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Memory & Mood

Webinars

Stress, Occasional Anxiety and Adrenal Resilience

  • Feb 4, 2025
Pure Encapsulations Pro Blog


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Stress, Occasional Anxiety and Adrenal Resilience


Presented by: Peter Bongiorno, ND, LAc+


The adrenal glands are designed to keep basal rates of corticosteroids, mineralocorticoids and sex hormones and to robustly secrete stress hormones for resilient protection during a stressful moment. However, stress can overwhelm these glands leading to various stages of the adrenal response. In this webinar, Dr. Peter Bongiorno explains how most cases of stress and anxiety are a normal reaction to what we put our bodies and minds through. He will cover the workings of the HPA axis and reveal the true relevance of early, mid and late adrenal response. By learning from his 21 years of clinical experience managing these various stages, you can gain strategies for bringing your patients back to resilience.


 

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize the impact of stress on adrenal function
  • Understand the workings of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis
  • Identify the stages of adrenal response: early, mid and late, how they occur and the methods to test for them
  • Acquire practical strategies and clinical insights from Dr. Bongiorno to address various stages of adrenal response and enhance patient resilience

 

 

About the Speaker

Peter Bongiorno, ND, LAc+, is dedicated to bringing effective holistic healing to the practice of mental health. In 2004, he established two thriving practices NYC Integrative, in New York City and Long Island. Prior to earning his naturopathic doctorate from Bastyr University, he researched at the National Institutes of Mental Health and Yale University, studying stress and the HPA axis. He authored the first integrative medicine textbook for depression in 2008. He has written numerous publications since then including three more books on mental health, including How Come They're Happy and I'm Not?



+Dr. Bongiorno is a retained advisor for Pure Encapsulations.






 


Blog

Building Resilience: A Guide to Personalized Care for Stress

  • Oct 30, 2024
Pure Encapsulations Pro Blog

Building Resilience: A Guide to Personalized Care for Stress

Key Points

  1. Each patient's experience of stress is unique and shaped by multiple factors.
  2. A thorough understanding and personalized approach to the three stages of stress response is essential for supporting patients in recovering from stress and building resilience.
  3. A customized strategy not only addresses the diverse causes and symptoms of stress but also enhances patient engagement and outcomes.

Table of Contents:

  1. The Importance of a Personalized Approach to Stress Management
  2. Understanding Individual Differences in Stress Responses
  3. Building Resilience Against Stress
  4. The 3 Stages of Stress Adaptation: Expanding Your Knowledge
  5. Additional Resources

The Importance of a Personalized Approach to Stress Management

More than one-third of adults don’t know where to begin to manage their stress. For some, their healthcare practitioner may be the only person they talk to about their stress.[1] While stress is a universal experience with profound impacts on each patient’s overall health, its manifestation and effects are unique to everyone, necessitating a personalized approach . A customized strategy can address a wide range of stress symptoms and causes while also improving patient involvement and results.

Understanding Individual Differences in Stress Responses

Each patient's experience of stress is shaped by numerous factors including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, personal coping mechanisms and even the specific stressors themselves. A personalized approach allows the healthcare practitioner to address these distinctions, enabling more precise identification of stress triggers and the development of effective, individualized strategies.

Building Resilience Against Stress

The following infographic is a guide to providing comprehensive care for your patient that addresses the physiological and psychological mechanisms associated with the stress response, along with thorough assessment recommendations, diet, exercise, sleep adaptogenic and nutrient support. Infographic displaying 3 stages of adaptation and related assessments, and diet, exercise and supplement recommendations  

The Three Stages of Stress Adaptation: Expanding Your Knowledge

The 3 stages of stress adaptation are a framework that describes how the body responds to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance and exhaustion. A thorough understanding of the progression of these stages and how their presentation can vary between individuals is vital for supporting a patient’s response to stress and for promoting resilience to it.Explore our educational videos below to enhance your knowledge of the 3 stages of stress adaptation, the intricate relationship between stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the long-term effects of stress.

 

Additional Resources

Stress Management & Relaxation Protocol‡: developed with James Greenblatt, MD, a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine for mental health, this protocol offers nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to support stress management and relaxation.‡ Drug-Nutrient Interaction Checker: provides valuable information on potential interactions between your patients’ prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements. PureInsight™: Our streamlined platform easily collects patient data and provides valuable, personalized recommendations to help achieve their unique health goals. Virtual Dispensary: our Pure Patient Direct program provides account holders FREE access to our virtual dispensary to help simplify patient sales and reduce in-office inventory.  

