August 1, 2024 Dr. DC Edward Group
Maintaining a sense of calm and balance often feels difficult. Between professional and personal responsibilities, daily frustrations beyond our control, and the demands of modern life, feeling stressed and anxious is normal for many people. It’s impossible to completely avoid being grumpy from time to time, but it doesn’t have to be your default setting, nor should it.
Taking supplements to regulate your mood is a great way to help you become more resilient to stressors so you don’t get hung up on negative thoughts when they come to mind.
Kava: a natural mood enhancer with many benefits
Kava extract is gaining popularity for its potential to reduce anxiety and boost mood. Scientific research supports these uses (1) and focuses on kava’s active compounds called kavalactones, which interact with neurotransmitters in the brain to increase relaxation and reduce stress. These kavalactones work by modulating the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in reducing the excitability of nerve cells, creating a feeling of relaxation in the mind and body (2).
But what makes kava extract so unique is its potential to improve a variety of other health aspects at the same time.
Kava extract benefits for the whole body
Here are some other ways kava may not only reduce anxiety but also improve your overall health.
physical relaxation and comfort
Stress and anxiety can make your entire body tense, causing chest pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, and muscle and joint pain. Research shows that up to 70% of people with depression and anxiety disorders report having chronic pain (4). Because kava is effective in uplifting your mood and calming your mind, it can also help you avoid physical symptoms associated with frequent stress and negative emotions.
Improved sleep quality
Research has shown that kava is especially helpful for people with anxiety-related insomnia and sleep disorders (5). By promoting a state of relaxation, Kava helps you fall asleep more easily and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep. The mechanism behind this benefit is similar to its anxiety-reducing effects, as kava increases GABA activity, resulting in a calming effect on the mind and body.
protect neurons from damage
Oxidative stress and inflammation can damage neurons and lead to cognitive decline and neurological disorders. Kava contains powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and protect neurons from oxidative degeneration. Additionally, some studies suggest that kava may inhibit the activity of certain enzymes that contribute to inflammation, further protecting the nervous system. This dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action may support overall brain health and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
mood regulation
The mood-regulating effects of kava are closely related to its effects on GABA and other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which play important roles in mood regulation (6). By regulating these neurotransmitters, kava helps stabilize mood swings and enhance emotional well-being.
Kava balm: a natural mood enhancer
Centuries of medical use and modern scientific research support kava as an effective supplement for reducing anxiety and regulating mood. Global Healing harnesses the power of pure kava extract and combines it with complementary ingredients such as milk thistle and bacopa to further support whole-body health.
If you want to experience a more stable and elevated emotional state, ask your healthcare provider if adding a supplement like Kava Calm is the right choice for you.
References (6) Sarris J, LaPorte E, Schweitzer I. Kava: a comprehensive review of efficacy, safety, and psychopharmacology. Australian New Zealand Department of Psychiatry. 2011 Jan;45(1):27-35. doi:10.3109/00048674.2010.522554. Epub 2010 11 15. PMID: 21073405. Bilia, A. R., Gallori, S., & Vincieri, F. F. (2002). Kava Kava and anxiety: increasing knowledge about efficacy and safety. Life Sciences, 70(22), 2581–2597. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0024-3205(02)01555-2 Kazunari Shinomiya, Tetsuya Inoue, Hiroshi Utsu, Susumu Tokunaga, Takuya Masuoka, Ajin Omori, C. Kamei C. Effect of kava kava extract on sleep – Sleep The arousal cycle of the impaired rat. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2005 July;180(3):564-9. doi: 10.1007/s00213-005-2196-4. Epub 2005 February 8th. PMID: 15700178. de Heer EW, Gerrits MM, Beekman AT, Dekker J, van Marwijk HW, de Waal MW, Spinhoven P, Penninx BW, van der Feltz-Cornelis CM. The association of pain with depression and anxiety: the NESDA study. PLoS One. 2014 October 15;9(10):e106907. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106907. Errata: PLoS One. 2014;9(12):e115077. PMID: 25330004; PMCID: PMC4198088. Lehrl S. Clinical efficacy of kava extract WS 1490 in sleep disorders associated with anxiety disorders. Results of a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. J Affect Disorder. 2004 Feb;78(2):101-10. doi: 10.1016/s0165-0327(02)00238-0. Errata: J Affect Disord. 2004 Dec;83(2-3):287. PMID: 14706720. Tseng YM, Lee MJ. Neuroprotective properties of kavalactones. Neural Regeneration Research 2015 June;10(6):875-7. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.158335. PMID: 26199594; PMCID: PMC4498339.
†Results may vary. The information and statements provided are for educational purposes and are not a substitute for medical advice. If you have a serious medical condition or health concern, please seek medical attention.
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Dr. Edward Groop, DC Founder | Healer | Advocate
Dr. Group of DC is a healer and alternative medicine advocate, an industry leader and innovator in the natural health field dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and a graduate of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. DC Group is the founder of Global Healing and has shared its mission and vision through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope and health around the world.
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