- With Mayo Clinic nutritionists
Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
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Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Katherine Zeratsky and Jennifer Nelson
Jennifer K. Nelson, M.S., R.D., L.D., C.N.S.D.
Jennifer Nelson is your link to a better diet. As specialty editor of the nutrition and healthy eating guide, she plays a vital role in bringing you healthy recipes and meal planning."Nutrition is one way people have direct control over the quality of their lives," she says. "I hope to translate the science of nutrition into ways that people can select and prepare great-tasting foods that help maintain health and treat disease."
A St. Paul, Minn., native, she has been with Mayo Clinic since 1978, and is director of clinical dietetics and an associate professor of nutrition at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
She leads clinical nutrition efforts for a staff of more than 60 clinical dietitians and nine dietetic technicians and oversees nutrition services, staffing, strategic and financial planning, and quality improvement. Nelson was co-editor of the "Mayo Clinic Diet" and the James Beard Foundation Award-winning "The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook." She has been a contributing author to and reviewer of many other Mayo Clinic books, including "Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody," "The Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" and "The Mayo Clinic/Williams Sonoma Cookbook." She contributes to the strategic direction of the Food & Nutrition Center, which includes creating recipes and menus, reviewing nutrition content of various articles, and providing expert answers to nutrition questions.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor of the nutrition and healthy eating guide, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.A Marinette, Wis., native, she is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She's active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in wellness nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and nutrition related to weight management and practical applications of nutrition-related lifestyle changes.
Other areas of interest include food and nutrition for all life stages, active lifestyles and the culinary arts.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
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Nutrition-wise blog
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March 6, 2010
Relaxation drinks: Does calm come in a can?
By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Ever tried a warm glass of milk at bedtime to help you sleep? What about coffee to get you going in the morning? Or an energy drink for a boost in the afternoon? How about a drink to help you unwind after a stressful day? No, I don't mean beer or wine.
I'm talking about "relaxation drinks," a new line of beverages that claim to help you chill out. Relaxation drinks contain ingredients such as theanine and melatonin, which are purported to reduce anxiety or induce sleep. These two ingredients are "generally considered as safe" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, the FDA doesn't strictly regulate dietary supplements like these, which is why you should always talk with your doctor before trying any supplement. (And children and women who are pregnant or nursing probably shouldn't partake of relaxation drinks.)
Have our bodies gotten so out of sync that we can't stay awake, fall asleep or even relax without a chemical or herbal aid? Have you tried these relaxation drinks? Did you find them to be beneficial? Or do you eschew energy and relaxation drinks and similar beverages? What do you do instead to rev up or wind down?
10 comments posted
March 12, 2012 9:32 a.m.
I love these drinks and swear by them, I am a person who genuinely doesn't like having to take an anti-depressant just to calm down. I have horrible anxiety issues and my mind races insanely at night. These drinks help keep me from turning to sleeping pills every night just to get to sleep.
- Devon
February 1, 2011 9:26 p.m.
It's interesting to me, as people have been "living better through chemistry" since before modern civilization. As someone who has dabbled with both coffee and energy drinks, and eschewed all forms of illicit drugs, I tried a couple of the relaxation beverages sld at That Computer Store, our local gaming center. They work very well, and after some small bit of research it seems the active ingredients are the same or similar to ingredients used in "Sleepy time" teas, etc. for years. While I am concerned about the long term effects of these substances, these drinks have been great for me when my mind is overactive and I haev an early morning meeting. I do, however, suggest parents be aware of what their children are imbibing. The folks at That Computer Store took great care to warn me not to let small children drink them, much like energy drinks, and I appreciate their concern.
- Tony
September 23, 2010 4:55 p.m.
Warning: Be very careful abt chamomile tea, etc (Comes from daisies) It can kill. Teemporarily stopped my lungs from breathing (anaphalactic?). Has been known to kill (i.e., permanent sleep).
- C K
July 26, 2010 8:14 a.m.
KOMA UNWIND relaxation drink has some of these over the counter supplements, Man this drink works, Sleep better than ever, Calms the kids after dinner , ( they get up for school better) We love it......
- Jeb
April 7, 2010 5:04 p.m.
Melatonin is a hormone which is naturally released in the evening. It helps to regulate your circadian rhythm. Taking it during the daytime to "chill out" could be bad for your body and it could mess up your body's natural clock. I am a pharmacist and I am very surprised that they are allowing this in a drink. The people who seem most attracted to these types of products are teenagers who should not be taking this. (Just like the caffeine "energy drinks" so many overuse.)
- Erin
March 10, 2010 11:16 a.m.
I don't see any reference to the most effective way to serenity, sound sleep or any other problem and for me, Walking does it all. I read in a walking book: "Solvitur Ambulandi" which means, The Problem can be solved by Walking. Try it. It is wonderful.
- Rose
March 10, 2010 9:25 a.m.
My husband and I have been drinking a cup of chamomile tea at night and have found be get a more restful sleep. also after using muscles you haven't used in a while weren't so sore the next morning. If we miss a night or 2 my husbasnd can really tell a difference with his restless leg syndrome.
- Kim
March 9, 2010 4:25 p.m.
I had never heard of this before. Sounds like a gimmick to me, but many gimmicks have made millions of dollars over the past few years. I believe the comment in the article "talk to your doctor" before trying this stuff is a cop out. Doctors that I know typically know little about food and drink supplements.
- Peter
March 8, 2010 8:52 p.m.
I think your article on Relaxation drinks was interesting since they are the new thing. But, I think you need to be aware that not ALL relaxation drinks contain the chemicals you stated and still "relax," you. For example, Mini Chill, doesn't contain Melatonin.
- James
March 8, 2010 7:44 a.m.
Green Tea or Mate in the morning is plenty of caffeine for me. Though I honestly don't notice the lack of it on mornings where I miss out. I really just like having something hot to drink. Sometimes ginger, lemongrass, or roobois root based tea in the evening.
- Adam
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