The “Stress of Life” by Dr. Hans Selye (a Canadian Endocrinologist) and published in 1956, provided scientists and doctors with ground-breaking findings related to the effects of chronic stress on our health. Since then, many scientists have confirmed that chronic stress disrupts normal hormonal secretion patterns and creates hyperactivity in the nervous system, all of which can culminate into a myriad of common health problems.

Chronic Stress, Cortisol and Disease

When we are subjected to chronic stress, the pituitary gland prompts the adrenals to pump out excess amounts of cortisol. High levels of cortisol produce a myriad of negative health effects, which can include:

• Weight Gain – cortisol hastens the conversion of carbohydrates into fat
• Blood Sugar Elevation and Insulin Resistance – cortisol impairs the uptake of glucose producing a rise in blood sugar, which can trigger or worsen diabetes, It also increases the breakdown of liver glycogen, releasing large amounts of glucose to the blood stream – further raising blood sugar
• Fluid Retention – cortisol increases sodium and water retention from the kidneys
• Wrinkles and Aging – cortisol breaks down collagen, promoting formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet
• Memory Impairment – cortisol damages the hippocampus of the brain, which impairs learning. Shrinking of the hippocampus is a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease
• Chronic Inflammation – cortisol produces chronic inflammation, exacerbating arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis and other inflammatory conditions
• High Blood Pressure – sodium retention from the kidney can increase blood pressure in sensitive individuals
• Breaks Down Muscle – cortisol causes muscle breakdown, which slows metabolism, and produces weakness
• Osteoporosis – cortisol impairs calcium absorption and promotes loss of calcium from bone, which contributes to osteoporosis development

Nutritional Adaptogens to the Rescue

Adaptogens, discovered in certain herbs, prevent the over-secretion of cortisol and help reduce the impact of stress on the body in numerous ways. Adaptogens were discovered in 1947 by the Russian scientist Dr. Nicolai Lazarev, who coined the name “adaptogen.” Unfortunately, some adaptogen-containing herbs contain other undesirable constituents which interfere with many drugs or may produce adverse side effects. As such, many experts caution against the use of ginseng (Siberian, Korean, Panax, etc.) and licorice as stress-fighting supplements.

The adaptogen-containing herbs that provide the best anti-stress benefits and have the best safety record include:

• Rodiola
• Schisandra
• Ashwaghanda

Working synergistically, these herbs have been shown to tone down the over-secretion of cortisol, maintain more optimal immune function and support the brain’s ability to make optimal amounts of memory and feel-good chemicals (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine etc) under periods of chronic stress.

As well, to prevent adrenal fatigue it is important to take a high potency multiple vitamin (e.g.,Adëeva Multiple Vitamin and Mineral) and to acquire additional vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, magnesium, vitamin C and zinc from an adrenal support supplement.

We can’t always make our lives less stressful, but we can counter the effects of stress on our bodies by supplementing with safe, proven adaptogens, along with vitamins and minerals that support adrenal function.

Amounts for 2 capsules, 60 per bottle