Description

Living with chronic stress at work or at home is an all-too familiar scenario for many of us these days. Excess stress can create hormonal imbalances that lead to premature aging and an obesity-like condition.

Chronic daily stress (i.e. work, school or constant worrying) can rapidly deplete the brain's serotonin reserves, causing depression, low stress adaptation, sleep disturbances and excessive cravings for sweet and starchy foods. A few common signs of weak adrenal function are; overeating and weight gain, low feeling of energy, fatigue, irritability, chronic tiredness, oversleeping and frequent immune system rundown.

By using the Ultimate Anti-Stress on a regular basis – in the evening – you can aid your body's ability to replenish from the day's unrelenting stress toll and wake up feeling refreshed.

Accumulating body fat through stress

Aside from all of the unrelenting problems excess cortisol can create upon our biochemistry, chronically high levels of the hormone can also cause unwanted accumulation in body fat stores through the following mechanisms:

• By creating stress-induced hormone imbalances—that lead to an obesity-like condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of abdominal fat. This condition creates excessively high cortisol levels along with lowered levels of our most abundant steroid hormone-dihydroepiandosterone (DHEA). By competing with DHEA, cortisol creates an enhanced atmosphere conducive to fat accumulation in the stomach region.
• By causing the brain to send out hormones that trigger a chain reaction within the enzyme systems that affect fat cells. Researchers believe that one of the enzymes directly affected is the very one responsible for storing fat in the fat cell— lipoprotein lipase or LPL. In relation to excess stress, LPL directs the majority of fat to be stored within the abdominal region.
• By stripping away the most metabolically active tissue in the body—muscle. If there isn’t a supply of new protein (amino acids) in the system, cortisol can make extra glucose from our own body’s tissues in a process called gluconeogenesis.
• By creating ravenous cravings due to an imbalance in various neurotransmitters—primarily serotonin. Chronic daily stress (i.e. work or school) can rapidly deplete serotonin reserves, causing the brain to send out ravenous cravings for sweet starchy foods in order to self medicate.

Ingredients

FORMULA:

Each 2 Capsules Contain:

• Ashwagandha Extract (Withania somnifera) (3% Withanolides) ...375 mg
• Valerian Extract (Valeriana officinalis) (root) (0.8% Valerenic Acid) ...300 mg
• Citrus Bioflavonoids ...200 mg
• Lyophilized Adrenal Tissue ...75 mg
• Quercetin ...50 mg
• Rhodiola Extract (Rhodiola rosea) (root) (3.5% Rosavins) ...25 mg
• Black Pepper Extract 1:5 (Piper nigrum) (fruit) (95% Piperin) ...1.25 mg

This product does not contain any dairy, artificial colours, sugar or additives.

Suggested Usage

2–4 capsules once or twice a day as directed by a qualified health professional.

Keep out of reach of children.

Note: Consult a health professional if pregnant or nursing.

F.A.Q.

What exactly is "Lyophilized Adrenal Tissue"?

We use whole adrenal tissue sourced from New Zealand bovine; the part of the adrenal gland used is the cortex and the medulla.  "Lyophilized" means that this is a very absorbable form of adrenal tissue.  The lyophilizing process preserves the natural makeup of the original gland, making it highly potent yet well tolerated.  In addition, this form of processing also allows for superior bioavailability.

What is the source used for the ingredient "citrus bioflavonoid" in Brad King's Ultimate Anti-Stress?

The source used for the citrus bioflavonoids powder is from the peel and rind of the fruit itself.  As a citrus powder product, the type of citrus used is seasonally dependant, but is typically from lemon and grapefruit.

Your label shows that Anti-Stress lowers cortisol.  What if it doesn't need to be lowered, but my adrenals are weak?

The ingredients in this formula have been shown to help support weak adrenals.  In some cases if cortisol is too high (as it is with numerous stressful situations) the ingredients will help to lower the cortisol by working to aid in stress adaptation.  Ultimate Anti-Stress will help support weak adrenals but will not lower cortisol when it is not necessary.

