07 Apr Supplement Solutions for Stress
The following include quality nutritional supplements to support the health and well-being of patients in various stress response stages. Refer to The Stress Solution guidebook for more information and therapeutic tools.
Early-Stage: Cortisol Reducer
Helps reduce stress hormone, promote relaxation, alleviate fatigue & chronic apprehensiveness, without the use of habit-forming ingredients. By balancing cortisol levels, Cortisol Reducer can help reduce stress, which supports a restful night’s sleep without diminishing daytime alertness.
Cortisol Reducer can be taken in conjunction with Adrenal Forte when additional energy and stress support is needed.
Cortisol Reducer features:
- Ashwagandha
- L-theanine
- Phosphatidylserine
- Relora (a proprietary blend of plant extracts from Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense)
- Magnesium glycinate
• Effective: 71% of study participants experienced improved sleep
• Fast-Acting: reduced cortisol by more than 60% after only 24 hours
A 28-day pilot study using the ingredients in this supplement found that stress was significantly reduced during the course of the study. In a subgroup tested for salivary cortisol levels, a drop of more than 60% was observed after the first dose and averaged 75-83% reduction at study’s end.
Mid-Stage: Adrenal Forte
Adrenal Forte combines five powerful adaptogenic herbs to help the body better response to both mental and physical stressors. With key ingredient, such as Ashwagandha, Rhodiola root extract, and Eleuthero root extract, combined with standardized extract of Schisandra, Licorice and Wild Yam root, Adrenal Forte supports healthy stress hormone balance via the HPA axis. *Note: Many anti-fatigue formulas use high doses of Rhodiola, this has an opposite, sedative effect on the adrenals. Low doses of Rhodiola (not exceeding 100mg) during the day boosts energy, high doses do not.
- Non-stimulant formula.
- Reduces mental stress and fatigue.
- Improves mood and calms occasional anxiety
- Supports cognitive function.
Late-Stage: High ORAC MultiForce + Adrenal Forte
- Combats stress-related fatigue and promotes energy recovery.
- Includes ingredients to support healthy adrenal gland function.
This combination utilizes L-tyrosine in the adrenal formula for added thyroid metabolism support and active forms of essential B-vitamins that can be depleted by stress. Activated 5 MTHF in this formula supports synthesis of serotonin, melatonin and DNA.
The inclusion of antioxidants such as Vitamin C, turmeric, alpha-lipoic, resveratrol, and the organic berry blend helps to further combat stress-related fatigue and promote energy recovery.
Over the past decade, numerous studies have identified the benefits of antioxidant phytonutrients and compounds found in fruits and vegetables that assist in maintaining cell function. Berries for instance have been found to improve cognitive function and protect delicate brain structures from oxidative damage. Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, along with antioxidant nutraceuticals may help protect against harmful agents and preserve the longevity of cell health.
Late Stage Sleep Reset: Cortisol Reducer + Any combination of key ingredients below which can be custom compounded to address unique needs.
Managing stress can help support healthy sleep patterns. Conversely, obtaining a sufficient quantity and quality of sleep is vital to preserving a healthy stress response system. Sleep plays a modest but important role in modulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity by inhibiting secretion of the stress hormone cortisol.
Cortisol Reducer supports the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, enhancing overall sleep quality without morning drowsiness. L-theanine promotes alpha-brain wave activity, relieves occasional anxiety, and may counteract the stimulating effects of caffeine.
Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin helps to promote relaxation and healthy sleep patterns. Best taken before sleep while participating in a relaxing activity.
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium glycinate in particular helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function and helps keep heart rhythm steady. Alterations in autonomic nervous system response may be a result of magnesium deficiency.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is the immediate precursor of serotonin, and supplementation provides nutritional support for normal sleep and mood. 5-HTP supplementation has also been shown to have pain-reducing and appetite- controlling effects. Best taken between meals.
L-Tryptophan is an amino acid that promotes sleep and is found in small amounts in all protein foods. It is a precursor to the sleep-inducing compounds serotonin (a neurotransmitter), and melatonin (a hormone which also acts as a neurotransmitter). For tryptophan to have a sedative effect, it needs to enter the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and is best absorbed with a low-protein, carbohydrate-rich snack or meal.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an important amino acid neurotransmitter in the brain. It regulates brain nerve cell functions and has been referred to as the brain’s natural calming agent.
Botanical herbs: synergistic blends of potent nervine botanicals including valerian root, passion flower, lavender, california poppy, motherwort, avena sativa, scullcap and other calming herbs can promote relaxation and provide relief of occasional muscle stress due to occasional overuse, as demonstrated in controlled trials published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
Bio-identical (natural) Progesterone cream or oral capsules in addition to effectively helping to manage the symptoms of pms and menopause, this hormone is also helpful in controlling anxiety and aiding with sleep quality and latency.