Stress the Final Frontier: An Effective Nutritional System for a Calmer Life

by Dr. Michael T. Murray, May 15, 2008

Too Much Stress is Not Good
Everyday stress is a normal part of modern living. Job pressures, family arguments, financial pressures, traffic, and time management are just a few of the "stressors" we are faced with on a daily basis. Although we most often think of a stressor as being one of these examples of something that causes us to feel "stressed out," technically speaking a stressor may be almost any disturbance heat or cold, environmental toxins, toxins produced by microorganisms, physical trauma, and strong emotional reaction that can trigger a number of biological changes to produce what is commonly known as the "stress response."

Fortunately for us, control mechanisms in the body are geared toward counteracting the everyday stresses of life. Most often the stress response is so mild it goes entirely unnoticed. However, if stress is extreme, unusual, or long-lasting, these control mechanisms can be overwhelming and quite harmful. The key is your system must be prepared to take it. It impossible to rid your life of all stresses, however, you can strengthen your resistance to stress by giving your body (and mind) the support that it needs. Effective stress management involves four important areas: techniques to calm the mind and promote a positive mental attitude; following a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical exercise; eat a healthy diet; and utilizing key dietary and botanical supplements.

The Relaxation Response
L-Theanine is a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants (Camellia sinensis). In fact, L-Theanine is the primary amino acid component of green tea comprising between 1 to 2 percent of the dry weight of tea leaves. The effects of L-Theanine are truly amazing. Clinical studies have demonstrated that L-Theanine reduces stress, improves the quality of sleep, diminishes the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, heightens mental acuity and reduces negative side effects of caffeine. These clinical effects are directly related to L-Theanines ability to stimulate the production of alpha brain waves (a state often achieved by meditation and characterized by being relaxed with greater mental focus and mental alertness) as well as reduce beta-waves (associated with nervousness, scattered thoughts, and hyperactivity).

L-Theanine has been approved for use in Japan as an aid to conquer stress and promote relaxation. It is a very popular ingredient in functional foods and beverages as well as dietary supplements designed to produce mental and physical relaxation, without inducing drowsiness. L-Theanine is fast-acting. Generally, the effects are felt within the first 30 minutes, and have been shown to last up to 8 to 12 hours. Based on the results of clinical studies, it has been established that L-theanine is effective in the range of 50 to 200 mg. If you have higher levels of stress take at least 100 to 200 mg one to three times daily.

Special Dietary Supplements to Promote a Good Nights Sleep
There are a number of special natural products that have found to be extremely reliable in helping to improve sleep quality. Here are the best of the bunch:
- Melatonin is an important hormone secreted by the pineal gland, a small gland in the center of the brain. Mela-tonin is one of the best aids for sleep. In several studies, supplementation with melatonin has been found helpful in inducing and maintaining sleep in both children and adults, for both people with normal sleep patterns and those suffering from insomnia.However, it appears that the sleep-promoting effects of melatonin are most apparent only if a persons melatonin levels are low. In other words, taking melatonin is not like taking a sleeping pill or even 5-HTP. It will only produce a sedative effect when melatonin levels are low. A dosage of 3 mg at bedtime is more than enough.
- 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is converted in the brain to serotonin - an important initiator of sleep. 5-HTP has also been reported, in numerous double-blind clinical studies, to decrease the time required to get to sleep and to decrease the number of awakenings. Because tryptophan is currently available only by prescription, 5-HTP is an obvious substitute. The sedative effects of 5-HTP can be enhanced by taking it near bedtime with a carbohydrate source such as fruit or fruit juice. The recommended dosage is 50 to 100 mg.
- L-Theanine is an important consideration when trying to get a better night's sleep. At typical dosages, e.g., 100 to 200 mg L-Theanine does not act as a sedative, but it does significantly improve sleep quality. It is an excellent support agent to melatonin and 5-HTP. In fact, Natural Factors makes a fantastic tasting chewable tablet called Tranquil Sleep that provides L-Theanine in combination with 5-HTP and Melatonin. These ingredients exert synergistic effects to promote restful sleep.

Effective Stress Management: Putting it All Together
The Stress-Relax program from Natural Factors provides an interrelated comprehensive approach of nutritional and herbal support for a healthier, calmer life. The individual pieces of the program can be utilized according to ones need to provide a more personalized program.

Level 1 Support
In addition to following the appropriate lifestyle and dietary approaches to stress reduction as well as regular utilization of techniques to calm the mind and body, Level 1 Support simply involves taking a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula along with two capsules of RxOmega-3 Factors daily.
Level 2 Support
Level 2 Support involves using Level 1 Support and the use of L-Theanine, to deal with situational stress and nervousness.
Level 3 Support
In the more anxious individual, PharmaGABA may be more effective than L-Theanine. Level 3 Support involves using Level 1 Support and the use of PharmaGABA to deal with more pervasive feelings of stress and nervousness.
Level 4 Support
For people who are starting to experience or are experiencing significant signs of adrenal fatigue and generalized exhaustion, Level 4 Support is recommended. This level involves using Level 1 Support along with taking an adrenal supporting combination such as Serenity Formula from Natural Factors. This formula makes it easier to take advantage of the full spectrum of botanical support for dealing with stress. Each two capsules of Natural Factors Serenity Formula contain:
Sensoril 250 mg
Eleuthero 150 mg
(standardized to contain 0.8% eleutherosides)
Lavender extract (5:1) 150 mg
Rhodiola rosacea extract 75 mg
(standardardized to contain 3.5% rosavins)
While Suntheanine L-Theanine and PharmaGABA are useful as a quick fix for stressful situations, Serenity Formula is designed for long-term use to help build resistance and act as an adaptogen. The dosage of the formula is one or two capsules twice daily. Either L-Theanine or PharmaGABA can be used when needed to deal with immediate stress. Natural Factors Tranquil Sleep can be used to provide restful sleep in any of the above described levels.

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