Adaptogens

Chronic stress is pretty much the modern-day plague. I feel like I talk to people on a daily basis who deal with different multitudes of anxiety, adrenal fatigue, brain fog and even just general decreased mental stamina. It is genuinely normal and praised to be obsessively busy and constantly on the go. I have 100% been that person and know first hand just how discouraging burning out can be.

Adaptogens are herbs used to help your body adapt to stress. When we become stressed physically, mentally or emotionally our bodies enter a state of “fight or flight”. Basically, what happens is that our cortisol levels rise which stimulates your sympathetic nervous system as well as your adrenals. In limited amounts this can be healthy and is considered normal as your body is able to adapt itself to this stress. When we are exposed to constant stress regularly however it can cause a multitude of issues. Not only are you more at risk to burnout your adrenal glands but your bodily functions as a whole are affected. This is especially impactful in regards to aging and digestive health. Back to adaptogens though, what do they do? Apoptogenic herbs help to lower and moderate cortisol levels, by increasing the body’s ability to resist stress. Along with this not only are adaptogens helpful in regards to cortisol but can also be helpful in autoimmune conditions, blood-sugar levels, increasing mental stamina and even helping to keep hormones in check.

Here are some of my favorite adaptogens that I like to try to incorporate daily, along with their benefits..

*Disclaimer: it is always a good idea to check with a practitioner to see which herbs fit YOUR body best*

-          Ashwagandha – great for enhancing endurance performance, energy levels, boosting immunity and decreasing anxiety.

-          Maca – amazing for it’s hormonal balancing effects, ability to increase libido, energy enhancement and high capacity for antioxidants.

-          Ginseng – known for its energy enhancement, also good for improving brain function, anti-inflammatory properties, immune boosting effects, blood sugar balancing and ability to aid weight loss.

-          Rhodiola – known for it’s ability to help enhance fat-burn, energy enhancement, mood enhancement and brain boosting abilities.

-          Cordyceps – amazing for increasing stamina/mental function, blood-sugar regulation and boosting immunity.

So who should take adaptogens? In my opinion, everyone and anyone. But some people I especially believe should take adaptogens are people in positions of chronic stress such as …

-          Commuters – constantly being in your car can be enough stress on your digestion as it is, when you pair that with the stress of traffic you lead the way for your adrenals to become overworked.

-          Nurses/Doctors – constant night shifts and long hours full of stressful situations can be especially wearing on your body.

-          Servers/Bartenders – “fight or flight” is for real in this profession, anyone who has worked a serving position knows how worn out dinner rush makes you – this is a cortisol crash.

-          University/College Students – on top of studying for school, juggling a job, partying and definitely not sleeping enough … you probably aren’t eating the best to support your body. This extra support will help to keep you on your top game.

-          Athletes – not only do adaptogens help with mental stress, but can also help with consistency in stamina and strength when your body is under physical stress.

-          People working rotating shift work

-          Mothers – stress is enough to wear a person down when it’s just their own, when you have little ones to worry about it is even more important to remember to take care of and support your adrenals.

-          Women in Mid-Thirties – this is a crucial time to make sure your body is in working order. This is the time women start to enter or prepare for menopause. If your adrenals are not equipped deal with stress, menopause symptoms will be much more intense for you.

Again, I feel like everyone should incorporate adaptogens into their diets because not only are they supportive in times of stress but are also preventative in the sense that they help your body to adapt before it becomes too stressed. There a ton more adaptogens out there, send me a message and let me know your favorite and how you incorporate it in your daily life!