ChooseLifeForce Blog

How do you deal with stress?

The Facts about Stress:

• Eighty percent of workers report feeling stress on the job¹
• Stress contributes to half of all illnesses in the United States²
• Seventy to eighty percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress-related and stress-induced illnesses³
• More than half of all deaths between the ages of one and 65 result from stressful lifestyles⁴
• Generalized anxiety disorder affects an estimated 183 million people worldwide⁵
• People who live in a high state of anxiety are 4.5 times more likely to die of a heart attack or stroke⁶

¹ “Attitudes In The American Workplace” 2000 Gallup Poll
² www.whmc.af.mil
³ ibid.
⁴ U.S. Centers for Disease Control
⁵ World Health Organization
⁶ www.whmc.af.mil

The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently made the following statement:

“Multiple laboratory studies have suggested that the central nervous system may have an important role in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Significant or unusual physical or emotional stress, which is commonly reported as a pre-onset condition in CFS patients, activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or HPA axis, leading to increased release of cortisol and other hormones. Cortisol and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), which is also produced during the activation of the HPA axis, influence the immune system and many other body systems, particularly the brain. They may also affect several aspects of behavior.”

Cortisol – the “stress hormone.” Cortisol is the most important anti-stress hormone in the body. It protects the body from excessive stress by: Normalizing blood sugar, acting as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, suppressing white blood cells, contracting mid-size arteries, and increasing levels of cortisol as stress increases.

Functions of cortisol. “Cortisol has multiple actions, most notably, enhancing the physiological response to stress. Under various stressful conditions, including exercise, trauma, anxiety, and depression, cortisol levels rise leading to a chain of events that ultimately provides immediate energy to the body and keeps the individual alert via stimulation of the adrenergic system (the typical fight-or-flight response). However, when cortisol is chronically hypersecreted, deleterious physiological sequelae can evolve, such as increased blood pressure, diabetes, atherosclerosis, immune suppression, bone resorption (osteoporosis), and muscle atrophy.”

Dr. Vincent Bellonzi has some great info and advise on the effects of stimulants such as caffeine and how your body reacts. It’s worth the 10 mins to watch. I found this video of his on YouTube. FYI: It ends with a plug for a Psychetruth myspace website and an image of an owl… what’s that about? I have no idea. Feel free to check into it, however chooselifeforce has no relationship with psychetruth.

TruBoost™ with Sensoril® can reduce Cortisol according to the clinical tests ( see the “Science Behind the Boost!”): The occasional release of cortisol in response to momentary stress is normal and healthy. In fact, our body requires cortisol to effectively cope with stress until it eventually goes away. The problem is many of us are bombarded daily by stress that doesn’t go away—jobs, kids, traffic, bills, dieting, etc. The too frequent release of cortisol in response to our increasingly hectic lives causes our cortisol levels to remain too high, too long.  Just as high cholesterol, free radicals, and high blood sugar are considered indicators of declining health, there is increasing evidence that high cortisol is emerging as a significant health demon.

In addition to helping balance the body’s ability to cope with stress…

TruBoost™ with Sensoril® Reduces C-Reactive Protein
The American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a joint scientific statement in 2003 on the use of inflammatory markers in clinical and public health practice. This statement was developed after systematically reviewing the evidence of association between inflammatory markers (mainly C – reactive protein) and coronary heart disease and stroke.

Title: Inflammation, Heart Disease and Stroke: Following is an excerpt.

“The Role of C-Reactive Protein – How does inflammation relate to heart disease and stroke risk?” “Inflammation” is the process by which the body responds to injury. Laboratory evidence and findings from autopsy studies suggest that the inflammatory process plays an important part in atherosclerosis. That’s the process in which fatty deposits build up in the lining of arteries. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein in the body whose level increases when there’s inflammation of blood vessels. It’s been suggested that C-Reactive Protein may provide a new way to assess cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers have found that blood levels of C-Reactive Protein are elevated many years before a first heart attack or stroke. One important study was published in the April 3, 1997, New England Journal of Medicine. Using a test called high-sensitivity testing for C-Reactive Protein, the researchers measured baseline levels of C-Reactive Protein among 1,086 apparently healthy men participating in the Physicians’ Health Study. These men were then followed over an eight-year period for future development of their first heart attack, stroke or venous thrombosis (blood clot in a vein).”

Results:
What is the role of C-reactive protein in predicting risk? Overall, the researchers found that men with the highest levels of C-reactive protein, compared to men with lower levels of the protein, have a threefold increase in their risk of heart attack and have a twofold increase in their risk of stroke.

As we have learned, taking foods that are high in refined sugar, or drinks that stimulate the adrenals to put out more cortisol, such as coffee or cola drinks can be harmful to your health even while seeming to give you a boost of energy.

Since TruBoost™ is actually working to turn your system back into a self-repair mode, and it’s goal is to  provide your body with something that adapts to your needs, don’t you think it’s poised to revolutionize the “energy drink” market? From what I have studied, the product TruBoost is an aid to the body… adding nutritional components that will enable the body to function better.

