Mood Support

Disclaimer

This protocol is produced by TallGrass Natural Health. TallGrass Natural Health is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Mega Food, Host Defense, Renew Life, and Botanica.

Botanica

St. John’s Wort Liquid Capsules

1 capsule, 3 times daily 

Convenient capsules with the concentration of a liquid botanical to provide a potent, concentrated extract which helps relieve restlessness and nervousness and promote positive emotional health. Each of Botanica’s liquid capsules contains 75 drops of a 1:1  fluid extract. The average tinctures on the market are generally a dilution of 1:3 to 1:6. One Botanica capsule is roughly equivalent to 350  drops of an average tincture (will vary with which dilution it is being compared to).

A nervine tonic, St. John’s Wort extract supports positive emotional health. Choose over Kava for mood support.

Kava Liquid Capsules

1 capsule daily 

Convenient capsules with the concentration of a liquid botanical to provide support for racing minds and bodies to help achieve a state of stillness, calm, and balance. Each of Botanica’s liquid capsules contains 75 drops of a 1:1 fluid extract. The average tinctures on the market are generally a dilution of 1:3 to 1:6. One Botanica capsule is roughly equivalent to 350 drops of an average tincture (will vary with which dilution it is being compared to).

Superior to placebo for relieving symptoms of non-psychotic anxiety.^xix Helps relieve restlessness and support emotional balance. Relaxant for muscles and mind. Choose over St John’s Wort for nervous tension.

Possible add-ons:

Rhodiola Liquid Capsules

1 capsule daily, 2 times daily

Convenient capsules with a concentration of liquid botanicals. Each of Botanica’s liquid capsules contains 75 drops of a  1:1 fluid extract. The average tinctures on the market are generally a dilution of 1:3 to 1:6. One Botanica capsule is roughly equivalent to  350 drops of an average tincture (will vary with which dilution it is being compared to). Each serving is concentrated to contain 12 mg of active Rosavins, delivering guaranteed quality and potency.

Enhances mental performance, mood, and energy. Helps the body adapt to stress in a healthy way. Significantly reduces symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression after 6 weeks of treatment. Rhodiola decreased overall depressive symptoms, emotional instability, insomnia, and somatization; however, it does not seem to improve feelings of self-esteem.^xx Rhodiola, a stimulating adaptogen, is also a wonderful herb for brain health. In a study looking at physicians working night shifts, it was shown to reduce mental fatigue and improve performance on work-related tasks by 20%, compared to the placebo. ^xxi

Perfect Protein Elevated – Brain Booster

1 scoop daily

Complete and balanced plant protein made up of quinoa, sprouted brown rice, and coconut, blended with brain-boosting superfoods (Lion’s Mane, Rhodiola, and sprouted quinoa for B vitamins) to enhance mental focus and brain performance. 

Convenient choice if wanting daily cognitive support along with optimal plant-based protein supplementation. Lion’s Mane, the “Smart Mushroom”, shines in its ability to activate Nerve Growth Factor to aid in repair and regeneration in the nervous system.^xxii,xxiii In a study done with elderly Japanese, it demonstrated its ability to improve cognition in cases of mild cognitive impairment.^xxiv In a 4-week trial, Lion’s Mane was shown to reduce depression and anxiety during menopause.^xxv Rhodiola enhances mental performance, mood, and energy. Helps the body adapt to stress in a healthy way. Significantly reduces symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression after 6 weeks of treatment. Rhodiola decreased overall depressive symptoms, emotional instability, insomnia, and somatization; however, it does not seem to improve feelings of self-esteem.^xxvi Rhodiola, a stimulating adaptogen, is also a wonderful herb for brain health. In a study looking at physicians working night shifts, it was shown to reduce mental fatigue and improve performance on work-related tasks by 20%, compared to the placebo. ^xxvii A vegan-friendly formula. Gluten-free – but not third party tested for celiacs.

Perfect Greens – Unflavoured

1 scoop daily

A clean, organic blend of chlorella, spirulina, barley, and wheat grasses plus leafy greens to help top up and ensure that you’re getting your greens. Supports a healthy immune system and helps to alkalize, detoxify, and energize.

Cereal grasses such as Barley grass, Oat grass, and Wheatgrass, are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are a rich source of chlorophyll, a potent antioxidant. Cereal grasses also offer unique digestive enzymes that are not found in such concentrations in most other foods. In particular, they contain Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant that is highly valued for its ability to slow the aging process, as well as the degenerative process of many chronic diseases. Gluten-free – but not third party tested for celiacs. 

