{"id":19248,"date":"2026-05-06T12:03:42","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/uncategorized\/conduct-protocol\/"},"modified":"2026-05-06T12:03:42","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:03:42","slug":"conduct-protocol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/blog-en\/conduct-protocol\/","title":{"rendered":"Conduct protocol"},"content":{"rendered":"
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NGD Care \u2014 Scientific background to food supplements<\/div>\n

Stress and behaviour in animals and humans:
\n HPA axis, microbiome and adaptogens<\/span><\/h1>\n

How chronic stress affects the nervous system, gut and immune system, in dogs, cats and humans. And how adaptogens, mushrooms, CBD and neurotransmitter precursors work together in stress recovery. Substantiated with literature. <\/p>\n

By Stefan Veenstra DVM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Stress as a physiological state<\/h2>\n

Stress in dogs and cats is not a purely behavioral phenomenon but a systemic physiological state. Chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) results in persistently elevated cortisol and adrenaline levels. [1]<\/a><\/sup> This neuroendocrine state has direct consequences for the gastrointestinal system, the immune system, and behavioral regulation. This extends far beyond the nervous system itself. <\/p>\n

In veterinary practice, chronic stress rarely presents itself as an isolated behavioral problem. More often we see a combination of behavioral changes (anxiety, irritability, excessive barking, destructive behavior), intestinal complaints (fluctuating stools, reduced appetite), skin problems and reduced resistance. These are not separate problems but expressions of the same underlying systemic dysregulation. <\/p>\n

Chronic stress keeps the body in a constant state of readiness. The parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest, recovery and digestion, is structurally suppressed. The consequences range from the gut to the immune system and behavior. <\/div>\n

The HPA axis: physiology of the stress response<\/h2>\n

The HPA axis is the central neuroendocrine stress regulation mechanism. In a stress stimulus, the hypothalamus secretes the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which triggers the pituitary gland to produce ACTH, which in turn stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol. [2]<\/a><\/sup> Cortisol prepares the body for the stress response via gluconeogenesis, immune modulation, and suppression of the parasympathetic nervous system. <\/p>\n

In acute stress, this mechanism is adaptive and functional. Chronic activation causes HPA-axis dysregulation: the negative feedback loop disrupts, cortisol levels remain structurally elevated or oscillate irregularly, and receptor sensitivity decreases. [3]<\/a><\/sup> This leads to a state of chronic sympathetic dominance in which the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for rest, digestion, and recovery, is structurally suppressed. <\/p>\n

Stress and the gut: a bidirectional axis<\/h2>\n

The gut-brain axis describes the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system via the vagus nerve, autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, and microbiome. [4]<\/a><\/sup> Chronic stress disrupts this communication along multiple routes:<\/p>\n

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Decreased stomach acid production<\/strong>Sympathetic activation inhibits parasympathetic gastric acid secretion, which disrupts digestion and facilitates pathogenic overgrowth.<\/div>\n
Delayed intestinal motility<\/strong>Chronic cortisol elevation slows down intestinal transit and increases the likelihood of bacterial overgrowth and dysbiosis.<\/div>\n
Microbiome disruption<\/strong>Stress lowers the diversity of the gut microbiome and reduces short-chain fat hour production, which weakens the gut barrier and local immune function. [5]<\/a><\/sup><\/div>\n
Increased intestinal permeability<\/strong>Cortisol increases intestinal permeability via tight junction regulation, which promotes systemic endotoxemia and immune activation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The microbiome produces approximately 90% of the body’s serotonin, 50% of dopamine and significant amounts of GABA precursors. [6]<\/a><\/sup> Dysbiosis due to chronic stress thus directly reduces the availability of neurotransmitters that are indispensable for behavioral regulation and stress resistance. This explains why chronic behavioral problems without attention to the intestine rarely improve sustainably. <\/p>\n

The four components of the Conduct Protocol<\/h2>\n

Myco Adaptogen Complex: adaptogenic mushrooms<\/h3>\n

Medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), and Cordyceps have adaptogenic and immune-modulating properties that contribute to stress resistance. Reishi modulates the HPA axis via inhibition of cortisol secretion and has demonstrated anxiolytic effects in animal models. [7]<\/a><\/sup> Lion’s Mane stimulates the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and supports neuroplasticity. Beta-glucans from the mushrooms also act as prebiotics and directly support the gut microbiome. <\/p>\n

Liposomal Adaptogen Complex: Ashwagandha and Rhodiola<\/h3>\n

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the best-documented adaptogens in modern phytotherapy. Withanolides, the active compounds, modulate the HPA axis via inhibition of cortisol production and lower stress-related anxiety responses in multiple controlled studies in mammals. [8]<\/a><\/sup> Rhodiola rosea modulates serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission and improves resilience in chronic stress and fatigue. [9]<\/a><\/sup> The liposomal formulation significantly improves the bioavailability of both fat-soluble active components. <\/p>\n

CBD oil: endocannabinoid system and stress regulation<\/h3>\n

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a central role in the regulation of stress response, anxiety, pain, and immune function. CBD (cannabidiol) modulates the ECS via indirect activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors and direct action on serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. [10]<\/a><\/sup> In dogs, CBD has been studied in the context of osteoarthritis-related pain and anxiety, with positive results in controlled veterinary studies. [11]<\/a><\/sup> The combination of CBD with PEA (present in the additional PEA Complex<\/a>) gives a synergistic effect via the so-called entourage effect. <\/p>\n