I’m in Costa Rica, where I have to wait a bit longer to get my products sent down to me. While I have tried TruBoost a couple times, with noticeable affect, I have not had a consistent trial period to give you a personal testimony yet. In the near future I will share my experiences with you. In the meantime, let’s hear from some of you already using it.

Some further reading on cortisol:
The Stress System: Adrenaline and Cortisol
Acoustic Weapons – Death by Cortisol?

I live in a country (Costa Rica) which exports quality coffee – some of the best in the world- some of it organic.  I live about five minutes from the largest and most popular Costa Rican producer of gourmet organic coffee beans, Cafe Britt. This last year my family spent an afternoon visiting their facilities – joining one of the many tours they host. We had a great time.

On The Cafe Britt coffee tour

I have a love, not quite hate, relationship with coffee.  While I love the flavor and aroma of gourmet coffee, I don’t do well with the caffeine part of the equation.  When I was younger my body tolerated caffeine a lot better, but now I rarely consume much of anything containing it, so when I do have a cup of joe, man I feel it!

Lets be honest, caffeine is a stimulant – a drug if you will.  How many of us started drinking coffee for the taste alone?  I didn’t like the taste at all when I first tried it (until I added all that cream and sugar ), but eventually the attractiveness, aura, sophistication, media manipulation… I don’t recall exactly my motivations, but I was drawn in, and added another product to  my increasing arsenal of caffeine and sugar fixes during my college years.

You’re probably wondering where I am going with this…

Well, I mention the above because I know many of us are looking for alternatives, ways to avoid chemicals and substances we know to be hazardous to our health, yet we have a hard time functioning throughout our busy days without them.

The Adrenal Glands and Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands are two small glands, each about the size of a large grape. They are situated on top of the kidneys. Their purpose is to help the body to cope with stress and help it to survive.

Adrenaline is manufactured in the interior of the adrenal gland, called the adrenal medulla. Cortisol, one of several chemicals from the adrenal gland, is made in the exterior portion of the gland, called the adrenal cortex. Cortisol helps you handle longer-term stress situations.

“In the heightened nervous state of adrenal burnout, the body overproduces adrenaline, cortisol and other stress hormones. Constant stress and poor nutrition can weaken the adrenal glands. Eventually, this causes the adrenal glands, the front line in the stress reaction, to show wear and tear and become depleted. This frequently leads to impairment in the thyroid gland, which can cause a further decline in energy level and mood and is one of the reasons why many people have thyroid glands that don’t work well.” – Adrenal Fatigue & Stress – Valerie Balandra ARNP, BC

“Those with adrenal fatigue often report symptoms such as dizziness and weakness, as the blood sugar level drops below a comfortable level for the body to function normally. To overcome this, the quick fix solution is to take food that is high in refined sugar such as donut or sweets, or drinks that is stimulatory to get the adrenal to put out more cortisol, such as coffee or cola drinks. This gives the person a boost of energy. However, this hypoglycemic symptom relief only lasts for about 1-2 hours. Inevitably, it is followed by a crash to an even lower blood level. Those suffering from adrenal fatigue are constantly on a roller coaster ride in terms of their blood sugar level throughout the day. The sugar level tends to increase after each quick fix, but drops after a few hours. By the end of the day, the body is totally exhausted.” – DrLam.com

Coffee/Sodas over stimulate your adrenals and they deplete important B vitamins.

Coffee does not give you energy; coffee gives you the illusion of energy. Coffee actually drains the body of energy and makes you more tired, because of vitamin and adrenal depletion.  Check out the following chart to see how the use of caffeine for supposed energy is added to “energy drinks.”  TruBoost, at the top is the only product to be free of any caffeine.

Click on the chart for a better view of energy drink comparison.

From Life Force International’s web site information on TruBoost:

“The Sensoril in TruBoost is clinically proven to boost energy at the cellular level and enhance mental clarity and focus.* Both Tulsi and Ashwagandha are known as adaptogenic herbs, which increase the body’s ability to resist and recover from fatigue and stress. Sensoril works in tandem with Tulsi to provide a vitalizing lift without stressing the adrenal glands.”

Ok, now given a choice – choosing the option that will allow your body to do the “boosting” naturally, vs. allowing a stimulant such as caffeine to do it for you while wreaking havoc on your adrenals – what do you think will be most beneficial to your health in the long term? I don’t think there is any doubt about that now.

From the Red Bull website:

“Caffeine is known for its beneficial effects on mental and physical functions. It has been shown to improve e.g. reaction speed, alertness and concentration. Caffeine also stimulates fat-burning during endurance activities and thereby helps to use fat stores in the body which results in a more efficient supply of energy.”

That doesn’t quite tell you enough information – typical of peddlers of these products to spin things towards their bias… their product. How do they define “beneficial effects”? Yeah, right… I’m really going to down Red Bull for my health.

More to come next post.

Tulsi - "Holy Basil"

Another one of those remarkable adaptogens Life Force International has chosen for the new TruBoost energy drink is Tulsi, commonly referred to as “Holy Basil.”

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is not the same as the common Basil (Ocimum basilicum) plant, which is used heavily in cooking.

