HPA Select

HPA Select® helps to gently modulate the complex activities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, an interrelated network of endocrine messaging systems and pathways that governs the body’s stress response mechanisms. A constantly triggered immune response provokes a cascade in stress responses and is the fundamental mechanism underlying most imbalance and illness. HPA Select®¨ features a selection of time-honored Indian and East Asian adaptogenic herbs that have been proven safe and effective in modern clinical studies to quiet the stress response as they re-regulate, normalize and enhance normal function in multiple metabolic pathways. Known as tonifiers in classical Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, adaptogenic herbs are noted for their ability to safely generate non-specific resistance to physical, biological and chemical stressors.

Rhodiola Rosea is a flowering perennial plant found in sub-Arctic regions around the globe including Canada, the northern mountains of the continental US, Scandinavia and Russia, where it was studied extensively. It was used by the indigenous cultures as a treatment for illnesses common during cold and wet winters or to enhance mental and physical endurance among many other uses. Rhodiola is rich in potent antioxidants including vitamin C. Clinical studies show it is a favorable anti-depressant distinguished by its lack of side effects and has been shown to improve sleep quality, memory and learning, to reduce binge eating and to increase overall stress tolerance.

Eluethero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) was the first plant to be extensively studied in the Soviet Union, where the term adaptogen was coined for the properties of this local relative of the Asian ginseng, it met all of the criteria of an adaptogen-nontoxic; producing a nonspecific response that increased resistance against multiple stressor; had a normalizing influence on physiology, regardless of the direction of change inspired by the stressors. Eluethero helps speed recovery from injury, increase alertness, fight fatigue and shorten recovery times from illness.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a classical adaptogen, long revered in Ayurvedic medicine as a prominent longevity booster and nerve tonic. Commonly known as “Indian Ginseng”, Ashwagandha has been shown to help promote a healthy stress response in many ways, such as improving immunity and balancing levels of cortisol. Studies have found it effective in alleviating symptoms of depression.

Panax Ginseng is well known as an energy tonic that enhances physical endurance and supports reproductive hormone balance, particularly in men. Panax supports healthy metabolic function during stressed conditions by boosting fat oxidation while limiting carbohydrate metabolism.

Licorice Root Powder helps soothe irritated tissues lining an inflamed, stressed GI tract. Traditional Chinese and western herbalists have used licorice for centuries to help balance stress and support healthy adrenal function. Licorice helps keep cortisol at normal levels in people suffering from adrenal fatigue-a set of conditions caused by too much or too little circulating levels of cortisol that includes impaired cognitive performance, blood pressure fluctuations, mild depression and decreased immune function.