Description
Stress is defined as any disturbance—such as extreme cold or heat, psychological stress, sleep deprivation, work overload, physical trauma, or toxic exposure—that can trigger the stress response. The body’s stress response system is comprised of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Prolonged stress triggers the HPA axis and consists of three stages:
1. alarm phase
2. resistance phase
3. exhaustion phase
The initial, short-lived phase (the alarm phase) is the body’s normal “fight-or-flight” response to danger which is characterized by elevated cortisol levels. The next phase (the 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. However, 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 (the exhaustion phase). Adrenal Max Energy offers a unique blend of botanicals, adrenal concentrate and micronutrients that support the adrenals glands, as well as the body’s ability to respond to and counter-act the negative effects of stress.*
INGREDIENT BENEFITS:*
• 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, placebo-controlled 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 been identified as a strong adaptogenic botanical and is widely used in China to support general health, 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).
• Schizandra Berry Extract:*
Schizandra is an adaptogenic botanical that has been used for centuries in China and Russia to help support mental clarity, stress response, and emotional wellness. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, athletes who were given an adaptogenic blend including Schizandra chinensis extract or placebo had increased concentrations of nitric oxide (a molecule which causes the blood vessels to expand resulting in increased circulation), increased blood flow and nutrients throughout the body, and healthy blood pressure. The researchers concluded that Schizandra enhances physical performance in athletes. Schizandra berry has been shown to support learning and memory and may have a protective effect on brain health.
• Licorice Root Extract:*
The primary components in licorice root that support adrenal health include glycyrrhetic acid and glycyrrhizin. Licorice has also been shown to block 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of cortisol to the inactive cortisone. When taken in small doses, licorice root extract can be used to maintain cortisol levels, an important factor for individuals that need to support adrenal hormone production and maintain healthy inflammatory pathways.
• Adrenal Concentrate (Bovine):*
The use of glandular concentrates to supply key nutrients to support the body has been used in medicine for thousands of years. The concept behind glandular therapy is based on the idea that similar organ extracts from animals will support the same organ within humans by stimulating its activity. Adrenal bovine concentrate allows for rejuvenation of the adrenal stress system in a balanced and efficient manner.
• Micronutrient Blend:*
Adrenal gland function, as well as the synthesis of cortisol, is dependent on an adequate supply of various vitamins. Vitamin C levels are among the highest in the adrenal glands compared with other organs. Vitamin C plays a major role in neurotransmitter production and supports general health of the adrenals. Under stressful conditions, vitamin C and B complex vitamins are readily used and excreted from the body. Within the B vitamin family, pantothenic acid breaks down into coenzyme A, which is essential for the production of energy from ingested carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. In a study evaluating the effects of pantothenic acid and glutathione production, pantothenic acid was found to increase CoA levels in the body, leading to increased energy production. Niacin also plays a vital role in many metabolic functions in the body, including supplying energy to cells and assisting in the production of adrenal hormones.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
