Stress Defender is a supplement designed by Nourish Well to help relieve stress, but does it actually work? What does the research say? Below is a Stress Defender Review based on this dietitian’s research.
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Supplements VS. Food
Studies show that both food and supplements can significantly affect all aspects so of our health. However, I am pickier when it comes to evaluating the evidence on supplements vs the evidence on foods.
If I know a certain food is generally healthy, even if the evidence is promising but lacking, I will still recommend the food. Even if it doesn’t do what a small study suggests, if it is still healthy, then eating it helps regardless.
On the other hand, supplements can get expensive and sometimes have negative interactions with medications. Moreover, if you take more than recommended, then you can experience adverse reactions.
With that being said, if I recommend a supplement in a review, like in this Stress Defender Review, then that means that enough research suggests that the supplement does what it says it does.
Remember to always talk with your doctor before taking supplements.
Stress Defender Review of the Ingredients
According to the label, Stress Defender contains five active ingredients:
- Ashwagandha
- Holy Basil
- L-theanine
- Magnolia Bark extract
- Eleuthero Root Extract
All of these ingredients can help with stress based on research. Let’s take a quick look at the research on each ingredient.
Ashwagandha
Multiple research articles indicate that Ashwagandha may improve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and bipolar disorder (1, 2).
Bonus! Preliminary studies show that Ashwagandha may improve VO2max in athletes and non-athletes; therefore it may aid in athletic performance (3).
Holy Basil
Multiple studies, including a review of 24 total studies, found that Holy Basil helped reduce symptoms of stress (4, 5, 6, 7, 8).
In fact, in the review of 24 studies, all 24 studies showed that Holy Basil significantly reduced symptoms of stress.
L-theanine
Based on research, L-Theanine may help calm the brain without making you feel drowsy (9).
Magnolia Bark Extract
Studies, including a gold standard double-blinded placebo study, have shown that Magnolia Bark reduced anxiety levels and improve our mood (10, 11).
Studies also show that Magnolia Bark could help lower cortisol levels (12). Cortisol is the stress hormone in our bodies.
In an animal study, Magnolia Bark improved serotonin levels and had an anti-depressant effect. Serotonin is known as our happy hormone (13).
Eleuthero Root Extract
Of all the supplements, I found the least research on Eleuthero Root extract and its effects on stress. I found one study, however, that suggested that Eleuthero Root Extract may help improve energy levels and endurance in male athletes (14).
Improvements in energy levels can indirectly affect our mood and stress levels. All of us have probably experienced the effects fatigue can have on our mood and stress levels. For this reason, I can see how Eleuthera Root was included in combination with the other ingredients.
Other Reasons I Recommend Stress Defender
- You want to make sure the supplements you choose are 3rd party tested- meaning that the supplement has been verified that it has the ingredients that it says it does. Stress Defender is a product made by the brand Nourish Well. On the Nourish Well website, you can find a statement saying that their products are 3rd party tested. The full statement is below:
Our products are gluten free, dairy free, and soy free- made in the USA in a third-party tested, cGMP, NSF, UL, FDA certified facility.
- The product was developed by a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians are the crown jewel of nutrition professionals. To become a licensed registered dietitian, you must go through years of education.
To be exact all registered dietitians must:
- Complete a bachelor’s Degree at a college accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Dietetic Education.
- Complete 1200 hours of a competitive internship
- Pass the CDR Exam
- By 2024, all registered dietitians must have a Master’s Degree as well (Many, like the creator of these supplements, already do)
So when I see that a nutrition product was made by a dietitian, I take notice!
Stress Defender Review Verdict: Do I Recommend it?
Research shows that the ingredients in Stress Defender may significantly help reduce stress. The product is third-party tested and developed by a registered dietitian.
My verdict is yes, Stress Defender is a good option for those looking for stress-relieving supplements. However, you should always talk with your doctor before starting any supplements. Right now you can get 10% off when you use my coupon code: LACYNGOMSRDN.