References

[1] American Psychological Association
Blog

The Role of Neurotransmitters in Attention, Focus and Behavior

  • Sep 24, 2024
Pure Encapsulations Pro Blog
 

The Role of Neurotransmitters in Attention, Focus and Behavior

 

Key Points:

  1. Approximately 6.76% of adults experience focus and attention related challenges.
  2. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and acetylcholine play crucial roles in managing focus-related tasks.
  3. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and supplements can support neurotransmitter production and function. Consider food or supplements high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, magnesium and B vitamins for foundational support.‡
  4. Targeted supplements can support specific neurotransmitters that contribute to focus and attention: CogniPhos (acetylcholine), CurcumaSorb Mind (dopamine and serotonin) and DopaPlus (dopamine and norepinephrine).‡

Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction
  2. Key Neurotransmitters Involved in Focus
  3. Natural Ways to Support Neurotransmitter Balance
  4. Conclusion
  5. Resources

Introduction

For many, maintaining focus is a daily struggle that affects productivity and overall well-being. The prevalence of focus and attention issues is approximately 6.76%, or around roughly 366.33 million, adults globally. What causes these challenges with focus? One crucial factor is the brain’s neurotransmitters. Focus involves the ability to sustain attention on a particular task or goal, while ignoring distractions. It is essential for effective work, learning and daily functioning. Maintaining focus can be difficult for many people, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress. In this blog, we’ll explore how neurotransmitters impact our ability to focus, the role they play in managing focus-related tasks and provide some lifestyle solutions to support focus.

Key Neurotransmitters Involved in Focus

Dopamine: is essential for motivation, attention and reward processing. It helps regulate how we perceive and respond to stimuli, influencing our ability to stay focused on tasks. Low levels of dopamine can impair our ability to concentrate, stay organized, manage time effectively and may lead to challenges in maintaining attention on tasks.1 Norepinephrine: affects alertness and arousal. It helps the brain stay alert and responsive to stimuli, which is essential for maintaining focus. Norepinephrine has been shown to alter network activity in attention and working memory through arousal activation of the frontoparietal network, which is critical for sustained attention and alertness.2 Serotonin: influences mood, impulse control and overall cognitive function. It plays a role in managing emotional responses and maintaining a steady focus. Changes in serotonin levels can affect our emotional stability and our ability to maintain focus, leading to increased distractibility and impulsive actions.3 Acetylcholine: governs memory, learning, motivation and attention. Synthesized from choline, acetylcholine is the chief neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system and has a significant impact on muscle function, sleep, cognitive processes and mental performance.4 Fluctuations of acetylcholine can affect short-term memory, processing speed and word recall and can lead to learning difficulties and symptoms like brain fog.

Natural Ways to Support Neurotransmitter Balance‡

By understanding how neurotransmitters play a role in focus, attention and mood, you can better provide guidance on lifestyle changes that support neurotransmitter balance.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can support neurotransmitter production and function. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and certain nutrients, such as vitamin D, magnesium and zinc, support the synthesis of neurotransmitters or assist their functioning.5 Very few research studies have investigated specific dietary patterns on focus or attention outcomes in randomized clinical trials. However, there is available evidence to provide broad recommendations, such as consuming nutrient-dense foods and limiting excessive added sugars as beneficial for attention problems. Mediterranean diets, rich in omega-3s and plant-based foods compared to Western diets, have also been associated with better mental health and mood.6

Exercise

Regular physical activity has been shown to boost levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, which can enhance mood and improve concentration. In fact, in children who have problems with attention, exercise interventions improved overall executive function when participating in exercise.7 Additionally, there is a robust body of scientific evidence demonstrating positive outcomes on brain function in adults from long-term exercise. Several studies have shown positive effects of exercise on cognitive functioning, specifically on prefrontal cortex-dependent cognition. Even acute, short bursts of exercise have been shown to improve mood and emotional status.8  

Supplements

Various supplemental ingredients offer benefits to supporting neurotransmitter function.
  • CogniPhos: A blend of clinically researched Cognizen® citicoline, acetyl-L-carnitine, Sharp-PS® phosphatidylserine and cofactors. Cognizen® promotes daily cognitive performance and mental sharpness. 9,10‡
  • CurcumaSorb Mind: A curcumin and polyphenol blend to promote mood, memory and mental sharpness and support healthy levels of serotonin and dopamine. 11‡
  • DopaPlus: This formula provides the dopamine precursors L-tyrosine and L-DOPA (from Mucuna pruriens). DopaPlus supports dopamine production and maintains healthy reuptake for daily mental function and sharpness. 12, 13‡
  • Vitamin D + Magnesium: Vitamin D and Magnesium are both nutrients that play a role in the body’s nervous system. In a randomized-clinical trial, children supplemented with vitamin D and magnesium had a positive impact on and total difficulties compared to placebo after 8-weeks of supplementation.14‡
  • Fish oils:  are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acid. DHA, a fatty-acid in fish oil, is well recognized for its ability to support neural and cognitive function.  Epidemiological studies indicate that intake of DHA is associated with healthy cognitive function.15‡
  • Vitamin B6: A coenzyme involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters needed for synaptic transmission (e.g., dopamine, serotonin, GABA).‡
  • Pycnogenol®: A highly researched maritime pine bark extract, which contains a unique mixture of proanthocyanidins and other polyphenols. Clinical trials have shown that pycnogenol supports parameters related to attention in both children and adults. 17-19‡
 
