Stress Support | Adaptogen Herbs + Nutrients

More about Stress Support

OVERVIEW

Stress Support contains a nootropic and a blend of adaptogenic botanicals and nutrients specifically formulated to counteract the effects of daily stress, improve mental performance, and support healthy energy levels. This product provides a unique blend of stress-adapting botanicals that support the body’s resistance to fatigue, improve cognition and help to maintain balanced cortisol and DHEA levels.

Stress is defined as any disturbance—extreme cold or heat, psychological stress, sleep deprivation, work overload, physical trauma, as well as toxic exposure— that can trigger the stress response. The body’s stress response system is comprised of the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Prolonged stress triggers the HPA axis and consists of three stages: alarm, resistance and exhaustion.

The initial, short-lived phase is the body’s normal fight-or- flight response to danger, characterized by elevated cortisol levels. The subsequent resistance phase allows the body to continue buffering extended stress exposure, long after the initial fight-or-flight response has dissipated. Hormones released by the adrenals, such as cortisol and DHEA, help support the “resistance” reaction. Extended periods of stress not only burden the system, creating an imbalance in cortisol and DHEA production, but can result in mental and physical fatigue, nervous tension, irritability and poor memory—all of which are characteristic of stage 3. This product provides a unique blend of botanicals and nutrients that supports the stress response, improves cognition and in particular, promotes cortisol balance during the initial alarm phase.

L-Theanine*

L-theanine is an amino acid found abundantly in green tea. L-theanine has been shown to quickly improve stress perception and resilience. The stress-buffering mechanisms of L-theanine have been connected to the ability of L-theanine to increase serotonin and dopamine production in the brain.[1] L-theanine has also been shown to significantly increase alpha brain wave activity, which is critical for increasing attention and promoting a sense of relaxation.[2] In a study using 16 healthy volunteers, electroencephalograph (EEG) readings of participants were recorded following the ingestion of 50 mg of L-theanine. The researchers found a significant increase in alpha brain wave activity versus placebo.[2] L-theanine has also been shown to have a protective effect for nerve cells and reduces excitatory glutamate activity in the brain.[3]

Phosphatidylserine*

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid that is found in high concentrations in the brain. In studies administering phosphatidylserine (50-800 mg) to subjects under stress (physical, emotional, mental, etc.), it has been found that phosphatidylserine reduces stress-induced excretion of cortisol.[4-7] Administration of phosphatidylserine has also been studied in exercising subjects. It has been demonstrated that phosphatidylserine reduces the cortisol response to overtraining, resulting in a reduction in perceived muscle soreness and improvement in athletic performance.[8-10]

Bacopa monierri*

Bacopa monierri is an herb that provides nervous system support for individuals under stress. Bacognize® is known to improve memory, learning, attention, and focus.[11] It is shown to have strong regulation of mood function at the serotonin receptor.[12] Bacopa offers neuroprotection and antioxidant effects to reduce oxidative stress.[13]

Ashwagandha Root Extract*

Ashwagandha’s strong adaptogenic properties provide several benefits for individuals that have compromised health due to extreme stress exposure. Ashwagandha’s benefits include improving stress resilience, supporting immune response, regulating the sleep cycle, supporting healthy thyroid function and protecting against exhaustion of the nervous system.[14] Ashwagandha has shown to be beneficial in supporting proper mood regulation and restoring a sense of calmness under stress.[14]

Rhodiola rosea Root Extract*

Rhodiola rosea has been categorized as an adaptogenic botanical due to its ability to increase resistance to a variety of stressors.[15] Rhodiola has been studied extensively and is widely used in Eastern Europe and Asia to help support the nervous system, mood regulation, mental clarity, work performance and the sleep cycle.15 Within the central nervous system, Rhodiola has demonstrated an ability to preserve levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study examining the effects of Rhodiola on fatigue and stress, 161 patients aged 19 to 21 years received Rhodiola twice daily resulting in a significant reduction in fatigue.[16] An additional study using Rhodiola extract in students showed significant improvements in mental performance, greater mood stability, and improved sleep patterns.[17]

Eleuthero Root Extract*

Eleutherococcus senticosus has also been identified as a strong adaptogenic botanical and is widely used in China to improve general health, support memory and endurance.[18] In addition to its ability to improve stress resilience and fight fatigue, Eleuthero has exhibited immune supporting effects.[19] In a double-blind study, 45 healthy volunteers received Eleuthero or placebo for 30 days. A cognitive challenge test was given to assess stress response, along with heart rate. Unlike placebo, subjects receiving Eleuthero demonstrated a 40% reduction in heart rate in response to the stressor.[20] Eleuthero has also been shown to improve performance in runners. In a study on performance athletes, Eleuthero extract (2 or 4 mL) given 30 minutes prior to a race significantly reduced race time (48.7 minutes) compared to the control group (52.6 minutes). [21]

Before starting any supplement regimen, please download and discuss the information in this guide with your primary care physician. View/Download our Product Knowledge Guide.