Understanding the ingredients in Stress Plus dietary supplement

Rosie Wolf Williams

3 years ago

Many chiropractic patients present with symptoms stemming from stress in their everyday lives. Stress and anxiety over life events can cause headache, fatigue, sleep patterns and other symptoms. Chiropractors should take a client’s stress levels into question, as it can lead to bigger issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.

Recently, the USDA reported concerns about food insecurity, specifically the under-consumption of vitamin D, calcium, dietary fiber and calcium among children. Poor nutrition contributes to illness and can be linked to increased risks of obesity, diabetes and heart diseases. A deficiency in the nutrients and vitamins often found in natural foods can contribute to insomnia, stress and anxiety.

With your chiropractor’s direction, Stress Plus™ Vitamin B complex dietary supplement could help lower stress and anxiety levels by supporting metabolism and nervous system health using the following ingredients:

Vitamin B-complex

Vitamin B comes in several forms, with Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B12 as standouts among the group:

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine hydrochloride, promotes brain development and a healthy nervous system. It also helps the body digest and process foods that contain protein, fats or carbohydrates. Recent studies have shown that it may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it also helps with the creation of DNA, hemoglobin and neurotransmitters that regulate depression and anxiety. Vitamin B deficiency is a common occurrence in those who smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol, have liver or kidney disease, have digestive issues or are struggling with obesity. Natural sources for B6 include meats and fish, vegetables and fruits, nuts and eggs.
Vitamin B9, or folate, also helps to form DNA as well as RNA. It breaks down some amino acids that can be harmful to the body. Folate helps produce healthy red blood cells and is important during pregnancy and other periods of growth. This vitamin is found in many foods, including eggs and dark leafy green vegetables, but deficiencies can occur if a client is pregnant, dealing with alcoholism, inflammatory disease or has had surgery that involves the digestive system.
Vitamin B12 helps with the development and management of many parts of the body including the brain, nerves and the blood. Cyanocobalamin is the form of Vitamin B12 typically found in supplements, and the body processes it into methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12. Our bodies do not store this vitamin efficiently, so it is important that we include it as a daily regimen. Children who are on vegan diets or are experiencing food insecurity can present with anemia or reduced development in motor skills. Other Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms include anemia, fatigue, poor concentration or memory and trouble breathing. This vitamin can be organically found in meats, fish, and dairy products.

Thiamine

Another B vitamin, Vitamin B1, is better known as thiamine. It turns food in fuel, and processes carbohydrates and proteins so the body can use the energy from food intake. It is necessary for healthy brain function, and boosts the immune system to counter stress. Small amounts of thiamine are stored in the liver. Patients living with diabetes, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders or are post bariatric surgery may be susceptible to thiamine deficiency. Some symptoms include confusion, a loss of appetite, weight loss or memory loss. Thiamine is found in foods, such as mussels, tuna, squash and fortified foods such as rice or cereal.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential to our health, but we are unable to synthesize it as many other animals do. This water-soluble vitamin, also known as L-ascorbic acid, prevents colds and has even played a role in fighting cancer. But it is also has been proven to reduce the mental and physical effects of stress. In one study, researchers found that Vitamin C quashed the secretion of cortisol, the stress hormone, in lab animals that were subjected to stress. Deficiencies might occur in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, are smokers or have hyperthyroidism. Some symptoms of deficiency in this vitamin include fatigue, weight loss, joint or muscle aches or scurvy in severe cases. Vitamin C is found naturally in fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, tomatoes or broccoli.

Calcium

Calcium is an important ingredient for bone health and brain health. The nervous system depends on calcium to function properly, and anxiety and mood swings can occur if the body does not have adequate supplies. Calcium deficiency, called hypocalcemia, can also present as symptoms that mimic other disorders, such as muscle cramps, tingling or numb fingers and toes, and depression. As we age, our body’s ability to absorb calcium decreases. Deficiencies can occur in patients following a vegan diet, are being treated with corticosteroids over a long term, or patients living with digestive diseases, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Calcium is found in dairy products, dark green vegetables, sardines and canned salmon.

Biotin

Biotin supports amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism in the body, and helps form fatty acids and glucose used as fuel for the body. Some studies suggest an increased dose of biotin was helpful in reducing the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. It is rare a deficiency can occur, but symptoms of such a deficiency can include skin rashes, hair loss, hig cholesterol or heart palpitations. Biotin is found in cauliflower, carrots, bananas and some cereals, but the amount of biotin is reduced if the food is cooked or preserved.

Magnesium

Magnesium an essential macro-mineral, helping to regulate blood pressure, muscle and nerve function, and the immune system. Proper amounts of magnesium in the body supports bone health and cardiovascular health, and may reduce the possibility of diabetes. And magnesium levels play a role in reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, migraines, stress and anxiety. Deficiency of this mineral could present as appetite loss, fatigue or nausea. Magnesium is present in almonds, peanuts, cashews, spinach and black beans.

Valerian

Valerian is a plant long been considered as a treatment for insomnia. The root of one particular species of valerian, Valeriana officinalis, has been historically tied to medicinal use as a gentler method compared to benzodiazepines or barbiturates for anxiety or insomnia.

Passion Flower

Passion flower is often partnered with valerian root as a treatment for insomnia. This climbing vine is used in complimentary medicine and is thought to have an effect on neurotransmitters, and to increase dopamine levels. The leaves have been used traditionally in alternative medicine as a sedative and anxiolytic, and some studies point to the flower’s ability to reduce anxiety for patients awaiting surgery.

However, this herbal supplement could have interactions with some medications, including blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications. It is recommended that pregnant or nursing individuals should not take this product.

For more information on Stress Plus dietary supplements, visit https://www.dclabs.com/search.php?search=stress+plus.

Sources

https://utep.edu/herbal-safety/populations/herbs-to-avoid-during-pregnancy.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rhythms-recovery/201707/how-the-3-sisters-sleep-can-help

https://www.health.com/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-7569162

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Vitaminb12-HealthProfessional/

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/folic-acid/

https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-c-deficiency

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/vitamin-e-deficiency

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200304/vitamin-c-stress-buster

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33848753/