To riff a bit on “Star Wars,” the force is strong between the mind and gut. But I’m no Jedi Master; I don’t always connect the dots.

The good news is, myriad brands are into wellness these days—and they are sharing messaging (and products) to help consumers—myself included—live a healthier life, both inside and out.

Take Benefiber. This summer, this well-known fiber supplement hosted a “Gut Checkpoint” pop-up at The Grove that served up smoothies, including one called the “Stress Free-ze” that contained its new Benefiber Dual Action Biotic Stress Relief formula.

This isn’t your mother’s fiber supplement; it contains L-Theanine, which has the ability to influence brain neurotransmitters like serotonin, according to Valerie Agyeman R.D.N.

As working parent just days away from paying college tuition bills for my two daughters, stress comes easy for me right now. And lucky me, I’m also in my menopause era and “enjoying” all the goodness that comes from that. So, yes—I was intrigued by the idea that a smoothie could improve my gut health and help take my stress level down a notch.

Since I couldn’t get down to Florida for the pop-up, I reached out to Agyeman, a nationally recognized dietitian nutritionist who works with the Haleon-owned supplements brand, to learn more about this new Benefiber option.

And, I was also able to get her take on take on the expanding wellness space. This category, which taps into health and longevity, is becoming ever more intertwined with consumers’ beauty and personal care goals. (FYI, Happi’s conference on this very topic is Sept. 12 in New York City. If you are reading this, you should be joining us…)

CE: Can you talk about nutrition in the context of stress? For example, many people change their eating habits when they are stressed…and how does this impact the body and mood? Can a poor diet exacerbate stress—if yes, how so?

Agyeman: Stress often leads to changes in eating habits, such as overeating or losing appetite, which can impact the body and mood. These changes may result in weight gain, mood swings, and decreased cognitive function for some people. Additionally, a poor diet with excess added sugars, saturated and trans fats and sodium often lacks in essential nutrients and omega-3s which can negatively affect brain function and hormones. There’s also growing attention to the gut-brain link, highlighting how the gut microbiome affects brain function, mood, and behavior.

CE: What are the health benefits of L-theanine?

Agyeman: L-theanine is gaining popularity these days due to its calming properties, influencing brain neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. According to a 2019 study published in Nutrients L-theanine has shown potential to support mental health, especially among those with stress-related issues and cognitive impairments. 

CE: Where is L-theanine found typically in other food/beverages—and does the body need this in greater amounts during certain times—either during stress, as we age, or during menopause?

Agyeman: L-Theanine is primarily found in tea leaves, especially green tea and certain mushrooms may also provide small amounts of this amino acid. When facing high stress, integrating stress-reducing lifestyle strategies is crucial. Consuming nutrient-dense foods and beverages that aid in managing stress and supporting cognitive function is essential while considering L-theanine as a potential supplement should be done under the guidance of your healthcare provider.

CE: Tell me about Dual Action Biotic +Stress formula.

Agyeman: Benefiber Dual Action Biotic + Stress formula combines fiber, probiotics, and stress-supporting ingredients in one product. It promotes digestive health by supporting regularity and a balanced gut microbiome with probiotics. The added stress-management ingredients offer potential relaxation benefits, making it a convenient option for those seeking both digestive support and stress relief. The “dual action” benefit combines both prebiotic and probiotic fibers into one solution, simplifying gut health by providing both benefits in an easy-to-use format.

CE: Are there other areas of wellness that from the dietitian’s perspective are overlooked in terms of nutrition? What are they?

Agyeman: Mental health is a key area where the impact of nutrition is often overlooked. Many individuals are unaware of how significantly diet can affect their mood and cognitive function. Key mood-supporting nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, B vitamins in leafy greens and whole grains, magnesium found in nuts and seeds, and vitamin D all playing vital roles in mental well-being.

CE:  Can we talk about beauty—healthy skin, hair and nails. How does this relate to your work? Are there foods or supplements that people should consider when it comes to say one’s hair health or skin?

Agyeman: As a dietitian, I stress the importance of nutrition for healthy skin, hair and nails. Essential vitamins and minerals are so needed. Protein supports skin health by helping repair and maintain tissues. Vitamin C from citrus fruits also aids in collagen production. Vitamin E, found in nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables, acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin cells from damage. Additionally, if needed, supplementing with Benefiber can help support digestive health, which is important for overall skin health through its promotion of a healthy gut.