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ADRENAL DYSREGULATION PROTOCOL
(hyper-responsiveness)
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
CLINICAL PROTOCOL TO SUPPORT HEALTHY ADRENAL FUNCTION*
LABS TO CONSIDER
• Adrenal Stress Index
• Organic Acids Test
• Genomic Insight ® Genomic Health Profile – Endocrine Report
Diagnostic Biomarkers / Clinical
Indicators in Adrenal Function
Kidney
Adrenal Gland
Cortisol Aldosterone Adrenaline
Regulate Metabolism
Body Respond to Stress
Blood Pressure
Body React to Stress
2 PARTS OF THE ADRENAL GLAND
CORTEX
MEDULLA
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is comprised of a complex system of hormones and feedback
mechanisms that coordinate physiological response to stress. In the case of hyper-responsiveness,
adrenal function and hormone activity are elevated, leading to increased synthesis and release of
glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone) and catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine). Prolonged
release of these compounds can lead to chronic imbalances in adrenal function and downstream
effects to metabolic and neuroendocrine activity. Owing to a chronically hyperactive stress system,
sequelae may include depression, anxiety, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and immunosuppression.1
To address hyper-responsiveness, clinicians may seek to mitigate external stressors through
lifestyle and behavior modification, while simultaneously providing symptom relief through
nutritional and dietary supplement strategies. Adaptogens are often employed to help modulate
adrenal and neurotransmitter pathways.*
This clinical protocol is designed to support healthy adrenal function in the face of
hyper-responsiveness through lifestyle intervention, dietary modification, adaptogenic herbs, and
targeted cofactors for adrenal support.*
Consult patients on the following to support a healthy stress response:
• Integrating stress management techniques such as breath work, biofeedback, and heart rate
• Writing down all worries/concerns and list of “to-dos” before bed to clear the mind
• Incorporating yoga or other mind-body physical practices
• Practicing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
• Ensure adequate magnesium status and achievement of recommended intake (310-420 mg/day based on
age and gender2) through supplementation or food-rich sources such as kale, spinach, Swiss chard,
pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews, black beans, and dark chocolate. Magnesium deficiency has been
associated with induction of anxiety and HPA axis dysregulation.3
• Guide patients to consume foods high in adrenal-supportive nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, B12,
thiamin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid.
• Recommend patients avoid caffeine-containing products and stimulant-containing herbs especially
• Manage blood sugar levels by consuming recommended daily fiber intake, avoiding highly refined
carbohydrates, and pairing protein and fat with meals.
• Reduce or avoid consumption of energy drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages.
Therapeutic Diet and Nutrition Considerations
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Dosing recommendations are given for typical use based on an average 150 pound healthy adult.
Health care practitioners are encouraged to use clinical judgement with case-specific dosing based
on intended goals, subject body weight, medical history, and concomitant medication and supplement
usage. Any product containing botanical substances has the potential for causing individual
sensitivities, appropriate monitoring, including liver function tests (LFT) is recommended.
For a list of references cited in this document, please visit:
https://www.designsforhealth.com/protocol-references/protocol-adrenal-dysregulation-hyper-references.pdf
Dose 2 capsules twice per day in between meals
Duration 8 weeks; retest Adrenal Salivary Index to reassess
NeuroCalm™ is designed to promote the activity of GABA and serotonin, which may help support
healthy
Formula Highlights
mood, cravings, and feelings of calm, satiety, and satisfaction.* NeuroCalm™ contains PharmaGABA®,
a form of GABA naturally manufactured via a fermentation process, which is considered more
effective than chemically produced synthetic forms. Support for the production of calming
neurotransmitters is also provided by L-theanine and taurine.*
Dose 5 grams (approx. one teaspoon) of powder mixed in eight ounces of water per day
Duration 8 weeks; retest Adrenal Salivary Index to reassess
Magnesium Bisglycinate chelate is one of the best absorbed forms of magnesium. Each 5 gram (1
teaspoon)
Formula Highlights
serving provides 300 mg of elemental magnesium in a great-tasting, orange flavored product. This
product should not cause any of the unfavorable gastrointestinal symptoms associated with magnesium
supplementation due to the very stable chelate formed between two glycine molecules and each
magnesium ion via a patented process. This product is sweetened with the natural herb stevia.
NeuroCalm™
Magnesium Chelate Powder
Dose 3 capsules one to two times per day with lunch and/or dinner
Duration 8 weeks; retest Adrenal Salivary Index to reassess
Formula Highlights
CatecholaCalm™ is designed to support healthy catecholamine levels with adaptogenic herbs and
nutrients that may help mood and promote calmness and relaxation.* This unique formulation
addresses adrenal gland health, which may help people handle stress more effectively.*
CatecholaCalm™