What makes Anti-Stress better than other adrenal (stress) formulas on the market?
Lyophilized adrenal tissue is a powerful glandular (and part of non-vegan Ultimate Anti-Stress) that posseses synergistic natural compounds that help to replenish and restore healthy adrenal function. Lyophilized adrenal tissue (along with the other natural ingredients in Anti-Stress) has been shown to help support physical or emotional stress, poor stress tolerance, general fatigue, allergies, mood disorders, and many other stress-related concerns.

Are your capsules GMO free?

Yes, both our capsule shells and our softgel shells are GMO free.

Why have your cautions and your recommended/suggested usages changed so dramatically on many of your labels?

The changes you may be noticing to our suggested usage and cautionary statements have been at the directive of Health Canada.  There have been many regulatory changes with regards to Natural Health Products causing companies to change their labels accordingly.  We have been updating our website, product information sheets and labels on the actual products to reflect these regulations as quickly as we possibly can.

Where do you source your products from?

All of our products are manufactured at a GMP facility certified by Health Canada.  All raw materials come in and are tested for purity, safety and potency.  If they do not meet our standards they are rejected and sent back or destroyed.  We use the highest quality ingredients available.  Many of our products contain proprietary patented ingredients that have been clinically researched.  We also use organic whenever we can.

Are your products gluten free?

All of our products are manufactured in a facility that is not dedicated to be gluten free.  Therefore we cannot guarantee that any of our products are gluten free since there is always a possibility of cross-contamination.

Are your products peanut free?

Following compliance with food regulations, in order to make a negative claim such as "peanut free", it would be necessary to insure a zero tolerance of any peanut traces, including the possibilty of cross contamination.  Although our manufacturing facility has a policy in place for allergen control, there is no specific policy for peanuts, nor is there a specific "no peanut agreement" with our raw material suppliers.

Can your products be used after the expiry date has passed?

Supplements generally keep their potency long after the expiry date.  There is certainly no safety issues with consuming after the expiry date has passed however the potency degrades over longer periods of time.

Do all of your products have NPN numbers?

Some of our products have received NPN numbers.  Others are in the application process or are waiting to be reviewed by Health Canada.

If a product does not specify "vegetarian capsule", then what is it made from?

These capsules are gelatin capsules sourced from either pork or beef.

Are any of your products "vegan-friendly"?

Yes, AdrenaSense, BioSil, EstroSense and MenoSense (from our Preferred Nutrition and WomenSense lines), our MacaPunch Products and the Ultimate Anti-Stress Vegan formula are all vegan friendly.  

Can I purchase products directly from you?  I went to a health food store and the prices seem very expensive.

We only sell to Health Food stores since they have a personal commitment to the natural health lifestyle.  Consumers are then able to buy our products from knowledgeable staff that are genuinely interested in helping people be well - people who care!  Always be sure to look for in store promotions or coupons when you are making your purchases as this can help alleviate your cost concerns.

Do all health food stores carry all of your products?

To find Health Food stores in your area that carry our products, please click on "Store Locator" at the top of this screen.  All you have to do is enter your postal code and you will be given a list of retailers in the radius that you choose. We do recommend calling ahead to see if they stock the item you are looking for and in most cases if a store does not normally carry something, they will offer to do a special order for you.

Are any of your products tested on animals?

No, there is no animal testing on any of our products.

Should your supplements be taken with or without food?

Most of our products will specify directly on the bottle whether they should be taken with a meal or not.  If nothing is stated, then the choice is yours as to when the best time is for you to take them.

I like the sound of many of your products.  Am I able to take different formulas at the same time?

Yes, it's safe to combine various WomenSense products to help support the body in achieving optimal health.  The same applies to the Balanced Planet products, Dr. Whitaker's formulas and to Brad King's.  If you are unsure of any combination, then please consult your Health Care Practitioner.

I have heard that drinking green tea along with my supplements will end up flushing out all the nutrients?  Is this true?

