Stress Support

At Popeye’s Supplements we offer a wide variety of products designed to help support you with managing the stress of everyday life.

Stress is a natural and necessary response to life's challenges, but when it becomes chronic or excessive, it can have negative effects on both physical and mental health.

Here are some of the negative effects of chronic stress:

1. Physical health problems: Chronic stress can contribute to a range of physical health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and gastrointestinal problems. It can also weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and illnesses.
2. Mental health problems: Chronic stress can also have negative effects on mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It can also contribute to feelings of burnout and fatigue, making it difficult to cope with daily life.
3. Cognitive problems: Chronic stress can affect cognitive function, including memory, concentration, and decision-making. It can also impair creativity and problem-solving abilities.
4. Behavioral problems: Chronic stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, substance abuse, and social isolation. It can also cause irritability and angry outbursts, leading to relationship problems and social conflicts.

To fully understand stress, you must also understand cortisol. Stress and Cortisol are closely related. Cortisol is a hormone that is released into the body in response to stress. When the body experiences stress, whether physical or mental, the adrenal gland releases cortisol into the blood stream. This leads to a cascade of effects, the first being raise blood sugar, suppressed immune system, increase in blood pressure and heart rate. While cortisol is a necessary part of the body’s stress response system, chronic stress can lead to persistently elevated cortisol levels which can have quite a few negative repercussions.

Here are some of the potential effects of long-term exposure to high levels of cortisol:

1. Increased risk of chronic diseases: Chronically elevated cortisol levels have been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
2. Suppressed immune system: Cortisol is known to suppress the immune system, and chronically elevated cortisol levels can weaken the body's ability to fight off infections and illnesses.
3. Impaired cognitive function: High levels of cortisol have been linked to impaired cognitive function, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and slower reaction times.
4. Mood disorders: Chronically elevated cortisol levels have been linked to an increased risk of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
5. Sleep disturbances: High cortisol levels can interfere with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to sleep disturbances such as insomnia.
6. Digestive problems: Chronically elevated cortisol levels have been linked to digestive problems such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Thankfully there is a specific category of supplements known as adaptogens. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being. They are referred to as adaptogens due to their ability to help the body adapt to a variety of stressors, whether physical, mental or emotional.

Here are some key adaptogenic ingredients that we offer at Popeye’s Supplements:

1. Aswagandha: Ashwagandha is a herb that is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help promote relaxation and reduce stress. In studies it has been shown to help reduce cortisol by as much as 30%. Along with this it also helped to reduce feelings of perceived anxiety and improved quality of sleep.
2. Rhodiola: Rhodiola is a herb that has been studied for stress-reducing effects. It helps improve the body’s ability to use oxygen and increase energy levels. Multiple studies have also shown that Rhodiola can help reduce cortisol in people who are undergoing a lot of excess stress.
3. Red Reisi: Reishi is a type of fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote longevity and overall well-being. It has adaptogenic properties that can help the body cope with stress and improve immune function. Studies have shown that it can help lower cortisol in those with chronic fatigue syndrome.
4. L-Theanine is not typically classified as an adaptogen, some research suggest that it may have adaptogenic properties due to its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. L-Theanine works by increasing alpha waves in the brain, which are associated with relaxation and reduced stress. It may also help increase levels of GABA and Serotonin.
5. Magnesium: Magnesium is not typically classified as an adaptogen, like L-Theanine, it also has some adaptogenic properties due to its ability to help support the body’s stress response system and promote relaxation. Magnesium does this by regulating the HPA axis, which is the body’s primary stress response system.
6. B-Vitamins: B-Vitamins are also not classified as adaptogens, but play an essential role I the body’s stress response system. B-Vitamins are involved in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which can have calming effects on the brain and help reduce the negative side effects of stress. They are also involved in the production of cortisol.
7. Magnolia Officinalis: Magnolia has been studied for a variety of health benefits including its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

Some great options include:

1. ANS Unwind, offering a combination of Ashwagandha, B-Vitamins, L-Theanine, Cordyceps and Magnesium, and is naturally flavoured!
2. ATP Cool Down, offering a combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, Vitamin B12 and Magnolia Officinalis.
3. Himalaya Stresscare, offering a massive blend of ingredients including Ashwagandha, Tumeric and Chicory. It is also Non-GMO, Gluten Free, and Vegan Friendly