In India, Tulsi has been in use for thousands of years and is highly regarded – being their most sacred herb. The Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving Tulsi plants or leaves is not the topic of focus here, but the health properties or health promoting potential of the plant are.

Tulsi is renowned for its restorative powers, and is rich in antioxidants.  The plant has a highly complex chemisty, containing hundreds of beneficial compounds known as phytochemicals (plant-derived chemical compounds).

“Holy Basil has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the mind and nervous system. It lifts the spirits while increasing clarity of thought and dispelling depression. Traditionally it is used for cloudy thinking caused by drug use. This adaptogenic spice reduces mental fog associated with drug use, menopause and chronic stress. It is also antiviral, a carminative and a galactagogue.” – David Winston

Benefits of Tulsi:

• Relieves stress / adaptogen
• Bolsters immunity
• Enhances stamina
• Provides support during cold season
• Promotes healthy metabolism
• A natural immuno-modulator

Dr. Ralph Miller, former Director of Research for the Canadian National Department of Health and Welfare had this to say about his discovery of holy basil:

“When I was first introduced to the sacred Tulsi some years back, my first reaction, as a Western scientist, was disbelief. This can’t be so, I thought. This herb sounds too good to be true. There seemed to be far more wide-ranging health benefits attributed to this plant than could be possible for a single agent. Yet, I realized that there must be a compelling reason why Tulsi has, for thousands of years, remained one of the most cherished of India’s sacred healing plants. In addition to being a pillar of the traditional Ayurvedic holistic health system, Tulsi continues to be honored daily by millions. So, it really can’t be much of a surprise to discover that modern science is accumulating evidence in support of many of the traditional health promotion and disease treatment uses of Tulsi.” -

Some of the recent science research studies suggest that Tulsi may be an effective treatment for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels. It also has been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels. It has demonstrated some promise for protection from radiation poisoning and cataracts, as well as acting like many modern painkillers, due to its high concentration of eugenol.

Has LFI made a good choice in Ashwagandha and Tulsi derivatives for TruBoost?  In the next post we will explore more about how these adaptogens in TruBoost work dynamically together.

Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Life Force International has recently brought to light a new product called TruBoost.  This entering into the “energy drink” market should meet the needs of many who want a healthy pick-me-up and are turning away from those caffeine loaded drinks that don’t live up to their claims, and worse, damage your health.

TruBoost’s main ingredients are derivatives of adaptogenic plants, namely Ashwagandha (Botanical Name: Withania somnifera) also known as Winter Cherry or Indian Ginseng, and Tulsi commonly called holy basil.

I will save discussion on Tulsi for a later post…  today I wanted to cover Ashwagandha, and adaptogenic herbs in general.

What is an adaptogen and why would Life Force International be interested in pursuing studies and ultimatly creating a product containing them?

Prior to Convention 2008, I couldn’t remember ever hearing about adaptogens.  Now that TruBoost is out I have spent a bit of time googling these fascinating plants.

The term adaptogen is used to refer to a natural plant based product that is proposed to increase the body’s resistance, or help the body adapt and better cope with stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. Adaptogens are powerful antioxidants and are non-toxic in normal doses, and non habit forming.

Adaptogen effects produce non specific responses in the body, which means that they influence the body in  different ways for each individual.

For instance if you are feeling mentally sluggish or physically tired, adaptogens will benefit you by providing a more energetic, vitalized, and full of zest for life boost. While they provide your body with this “boost”, they are not normal stimulants.

On the other hand should you be stressed-out, or emotionally fatigued, and having difficulty coping with daily life, adaptogens will provide you with a relaxed feeling and increase your ability to cope with whatever stressful situation you find yourself in, and they will not have a drug-like effect on the body.

It’s remarkable for these plants to possess the ability to produce a spectrum of benefits almost tailor made to each individuals needs. They truly do adapt to your body’s need.

So, why Ashwagandha for Truboost?

Roots of the Ashwaghandha plant.

About Ashwagandha:

“A traditional Ayurvedic medicinal plant considered one of the best tonic remedies of India. It is a calming adaptogen and nervine used to reduce stress, stimulate libido and male reproductive functioning. It also acts as an antispasmodic and along with Black Cohosh, Kava and Wood Betony is specific for fibromyalgia pain. Due to its rich iron content, Withania is used to treat iron deficient anemia and the resultant fatigue associated with it.” – David Winston

TruBoost actually contains a derivative of Withania Somnifera called Sensoril which Life Force has a patent on. Check out the TruBoost product details page for the “Science Behind the Boost.”

Uses:

Increase immunity to colds & infections, vitality, male fertility and libido. Combats impotence and helps regulate blood sugar.

Suggested For:

• Strengthen immune system
• antioxidant
• rejuventaing
• antibiotic
• astringent
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-anxiety
• anti-tumor
• diuretic
• Insomnia
• Reduces Cholesterol

You can see why LFI would take a look at such a powerful herb. Next time we will continue exploring adaptogenic plants and the other main ingrediant in TruBoost, Tulsi.

You can read more about Ashwagandha here.