If you're… feeling stressed, overwhelmed, fatigued or need a quick pick-me-up.
Time to take… Naturally High by Solal Technologies
How it works: According to Carina Hawari, head of pharmacy, Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre, its natural blend of herbal and nutritional extracts raises the levels of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. The supplement also enhances the brain's ability to cope with stress and it has an anti-anxiety effect by calming the central nervous system. And unlike antidepressants, this supplement doesn't artificially prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitters, which can lead to side effects like sleep disturbances. You should see the effects after a few days, but for optimum results you should take it for at least four weeks.
Why it's ideal: "It helps improve mood by preventing the breakdown of the brain's three mood-enhancing neurotransmitters," says Carina.
If you're… forgetful or losing focus.
Time to take… Brain Formula by Biogena
How it works: According to Carina, Brain Formula has been found to help with memory and concentration problems in the short-term, by improving cognitive performance. It combines herbal ginkgo extract, which boosts the cerebral blood circulation, and NADH, which enhances neurotransmitter activity.
Why it's ideal: "Brain Formula improves blood circulation and maintains high mental performance. It increases blood flow to all organs and increases oxygen tension, curing the symptoms of decreased circulation," Carina says.
If you're… struggling to get to sleep.
Time to take… A combination of melatonin tablets and ziziphus formula.
How it works: This formula helps maintain healthy sleeping patterns. Melatonin helps regulate night and day cycles and has immune stimulatory and antioxidant effects. The hormone is released at night, helping the sleep cycle. Meanwhile, according to Carina, ziziphus formula has a calming and relaxing effect on the body. It has been found to resolve some common sleep disturbing symptoms such as irritability, palpitations and restlessness.
Why it's ideal: Unlike synthetic sleeping pills, they don't introduce unnatural chemicals into your body.
If you're… stressed or feeling anxious.
Time to take… Biogena's Burnout Formula or Original Bach Rescue Remedy
How it works: Burnout Formula helps reduce stress and anxiety, and a number of other ailments including mild depression, tiredness and insomnia. It contains ginseng that increases energy and improves adrenal function, which in turn enhances our stress-coping ability and memory. Bach Rescue Remedy combines five flower essences, which help you cope with different emotional aspects of stress. Cherry Plum is thought to help with loss of self control, while Star of Bethlehem helps you deal with trauma and shock.
Why it's ideal: Carina says: "The original Bach Rescue Remedy is beneficial when you find yourself in traumatic situations, when you're stressed or when you suddenly lose your balance mentally. It helps you gain clarity and alertness in the present moment."
If you're… struggling to fall pregnant.
Time to take... Orthomol Natal for Women
How it works: Prenatal vitamins help ensure your body is a healthy and nutritious environment for your baby. Orthomol Natal is ideal for women before, during and after pregnancy. It contains vitamins, minerals, trace elements and antioxidants that are important for fertility and pregnancy, including folic acid, iodine, calcium, magnesium and iron. It also contains special omega-3 fatty acids, especially probiotics and DHA.
Why it's ideal: "It contains vitamins, trace elements and minerals that have a favourable influence on fertility. It also contains folic acid, which is essential for cell division and therefore very important prior to pregnancy," explains Carina.
If you're... following a healthy diet and exercise weightloss programme and want to increase the kilo-shifting process.
Time to take… Weight Loss Facilitator by Solal Technologies
How it works: According to Carina, this supplement helps burn fat, suppresses appetite, boosts metabolic rate and energy levels and helps prevent sugar cravings. The key ingredient synephrine has been found to increase the body's basal metabolic rate by three per cent, and stimulate fat burning, which works by stimulating the release of adrenaline.
Why it's ideal: It also contains green tea, which increases the process of thermogenesis and suppresses appetite. It decreases the absorption of dietary fats by stopping the production of digestive enzymes that facilitate the process. A
