BrainMax® Cortisol Stress Support 60 cps

The most sophisticated combination of natural extracts of adaptogenic plants. It contains the patented ashwagandha extract KSM-66, which is characterized by the highest quality, bioavailability and concentration of over 5% witanolides.1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Together with magnesium, L-theanine, phosphatidylserine and standardized rhodiola extract to 1% salidrosides, it is the most powerful combo to restore mental balance.

What is cortisol and what causes high levels of it

The uncontrolled long-term stress we face is called "chronic stress". More 'stress hormones' are released and if levels remain high over a long period of time, it contributes to weight gain, especially in the abdominal area, disrupts falling asleep and sleep quality, causes emotional instability, irritation and difficulty concentrating or remembering.

Acute and chronic stress

When the body is exposed to acute stress from fear for life, cortisol levels rise rapidly, which helps activate the body's various defence mechanisms. We call this reaction "fight or flight". The heart rate increases, muscles tense, our senses sharpen and the body builds up enough energy to deal with the threat. However, the chronic stress we normally experience on a daily basis does not threaten our lives, and yet several times a day cortisol levels rise in this way. The result is problems that cause physical manifestations (fatigue, pain, weight gain, indigestion, insomnia) and form the basis of mental problems (mood swings, anxiety).

How does high cortisol manifest itself?

It manifests physically (weight gain, cravings for sweet and salty foods) but also mood swings, worry, sadness, stress and anger. All of this on a daily basis. Initially as emotional fluctuations when we react inadequately to different situations. Then this behaviour stops and anxiety, depression and not rarely burnout and apathy can occur.

How to deal with high levels of stress?

To reduce stress, it is important to incorporate regular exercise, deep breathing techniques or yoga into the daily routine, thus relieving the body and mind of tension. Good quality sleep is also needed, which is essential for the regeneration of the body and mind.

What causes chronic stress?

• Tension headaches

sleep and causes subsequent daytime fatigue
• Triggers digestive problems such as stomach pain

to overeating and weight gain
• Reluctance to exercise and move
• Contributes to social isolation
• Increases cholesterol levels

Ashwagandha extract for peace of mind

Ashwagandha is one of Ayurveda's most well-known adaptogens, promoting sleep and overall mental health. It also contributes to better cognitive functions like memory4and concentration, making ashwagandha the best natural supplement for students, mentally working or elderly people.

• Mental health, sleep and relaxation
• Normal cardiovascular system function
• Appetite
• Rejuvenation
• Normal reproductive system function1,7
• Normal respiratory system function
• Normal skin condition
• Antioxidant
• Mental and cognitive function
• Concentration, fatigue

What does the designation KSM-66 mean?

The KSM-66 designation for Ashwagandha is an acronym that refers to a specific type of ashwagandha root extract that is produced with an emphasis on quality and standardization. This extract is created using a proprietary process that involves the use of only ashwagandha roots (no leaves or stems) and water extraction without the use of alcohol. KSM-66 extract is standardized for high withanolide content.

• Ashwagandha has the highest number of certifications among botanical plants
• Root extract with the most research and clinical studies
• Contains the highest percentage of withanolides (over 5%) of any branded extract available
• Produced using a unique "Green Chemistry" process, without alcohol or synthetic solvents
• Studies focus on the roots, not the leaves, and therefore is produced only from the roots of the plant

Rhodiola extract standardized to 1% salidroside

Rhodiola is also an adaptogen that has a beneficial effect on mental performance. A study conducted in 2009 tested the impact of rhodiola on people suffering from stress-related fatigue. They found that repeated administration of rhodiola counteracted fatigue, increasing mental performance, especially the ability to concentrate. In addition to the mental aspect, rhodiola also supports our cognitive abilities.8

performance and fitness
• Antioxidant
• Normal digestion

and mental performance
• Blood circulation
• Adaptogen - nervous system
• Fatigue - stress

Phospholipid and important component of cell membranes

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid and an important component of cell membranes, especially in the brain. This lipid is crucial for proper cell function. It occurs naturally in foods such as soybeans and fish. In our Cortisol Stress Support , the phosphatidylserine comes from Non GMO soy lecithin.

Calming, relaxing and supporting mental alertness

Green tea is rich in L-theanine and is renowned for its positive effects on cognitive and mental health8. It can induce a state of relaxation without inducing fatigue, promote alertness, and increase physical and mental energy.9

• Body refreshment - mental and physical abilities
• Vitality - tone - fatigue
• Concentration - sleep

and mental health
• Sleep - concentration
• Natural defenses - immune system

performance

- relaxation
• Antioxidant
• Circulation - heavy legs
• Normal cholesterol levels - lipid levels
• Thermogenesis - energy expenditure

For maximum quality we have chosen magnesium bisglycinate

In the case of chronic stress, we experience feelings of nervousness from the moment we wake up in the morning, and this often makes it difficult for us to cope with our daily responsibilities, including our productivity. Magnesium reduces the level of fatigue and exhaustion, making it a good support in times of stress. Magnesium bisglycinate is the organic form of magnesium that has the highest absorption rate (enters the body easily), due to the binding of magnesium to 2 molecules of the amino acid glycine. Glycine forms an imaginary pincer that protects the magnesium until it reaches the small intestine, thus promoting the magnesium effect.

Legend: Ashwagandha KSM-661, rhodiola2.

*PSS - short for "Perceived Stress Scale" is a widely used psychological questionnaire for measuring perceived stress.

**GHQ-28 - abbreviation for "General Health Questionnaire-28". This questionnaire is designed to assess general mental health.

***DASS - Abbreviation for "Depression Anxiety Stress Scales". This is a questionnaire that measures the presence and severity of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.

****S. Cortisol - cortisol level

1. AMBIYE, Vijay R, Deepak LANGADE, Swati DONGRE, Pradnya APTIKAR, Madhura KULKARNI and Atul DONGRE. Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. 2013.

2. CHANDRASEKHAR, K, Jyoti KAPOOR and Sridhar ANISHETTY. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. 2012.

3. RAUT, Ashwinikumar A, Nirmala N REGE, Firoz M TADVI, Punita V SOLANKI, Kirti R KENE, Sudatta G SHIROLKAR, Rama A VYIDYA and Ashok B VAIDYA. Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers. 2012.

4. CHOUDHARY, Dnyanraj, Sauvik BHATTACHARYYA and Sekhar BOSE. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Memory and Cognitive Functions. 2017.

5. GOPUKUMAR, Kumarpillai, Shefali THANAWALA, Venkateswarlu SOMEPALLI, T S Sathyanaryana RAO, Vijaya Bhaskar THAMATAM and Sanjaya CHAUHAN. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. 2021.

6. MIKULSKA, Paulina, Marta MALINOWSKA, Milosz IGNACYK, et al. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)-Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review. 2023.

7. AJGAONKAR, Ashutosh, Mukta JAIN and Khokan DEBNATH. Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract for Improvement of Sexual Health in Healthy Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. 2022.

8. OLSSON, Erik M. G.; SCHÉELE, Bo von and PANOSSIAN, Alexander G. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Study of the Standardized Extract SHR-5 of the Roots of Rhodiola rosea in the Treatment of Subjects with Stress-Related Fatigue. 2009.

9.Hidese, S., Ogawa, S., Ota, M., Ishida, I., Yasukawa, Z., Ozeki, M., & Kunugi, H. (2019). Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 11.

Jedná se o doplněk stravy.