News
News
Functional Medicine’s Approach to Stress: Supporting the HPA Axis and Nervous System Naturally
Stress is a normal part of life, but the body’s response to stress can be supported in meaningful, natural ways. Functional medicine focuses on how lifestyle, nutrients, and daily habits influence three key systems that play a role in stress resilience: the HPA axis, the nervous system, and mitochondria. Here, we will focus on the HPA axis and nervous system. This approach emphasizes strengthening the body’s natural stress response instead of simply masking the effects of stress. Understanding the Stress Response: The HPA Axis The HPA axis—hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands—works together to coordinate the body’s natural stress response. It helps regulate cortisol and other stress-related signals that influence how energetic, focused, or calm the body feels. During periods of ongoing stress, the body may experience changes in: Morning or midday energy Calmness vs. tension The ability to wind down in the evening Mental clarity Stress sensitivity In functional medicine, these are viewed as signs that the body may benefit from additional nutritional and lifestyle support. How Stress Influences the Nervous System The autonomic nervous system has two main branches: The sympathetic (“fight or flight”) The parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) Modern stress often keeps the body in a more alert, activated state than intended. Supporting the nervous system helps encourage the natural shift toward calmness and recovery. Common stress-related experiences include: Difficulty relaxing Trouble winding down at night Feeling “on edge” Increased tension Functional wellness strategies aim to naturally support the return to a calmer, more balanced state. Why Mitochondrial Support Matters Mitochondria are responsible for producing ATP, the body’s usable energy. During stressful periods, the body uses more energy, and supporting mitochondrial health helps maintain steady, healthy energy levels. Key signs the body may benefit from mitochondrial support include: Frequent fatigue Less energy during stressful seasons Slower recovery after activity Temporary dips in focus Functional medicine emphasizes nutrition and lifestyle habits that help maintain mitochondrial efficiency. Nutrients and Lifestyle Approaches That Support the HPA Axis and Calm the Nervous System Below are common functional medicine strategies, described using fully compliant structure/function language. 1. Magnesium for Relaxation and Stress Support Magnesium contributes to: Healthy nervous system function Relaxation Muscle comfort Restful sleep Calm mood Highly absorbable forms—such as magnesium lysinate glycinate chelate, featured in JEG NutriLabs’ Magnesium LyGly—are known for being gentle and supportive of the body's natural stress response. 2. B Vitamins for Energy and Cognitive Support B vitamins help support: Cellular energy production Healthy nervous system function Cognitive clarity Natural neurotransmitter pathways Bioavailable or methylated forms are often favored in functional wellness routines. JEG NutriLabs offers two options designed to support the body’s natural methylation pathways: the SNP Methylation Stack—which includes a comprehensive B-complex plus additional supportive nutrients—and Methylated B Basics for a simple, foundational approach. 3. Adaptogenic Botanicals for Stress Resilience Adaptogens are plants traditionally used to support the body’s response to stress. They may help maintain: Calm energy Focus during busy seasons Overall stress resilience Common adaptogens include ashwagandha, holy basil, magnolia bark, and phellodendron bark. JEG NutriLabs’ Serenity features both ashwagandha standardized to 35% withanolides and holy basil standardized to 5% ocimum. These standardized extracts ensure consistent potency and provide reliable, research-supported levels of the active compounds that help support the body’s natural stress response. Our Cortisol Calm features magnolia bark and phellodendron bark, which work together to help the body manage stress. 4. Amino Acids That Promote Calm and Focus Certain amino acids help support: Relaxation A calm mental state Healthy neurotransmitter activity Examples often used in functional wellness include L-theanine, glycine, and GABA. These nutrients can be used during periods of heightened stress or incorporated into daily routines for ongoing support. JEG NutriLabs offers L-Theanine Chews as an easy, enjoyable option to support calm focus and a healthy stress response—whether needed occasionally or every day. Cortisol Calm contains L-Theanine as well, complimented by the synergistic adaptogens magnolia and phellodendron bark. 5. Omega-3s for Nervous System and Mitochondrial Support Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain: Healthy brain cell membranes Nervous system function Balanced inflammatory response Mitochondrial function EPA and DHA are especially supportive during periods of increased mental stress. JEG NutriLabs’ omega-3 supplement delivers highly bioavailable EPA and DHA in their natural triglyceride form to help maintain cellular health and support the body’s natural stress response. 6. Foundational Lifestyle Approaches Functional medicine pairs targeted nutrients with supportive lifestyle practices such as: Gentle nervous system regulation: Breathwork, stretching, and mindfulness can help activate the body’s natural relaxation pathways. Stable blood sugar habits: Balanced meals may support steadier energy and stress responses. Consistent sleep rhythms: Regular bedtimes help support the body’s natural cortisol and melatonin patterns. Movement that restores: Walking, low-intensity training, or simple strength work helps maintain nervous system balance. Reducing stimulants: Lower caffeine intake may support a calmer stress response. A Functional Medicine Perspective Functional medicine views stress not as a single issue, but as the cumulative effect of how well the body’s systems are supported. By focusing on the HPA axis and nervous system function, this approach emphasizes resilience, energy, and calm, not symptom suppression. This root-cause health approach provides a natural path to feeling more grounded, focused, and steady—even during demanding seasons. Final Thoughts You cannot eliminate stress entirely, but you can support the body’s natural resilience through nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and high-quality supplements that align with the principles of functional wellness. A strong stress response isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about giving your body the tools it needs to navigate them with clarity, calm, and sustained energy.
Read more
The Benefits of Magnesium Lysinate Glycinate Chelate: A Clinically Superior Form for Stress, Sleep, Mood & Muscle Support
Magnesium lysinate glycinate chelate is often considered one of the most bioavailable and well-tolerated forms for those who want real results without GI discomfort. This is the form featured in Magnesium LyGly from JEG NutriLabs—a professional-grade magnesium supplement chosen for its exceptional purity, stability, and overall effectiveness. Let’s explore what makes it different—and why many practitioners choose it over standard magnesium glycinate alone.
Read more
