Stress is a certainty in this life. We are all exposed to different kinds of stress. There are external stressors, such as marital conflicts, financial worries, and the 5 o’clock traffic jam, but lots of other stress comes from factors inside of us, including
- Environmental toxins
- Food sensitivities
- Too much sugar
- Emotional conflict
- Inflammation
- Blood sugar control problems
It’s not necessarily a bad thing, though. As a matter of fact, we were designed with a built-in system of survival known as the “the stress response.”
Understanding the stress response
When we experience physical, chemical, emotional, or spiritual stress (screaming kids, poor posture from sitting in front of a computer, poor diet), our adrenal glands produce hormones to help you cope with the stressor. Adrenaline and Cortisol spike in what is known as the “fight, flight, or freeze” response.
These hormones are meant to help us survive a short-term stressor and when the stressor is diminished or gone, the hormones should decrease and we should move into what is known as the “rest and digest” state.
Let me give you an example. Let’s say I was walking down the sidewalk and stepped off the curb to cross the street and I looked to my left and terrifyingly realized that I was about to get hit by a car. In a fraction of a second my nervous system would recognize the threat and my adrenal glands would pump large quantities of adrenaline and cortisol into my bloodstream. These hormones cause the following physiologic responses:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased breathing rate
- Hyper focus on an escape route
- Blood is shunted from digestive system to muscles
Why would our bodies do this? Well, if I’m about to get hit by a car I want as much blood carrying oxygen to be pumped as fast as possible to my brain and muscles to scout our an escape route and jump out of the way. In this scenario, my life is saved by the immediate actions of adrenaline and cortisol on my body tissues. Again, this response is meant for short-term survival and then after the stressor is gone (i.e. the car misses me), my body should return to the “rest and digest” state.
The problem is that, for many of us, we are in a constant state of “fight or flight” and we don’t get a chance to recover. As a matter of fact, chronic release of adrenaline has been shown to lead to chronic pain as it has a damaging effect on nerve tissue. Imagine an extension cord that has a rubber coating to protect the delicate copper wires inside; that is similar to the myelin coating around our nerves. Now imagine using a piece of course sandpaper to vigorously scrape the rubber coating off of the wire. That is a similar result of adrenaline chronically affecting the myelin nerve coating.
Additionally, cortisol that is released over and over due to chronic stress damages tissues in the brain and body that can lead to:
- Decreased immune function
- Chronic fatigue and low energy
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Poor concentration and focus
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain
What Supplements Can I Take to Support the Stress Response?
Adaptogenic herbs, also known as adaptogens, are plant compounds that help us adapt to stress. They help normalize the hypothalamus-adrenal-pituitary (HPA) axis during times of stress.
Another compound that helps with cell-to-cell communication, and a major nutrient for the brain is phosphatidylserine, which helps the area of the brain involved in stress pathways.
Additionally, B vitamins play a tremendous role in the stress response by providing co-factors for making neurotransmitters, methylation reactions, DNA repair, immune system up-regulation and a host of other important physiologic responses.
The below are supplements that we either carry in our office or that can be ordered directly through our preferred brands’ patient-direct portals.
Adaptogen R3: This supplement contains Rhodiola rosea, Eleuthero root, American Ginseng root, Opuntia, and Maca root to support the body through occasional mental and physical stress.
Adaptocrine: Adaptocrine contains ashwagandha and Panax ginseng, along with the biologically active form of pantothenic acid (B5) to support digestion, mental, and physical functionality and helps support calm and relaxed energy without stimulants by supporting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function.
Adrenacalm: AdrenaCalm includes phosphatidylserine and key B vitamins, with a host of other ingredients such as Valeriana officinalis, Polygala tenuifolia, and fresh bud extracts to help ease anxiety and improve mood and cognitive function.
Adrenaven: Fermented cordyceps mushroom, Rhodiola Rosea Exract and Eleuthero root blend with an Adrenal Pro™ multinutrient blend to help with occasional fatigue and to support energy levels.
Gabatone Active: Gabatone™ Active is designed to support the GABAergic system using specially selected nutrients, amino acids, and cofactors, helping your body through transient stress.
Max-B ND: Max-B is a “no brainer” when it comes to supplements that support the stress response. It is a favorite in our office and supports the liver, brain, immune system, adrenal glands, and cardiovascular system. Many patients report feeling more energized after introducing Max-B to their daily supplement routine.
Which Ones to Try?
Basics – Generally recommended to start here
- Adrenaven + Max B
Upping the Game
- “Basics” + Adaptogen OR Adaptocrine
Maximum Support
- “Basics” + “Upping the Game” + GABAtone + Adrenacalm
We are offering 10% off of any of the above supplements during the month of April 2020.
Dosing
- Adrenaven, Adaptogen, and Adaptocrine: follow the label and take at breakfast or before 2 pm. If you take too late in the day they can interrupt sleep. If you feel no effect from taking 1 capsule in the morning, take a second capsule around noon. If you still feel no effect, then the next morning take 2 capsules at breakfast and 1 capsule at noon and look for a change. If still no change, the next day increase to 2 capsules at breakfast and 2 capsules at noon. Increase by 1 capsule per day to a maximum of 3 capsules at breakfast and 3 capsules at noon. Stay at the dose that makes you feel the most energized and least stressed.
- Max B: start with 1/2 tsp per day mixed in 16 ounces of water and sip over 3-4 hours in the morning.
- GABAtone: start with 1 capsule within an hour of bedtime at night. If no change, the next night take 2 capsules. Continue to increase by 1 capsule each night until you find the maximum dosage that you feel a benefit. NOTE: if you feel negative symptoms from 1 or 2 GABAtone, there is a likelihood that you have a leaky Blood Brain Barrier and you need additional help to figure out the cause and what to do about it.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
