to eat too much sodium, but some of it is essential for our health. Along with potassium and chloride, sodium is one of the principal electrolytes, which are important for our bodily functions. But Canadians tend to eat too much sodium, in part because it’s added to so many foods. Aim for a max of 2,300 mg daily. (credit:L_Shtandel via Getty Images)
Thiamine(20 of26)
Otherwise known as vitamin B1, this one works with its B-vitamin cousins in a variety of bodily processes. Thiamine may be related to lower risk for cataracts. It could also help prevent kidney damage in diabetics and reduce menstrual pain. You can find thiamine in pork, nuts and fish like salmon. (credit:BJI / Lane Oatey via Getty Images)
Unsaturated Fats(21 of26)
These dietary fats are the ones associated with lower cholesterol levels and better heart health. Food sources include olive oil, avocados, and nuts. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)
Vitamin B12(22 of26)
Iron is associated with anemia, but vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause a kind of anemia or other serious health problems. If left untreated, B12 deficiencies can lead to permanent nerve damage. B12 is only found naturally in animal-based foods, so vegetarians and vegans should supplement. (credit:Annabelle Breakey via Getty Images)
Water(23 of26)
It’s easy to forget water because it’s so ubiquitous, but we all need it! Just how much we need is up for debate. The standard of eight glasses a day is well known, but everyone’s individual needs vary. But keep in mind that other fluids — like juice or teas — also count towards your fluid intake. And eating plenty of fruits and veggies also helps you stay well hydrated. (credit:Marcos Welsh via Getty Images)
Xi Yang Shen(24 of26)
Known in English as ginseng, this is a popular supplement in Chinese traditional medicine. Though the scientific research is still limited, ginseng is taken by many people to boost energy, promote relaxation, and reduce stress. (credit:leungchopan via Getty Images)
Yerba Mate(25 of26)
Obviously this isn't a vitamin or mineral, but you've likely noticed teas containing yerba mate at your favourite cafe. Mate is a popular drink in parts of South America. It contains caffeine, and some prefer it to coffee for an energy boost. Another option? Yogurt, which is filled with calcium. (credit:Joanna Wnuk via Getty Images)
Zinc(26 of26)
Some people take zinc when they feel a cold coming on in hopes of boosting their immunity. While the verdict is still out on that, zinc is important for the overall health of your immune system, as well as for DNA synthesis and cellular metabolism. If you like oysters, good news: they’re a great source of this essential mineral. (credit:John Harper via Getty Images)