​CONFESSION: I used to require several cups of coffee just to get through a day.

Not only did I love the jolt that coffee provided (especially in my naturally sluggish morning state) I loved the taste, the smell, the warmth of the mug cupped in my palms.

While small amounts of coffee have proven health benefits - like increasing mental alertness, assisting in weight loss, and helping to reduce the risk of stroke - too much coffee can be detrimental to your health. (If you drink coffee regularly, you know that caffeine can lead to the jitters and post-drinking crashes.)

But in some instances, too much caffeine from coffee can also contribute to nervousness, restlessness, increased heart rate, stomach upset and even insomnia.  Not to mention that coffee is highly acidic, and too much acid can lead to digestive issues, joint and muscle pain, and even, believe it or not....lethargy and tiredness. This is why - aside from infrequent indulgence in the less acidic coffee, cold brew - I'm cutting back on the caffeine and replacing it with a natural, herbal tonic, known as Torii Awake.

Torii Awake: A Natural Coffee Replacement

This powerful elixir combines potent, adaptogenic herbs to increase focus, mental alertness and stamina, without the need for caffeine. Not only does this formula help to wake you up and clear your brain fog, it also helps to reduce stress, thanks to one of its potent herbal ingredients: Eleuthero.

But Eleuthero isn't the only potent and promising ingredient that Torii's tonics provide. Included in all of Torii Labs' products - like Torii Unwind and Torii Restore -  is an all-star ingredient that the company has become known for. The name? Fulvic Acid.

Fulvic Acid is an organic compound that is scientifically proven to increase nutrient absorption and support cellular detoxification.

The perfect caffeine replacement, Torii Awake comes in two different forms: as a tonic or a shot. Although I love the taste of the tonic, I personally prefer the shot because it's easy to take on-the-go and incorporate into my busy morning routine.

Not only do I love the quality, taste and efficacy of Torii Lab's products, I also love the company's philosophy. All of Torii's products are cultivated from wildcrafted herbs, organic juice and sustainable ingredients. The company's mission? To improve your stamina and performance, for the long run - not just the sprint! 

For a limited time, sign up for Torii Labs' monthly subscription and receive a free week's supply of your favorite Torii shots. 

Struggling with anxiety and depression? It's more common than you think.

Nearly 15 million Americans a year struggle with depression and about 18% of Americans battle one or more anxiety disorders, that occur twice as frequently in women than men. 

For us New Yorkers, especially those that battle Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the cold weather doesn't help. Increased time spent indoors and decreased exposure to sunlight (Vitamin D) can lead to increased rates of anxiety and depression. Luckily, nature offers many treatments for those struggling with anxiety and depression.

There are many supplements that have shown promising in their ability to decrease anxiety and depression and restore mental well-being.

Below are five supplements considered to be some of the most effective in their treatment of anxiety and depression.

As always, be sure to consult with your physician before taking any supplements, especially if you have a history of anxiety or depression or are currently taking other medications and/or supplements.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxtryptophan)
5-HTP is a by-product of the protein building block, L-tryptophan. It works with the brain and central nervous system to increase production of the chemical serotonin, which is involved in sleep, appetite, sexual behavior and pain sensation. By increasing the synthesis of serotonin, 5-HTP can be a natural treatment for depression and anxiety, as well as insomnia, migraines, tension headaches, fibromyalgia, PMS, ADHD, seizures and more.

Omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids
Essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, play a vital role in the function of serotonin and dopamine. Regularly eating omega-3 and omega-6-rich foods, like salmon, tuna, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds, are considered two of the best supplements for depression.

Vitamin B6
Several studies, including those of the National Institute of Health, reveal that vitamin B6 deficiency can contribute to depression and inattentiveness or mental confusion. Moreover, most diets do not provide sufficient amounts of this vitamin, otherwise known as  pyridoxine. Since vitamin b6 is water-soluble and not stored by the body, it must be added to our diets or taken as a supplement. Foods that contain Vitamin B6 include:  beef liver, potatoes, raw garlic and some non-citrus fruits.

Folate
Many people that struggle with depression are deficient in Folate, or Vitamin B9. Found in many different healthy foods, including fruits and leafy vegetables, folate is responsible for protein metabolism, cell growth and division and the prevention of neural tube defects. Folate deficiency may lead to the development of MDD, or major depressive disorder. Malabsorption of this vitamin is also associated with poor response to antidepressants. 

Ashwaganda
Dating back three millennia and used by Ayurvedic practitioners, Ashwaganda is an herb proven to help calm anxiety in clinical studies. Ashwaganda is considered an ‘adaptogenic,' meaning that supplementation results in homeostasis or stabilization of physiological processes. 

Stay tuned for the next post in our series of other natural anxiety and depression fighters this week!