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Dr. Michael T. Murray
"StressCheck is a critical tool for revealing imbalances in your response to stress that may be subtly or dramatically influencing your health."
Introduction You should ALWAYS consult with a healthcare provider concerning the attached results and before taking ANY supplement.
This Educational Guide was written by Dr. Michael T. Murray, N.D., a renowned authority in the natural health field and author of over 20 books on health. Information and recommendations provided by Dr. Murray are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for consultation with a healthcare provider or other medical professional. Only your healthcare provider should diagnose any health problems you may be experiencing and prescribe treatment as necessary.
BodyBalance, Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory, and/or Dr. Michael T. Murray are not responsible or liable for any effects or consequences that may come about as a result of the recommendations contained in this Educational Guide, or BodyBalance health screens. None of the aforementioned parties makes any guarantee, expressed or implied, towards the claims, benefits, or safety of the recommendations and information included in this Educational Guide.
Recommendations from Dr. Murray If you are alive and living in America, then you certainly know about stress. Most of us have accepted the fact that everyday stress is part of modern living. Job pressures; personal relationships; financial pressures; and time management are just a few of the "stressors" most of us are faced with on a daily basis. Although we most often think of a stressor as being 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 they go entirely unnoticed. However, if stress is extreme, unusual, or long-lasting, these control mechanisms can be overwhelming and quite harmful. StressCheck serves as a reliable marker of stress response and a critical tool for revealing imbalances in your response to stress that may be subtly or dramatically influencing your health.
What does StressCheck measure? StressCheck measures the levels of the adrenal hormones DHEA (dehydroepiandrostenedione) and cortisol in the saliva. The levels of these hormones in the saliva correlate to their level in the blood. Salivary measurements of these hormones are now recognized as being good indicators of a person's ability to handle stress.1-5
While cortisol helps in providing the necessary energy and circulatory changes required to deal effectively with an acute stressor (such as a tiger chasing you), prolonged elevations in cortisol are associated with many chronic diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease and depression. Furthermore, with prolonged stress, the levels of DHEA tend to be reduced. So, one of the key indicators of too much stress or poor stress response is a reduction in salivary DHEA and an increase in salivary cortisol.1-4 DHEA is being recognized for its important health-supporting attributes, including important anti-stress effects, as well as reduced risk for the very same diseases linked to high cortisol levels.5
Why is StressCheck important? StressCheck identifies patterns in the ratio of DHEA to cortisol. Alterations in this pattern can be the result of stress and minor disturbances like mild depression, or it can be the result of severe disease processes. StressCheck is not a diagnostic test and is not designed to take the place of proper medical care. What it is designed to assess is how you are handling stress. Why is this important? Because stress is an underlying factor in so many diseases (see Table 1). These diseases are typically characterized by an elevated level of cortisol and a low level of DHEA.
How do I interpret my StressCheck results? There are basically nine possible patterns. Please be aware that we are not grading the severity of any abnormality, we are only telling you what pattern you fall into. The interpretation of these patterns will be similar in that they all reflect an altered stress response. Learning to deal with stress more effectively and supporting the adrenal glands are important goals regardless of the pattern. Methods for achieving these goals are given below. Beyond that, I give some specific recommendations for each pattern.
Normal cortisol, normal DHEA--Congratulations, everything looks great! You must be quite health conscious. You probably exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and practice a stress-reduction technique like yoga, Tai chi, deep breathing exercises, or meditation.
Normal cortisol, elevated DHEA--If you are taking DHEA as a supplement, you are taking too much. If you are not taking DHEA, then your body is producing too much. This could increase your risk for certain cancers, particularly prostate and breast cancer.6,7 I suggest evaluating testosterone levels with either MaleCheck or FemaleCheck to see if the elevation in DHEA is raising either testosterone or estrogen levels too high.
Normal cortisol, low DHEA--As stated previously, low DHEA levels are linked to an increased risk for those conditions linked to elevations in cortisol, including heart disease, depression, Alzheimer's disease, and accelerated aging.8-11 It is important to mention that low levels of DHEA may be due to low thyroid function (Please consult the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine [Prima, 1998] for a full discussion on hypothyroidism).12 Low DHEA levels can be increased with DHEA supplementation. For men aged 40 to 50, I recommend DHEA if they have low DHEA levels and are complaining of reduced libido, fatigue, or if they have diabetes. My initial dosage is 15 to 25 mg daily. For men over 50, the initial dosage is between 25 and 50 mg. For women who have not yet passed through menopause, I do not usually recommend DHEA unless there is regular monitoring of dosage (at least salivary or blood measurements every two months). For women who have passed through menopause, I recommend using DHEA with caution and in low dosages ranging from 5 to 15 mg. If you choose to supplement with DHEA, it is essential to monitor your salivary DHEA level to insure proper dosage. Taking too much DHEA may prove to be as harmful as taking too little.