Daily Zen Shot 

20 mL daily

A dose of fermented holy basil to support a healthy response to stress and promote gut health; loaded with enzymes, B  vitamins, micronutrients, and organic acids for gut repair.

Gut health and brain health are highly linked. Fermented herbs offer whole-body support with easy to absorb nutrients that can assist in assimilation and stomach acid production, support proper pH and intestinal villi, and act as a source of probiotics. Holy Basil is a beautiful herb that can help to elevate the mood and spirit. It can help to relieve mild forms of depression, especially if they have been induced by stress. As such, it is recognized for its antianxiety and anti-depressive activity.^xxix Holy basil also increases clarity of thought, ^xxx memory, and concentration in menopause & chronic stress.

Host Defense Mushrooms

Click to view Host Defense Mushrooms protocols

Lion’s Mane Capsules or Liquid Extract

2 capsules daily or 1 mL, 2 times daily

Supports cognitive function. Promotes mental clarity, focus, and memory. Provides cerebral and nervous system support.

Lion’s Mane, the “Smart Mushroom”, shines in its ability to activate Nerve Growth Factor to aid in repair and regeneration in the nervous system.^{vii, viii} In a study done with elderly Japanese, it demonstrated its ability to improve cognition in cases of mild cognitive impairment.^ix 

Renew Life

Click to view Renew Life protocols

Super Critical Omega

1 softgel daily

A potent, super-concentrated fish oil supplement with 790 mg of EPA and 140 mg of DHA per capsule, to help support brain function and cognitive health. 

Omega-3 supplementation improves cognition and modifies brain activation in young adults. One study concludes that after an ‘EPA-rich supplementation, participants’ brains worked ‘less hard’ and achieved a better cognitive performance than prior to supplementation.^xiv  Enteric-coated capsules made from fish gelatin. Added lipase and 1000 IU Vitamin D.

Possible add-ons:

IntestiNew

1 scoop daily

An easy-to-mix powder formulation made with soothing herbal ingredients that help to rebuild and repair the intestinal tract lining. Contains 5000mg of L-Glutamine and 200mg of N-Acetylglucosamine per serving, along with the ginger root, marshmallow root, and other soothing herbs for the gut.

L-glutamine is a major substrate used by enterocytes. Glutamine promotes enterocyte proliferation, regulates tight junction proteins, suppresses pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, and protects cells against apoptosis and cellular stresses during normal and pathologic conditions.^xxviii

References

i. Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Mori K, Obara Y, Hirota M, Azumi Y,  Kinugasa S, Inatomi S, Nakahata N., Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Sep;31(9):1727-32. 

ii. Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., a medicinal mushroom, activates peripheral nerve regeneration. Wong KH, Kanagasabapathy G, Naidu  M, David P, Sabaratnam V., Chin J Integr Med. 2016 Oct;22(10):759-67.  

iii. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T., Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72.  

iv. Triterpenoids with neurotrophic activity from Ganoderma lucidum, Zhang XQ, Ip FC, Zhang DM, Chen LX, Zhang W, Li YL, Ip NY, Ye WC., Nat  Prod Res. 2011 Oct;25(17):1607-13 

v. Anti-Amnesic Effect of Fermented Ganoderma lucidum Water Extracts by Lactic Acid Bacteria on Scopolamine-Induced Memory  Impairment in Rats. Choi YJ, Yang HS, Jo JH, et al., Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2015;20(2):126-132. doi:10.3746/pnf.2015.20.2.126 vi An open-label study to elucidate the effects of standardized Bacopa monnieri extract in the management of symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Dave UP, Dingankar SR, Saxena VS, Joseph JA, Bethapudi B, Agarwal A, Kudiganti V., Adv Mind Body Med.  2014 Spring;28(2):10-5. PMID: 24682000. 

vii. Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Mori K, Obara Y, Hirota M, Azumi Y,  Kinugasa S, Inatomi S, Nakahata N., Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Sep;31(9):1727-32. 

viii. Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., a medicinal mushroom, activates peripheral nerve regeneration. Wong KH, Kanagasabapathy G, Naidu  M, David P, Sabaratnam V., Chin J Integr Med. 2016 Oct;22(10):759-67.  

ix Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T., Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72.  