Intervention Dopamine Norepinephrine Serotonin Acetylcholine
CurcumaSorb Mind X X
DopaPlus X X
CogniPhos X
 

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between neurotransmitters and focus offers valuable insights into managing focus-related challenges. By addressing neurotransmitter imbalances through lifestyle changes and supporting supplements, individuals can help improve their ability to concentrate and enhance their overall focus and attention.

Resources

Mood Protocol: Developed in collaboration with our scientific and medical advisors to support mood.‡ Drug-Nutrient Interactions Checker:  provides valuable information on potential interactions between your patients’ prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements. PureInsight™: Our streamlined platform easily collects patient data and provides valuable recommendations to help patients achieve their health goals. Virtual Dispensary: Our Pure Patient Direct program provides account holders FREE access to our virtual dispensary to help simplify patient sales and reduce in-office inventory. You can also explore Pure Encapsulations® to find On-Demand Learning, Clinical Protocols, and other resources developed with our medical and scientific advisors.

References

  1. Kessi M, Duan H, Xiong J, C, et al. Front Mol Neurosci. 2022 Sep 21;15:925049. doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.925049.
  2. O'Donnell J, Zeppenfeld D, McConnell E, et al. Neurochem Res. 2012 Nov;37(11):2496-512. doi: 10.1007/s11064-012-0818-x. Epub 2012 Jun 21.
  3. Jones LA, Sun EW, Martin AM, Keating DJ. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2020 Aug;125:105776. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105776. Epub 2020 May 29.
  4. Sam C, Bordoni B. Physiology, Acetylcholine. [Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557825/
  5. Lange KW, Lange KM, Nakamura Y, et al. Curr Nutr Rep. 2023 Sep;12(3):383-394. doi: 10.1007/s13668-023-00487-8. Epub 2023 Jul 28.
  6. Firth J, Gangwisch JE, Borisini A, et al. BMJ. 2020 Jun 29;369:m2382. doi: 10.1136/bmj.m2382.
  7. Liang X, Li R, Wong SHS, et al. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2021 May 22;18(1):68. doi: 10.1186/s12966-021-01135-6.
  8. Basso JC, Suzuki WA. Brain Plast. 2017 Mar 28;2(2):127-152. doi: 10.3233/BPL-160040.
  9. McGlade E, et al. J Atten Disord. 2015 Jul 15.
  10. McGlade E, et al. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2012, 3, 769-773.
  11. Bhutani MK, et al. Pharmacol Biochem Behav.2009 Mar;92(1):39-43.
  12. Katzenschlager R, et al. J Neurol NeurosurgPsychiatry2004;75:1672-1677.
  13. Ranjbar E, et al. Nutr Neurosci.2014 Feb;17(2):65-71.
  14. Hemamy M, Pahlavani N, Amanollahi A,et al. BMC Pediatr. 2021 Apr 17;21(1):178. doi: 10.1186/s12887-021-02631-1. Erratum in: BMC Pediatr. 2021 May 12;21(1):230. doi: 10.1186/s12887-021-02683-3.
  15. Jackson PA, et. al. Br J Nutr.2012 Apr;107(8):1093-8.
  16. Calderón-Ospina CA, Nava-Mesa MO. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2020 Jan;26(1):5-13. doi: 10.1111/cns.13207. Epub 2019 Sep 6.
  17. Belcaro G, Luzzi R, Dugall M, et al. J Neurosurg Sci. 2014 Dec;58(4):239-48. Epub 2014 Mar 28.
  18. Luzzi R, Belcaro G, Zulli C, et al. Panminerva Med. 2011 Sep;53(3 Suppl 1):75-82.
  19. Trebatická J, Kopasová S, Hradecná Z, et al. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2006 Sep;15(6):329-35. doi: 10.1007/s00787-006-0538-3. Epub 2006 May 13.
 
Blog

Nutritional and Lifestyle Interventions for Positive Mood: A Quick Guide for Providers

  • May 17, 2023
Pure Encapsulations Pro Blog
Two women outdoors in athletic wear, smiling in the sunlight

Nutritional and Lifestyle Interventions for Positive Mood: A Quick Guide for Providers

“How are you feeling?” It’s a question we’re asked almost every day, and according to the statistics, many of us are not feeling so well. In the United States more than 50% of Americans will need support for their mental health at some point in their lifetime.1, 2 The good news is that there are many lifestyle factors we can incorporate in our daily lives to support our mood:

1. Reduce and manage stress. Stress is impossible to completely remove from our lives, but we can manage it by setting firm boundaries, making time for your needs, asking for help where you need it and engaging in rituals such as journaling, meditation and breathing techniques.

