Sometimes we’re so stressed we need to reach for the bottle. No, I’m not advocating drowning you’re sorrows or steeling those nerves with some overproof courage. I’m talking about keeping some handy mineral and vitamin supplements in easy reach for when you’d really prefer to be underwhelmed rather than over.  The body’s stress response is to release adrenalin and cortisol into the bloodstream and it doesn’t matter what the trigger is, this is going to happen every time. These two hormones burn up the Vitamin B group, plus Vitamin C, magnesium and zinc like there’s no tomorrow, and once these nutrients are consumed by your anxiety, they’re no longer available for other parts of your body. A good example is collagen – it needs Vitamin C and zinc – without these your skin is in trouble…and you won’t have anything to make your white blood cells either. Likewise, a loss of magnesium can cause headaches and even raise your blood pressure – while the Vitamin B group is needed for brain functions and energy to keep the body-show on the road. The simple fact is, no matter what is stressing you, be it a sabre-tooth tiger or your insurance bill, you are burning nutrients that have to be replaced – and if you don’t, even more things could go wrong. So reach for that bottle…and make sure it has Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, magnesium or zinc on it. In fact, have a crunchy cocktail and make sure you have all of them.