Can supplements support your mental health?

Now that we’ve explored how diabetes, mental health and nutrition are connected, what about supplements? The body and mind are more connected than we often realise, and well-studied botanicals may play a beneficial role in supporting everyday balance.

Physical and mental health

Most of us think of physical health and mental health as separate things. They’re not. The way our bodies process energy and the way we feel day to day are in constant conversation, each one shaping the other.

We don’t have to look far to understand this: blood sugar is one of the clearest examples. When it rises and falls sharply through the day, it doesn’t just affect energy levels, it can affect mood, focus and how settled we feel. And it runs the other way too: stress and low mood influence the hormones that govern how the body handles glucose. It’s a two-way street.

For anyone paying attention to their metabolic health, this connection matters. Managing blood sugars and mental health go hand in hand, and diet, movement, sleep and stress all sit at the centre of both.

Where nutrition fits in

Within that bigger picture specific nutrients have been studied for the part they may play in supporting normal metabolic function and a balanced mood.

It’s important to note that supplements are not a substitute for the care and treatment plan you’ve agreed with your doctor. But as part of a healthy lifestyle, well-formulated botanicals are worth understanding.

Supplement for healthy blood glucose levels: Berberine

Berberine HCl is sustainably sourced from Berberis aristata (tree turmeric), and often paired with ingredients like Liposomal Origine 8® green tea extract and Chromium for added potency and synergistic action:

What it does: supports the metabolism, healthy blood glucose levels, heart and gut health.

Berberine is one of the most extensively studied botanical compounds available, with over 6,000 published studies examining its role in glucose and lipid metabolism. 

• Clinical studies have demonstrated that berberine is beneficial for lowering blood sugar and supports a healthy inflammatory response, helping support healthy metabolism and overall blood sugar balance.
• Research shows that Berberine reduced LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides, helping support heart health and healthy blood lipid levels.
• Clinical studies demonstrated that berberine lowered blood glucose in people with Type 2 diabetes and had effects similar to metformin in newly diagnosed patients.

Just be sure to look for a reputable brand, like Biomax® Bio-Berberine®.

Supplement for mood support: Saffron

Saffron helps to promote healthy mood balance and reduce anxiety. But not just any saffron, you want to look for affron® which is a patented saffron extract from Crocus sativus, genetically verified and grown in Spain. 

This isn’t generic saffron. affron® is a specific, clinically researched extract, standardised for consistency from one capsule to the next, with the compounds most associated with saffron’s studied effects.

The affron® saffron extract has been investigated in multiple clinical trials for its effects on mood and stress:

• Outcomes of clinical trials have shown a standardised saffron extract (affron®) improved mood and lowered anxiety and stress in healthy adults over four weeks.⁴
• Clinical studies have demonstrated intake of saffron extract (affron®) in the evening improved self-rated sleep quality, insomnia symptom scores and morning mood ratings.⁵ 

Again, quality matters. Look for brands like Biomax® Saffron that have been clinically tested.

Supplements alongside a healthy lifestyle

As with any supplement, these work best alongside a balanced diet, regular movement, good sleep and the guidance of your healthcare team. If you’re managing a health condition or taking medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before adding something new.

Find out more about these supplements and more at https://phytoceutics.com/collections/biomax

Do you take supplements?

This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use. If symptoms persist, please consult your healthcare practitioner.