Elevated cortisol, normal DHEA--In addition to acute stress, elevations in cortisol are often associated with depression.13,14 If you have severe depression, I recommend consulting a healthcare provider immediately. As well as following the general recommendations given in this Educational Guide, if mild to moderate depression is present you may want to give St. John's wort extract (0.3% hypericin content) a try. Take 300 mg three times daily.
Elevated cortisol, elevated DHEA--This pattern can be associated with anxiety, panic attacks, or adrenal disturbances.15 If you are taking DHEA, reduce the dosage. If you are not taking DHEA, try taking Panax ginseng extract (5-7% ginsenoside content) at a dosage of 100 mg one to three times daily. This form of ginseng can help balance adrenal hormones and relieve anxiety. It is discussed in more detail later. If the DHEA levels are more than 20% above normal, I suggest evaluating testosterone levels with either MaleCheck or FemaleCheck to see if the elevation in DHEA is raising testosterone levels too high.
Elevated cortisol, low DHEA--This pattern is characteristic of prolonged stress or not adequately supporting the adrenal glands. If you are under age 50, focus on those factors that reduce stress and lower cortisol. Above the age of 50, you may want to add DHEA to the program. Be sure to monitor for proper dosage.
Low cortisol, normal DHEA--This pattern in most cases is quite beneficial unless the cortisol level is greater than 30% below normal. In this scenario it may be wise to boost it a bit with oral pregnenolone therapy. Begin with 5-10 mg daily for two months and then repeat test to adjust dosage.
Low cortisol, elevated DHEA--If you are taking DHEA as a supplement, you are taking too much. If you are not taking DHEA, then your body is producing too much. This situation may increase your risk for certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer in males. I suggest evaluating testosterone levels with either MaleCheck or PerformanceCheck to see if the elevation in DHEA is raising testosterone levels too high.
Low cortisol, low DHEA--This pattern is usually indicative of adrenal exhaustion--severely reduced adrenal function--or chronic fatigue syndrome. Adrenal exhaustion is a common side effect of continual high stress, as well as with steroid drugs like prednisone that are used in the treatment of allergic or inflammatory diseases. Pregnenolone or DHEA supplementation may be useful in boosting adrenal function in conjunction with the general supportive therapies for the adrenal support given later. For elderly subjects, melatonin (1-3 mg at night) may also be helpful.16,17
Dealing with stress Whether you are aware of it or not, you have developed a pattern for coping with stress. Unfortunately, many people have found patterns and methods that ultimately do not support good health, such as overeating, watching too much television, or reaching for a cigarette or alcohol. These negative coping patterns must be replaced by more positive actions.
In order to deal with stress effectively it is critical that an individual concentrate on five equally important areas: (1) techniques to calm the mind and promote a positive mental attitude (2) time management (3) exercise (4) a healthful diet designed to nourish the body and support physiological processes and (5) supplementary measures designed to support the body as a whole, but especially the adrenal glands.
How do I calm my mind? Learning to calm the mind is extremely important in relieving stress. Some of the popular techniques are meditation, prayer, progressive relaxation, self-hypnosis, and biofeedback. The best type of relaxation technique is totally up to you. The important thing is that at least 5 to 10 minutes be set aside each day for the performance of a relaxation technique.
Producing deep relaxation with any relaxation technique requires learning how to breathe. One of the most powerful methods of producing less stress and more energy in the body is by breathing with the diaphragm. By using the diaphragm to breath, a person dramatically changes his or her physiology. It literally activates the relaxation centers in the brain. Following is a popular technique to help you to learn how to breathe with your diaphragm.
Why is time management important? One of the biggest stressors for most people is time. They simply do not feel they have enough of it. Here are some tips on time management:
Does exercise really reduce stress? Absolutely. People who exercise regularly are much less likely to suffer from fatigue and depression. Tensions, depressions, feelings of inadequacy, and worries diminish greatly with regular exercise. Exercise has been demonstrated to have a tremendous impact on improving mood and the ability to handle stressful life situations.
What nutrients are important in helping the adrenals cope with stress? Several nutrients are very important in supporting adrenal function--vitamin C, vitamin B6, zinc, magnesium, and pantothenic acid. All of these nutrients play a critical role in the health of the adrenal glands, as well as in the manufacturing of adrenal hormones. There is evidence that indicates that during times of stress, the levels of these nutrients in the adrenals can plummet.
