Mushrooms have been used for centuries by many cultures based on the belief that they support important health functions. But what makes mushrooms so popular is their pleiotropic effect, meaning their beta-glucan polysaccharides, naturally occurring antioxidants and other bio-active compounds. These properties can affect multiple systems in the body, from supporting the nervous system to assisting digestion and immune function. The Chinese strongly believed that mushrooms could help reach “Qi” (i.e., the overall balance of the body and its systems) to support the maintenance of the body’s “vital energy”, or what we know as the immune system. Mushrooms are well studied for their immune qualities as well as energy and adaptogen potential. MycoAdapt is formulated with a mixture of ingredients that offer a healthy balance of adaptogens intended to help promote the harmony of the body and its many systems that play into the overall immune system.
April is Stress Awareness Month and stressors, to some capacity, are something we all face. Something with an entire month dedicated to it, must be important. Stress, while a necessary part of life, is something that can affect many aspects of our well-being. Even though April is almost over, today, and every day, is a good chance to reflect on how we personally cope with our stressors and acknowledge what ways it may be affecting our everyday life. We’ve rounded up our favorite tips and products to help you focus on supporting those stress levels this month, and beyond.
Tips
Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is at the core of many aspects of our well-being and stress can influence our sleep, whether you find yourself sleeping too much or not enough. Truly restful sleep is necessary for our health and elevated stress levels can interfere with that. Try creating a bedtime routine to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a goodnights sleep.
Choose Healthier Foods: Making better decisions in the kitchen can help build a strong foundation for wellness. Not only do we feel better when we fuel our bodies properly, but we help reduce oxidation and inflammation. What to add: citrus for an antioxidant boost each day. What to avoid: alcohol.
Take a Pause: Make time to pause for a few deep breaths. Simply taking a few mindful breaths can help reframe your heart rate, your breath and blood flow. After these breaths you may find yourself feeling less reactive and having more control over choosing stress.
Exercise Regularly: There is power in simply moving your body more. Whether it’s a walk each day or lifting weights, exercising regularly supports brain health, emotional well-being and helps us to blow off some steam.
Products We Love
MycoAdapt: formulated with powerful mushrooms that act as adaptogens, this formula boasts immune support, energy support, digestive health, and healthy stress response.
Bliss Anti-Stress Formula: a favorite for relaxation and balance for both mind and body. Bliss contains a special blend of ingredients with adaptogenic qualities that help manage stress’ negative effects.
What are common symptoms of stress?
Common physical and psychological symptoms of stress may include irritability or anger, feeling nervous or worried, lack of interest or motivation, feeling tired, feeling overwhelmed, feeling sad, upset stomach and muscle tension.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are natural substances that may help the body adapt to physical and emotional stressors. They have thousands of years’ worth of history, thought to promote calming, and mood balancing qualities.6 Common adaptogens include ashwagandha, eleuthero, passionflower and rhodiola – which are in Bliss®.
Bliss® helps maintain healthy levels of serotonin. What is serotonin and how does it affect mood and behavior?
As a neurotransmitter, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) plays a key role in the central nervous system and digestive system as it sends messages and signals between nerve cells.5 In the brain, extensive research suggests` serotonin is heavily involved in mood regulation. Also known as the “happy” or “feel-good” brain chemical, when serotonin levels are low, many people experience poor or imbalanced mood symptoms.7* When serotonin levels are healthy, people are more likely to experience calmer, more focused and stable moods.
Bliss® helps maintain healthy levels of dopamine. What is dopamine and how does it affect mood and behavior?
Like serotonin, dopamine is a neurotransmitter. Research shows dopamine to have several functions in the brain, including its effect on a person’s feelings of reward and motivation, memory, attention and body movement.8* Low levels of dopamine in the body have shown to alter mood, reducing feelings of motivation and enthusiasm.
TLS ACTS: TLS Weight Loss ACTS is formulated with holy basil and ashwagandha. These ingredients work specifically to support healthy adrenal gland function, cortisol levels, and thyroid function to help control stress levels and help minimize weight gain that is associated with increased stress.
When we are faced with stress, our bodies go into "fight or flight" response and certain hormones are released by the adrenal gland, hormones that would give the body a burst of energy and strength. This response used to be beneficial to our ancestors, allowing their bodies to physically fight or run away when faced with danger. But in today’s society, this response acts much differently, taking place as a result of stressful days at the office or traffic jam on your way home. The response is supposed to return to normal once the perceived threat is gone, but if the body is unable to return to normalcy due to increased stress levels, it could have a negative effect upon the body with symptoms including adrenal fatigue, suppressed thyroid function, an imbalance in blood sugar levels, and increased abdominal (adipose) fat.
One of the hormones released during this “fight or flight” response is cortisol, which increases blood sugar, suppresses the immune system, and aids in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Under normal circumstances, cortisol helps restore homeostasis after stress. The problem is that constant stress leads to a constant state of cortisol production, which stimulates glucose production. This excess glucose is typically converted into fat, ending up as stored fat. High cortisol levels can also lead to binge eating. Not only do high cortisol levels make you want to keep on snacking, but excess cortisol also contributes to storing more belly fat, which is known to be a bit harder to lose.
Cortisol levels also have a direct relationship with the thyroid, and they act synergistically with one another. Cortisol assists the thyroid hormone in working more efficiently, and the correct amount of cortisol — not too high or too low — supports normal thyroid function. When cortisol gets too high, triggered by the adrenal glands response to elevated stress, it causes a delayed response to the thyroid hormone receptors. When this occurs, the hormones aren't allowed to work at optimal levels, leaving you feeling sluggish, leading to a higher chance of stress eating, and giving up physical activity.
When you're battling adrenal fatigue, it is difficult to lose weight for several reasons. Not only are you exhausted and lack the physical energy to exercise the way that you used to, but those suffering with adrenal fatigue also crave high-fat sweets and salty foods, turning to food as a way to comfort them and aid in assisting their exhausted adrenal glands. The combination of being sedentary, having no energy, and eating chips and cookies makes it seemingly impossible to lose weight, but there is hope, and it can be done without worsening your already delicate state of health and without feeling famished.
Unlike the competitors, TLS ACTS doesn't just mask the problem of weight gain — it addresses the root of the problem by helping your body adapt to stress and assisting you with your weight management goals.
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.
