Amino acids, phospholipids, and herbs for Reducing Stress
Today we want to finish with part 5 of this 5 part series. I want to talk specifically about amino acids, phospholipids, and the top herbs for reducing stress.
Amino Acids
- 5HTP is an amino acid extracted naturally from the seed of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. It’s a precursor to serotonin. It helps to calm the central nervous system: reduces anxiety and promotes both a healthy mental outlook and better sleep.
- L theanine is also an amino acid from the leaves of green tea. It converts to GABA in the brain, calms the central nervous system inducing a relaxed state. It is most helpful for: sleep, anxiety, and stress.
Phospholipids
- Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is a phospholipid found in high concentrations in our brains. It plays an important role in cellular communication. It’s very difficult to obtain PS from foods. PS will help modulate the stress response and reduce high cortisol. It can be taken at night to help suppress adrenaline so that the individual can sleep. When used consistently, it can help reset the circadian rhythm to keep cortisol lower at night when sleeping.
*Always alert your provider if you are also on medications for mood/sleep*
Herbs
Remember, if the adrenals are under stress, they can’t help to produce sex and thyroid hormone levels. This will also result in poor T4-to-T3 conversion. Therefore, many of my hormone patients are placed on herbal adaptogenic support to help the body adapt to stress better. Adaptogenic herbs have been used by other cultures for centuries.
The top studied adaptogenic herbs that help the body adapt to stress are Rhodiola, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Schisandra, and Ashwagandha.
Rhodiola rosea can help to support the nervous system, mood, mental clarity, work performance, and the sleep cycle. It can also help to preserve levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Eleutherococcus senticosus has been used for memory and endurance. It is helpful for improving energy levels, specifically in endurance athletes.
Schisandra chinensis can help with mental clarity, stress response, and emotional well-being. It can support increased blood flow through the body as well.
Ashwaganda is helpful for memory, mood, energy, and endurance. It helps to improve cortisol levels and also has a thyroid hormone balancing effect.
Various adrenal support formulations exist. Some individuals have high cortisol and need calming down. For these individuals, I use an adaptogen blend with the calming amino acid L-theanine (mentioned in chapter 4), and a phosphatidyl serine—a phospholipid—both of which help reduce the half-life of cortisol. This Longevity Blueprint (LB) product is called Adrenal Calm.
Other individuals need more stimulation. For these individuals, I recommend adrenal support containing an adrenal glandular concentrate from bovine (cow). The theory behind glandular therapy is that similar organ extracts from animals may support the same organ within humans by stimulating their activity. This LB product is called Adrenal Drive. We also carry a straight Herbal Adrenal Complex.
Final notes here. Salt is essential for every cell in the body. It is extremely important for the adrenal glands. As mentioned previously, I recommend my hormone patients also add high-quality sea salt to their meals daily. Licorice root extract is often added to herbal adrenal formulations. It helps prevent low blood pressure, and helps to extend the half-life of cortisol. It should only be taken in small doses to help maintain cortisol levels.
Thank you for watching this 5 Part Series on Stress. Know that there will always be stress. Each of us gets to choose how we manage the stress!
Remember, there is no pill potion or powder that will replace lifestyle changes. Those changes are foundational to a healthy reduced stress state. Incorporate some of the mentioned lifestyle, nutrition, and supplement suggestions.
You will never change unless you change something you do daily! You have to desire to change! Start today. Your body will handle stress better. Your nervous system will be more balanced. Your hormones will thank you!
Learn more about the impact of stress on our hormones and how you can improve your body’s internal production of the hormones in Chapter 6 of my book Your Longevity Blueprint.
In summary, are you feeling stressed, and want to learn about the top herbs for reducing stress? Join us for this 5 part series where we will discuss the impact of stress. Watch my video now to learn more in part 5 of this series!
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*Always share with your medical provider what supplements you are taking*
*Always share with your medical provider what supplements you are taking*
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