Description
The initial, short-lived phase is the body’s normal fight-orflight 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.
Ingredients
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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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. It is shown to have strong regulation of mood function at the serotonin receptor. Bacopa offers neuroprotection and antioxidant effects to reduce oxidative stress.
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. Ashwagandha has shown to be beneficial in supporting proper mood regulation and restoring a sense of calmness under stress.
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. 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. 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, placebocontrolled 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. An additional study using Rhodiola extract in students showed significant improvements in mental performance, greater mood stability, and improved sleep patterns.
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. In addition to its ability to improve stress resilience and fight fatigue, Eleuthero has exhibited immune supporting effects. 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. 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).
References
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- Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect of mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2008; 17 Suppl 1:167-8.
- Kimura K, Ozeki M, et al. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol 2007; 74(1):39-45.
- Monteleone P, Maj M, et al. Blunting by chronic phosphatidylserine administration of the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis in healthy men. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1992; 42(4):385-388
- Benton D, Donohoe RT, et al. The influence of phosphatidylserine supplementation on mood and heart rate when faced with an acute stressor. Nutr Neurosci 2001; 4(3):169-178.
- Monteleone P, Beinat L, et al. Effects of phosphatidylserine on the neuroendocrine response to physical stress in humans. Neuroendocrinology 1990; 52(3):243-248.
- Hellhammer, J Fries E, et al. Effects of soy lecithin phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine complex (PAS) on the endocrine and psychological responses to mental stress. Stress 2004; 7(2):119-126.
- Kingsley M. Effects of phosphatidylserine supplementation on exercising humans. Sports Med 2006; 36(8):657-669.
- Kingsley M, Miller M, et al. Effects of phosphatidylserine on exercise capacity during cycling in active males. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2006; 38(1):64-71.
- Jager R, Purpura M, Kingsley M. Phospholipids and sports performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2007; 4:5.
- Kumar et al. Efficacy of standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize®) on cognitive functions of medical students: A six-week, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Evidence-Based Comp Alter Med. 2016 Sep 15. Vol 2016.
- Hall et al. Pharmacology of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize®) at 5HT1a and 5HT2a receptors. Am Soc Pharmacog Absts. 2005. 83-85.
- Tamara Simpson, Matthew Pase, and Con Stough, “Bacopa monnieri as an Antioxidant Therapy to Reduce Oxidative Stress in the Aging Brain,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2015, Article ID 615384, 9 pages, 2015.
- Mishra LC, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev 2000; 5(4):334-346.
- Rhodiola rosea. Altern Med Review 2002;7 (5):421-423.
- Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine 2003; 10(2-3):95-105.
- Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov, et al. A double blind, placebo controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine 2000;7:85-89.
- American Botanical Council. American Botanical Council. Eleuthero root. http://www.herbalgram.org. 2002.
- Eleutherococcus senticosus. Altern Med Review 2006;(11):2.
- Facchinetti F, Neri I, Tarabusi M. Eleutherococcus senticosus reduces cardiovascular response in healthy subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Stress Health 2002;18:11-17.
- Halstead BW, Hood LL. Eleutherococcus senticosus /Siberian ginseng: An introduction to the Concept of Adaptogenic Medicine. Long Beach, CA: Oriental Healing Arts Institute; 1984:28.
Warnings
Always be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new nutritional supplement when pregnant or nursing. For children, we recommend speaking with your child's pediatrician regarding proper dosing. Store away from children.
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