Relax Support: neurotransmitter precursors and nerve support<\/h3>\n

Relax Support provides magnesium bisglycinate, L-theanine, L-tryptophan and vitamin B6. Tryptophan is the direct precursor of serotonin and melatonin, vit B6 is the essential cofactor for conversion. Magnesium modulates NMDA receptors and has indirect anxiolytic effect. L-theanine increases GABA and alpha brainwave activity for soothing effect without sedation. [12]<\/a><\/sup> In dogs, L-theanine has shown significant improvement in anxiety scores in controlled veterinary studies. [13]<\/a><\/sup> <\/p>\n

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The Liver in Chinese medicine<\/strong><\/p>\n

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Liver is the organ responsible for the free flow of Qi and the regulation of emotions. Stress, frustration and suppressed emotions stagnate Lever-Qi, which can manifest itself in irritability, aggression, reactivity, digestive problems and tension. This protocol therefore works not only physiologically but also energetically on the liver function, which explains the broad clinical applicability. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Chronic stress and the Bowel Protocol<\/h2>\n

In chronic behavioral problems, the intestine is almost always a relevant point of attention. The persistent sympathetic activation structurally suppresses gut function, leading to dysbiosis, leaky gut syndrome, decreased neurotransmitter production, and systemic low-grade inflammation that further enhances the stress response. Without restoration of the microbiome and the gut barrier, the gut-brain axis remains disrupted and behavioral interventions are less effective. <\/p>\n

Chronic behavioural problems: bowel protocol as a basis<\/strong>
\nNGD Care Bowel Protocol: recommended supplement for chronic behavioural problems<\/a>
\nNaturally Healthy Animals: integrative approach to behavioural problems in dogs and cats<\/a>
\nStefanVeenstra.nl: gut-brain axis and behavioral regulation in chronic disease<\/a><\/div>\n
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Scope of the Code of Conduct<\/h3>\n

Situational stress during fireworks, moving, new housemates or changes in daily structure. Chronic anxiety, irritability, reactivity, aggression. Behavioral problems with intestinal component: combined with intestinal protocol. Stress-related sleep problems and reduced recoverability. Addition to behavioral therapy and environmental adjustments. Further deepening possible with flower essences<\/a> and essential oils<\/a> from the NGD Care range for emotional and energetic balance. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The NGD Care Behavioral Protocol addresses chronic stress on four levels simultaneously: the HPA axis and cortisol regulation via adaptogens, immune and gut function via medicinal mushrooms, the endocannabinoid stress modulation via CBD, and neurotransmitter synthesis via Relax Support. The combination is clinically widely applicable. <\/p>\n

In the case of chronic behavioural problems, the Bowel Protocol is the necessary basis. Always to be used as part of an integral protocol, preferably in consultation with an (integrative) veterinarian or behavioural therapist. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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View the NGD Care Behavioral Protocol in the webshop<\/p>\n

To the product page<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Literature<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Chrousos GP. Stress and disorders of the stress system. Nat Rev Endocrinol.<\/em> 2009; 5(7):374\u2013381.<\/li>\n
  2. Tsigos C, Chrousos GP. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neuroendocrine factors and stress. J Psychosom Res.<\/em> 2002; 53(4):865\u2013871. <\/li>\n
  3. McEwen BS. Stressed or stressed out: what is the difference? J Psychiatry Neurosci.<\/em> 2005; 30(5):315\u2013318.<\/li>\n
  4. Cryan JF, O’Riordan KJ, Cowan CSM, et al. The microbiota-gut-brain axis. Physiol Rev.<\/em> 2019; 99(4):1877\u20132013. <\/li>\n
  5. Bailey MT, Dowd SE, Galley JD, et al. Exposure to a social stressor alters the structure of the intestinal microbiota. Brain Behav Immun.<\/em> 2011; 25(3):397\u2013407.<\/li>\n
  6. Yano JM, Yu K, Donaldson GP, et al. Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis. Cell.<\/em> 2015; 161(2):264\u2013276.<\/li>\n
  7. Matsuzaki H, Shimizu Y, Iwata N, et al. Antidepressant-like effects of a water-soluble extract from the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia in rats. BMC Complement Altern Med.<\/em> 2013;13:370. <\/li>\n
  8. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root. Indian J Psychol Med.<\/em> 2012; 34(3):255\u2013262.<\/li>\n
  9. Darbinyan V, Kteyan A, Panossian A, et al. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue: a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract. Phytomedicine.<\/em> 2000; 7(5):365\u2013371.<\/li>\n
  10. Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics.<\/em> 2015; 12(4):825\u2013836.<\/li>\n
  11. Gamble LJ, Boesch JM, Frye CW, et al. Pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy of cannabidiol treatment in osteoarthritic dogs. Front Vet Sci.<\/em> 2018;5:165.<\/li>\n
  12. Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr.<\/em> 2008; 17(Suppl 1):167\u2013168.<\/li>\n
  13. Pike AL, Horwitz DF, Lobprise H. An open-label prospective study of the use of L-theanine (Anxitane) in storm-sensitive client-owned dogs. J Vet Behav.<\/em> 2015; 10(4):324\u2013331.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

    This information is educational in nature and based on available scientific literature. The studies mentioned are not always directly veterinary or specific to the formulation described here. This text does not replace a veterinary consultation and does not contain any therapeutic claims. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    NGD Care \u2014 Scientific background to food supplements Stress and behaviour in animals and humans: HPA axis, microbiome and adaptogens How chronic stress affects the nervous system, gut and immune system, in dogs, cats and humans. And how adaptogens, mushrooms, CBD and neurotransmitter precursors work together in stress recovery. Substantiated with literature. By Stefan Veenstra … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19249,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[178,8510],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en","category-scientific-deepening-of-supplements","infinite-scroll-item"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19248"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19248\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19249"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ngdcare.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}