Clinical Rationale
The intricate relationship between the digestive system and mental health is garnering increasing attention within the integrative healthcare community. The upper digestive tract potentially plays a role in this connection, particularly concerning occasional anxiety.*
Level 1 Support
Occasional Anxiety*: Choose one or two of the following
| Clarifying Clinical Objectives | Initial Trial of Supplement Support | Dose & Frequency | Duration & Rationale | Bottles Required for Trial | Clinical Re-evaluation & Monitoring | Partial Response |
|
Improve Occasional Anxiety* |
|
2 capsules daily between meals |
4 weeks; clinical trial of L-theanine |
One 60 count |
Intensity, frequency, and duration (I/F/D) of occasional anxiety* episodes |
May increase to 2 capsules twice daily |
|
Improve Response to Perceived Stress*^ |
Zen Adapt | 2 capsules daily between meals | 8 weeks; clinical trial of ashwagandha | Two 60 counts | I/F/D of occasional anxiety* episodes and/or perceived stress* | May increase to 2 capsules twice daily |
|
Improve Sleep*^^ |
2 capsules daily 30 minutes before bedtime |
4 weeks; clinical trial of L-theanine | One 60 count | I/F/D of occasional anxiety* episodes and/or sleep latency, sleep quality, daytime energy status* | May increase to 2 capsules twice daily |
Upper Digestive Health*: Choose one of the following
| Clarifying Clinical Objectives | Initial Trial of Supplement Support | Dose & Frequency | Duration & Rationale | Bottles Required for Trial | Clinical Re-evaluation & Monitoring | Partial Response |
| Glucose regulation, balance lipids, improved gastric motility* |
Mastica |
1 capsule twice daily between meals | 8 weeks; clinical trial of Pistacia lenticus | One 120 count | I/F/D of epigastric discomfort* episodes and frequency and quality of stools. | May increase to 2 capsules twice daily |
| Support sensitive constitution* | Ox Bile 125 mg | 1 capsule one to three times daily with fatty meals | 4 weeks; natural history | One 180 count | I/F/D of epigastric discomfort* episodes and frequency and quality of stools. | May increase to 2-3 capsules per meal |
| Improve fat digestion* | Ox Bile 500 mg | 1 capsule one to three times daily with fatty meals | 4 weeks; natural history | One 100 count | I/F/D of epigastric discomfort* episodes and frequency and quality of stools. | May increase to 2 capsules per meal |
| Consider: Patients with persistent epigastric discomfort should be evaluated by gastroenterology and/or have an upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) to rule out pathology. |
^ report of, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) ^^ report of, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)
Assessment Tools
- Questionnaires: GAD-7, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI-T), Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (ASQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-IV (GAD-Q-IV)
- Biochemical testing: GerdQ, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), Gastrointestinal Short Form Questionnaire (GSFQ), Carlsson-Dent Questionnaire (CDQ)
Level 2 Support
| Further Evaluation | Potential Assessments | Products to Consider |
| Thyroid function* | TSH Free T3, Free T4 Thyroid antibodies |
|
| Stress response* | Cortisol Perceived Stress Scale |
|
| Hormone balance* | Estradiol and Progesterone LH and FSH Testosterone DHEA-S |
DIM Enhanced DHEA 25 mg Pregnenolone 100 mg |
| Glucose regulation* | Glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c | Berberine 500 Glucose Tolerance II |
|
Pancreatic function* |
Amylase Lipase | Full Spectrum Digest |
| Microbiome/Intestinal Support* | Intestinal permeability | Essential-Biotic® Saccharomyces Boulardii |
| Immune function* | CBC Functional stool/ microbiome analysis |
Tricycline® ImmunoBiotic Pro |
| Allies (start/optimize): ✓Incorporate more fiber-rich and nutrient-dense foods ✓Stress management techniques ✓ Sleep hygiene ✓ Moderate-vigorous exercise |
| Foes (avoid/minimize): ⓧ TRigger foods ⓧ Trigger environments ⓧ Alcohol ⓧ Unnecessary stimulants/ substances |
| Foundational Support: □ Vitamin D3 Complete 5000 □ Magnesium Citrate □ Super EPA □ Buffered Vitamin C □ Super Vitamin B |
The information contained herein is for training purposes only to be exclusively used by a qualified healthcare professional.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.