Stress Shield ON is formulated to help respond to HPA axis loading, build stress resilience and maintain healthy HPA axis function. Clinical Applications: Improves Stress Resilience Supports Healthy Energy Levels Strengthens the Body’s Stress Response Improves Mental and Physical Performance Supports Healthy Cortisol Levels Stress is defined as any disturbance–extreme cold or heat, psychological stress, sleep deprivation, work overload, physical trauma, as well as toxic exposure-that can trigger the stress response. The body’s stress response system is comprised of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Prolonged stress triggers the HPA axis and consists of three stages: stage 1: alarm; stage 2: resistance; and stage 3: exhaustion. The initial, short-lived phase (the alarm phase) is the body’s normal fight-or-flight response to danger which is characterized by elevated cortisol levels. The next phase, the resistance phase, allows the body to continue buffering extended stress exposure, long after the initial fight-or-flight response has dissipated. Hormones released by the adrenals, such as cortisol and DHEA, help support the ‘resistance’ reaction. However, extended periods of stress not only burden the system, creating an imbalance in cortisol and DHEA production, but can result in mental and physical fatigue, nervous tension, irritability and poor memory-all of which are characteristic of stage 3. Stress Shield ON includes a blend of adaptogenic botanicals and nutrients specifically formulated to counteract the effects of daily stress and support healthy energy levels. Stress Shield ON provides a unique blend of “stress adapting botanicals” which help increase the body’s resistance to fatigue while helping to maintain balanced cortisol and DHEA levels. Suggested Use: 2 capsules taken one to two times per day or as recommended by your health care professional. Pharmacist Recommended.