x. Association between intake of B vitamins and cognitive function in elderly Koreans with cognitive impairment. Kim H, Kim G, Jang W, Kim  SY, Chang N., Nutr J. 2014;13(1):118. Published 2014 Dec 17. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-118

xi. Association of Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation With Alzheimer Disease Stage in Apolipoprotein E ε4 Carriers: A  Review. Yassine HN, Braskie MN, Mack WJ, Castor KJ, Fonteh AN, Schneider LS, Harrington MG, Chui HC. JAMA Neurol. 2017 Mar  1;74(3):339-347. 

xii. Role of docosahexaenoic acid in the modulation of glial cells in Alzheimer’s disease. Heras-Sandoval D, Pedraza-Chaverri J, Pérez Rojas JM. J Neuroinflammation. 2016 Mar 10;13(1):61. 

xiii. Effects of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) on neurocognitive function: an acute, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Scholey A, Ossoukhova A, Owen L, et al. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010;212(3):345-356. xivxiv Omega-3 supplementation improves cognition and modifies brain activation in young adults. Bauer I, Hughes M, Rowsell R,  Cockerell R, Pipingas A, Crewther S, Crewther D. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2014 Mar;29(2):133-44. 

xv. Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Mori K, Obara Y, Hirota M, Azumi Y,  Kinugasa S, Inatomi S, Nakahata N., Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Sep;31(9):1727-32. 

xvi. Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., a medicinal mushroom, activates peripheral nerve regeneration. Wong KH,  Kanagasabapathy G, Naidu M, David P, Sabaratnam V., Chin J Integr Med. 2016 Oct;22(10):759-67.  

xvii. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D,  Kitagawa K, Ohnuki K. Biomed Res. 2010 Aug;31(4):231-7. 

xviii. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of B Vitamin Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, and Stress: Effects on Healthy and ‘At-Risk’ Individuals. Young LM, Pipingas A, White DJ, Gauci S, Scholey A. Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2232. Published 2019  Sep 16. 

xix. Kava-kava extract WS 1490 versus placebo in anxiety disorders–a randomized placebo-controlled 25-week outpatient trial. Volz HP, Kieser M. Pharmacopsychiatry. 1997 Jan;30(1):1-5.  

xx. Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. A. Darbinyan V, Aslanyan G,  Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Malmström C, Panossian Nord J Psychiatry. 2007;61(5):343-8. doi: 10.1080/08039480701643290. Erratum in:  Nord J Psychiatry. 2007;61(6):503. 

xxi. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue–a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated  low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A,  Gabrielian E, Wikman G, Wagner H. Phytomedicine. 2000 Oct;7(5):365-71. 

xxii. Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells. Mori K, Obara Y, Hirota M,  Azumi Y, Kinugasa S, Inatomi S, Nakahata N., Biol Pharm Bull. 2008 Sep;31(9):1727-32. 

xxiii. Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., a medicinal mushroom, activates peripheral nerve regeneration. Wong KH, Kanagasabapathy G, Naidu  M, David P, Sabaratnam V., Chin J Integr Med. 2016 Oct;22(10):759-67.  

xxiv. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T., Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72.  xxv Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D,  Kitagawa K, Ohnuki K. Biomed Res. 2010 Aug;31(4):231-7. 

xxvi. Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. A. Darbinyan V, Aslanyan G,  Amroyan E, Gabrielyan E, Malmström C, Panossian Nord J Psychiatry. 2007;61(5):343-8. doi: 10.1080/08039480701643290. Erratum in:  Nord J Psychiatry. 2007;61(6):503.  

xxvii. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue–a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A,  Gabrielian E, Wikman G, Wagner H. Phytomedicine. 2000 Oct;7(5):365-71. 

xxviii. The Roles of Glutamine in the Intestine and Its Implication in Intestinal Diseases. Kim MH, Kim H. Int J Mol Sci.  2017;18(5):1051. Published 2017 May 12. 

xxix. Evaluation of ethanol leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum in experimental models of anxiety and depression. Chatterjee M, Verma  P, Maurya R, Palit G. Pharm Biol. 2011 May;49(5):477-83. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2010.523832. Epub 2011 Feb 1. PMID: 21281248. 

xxx. Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract enhances specific cognitive parameters in healthy adult volunteers: A placebo-controlled study. Sampath S, Mahapatra SC, Padhi MM, Sharma R, Talwar A. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2015 Jan-Mar;59(1):69-77.