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What is S.T.R.S and how to control Stress Adaptors?

Writer: Healthy FoxHealthy Fox
Feb 45 min read

Updated: Feb 8

“This is a must have for any person struggling with stress, lack of sleep or feeling like you can’t keep up with life. Working on ambulances, the ER, personal training and owning a business took a toll on my body. I felt like my to-do list was always growing without end. I started using S.T.R.S which has 5 proven Adaptagens (stress adaptors), it helps my body deal with my fast paced life by reducing anxiety, stress and doom and gloom that can happen when you're overwhelmed. A cool fact is that in the cold war russia extensively used adaptogens like in S.T.R.S for their soldiers, cosmonauts, and secret agents to enhance resilience to stress, improve stamina, and support cognition!” Bryce





S.T.R.S™Support for Adrenal Gland Health and Stress Adaptation

S.T.R.S™ includes adaptogenic and adrenal tonic herbs and nutrients to help the body adapt to stress and support adrenal gland health.¹ It is designed to help support healthy cortisol levels, hypothalamic and pituitary function (HPTA axis), and catecholamine production (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine). It also helps address nutrient depletions common in individuals experiencing chronic stress.

Chronic stress can alter cortisol and catecholamine levels, causing the depletion of various micronutrients.² Increased cortisol has wide-ranging effects on blood glucose and insulin levels, contributing to dysglycemia and laying the foundation for metabolic syndrome.³



Key Ingredients in S.T.R.S™:


Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus):Known as Siberian ginseng, Eleuthero is traditionally used for symptomatic relief of fatigue and weakness. It possesses adaptogenic, central nervous system-stimulating, antidiabetic, and immunomodulating properties.⁶⁻⁸ Eleutheroside E (EE), a bioactive compound, has shown significant effects in reducing physical fatigue, enhancing endurance, and improving mood and cognitive function without adverse effects.⁶,⁹ The phytosterol glycosides in Eleuthero mimic corticosteroids, helping protect against overactivation of the HPA axis.⁹


American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius):Standardized to 5% ginsenosides, American ginseng is effective yet the least stimulating of the ginsengs. It has traditionally been used for fatigue and depression-related disorders.¹⁰¹¹ Ginsenosides modulate the HPA axis, increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and exhibit antidepressant-like effects in animal models.¹²,¹³ These compounds also improve insulin sensitivity and secretion, addressing stress-related hormonal imbalances.¹⁴


Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):This well-researched adaptogenic herb has been revered in Ayurveda for promoting balance and counteracting stress. It contains withanolides and alkaloids, which support adaptation to stress.¹⁵ Human clinical trials show significant reductions in cortisol levels and stress parameters with Ashwagandha supplementation, improving quality of life without adverse effects.¹⁶


Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea):Rhodiola is clinically effective for improving physical and mental fatigue, alleviating stress-induced fatigue, and enhancing attention and mood.⁹ Its active component, salidroside, balances the HPA axis, protects against oxidative damage, and supports neurological and endocrine health.⁹,¹⁷

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra):Licorice root extends cortisol's serum life, reducing adrenal cortex demand during stress.¹⁸ Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits 11 beta-dehydrogenase activity, which blocks cortisol conversion to cortisone, elevating urinary free cortisol levels.¹⁹


N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine:This bioavailable form of tyrosine supports neurotransmitter, thyroid hormone, and catecholamine production, which are often depleted under chronic stress conditions.⁵


Vitamins and Nutrients:Vitamin C, pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine-B6 (as P-5-P), and riboflavin-B2 (as R-5-P) are included as critical cofactors for enzyme activity in stress hormone production.⁵


References: 

  1. Panossian, A. (2017). Understanding adaptogenic activity: specificity of the pharmacological action of adaptogens and other phytochemicals. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1401(1), 49-64. DOI:10.1111/nyas.13399.

  2. Dobrek Ł. (2019). The outline of stress pathophysiology and pharmacodynamic action of plant-based eustressors - adaptogens. Polish Medical Journal, 46(273), 103-108. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30912517.

  3. Ortiz, R., Kluwe, B., Odei, J. B., Tcheugui, J. B. E., Sims, M., Kalyani, R. R., … Joseph, J. J. (2019). The association of morning serum cortisol with glucose metabolism and diabetes: The Jackson Heart Study. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 103, 25–32. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.12.237.

  4. Fulder, S. J. (1981). Ginseng and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary Control of Stress. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 09(02), 112–118. DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x81000159.

  5. Gropper, S. A. S., Smith, J. L., & Carr, T. P. (2018). Advanced nutrition and human metabolism. Australia: Cengage Learning.

  6. Panossian, A. G. (2013). Adaptogens in Mental and Behavioral Disorders. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 36(1), 49–64. DOI:10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.005.

  7. Huang L, Zhao H, Huang B, et al. Acanthopanax senticosus: review of botany, chemistry and pharmacology. Pharmazie, 2011;66(2):83–97.

  8. Ahn, J., Um, M. Y., Lee, H., Jung, C. H., Heo, S. H., & Ha, T. Y. (2013). Eleutheroside E, An Active Component of Eleutherococcus senticosus, Ameliorates Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 934183. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/934183.

  9. Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 3(1), 188–224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3010188.

  10. Liqin, L. (2011). Effects of ginsenosides on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica. DOI: 10.4268/cjcmm20111021.

  11. Arring, N. M., Millstine, D., Marks, L. A., Nail, L. M. (2018). Ginseng as a Treatment for Fatigue: A Systematic Review. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(7). http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0361.

  12. Mou, Z., Huang, Q., Chu, S.-F., Zhang, M.-J., Hu, J.-F., Chen, N.-H., & Zhang, J.-T. (2017). Antidepressive effects of ginsenoside Rg1 via regulation of HPA and HPG axis. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 92, 962–971. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.05.119.

  13. Gao, Z.-W., Ju, R.-L., Luo, M., Wu, S.-L., & Zhang, W.-T. (2019). The anxiolytic-like effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on an animal model of PTSD. Psychiatry Research, 279, 130–137. DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.034.

  14. McKennon, S.A. (2018). Non-pharmaceutical intervention options for type 2 diabetes: diets and dietary supplements (botanicals, antioxidants, and minerals). Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279062/.

  15. Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Joshi, K. (2017). Bodyweight management in adults under chronic stress through treatment with ashwagandha root extract: A double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(1), 96–106. DOI:10.1177/2156587216641830.

  16. 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. DOI:10.4103/0253-7176.106022.

  17. Xia, N., Li, J., Wang, H., Wang, J., & Wang, Y. (2016). Schisandra chinensis and Rhodiola rosea exert an anti-stress effect on the HPA axis and reduce hypothalamic c-Fos expression in rats subjected to repeated stress. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 11(1), 353–359. doi:10.3892/etm.2015.2882.

  18. Methlie, P., Husebye, E. E. S., Hustad, S., Lien, E. A., & Løvås, K. (2011). Grapefruit juice and licorice increase cortisol availability in patients with Addison’s disease. European Journal of Endocrinology, 165(5), 761-769. DOI: 10.1530/eje-11-0518.

  19. Mackenzie, M. A., Hoefnagels, W. H. L., Jansen, R. W. M. M., Benraad, T. J., & Kloppenborg, P. W. C. (1990). The Influence of Glycyrrhetinic Acid on Plasma Cortisol and Cortisone in Healthy Young Volunteers. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 70(6), 1637–1643. doi: 10.1210/jcem-70-6-163.

 
 
 

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