Unfortunately, prolonged stress can damage our bodies in a number of ways, such as reducing the effectiveness of our immune system, so we are less able to defend ourselves against disease.

In the absence of vitamin C, the immune cells that kill bacteria and viruses are reduced, so we get sick sooner and develop inflammations more often, which are harder to heal. When we are under stress, our body mobilises its energy reserves, so we use more vitamin C.

And if you don't have enough vitamin C, it's obviously harder for your body to process stress. When mental and emotional stress increases, not only do we need more energy, but we also produce harmful substances that need antioxidants, again vitamin C, to neutralise.

How can vitamin C help against stress?

People who take 1000 mg of vitamin C a day have much less elevated blood pressure and normalised stress hormone levels than those who do not take vitamin C. Chamomile has been used for a very long time to reduce stress. Many experts and naturopaths consider it the best antidote to stress. It is worth drinking 3 cups of chamomile a day. Chamomile, lavender and cat's-root can be used to make a great bath water to reduce stress. Ginseng is also very good against stress. It is worth taking 100-250 mg of it during a stressful period. Prevention is also very important when it comes to stress. You should walk or do some kind of exercise for at least 20 minutes, about 3 times a week. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good and put you in a much better mood. It also reduces anxiety.

It is essential to cut down on alcohol, sugar and caffeine. Smoking should be avoided completely. These harmful substances only aggravate the symptoms of stress. It is also worth choosing a relaxing leisure activity such as gardening, reading or perhaps knitting or sports. The important thing is that it should be something that helps you to recover from the difficulties of life.