Patient Protocol: Stress and Digestion Support*
By Dr. Tori Hudson, ND
Stress has come to mean many things, but what we want to focus on today are the neurotransmitters and adrenal function involved in our response to stress. Our bodies secrete hormones, including neurotransmitters, that are altered when we experience stressors in our life.
Some of these hormones include serotonin, adrenaline, dopamine and GABA. There are two main categories of neurotransmitters: excitatory and inhibitory. Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) is an excitatory neurotransmitter, while the neurotransmitter dopamine is responsible for focus and energy. Select inhibitory neurotransmitters include serotonin and GABA.
Cortisol release follows adrenaline production, and this hormone is an important part of the system that supports immune function. We produce higher cortisol levels in response to fighting a cold or meeting a demand or increase in workload, whether from exercise, school or work.
Going too long without eating a balanced meal with adequate protein results in adrenaline spiking and increased cortisol secretion which triggers gluconeogenesis. This cascade of events provides glucose for ATP production.
The Stress-Digestion Connection
Stress can negatively impact digestion by slowing it down and reducing the production of digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes can help with the body’s occasional stressors in an indirect way, by promoting nutrient absorption and reducing digestive discomfort. When digestion is impaired, it can lead to complaints like occasional bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort, which can be stressful in themselves.* Digestive enzyme supplements can aid in breaking down food, potentially alleviating these digestive issues and reducing the stress associated with them.
Stress can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to an imbalance in the gut and further digestive issues.
Read on to learn about certain supplements that may offer support.
Clinical Supplement Protocol for Brain & Stress Support*
- Critical Digestion (the highest-potency enzymes and 1.25 billion CFU probiotics): 1 capsule, 3 times per day with food
- (PEA)+ (Ultra-micronized PEA with Meriva® Curcumin): 2 capsules, 3 times per day
- Stem XCell® Pro (Boosts stem cells with Patented NT-020*): 2 capsules per day
Why these supplements, in addition to the combination of probiotics and enzymes?
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an extensively researched natural ingredient for nervous system support.* This ingredient has been utilized for decades and is available in dietary supplements worldwide as an option for the onset of physiological stress.*
PEA is an endogenous fatty acid amide that belongs to the family of biologically active lipids that are increased by the body to soothe discomfort naturally.*
Since PEA is a lipid that has a large particle size in its unprocessed state, that can limit its solubility and bioavailability. However, ultra-micronized PEA has been processed using an air-jet milling technique. Both its particle size and purity are then confirmed. The biological properties and mechanisms of PEA naturally produced by the body, involve a variety of effects including those upon glial and mast cells, cannabinoid-2 receptors, NF-kB and effects on the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Glial and mast cells naturally play a key role in the body’s management of discomfort.*
Cannabinoid-2 receptors are more often found on immune cells, in the gastrointestinal tract and in the peripheral nervous system. In addition, PEA enhances the effects of the fatty acid anandamide (also referred to as the “bliss molecule”) when it binds to CB receptors.*
Stem cell support can aid in cognitive function, the cumulative impact from repeated cell division and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress resulting from excessive reactive oxygen species production and impaired antioxidant systems can affect stem cell proliferation, differentiation, aging and stem cell health.
While aging is of course a normal physiological process, it is itself a stressor due to the repeated demands of stem cell function. With a blend of blueberry and green tea extracts, L-carnosine and Vitamin D3, Stem XCell® Pro has demonstrated a synergy in increasing the number of adult stem cells. The polyphenol-rich formula promotes healthy aging, cognitive function and the body’s natural repair processes.
Dr. Tori Hudson, Naturopathic Physician, graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in 1984 and has served the college in several capacities, including: Medical Director, Associate Academic Dean, and Academic Dean. She is currently a clinical adjunct professor at NUNM), Sonoran University of Health Sciences, Bastyr University and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr Hudson has been in practice for over 40 years, is the medical director of her clinic, “A Woman’s Time” in Portland, Oregon, co-owner and director of product research and education for VITANICA and the program director for the Institute of Women’s Health and Integrative Medicine. She is also the founder and co-director of NERC (Naturopathic Education and Research Consortium), a non-profit organization for accredited naturopathic residencies.
Dr. Hudson has been appointed as a faculty member of the Fellowship in Integrative Health and Medicine, Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine and the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.
Dr. Hudson was awarded the 1990 President’s award from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians for her research in women’s health, the 1999 prestigious Naturopathic Physician of the Year award, the 2003 NUNM Alumni Pioneer Award., the 2009 Natural Products Association Pioneer Award and in 2012 was inducted into the NUNM Hall of Fame. In 2016, she was the recipient of the annual Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physician’s “Living Legends” award.
In 2021 she received the 2020 American Botanical Council’s prestigious Fredi Kronenberg Excellence in Research and Education in Botanicals in Women’s Health Award for 2020.
She is a nationally recognized author (book: Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine second edition, McGraw Hill 2008) and the Menopause Companion (2023), speaker, educator, researcher, and clinician. Dr. Hudson serves on several editorial boards, advisory panels and as a consultant to the natural products industry. She also writes monthly columns and free lance articles for several publications.