Naural approach to stress and elevated cortisol with Cortisol manager

Dr. HingHau Tsang's Crusade on Nutrition

Newsletter #128 --- Update on stress and Cortisol control

Cortisol, the "stress hormone", is produced by the adrenal gland cortex in response to stress.

When exposed to internal or external stress, the brain sends a signal to the adrenal glands to increase cortisol secretion. The body responds by providing a surge in energy, increasing mental alertness, and raising blood pressure, preparing the body for the "fight-or-flight" response.

Cortisol is intricately involved in many physiological functions such as the regulation of healthy blood sugar, maintenance of healthy blood pressure and immune system function, and promotion of the body's natural anti-inflammatory response.

Increased or prolonged exposure to stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol, in turn, can lead to changes in body chemistry, altering the balance of hormones and affecting the systems of the body. Research has shown that maintaining healthy cortisol levels can reduce stress, relieve sleeplessness and fatigue, and optimize immune system and neurological function.

Natural approach to elevated cortisol level in addition to Newsletter #102

Keep the adrenal glands well-nourished with crucial nutrients including vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, vitamin C which are often become depleted when continuously making cortisol. Adequate amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, zinc are needed for effective regulation of the cortisol feedback control mechanism. Take Basic Preventive 5 Plus extra vitamin D daily.

Reduce elevated cortisol levels with the followings.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) ( Indian ginseng) (winter cherry) has been an important herb in the Ayurvedic medical systems for over 3000 years. Clinical trials and laboratory research support its use to enhance mood, reduce anxiety and increase energy. Several studies have shown that ashwagandha enhances energy levels and stress resistance. Research has also documented ashwagandha's mood-enhancing effects Ashwagandha reduces levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone closely related to cortisol. In addition, ashwagandha helps promote healthy immune system function by increasing red blood cells, white blood cell and platelet counts.

Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) has been clinically shown to increase relaxation and enhance stress reduction. Seventy-eight percent of study participants rated magnolia extract as "highly effective" in inducing relaxation; 74 percent felt that magnolia induced restful sleep and was non-sedating. Magnolol and honokiol extracts, derived from magnolia, have also been shown to relieve occasional nervousness.

Epimedium (Epimedium koreanum has been shown to significantly inhibit the activity of cholinesterase, an enzyme which breaks down the acetylcholine neurotransmitter. This ability preserves acetylcholine concentrations in the brain yielding neuroprotective effects.

Phosphatidylserine, PS for short, is a member of a class of chemical compounds known as phospholipids. PS is an essential component in all our cells; specifically, it is a major component of the cell membrane. The cell membrane is a kind of "skin" that surrounds living cells. Besides keeping cells intact, this membrane performs vital functions such as moving nutrients into cells and pumping waste products out of them. PS plays an important role in many of these functions. This phospholipid is a critical structural component of neuronal cells and helps promote a positive mood, by decreasing feelings of stress. Phosphatidylserine reduces plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, ACTH and cortisol after exposure to physical stress. Phosphatidylserine has been clinically shown to significantly reduce serum adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol levels and salivary cortisol levels following mental stress.

L-Theanine is an amino acid known to promote relaxation and stress reduction by inducing muscle relaxation. L-Theanine reduces occasional anxiety and maintaining blood pressure already within normal limits. L-theanine increases the activity of alpha brain waves which is associated with increased feelings of relaxation. It also increases the concentration of neurotransmitters including serotonin and dopamine, which promote muscle relaxation and provide relief for occasional sleeplessness.

In a recent clinical trial involving 21 healthy volunteers, study subjects took a nutritional supplement, Cortisol Manager, for 45 days. Cortisol Manager combined Ashwagandha, Magnolia, Epimedium, phosphatidylserine and L-theanine. It is formulated to lower cortisol levels and reduce feeling of anxiety. The subjects collected their own Cortisol Manager dietary supplement combines the cortisol-lowering ingredients ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and phosphatidylserine with the anxiety-relieving components magnolia officinalis and L-theanine. saliva samples at five scheduled intervals throughout the day. The results demonstrated that Cortisol Manager decreased salivary cortisol levels in relation to baseline at all five sampling times throughout the day. The effect began almost immediately and persisted on a consistent basis throughout the entire 45 day duration of the study, averaging between 75% and 83% for the pooled subject data. Participants reported additional benefits associated with cortisol-lowering, including increased feelings of relaxation throughout the day (71%), improved sleep/deeper sleep (71%/64%), and reduced levels of stress (57%). This supplement promotes relaxation and supports a healthy sleep cycle without the use of habit forming ingredients.

Cortisol Manager is a safe and natural formula to increase the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, while also providing all-day stress reduction. Long-term use supports healthy cortisol levels, which in turn can help reduce stress, relieve ocasional sleeplessness and fatigue, optimize immune system and neurological function.

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Reference:

An open label pilot study of the safety and effectiveness of a cortisol-reducing combination in healthy adults. 2006. Unpublished.

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Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.

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