Adrenal & Stress Support
Stress impacts adrenal function and may cause fatigue, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression. While stress is a normal part of everyday life, the prevalence of stress in the general population has been increasing.
Consistent or prolonged stress to the point of burnout negatively contributes to overall health. Risk of chronic fatigue, cardiovascular disease, and mortality all increase with chronic stress (1). Actively looking for signs of stress, alleviating them, and preventing further adrenal damage are essential to assisting patients through hard times. Supporting adrenal gland function or modulating stress response through other physiological mechanisms is an important aspect of integrative care for this patient population.
The ingredients presented in the protocol below reflect research findings demonstrating the efficacy of herbs and supplements that might be used to support adrenal function and alleviate stress.
Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera)- Cortisol Manager
Recommended Dose: 240-300 mg, total per day, minimum 8 weeks (2,3)
The ingredients in Cortisol Manager help support a balanced, adaptive cortisol response to stress.
Cortisol Manager contains a stress-reducing proprietary blend of Sensoril® brand ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and L-theanine. A proprietary blend of Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) and epimedium (Epimedium koreanum), as well as phosphatidylserine from soy lecithin are included in Cortisol Manager.
Benefits of Cortisol Manager
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Promotes relaxation and restful sleep
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Supports healthy cortisol levels
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Helps stabilize cortisol levels
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) 3% 200mg
Recommended Dose: 400-576 mg, total per day, minimum 28 days (4,5)
Rhodiola Rosea is an arctic plant utilized for its powerful adaptogenic properties. Supportive to the adrenal glands, Rhodiola encourages mental and physical performance, stamina, and energy production. Rhodiola may relieve occasional stress, as well as mild memory problems associated with aging.
Benefits of Rhodiola
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Supports the adrenal glands
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Promotes healthy energy levels
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May help relieve occasional stress
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)- Adreset
Recommended Dose: 960-2000 mg, total per day, minimum 4 weeks (6,7)
Designed to promote resilience and stamina for stress-related fatigue. Adreset® alleviates stress and fatigue with a blend of adaptogenic herbs.
Benefits of Adreset
• Relieves stress-related fatigue
• Promotes resilience and stamina
• Offers herbal strategies for managing stress
L-Theanine – Zenbiome Sleep
Recommended Dose: 200-400 mg, total per day, minimum 4 weeks (8,9)
Zenbiome™ SLEEP is formulated to help clients deal with occasional sleeplessness but can also help support feelings of relaxation and reduced tension. It contains the amino acid, L-theanine which is found in green tea. Studies have found it to be beneficial to manage stress and promote a calming effect.
B Complex- B Supreme
Recommended Dose: Variable based on ingredient and formulation, use for a minimum of 12 weeks
B-Supreme is a powerful combination of B vitamins supplied mostly in their coenzymated forms, so that the body does not have to phosphorylate them to be used in biochemical reactions. This formula also includes the patented folate derivative Quatrefolic®, which is an innovative form of folate that has demonstrated high bioavailability, solubility, and long-lasting stability. Trimethylglycine (TMG) and choline are also included to support methylation.
References
1. Lo, E.-W. V., Wei, Y.-H., & Hwang, B.-F. (2020). Association between occupational burnout and heart rate variability: A pilot study in a high-tech company in Taiwan. Medicine, 99(2), e18630. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31914045/ ( Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439798/ Lopresti, A. L., Smith, S. J., Malvi, H., & Kodgule, R. (2019). An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine, 98(37), e17186. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31517876/ (B) Edwards, D., Heufelder, A., & Zimmermann, A. (2012). Therapeutic effects and safety of Rhodiola rosea extract WS® 1375 in subjects with life-stress symptoms–results of an open-label study. Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 26(8), 1220–1225. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22228617/ Olsson, E. M., von Schéele, B., & Panossian, A. G. (2009). A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Medica, 75(2), 105–112. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19016404/ (B) Flanagan, S. D., DuPont, W. H., Caldwell, L. K., Hardesty, V. H., Barnhart, E. C., Beeler, M. K., Post, E. M., Volek, J. S., & Kraemer, W. J. (2018). The Effects of a Korean Ginseng, GINST15, on Hypo-Pituitary-Adrenal and Oxidative Activity Induced by Intense Work Stress. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(1), 104–112. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28981384/ Kim, H.-G., Cho, J.-H., Yoo, S.-R., Lee, J.-S., Han, J.-M., Lee, N.-H., Ahn, Y.-C., & Son, C.-G. (2013). Antifatigue effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. PloS One, 8(4), e61271. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23613825/ Hidese, S., Ogawa, S., Ota, M., Ishida, I., Yasukawa, Z., Ozeki, M., & Kunugi, H. (2019). Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 11(10). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31623400/ Williams, J. L., Everett, J. M., D’Cunha, N. M., Sergi, D., Georgousopoulou, E. N., Keegan, R. J., McKune, A. J., Mellor, D. D., Anstice, N., & Naumovski, N. (2020). The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: a Systematic Review. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition , 75(1), 12–23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31758301/