Our central stress-response system is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is a complex and dynamic intertwining of the central nervous system and endocrine system. The HPA axis is designed for intermittent, severe threats from our hunter-gatherer days, but not the constant, mundane stresses of modern-day life.
One of the main stress hormones released by the HPA axis is cortisol. When cortisol is chronically elevated due to constant stress, it can have the following effects:
- Sleep disturbance
- Suppressed thyroid function
- Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
- Deficiency of important hormones, including DHEA, pregnenolone, testosterone, and progesterone
- Osteoporosis
- Weakening of the immune system
- Brain damage: Shrinkage of the hippocampus (part of the brain involved in memory)
When stress is nonstop, cortisol receptors gradually lose their sensitivity. This forces the HPA to release even more cortisol. This only serves to compound the problem. Rhodiola to the rescue!
Rhodiola is an Arctic plant that was traditionally used in Russian and the Scandinavian countries as an energy and fertility tonic. Modern studies have shown that extracts of Rhodiola can help relieve depression and stress-induced fatigue. Most interesting is the finding that Rhodiola can help restore normal sensitivity of the cortisol receptors. A Swedish study conducted in 2009 showed that Rhodiola can lower elevated cortisol, levels, reduce the feeling of burnout, and improve cognitive function.