2. Exercise and movement. Moving your body has many mood enhancing benefits including reduced stress hormones, increased endorphins and improved sleep and digestion.3  You don't have to only go to a gym — dancing, walking and playing with your kids all count too. The key to consistent movement is making sure you enjoy it.

3. Ensure adequate sleep. Sleep is truly the foundation of health because it’s during sleep that our body clears out the debris, rebuilds and heals. A 2021 study found a link between sleep and mood through the glymphatic system which is highly active during sleep and clears metabolic waste out of the brain through fluid exchange.4

4. Exposure to sunlight and nature. Daily sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythms which supports sleep and boosts mood by increasing serotonin. It’s also a source of vitamin D. Getting out into nature further reinforces that serotonin boost.5‡

5. Connection and community. Connection is a fundamental human need and in our technological age we’re getting much less. Having a supportive community where you feel like you belong can reduce the incidence of anxiety and depression.6 Engage in recreational sports, volunteering and other group activities to enhance your mood.

6. Consume a healthy diet. A diet focused on whole foods that’s lower in sugar, and higher in protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates provides the necessary amino acids, fats and nutrients that support the creation of mood supporting hormones and neurotransmitters.

7. Supplement as needed. Sometimes we need extra support, and this is where supplements can play a significant role in helping the body obtain the necessary nutrients to support mood. Taking a synergistic approach to supplementing for mood tends to yield the best results since there are many contributing factors. Below are some potential options:

  • Multivitamin: A high quality multivitamin delivers many of the nutrients needed to support neurotransmitter synthesis, including zinc and B vitamins.‡
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Omega 3 fatty acids are called essential fatty acids because your body needs them but can’t produce them. In observational and epidemiological studies, higher plasma levels of EPA have been associated with healthy mood. 7, 8‡
  • Magnesium: Magnesium has many systemic benefits. In a cross-sectional study involving 210 elderly individuals, optimal magnesium intake was associated with positive mood.9‡
  • Probiotics: Gut health plays an important role in mental health. Probiotics encourage healthy gut bacterial ecology and intestinal integrity.10, 11‡.
  • Curcumin: The antioxidant and immune-modulating properties of curcumin have been implicated in mood, relaxation and neuronal health.12, 13
  • B Vitamins: Folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 promote methylation, nerve support and cellular energy production. Folate plays important roles in emotional well-being.‡
  • Rhodiola: Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for hundreds of years to help lessen mental and physical stress.16, 17, 18‡
  • L-theanine: L-theanine is the active component of green tea that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness.19‡

Supporting mood and stress resilience is critical as a foundation for health. It is essential that clinicians assess stress levels as part of the bigger picture so that appropriate measures can be taken.

Pure Encapsulations’ Mood Protocol and mood support formulas provide research-backed solutions for your patients’ needs.‡

References

  1. Kessler RC, et al. World Psych. 2007;6(3):168-176.
  2. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. 2016.
  3. Cooney, GM, Dwan K, Mead G. JAMA. 2014 Jun 18;311(23):2432-3
  4. Yan T, et al. Front Psychiatry. 2021; 12: 658340.
  5. Bum-Jin Park, et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jun; 17(12): 4348.
  6. Schaefer S, et al. PLoS One. 2013; 8(11): e80329.
  7. Féart C, et. al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 May;87(5):1156-62.
  8. Samieri C, et. al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Sep;88(3):714-21.
  9. Barragán-Rodríguez L, et al. Magnes Res. 2008 Dec;21(4):218-23.
  10. Arseneault-Bréard J, et al. Br J Nutr. 2012 Jun;107(12):1793-9.
  11. Rao AV, et al. Gut Patho. 2009 Mar 19;1(1):6.
  12. Braidy N, et al. FEBS J. 2010 Jan;277(2):368-82.
  13. Bhutani MK, et al. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2009 Mar;92(1):39-43.
  14. Menon V, et al. Indian J Psychol Med. 2020 Jan-Feb; 42(1): 11–21.
  15. Young L, et al. Nutrients. 2019 Sep; 11(9): 2232.
  16. Spasov AA, et al. Phytomedicine. 2000 Apr;7(2):85-9.
  17. Maslova LV, et al. Eksp Klin Farmakol.1994 Nov-Dec;57(6):61-3.
  18. Stojcheva E, et al. Molecules. 2022 Jun; 27(12): 3902.
  19. Juneja LR, et al. Trends in Food Science & Technology.1999. 10; 199-204.

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