For example, it is well known that during times of chemical, emotional, psychological, or physiological stress, the urinary excretion of vitamin C is increased, signifying an increased need for vitamin C during these times. Examples of chemical stressors include cigarette smoke, pollutants, and allergens. Extra vitamin C, in the form of supplementation, along with an increased intake of vitamin C-rich foods, is often recommended to keep the immune system working properly during times of stress.
Equally important during high periods of stress or in individuals needing adrenal support, is pantothenic acid ( B vitamin). Pantothenic acid deficiency results in adrenal atrophy, characterized by fatigue, headache, sleep disturbances, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. Pantothenic acid is found in whole-grains legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, salmon, liver, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. In patients suffering from chronic stress or a history of corticosteroid (Prednisone) use, nutritionally-oriented physicians often recommend supplementing the diet with 100 to 500 mg of pantothenic acid daily. The other key nutrients--vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium--should be taken at daily dosages of 50 to 100 mg, 20 to 30 mg, and 250 to 500 mg, respectively.
Are there any herbs that help support adrenal function? Yes. In fact, there are numerous botanical medicines which support adrenal function. Most notable are the ginsengs. Both Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) exert beneficial effects on adrenal function and enhance the resistance to stress. The ginsengs are often referred to as "adrenal tonics" in that they increase the tone and function of the adrenal glands. Panax and Siberian ginseng can be used to: restore vitality in debilitated and feeble individuals; increase feelings of energy; increase mental and physical performance; prevent the negative effects of stress and enhance the body's response to stress; offset some of the negative effects of cortisone; enhance liver function; and protect against radiation damage. All of these applications are backed up by good clinical research.18,19
Panax ginseng is generally regarded as being more potent than Siberian ginseng. If you are a man that has been under a great deal of stress, is recovering from a long-standing illness, or have taken corticosteroids like prednisone for a long period of time, the "best" ginseng for you is probably Panax ginseng. If you are a woman or you are a man that has been under mild to moderate stress and has less obvious impaired adrenal function, Siberian ginseng may be the best choice for you.
Summary of an effective stress management program Comprehensive stress management involves identifying stressors, eliminating or reducing sources of stress, learning positive coping skills and relaxation techniques, and supporting proper body chemistry.
*NOTE: As each individual's response to ginseng is unique, care must be taken to observe possible ginseng toxicity (irritability, nervousness, and insomnia are early manifestations). It is best to begin at lower doses and increase gradually. The Russian approach for long-term administration of either Panax or Siberian ginseng is to use ginseng cyclically for a period of 15-20 days followed by a two-week interval without any ginseng. This recommendation appears prudent.
Glossary Adrenal Hormones--Hormones, such as DHEA and cortisol, that are produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney. These hormones, as well as adrenaline, aid your body in times of stress, physiologically helping your body adjust to the stressful period until it has passed.
Angina--Angina is an old term previously used to describe a sore throat. However, it is more currently used to describe a severe, constricting pain often occurring in the chest.
Atrophy--Generally caused by disease or poor overall health, atrophy is a wasting away of tissues and/or organs. A proper balance of hormones can contribute to a healthy lifestyle and help to prevent atrophy from occurring.
Biofeedback--A training technique designed to allow an individual to gain some semblance of voluntary control over body functions that occur involuntarily,
Corticosteroid--A steroid produced by the adrenocortex, serving a similar function as those body chemicals created in the adrenal glands--aiding your body in times of stress.
Diagnostic test--Tests which determine the nature of a disease or illness.
Libido--Sexual desire. During times of stress, either physical or mental, libido may decrease, in part because of an imbalance of hormones in the body.
Pantothenic acid--Part of the Vitamin B complex, pantothenic acid is a precursor to coenzymes that is distributed to the body's tissues and is essential for the growth of a number of organisms.
Physiological--One of the vital processes of living creatures, physiology is a branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life and living matter in conjunction with the physical and chemical aspects that are involved.
Pregnenolone--A steroid that serves as a go-between in the synthesis of various hormones--such as progesterone.
Rheumatoid arthritis--More common in women, this disease affects the connective tissue in the joints, especially in the hands and feet.
St. John's Wort--Used predominantly in alternative medicine practices, St.John's Wort is an herb often used to treat depression and mood swings,
Tai Chi--A Chinese method of relaxation, health, meditation, and self-defense.
Thyroid function--During the process of secreting, the thyroid gland stores and liberates thyroid hormones that play a role in regulating metabolism and metabolic rate.
Ulcerative colitis--A recurrent ulcer that takes place in the colon. Symptoms include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and discharges.
References
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