• Immune Suppression - with increased susceptibility to infections and other serious diseases, including cancer
• 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
• Fluid Retention - cortisol increases sodium and water retention from the kidneys
• Wrinkles and Aging - cortisol breaks down collagen, promoting formation of wrinkles
• Immune Suppression - with increased susceptibility to infections and other serious diseases, including cancer
• 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 absoption 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.

If you have been dealing with any of the health problems described above, and you feel that chronic stress has been a contributing factor, you should consider taking 2 capsules per day of Adëeva Adrenal Support Formula as part of your supplementation regimen.

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.