No, you are fine taking your supplements with green tea.  Coffee inhibits the absorption of nutritients, but the caffeine in green tea will not pose the same problem.

Can you tell me if I can combine any of your supplements with the medication(s) I am on, as prescribed by my doctor?

It is best to consult your Doctor or alternative Health Practitioner before taking any new supplements while on medication.

Can I take your products when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

We are not able to make any recommendations with any of our products when it comes to pregnancy or while nursing.  You must contact your Health Practitioner, Naturopath or Pharmacist.

I understand that you put a recommended dosage on your labels, but I can take more or less than that, right?  And, really, do I have to take the product every day?

With regards to the recommended dosage, we would suggest you speak to your Doctor or Health Care Practitioner before increasing any amounts.  As with any supplement you can determine your amount based on your personal preference - if you find that a product works for you immediately then you should be fine to take it just on the days you feel you need it, but again we suggest you discuss this with you MD or HP.  Some consumers find that a product needs to be in their system for a few days to a few weeks before they notice results and/or feel the full benefits.

I don't understand why when I purchase your product and open the bottle, the contents don't even fill 1/2 of the packaging that is being used?

The containers we use are determined based on product fill and required label information, as well as capsule count when/where applicable.  Sometimes we do have to use a larger bottle than seems necessary because of the information required on the labels - requirements both from Health Canada and in order for the label to be clear and legible to our consumers.  Also, in a case where we are offering larger volume (ie/ 400g versus 200g or 180 capsules versus 90 capsules), then we have to put the contents in a bigger container in order for there to be differentiation on the shelf.

What is your 100% money-back guarantee?

Our 100% money back guarantee ensures that if a customer is not completely satisfied with their purchase, they can return it to their point of purchase and we will credit the Health Food store 100% of their purchase price from us.  We cannot dictate if a store will give cash back or an in-store credit ~ but we do promise to credit them, regardless of the reason for the return.

Studies

Bano G, Raina RK, Zutshi U, Bedi KL, Johri RK, et al. (1991). Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 41:615-617

Hu Z, Yang X, Ho PCL, Chan SY, Heng PWS, et al. (2005). Herb-Drug interactions; A literature Review. Drugs. 65(9):1239-1282

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Naidu KA, Thippeswamy NB. (2002). Inhibition of human low density lipoprotein oxidation by active principles from spices. Molecular and Cellular Biology. 229:19-23

Srinivasan K. (2007). Black Pepper and its pungent principle-piperine: A review of diverse physiological effects. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 47:736-748

Weinberg AM, Ingmanson DE, Shapiro AM, Hunter JE, Epstein SS, et al. (1984).  Cancer and Diet. (Letters) Science. 224(4650):658-670, 757-760

Bach A, Bender-Sigel J, Schrenk D, Flugel D, Kietzmann T.  (2010).  The antioxidant quercetin inhibits cellular proliferation via HIF-1-dependent induction of p21WAF.  Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 13:437-448

Boots AW, Haenen GRMM, Bast A.  (2008).  Health effects of quercetin: from antioxidant to nutraceutical.  European Journal of Pharmacology, 585: 325-337.

Cheuvront Sn, Ely BR, Kenefick RW, Michniak-Kohn BB, Rood JC, et al.  (2008).  No effect of nutritional adenosine receptor antagonists on exercise performance in the heat.  American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 296: R394-R401.

Conquer JA, Maiani G, Azzini E, Raguzzini A, Holub BJ.  (1998).  Supplementation with quercetin markedly increases plasma quercetin concentration without effect on selected risk factors for heart disease in healthy subjects. Journal of Nutrition, 128(3):593-597

Cureton KJ, Tomporowski PD, Singhal A, Pasley JD, Bigelman KA, et al.  (2009).  Dietary quercetin supplementation is not ergogenic in untrained men.  Journal of Applied Physiology, 107: 1095-1104.  

Janssen PLTMK, Mensink RP, Cox FJJ, Harryvan JL, Hovenier R, et al.  (1998).  Effects of the flavonoids quercetin and apigenin on hemostasis in healthy volunteers: results from an in vitro and a dietary supplement study.  The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 67: 255-262.

