As winter sets in and daily routines shift indoors, many people notice a familiar pattern: lower energy, disrupted digestion, increased cravings and a general sense of being run down. While cold weather is often blamed, the underlying driver is frequently less visible and that’s stress.
Increasingly, health experts are drawing attention to how chronic stress doesn’t only affect mental wellbeing but also shows up physically, particularly in the gut. This gut–mind connection is central to understanding why stress can feel so pervasive during the colder months and why nutrition plays a more important role than ever in maintaining resilience.
Stress doesn’t stay in the mind, it moves through the body
The idea that stress is purely psychological is outdated. Modern research increasingly shows that the body responds to stress in deeply physical ways, influencing everything from energy metabolism to digestive function.
According to Dr Inga Koopmann, Scientific Consultant at Doppelherz, today’s fast-paced lifestyles create what she describes as a “two-sided problem” when it comes to nutrition and stress.
“When we’re in this constant stress environment, we don’t eat as healthily as we should. We turn to processed foods, irregular eating patterns and quick high-energy snacks lacking in fibre. This creates blood sugar spikes rather than stable levels,” she explains.
These patterns are often compounded later in the day.
“In the evening, when you come home tired, you might overeat because you’re very hungry. You might drink to release pressure or smoke to help you relax. These stress-related habits can significantly impact our nutrient intake,” Dr Koopmann adds.
The result is a cycle where stress influences behaviour and this further strains the body’s ability to regulate energy, mood and digestion.
The gut–mind connection: where stress becomes physical
One of the most significant but often overlooked ways stress manifests is through the digestive system. The gut and brain are closely linked via the gut–brain axis, meaning emotional strain can directly influence digestive comfort and vice versa.
This is where traditional herbal support becomes particularly relevant. Melissa (lemon balm) for example, has long been used for its calming properties but also for its effect on the digestive system. Historically, it has been associated with relieving nervous tension that often presents physically in the gut, such as bloating, discomfort or “butterflies” during stressful periods.
In the context of modern stress, this dual action is increasingly relevant: supporting both emotional calm and digestive balance.
Nutrition, stress and the body’s increased demand for support
Beyond behaviour, stress also affects how the body uses nutrients. While research is still evolving, Dr Koopmann notes that certain micronutrients play a key role in supporting normal nervous system function during periods of pressure.
“We know magnesium is important for our nervous system, for example and we see differences in requirements between stressed and non-stressed states,” she says. “We also observe connections between vitamin C and cortisol metabolism.”
B-vitamins, in particular, are central to energy-yielding metabolism and normal neurological function. When demands on the body increase, whether due to work pressure, study or emotional strain, ensuring adequate intake becomes especially important.
Winter stress and energy imbalance
Winter can intensify these patterns. Reduced daylight, disrupted routines and increased indoor time can all amplify stress levels, while also influencing dietary habits and energy balance. Many people report feeling more fatigued and less focused during this period, often without recognising the underlying role of stress and nutrient depletion.
This is where consistency in nutrition becomes critical.
“We should try to eat as healthily as possible, as consistently as possible but when we can’t maintain optimal nutrition through diet alone, supplements can help ensure our bodies receive essential nutrients, particularly during stressful periods,” says Dr Koopmann.
Supporting focus, calm and resilience
Against this backdrop, targeted nutritional support can play a role in helping the body cope with everyday demands. Doppelherz® aktiv Anti-Stress is formulated to support mental performance and resilience during periods of stress.
Each tablet contains folic acid and B-vitamins, which contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and support the nervous system. In addition, it includes extracts of Melissa and Ginkgo, two botanicals with long-standing traditional use.
Ginkgo has historically been associated with mental clarity and alertness, particularly in Asian traditions where it is regarded as a symbol of vitality and cognitive strength. Melissa, meanwhile, is traditionally used to help ease nervous tension and support digestive comfort, reflecting the close relationship between emotional strain and gut sensitivity.
This combination reflects a broader understanding of stress: not only as a mental burden but as a whole-body experience that affects energy, focus and digestion.
A holistic view of stress in modern life
In a world where constant alertness is often seen as a baseline expectation, supporting the body’s ability to adapt becomes essential. That includes recognising the gut–mind connection, maintaining nutritional stability and acknowledging that stress is something the body processes, not just something the mind experiences.
“As winter continues, this integrated approach may be key to staying focused, resilient and physically balanced throughout the season,” concludes Dr Koopman.
Doppelherz® aktiv Anti-Stress is available at Clicks, local pharmacies and on Ivohealth.co.za for R240.
https://ivohealth.co.za/product/doppelherz-aktiv-anti-stress/
https://clicks.co.za/doppelherz_aktiv-anti-stress-30-tablets/p/405516
This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.