Stress is an unfortunate factor of everyday life. Regardless of whether we are running from a tiger, trying to meet a work deadline or navigating a pandemic, our body perceives all of these stressors the same. Physiological symptoms of stress may include increased heart rate, respiratory rate, a decrease in digestive activity, headaches, muscle tension, fatigue and sleep disruption. Psychological symptoms can include anxiety, restlessness, lack of focus, overwhelm and irritability. A small amount of stress can be okay, it can make us more productive, increase energy and focus. But when stress is chronic and experienced long-term it can have a significant impact on our body, causing tissue damage, exhaustion and reduction in immune response.

Health First Stress Release Supreme was developed to help support a calm, relaxed and alert state during times of stress. Today, as the world is spinning around us Stress Release Supreme helps to calm us without causing drowsiness, while also supporting the immune system.

Suntheanine^® – L-theanine is an amino acid that is naturally occurring in green tea. Suntheanine^® is not an extract of green tea but rather produced in a patented process that mimics the natural process in green tea leaves resulting in a 100% pure L-isomer-theanine. Backed by over 60 clinical studies it has been shown to stimulate alpha waves in the brain creating a relaxed but alert state without drowsiness. Suntheanine^® also decreases beta wave formation. Beta waves naturally increase when you drink coffee or energy drinks and during times of stress. Too many beta waves may lead to stress and over excitement making concentration and focus very difficult.

Further studies are showing Suntheanine^® may help improve the quality of sleep, diminishing normal symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), improving learning performance, heightening mental acuity, promoting concentration, reducing negative side effects of caffeine and supporting the immune system.

Reishi and Cordyceps Mushrooms – Reishi and cordyceps mushrooms contain bioactive substances that have beneficial effects on the body, especially stress response, immune system, gut and respiratory systems. Health First Stress Release Supreme mushrooms use the fruiting body and mycelium. These mushrooms are grown on organic, gluten free Canadian oats. Prior to micronizing, the mushrooms are processed with heat during the dehydration process that includes a steam activation step at the start of the process that softens and disrupts the chitinous mushroom cell wall matrix that results in increased bioavailability.

Schisandra – Known as an adaptogen, schisandra can help the body resist against the effects of anxiety and stress. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and is known for impacting Qi and thought to have a positive impact on several meridians, or pathways, in the body, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Also known as a ‘five-flavor fruit’, the berries have tastes of sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, and sour which is very beneficial to the liver! Remember, it’s important to support the liver during times of stress as we may hold energy there or may be indulging in some less than appropriate activities including alcohol and fatty foods.

Other Ways to Manage Stress

You can take all the supplements in the world, but if you are not incorporating key lifestyle strategies to support your health during times of stress, you can’t anticipate much of a change. The strategies below combined with Stress Release Supreme will set you up for calm in today’s chaos.

• Getting regular physical activity.
• Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing. Try box breathing; breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4 and hold again for a count of 4. This can help calm you down and reset your mind in times of distress.
• Meditation, yoga, tai chi or massage.
• Keeping a sense of humour and spending time with family and friends that bring you joy.
• Setting aside time for hobbies, such as reading or listening to music.
• And be sure to get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy, balanced diet while avoiding tobacco use, excess caffeine and alcohol.

Health First Stress Release Supreme contains a unique complementary blend of medicinal mushrooms and key adaptogens to support both our immune and stress response. Just two capsules taken daily provides adults with a clinically studied dose of L-theanine, shown to help promote relaxation while keeping our mind sharp. Medicinal mushrooms of reishi and cordyceps help support immunity and stress, while schisandra extract helps support both physical and mental fatigue. This completely vegan formula is free of magnesium stearate.

About the Author: Health First Network

Health First Network is Canada’s leading membership group for independent health & wellness retailers and the exclusive supplier of the premium Health First supplement brand. There are over 130 independently owned and operated retail Members across the country. Click here to learn more about Health First.