MacRae HSH, Mefferd KM.  (2006).  Dietary antioxidant supplementation combined with quercetin improves cycling time trial performance.  International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 16: 405-419.  

Matsuno H, Nakamura H, Katayama K, Hayashi S, Kano S.  (2009).  Effects of an oral administration of glucosamine-chondroitin-quercetin glucoside on the synovial fluid properties in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 73(2): 288-292.  

Natural Standard (2010). Natural Standards Monograph: QUERCETIN.  Accessed 2010-02-06.  Available from: http://www.naturalstandard.com.

Quindry JC, McAnulty SR, Hudson MB, Hosick P, Dumke C, et al.  (2008).  Oral quercetin supplementation and blood oxidative capacity in response to ultramarathon competition.  International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 18: 601-616.

Alternative Medicine Review monograph for Rhodiola rosea. (2002). Alternative Medicine Review, 7(5): 421-3

Bystritsky A, Kerwin L, Feusner JD.(2008). A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(2): 175-180.

Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, Gabrielian E, Wikman G, et al. (2000). Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue - a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine, 7(5): 365-371

Darbinyan V, Aslanyan, G, Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Malmstrom C. et al. (2007). Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 61(5): 343-348.

De Bock K, Eijnde BO, Ramaekers M, Hespel P. (2004). Acute rhodiola rosea intake can improve endurance exercise performance. International Journal of Sport Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism, 14: 298-307

Fintelmann V, Gruenwald J. (2007). Efficacy and tolerability of a Rhodiola rosea extract in adults with physical and cognitive deficiencies. Advances in Therapy. 24(4):929-938

Kelly GS. (2001). Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen. Alternative Medicine Review. 6(3):293-302

Kurkin VA, Zapesochnaya GG. (1985). Chemical composition and pharmacological characteristics of Rhodiola rosea (review). Journal of Medicinal Plants, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, 1231-445

Natural Standard. (2009) Natural Standard Monograph: Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea). Available from www.naturalstandard.com 

Olsson EMG, von Scheele B, Panossian AG. (2009). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardized extract SHR-5 of the roots of Rhodiola rosea in the treatment of subjects with stress-related fatigue. Planta Medica, 75:105-112

Panossian A, Wagner H. (2005). Stimulating effect of adaptogens: an overview with particular reference to their efficacy following single dose administration.  Phytotherapy Research, 19:819-838

Shevtsov VA, Zholus BI, Shervarly VI, Vol'skij VB, Korovin YP. et al.(2003). A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine, 10: 95-105

Spasov AA, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA. (2000). The effect of the preparation rodakson on the psychophysiological and physical adaptation of students to an academic load]. Eksperimental’naya i Klinicheskaya Farmakologiya, Jan-Feb; 63(1): 76-78 [article in Russian]

Spasov AA, Wikman GK, Mandrikov VB, Mironova IA, Neumoin VV.(2000). A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine, 7(2): 85-89

Barnes PJ.  (2006).  Drugs for asthma.  British Journal of Pharmacology, 147(S1): S297-S303.

Kemp WN. (1933). Hyperemesis gravidarum treated as a temporary adrenal cortex deficiency. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 28:389-91.

Kemp WN. (1934). The vomiting of pregnancy treated as a temporary relative insufficiency of maternal corticoadrenal function. Med Rec, 140: 239-241.

Natural Standard. (2010). Natural Standard Monograph: ADRENAL TISSUE. Available from: http://www.naturalstandard.com.

Solis-Cohen S.  (1990). The use of adrenal substance in the treatment of asthma.  Journal of Asthma, 27(6):401-406.

Health Canada. (2007). Natural Health Products Monograph: Ashwagandha. Natural Health Products Ingredients Database http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=35&lang=eng

Health Canada. (2008). Natural Health Products Monograph: Valerian. Natural Health Product Ingredients Databasehttp://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=177&lang=eng