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How Can Adaptogens Get you Out of Bed in the Morning?
Over the past three weeks we have been exploring the world of fatigue. We’ve discussed adrenal fatigue, what it looks like and what you can do to if you think you might be suffering with this little-known issue. Check out our blog https://www.noshoesnutrition.com/blog/are-you-tired-wanna-know-why if you find you’re tired all the time and would like to understand why.
We then discussed stress and all the different kinds of stress we have to deal with. There are more reasons than we give ourselves credit for and some of us don’t even realize how much pressure and stress we are under because it’s just life and we feel we have no choices. Well, there are choices and there are several things we can do to help support our body in times of high chronic stress. Check out our blog from last week https://www.noshoesnutrition.com/blog/stressed-adrenal-fatigue-continued to catch up on lifestyle changes and diet changes that can support you and your body for optimal health in times of stress.
Today I would like to continue the discussion by introducing adaptogens. Adaptogens are plants which can come in the form of roots, leaves, mushrooms (technically fungi, I know) that can help your body normalize the stress chemicals you produce. This means that if your stress chemicals are high, these plants help lower them back to normal. If your stress chemicals are all used up but you still need more, these plants will help your body produce enough to get you to your body’s normal levels. Pretty slick right?
Adaptogens have been used for centuries, especially in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices. Each adaptogen plant helps us in a different way to bring our body back into balance. There is not a plethora of scientific studies done on humans but there are some and there are a number of studies on animals. Science is currently catching up and there are many studies in the works on these nourishing, normalizing, non-specific (meaning they work on many parts of the body all at the same time) and non-toxic plants. I have personally experienced the power of these adaptogens and see their benefits every day in myself and my clients! They are non-toxic meaning you can take them without worry of overdose.
Top Ten Adaptogens:
Ashwaganda – (Indian Ginseng) – this plant helps the body stabilize cortisol levels. Cortisol is the stress hormone the body releases to help us with the “fight or flight” response. Ashwaganda helps with long term stress, it supports thyroid function and has been used to help with insomnia.
Reshi – This mushroom is becoming well known for it’s support with combating the side effects from chemotherapy. It helps ease tension, boosts the immune system and increases both concentration and memory.
Rhodiola – (Golden Root) – Rhodiola helps with acute stress and anxiety. It helps produce and antifatigue effect that increases mental stamina and physical endurance.
Schisandra – This one increases your resistance to stress and helps support you if you experience anxiousness. It increases your energy which then helps increase your physical performance and endurance.
Ginseng – (Asian Ginseng) – Ginseng has been shown to improve calmness and working memory.
Holy Basil – (Tulsi) – Holy basil is a leafy member of the mint family that is know for it’s powerful anti-aging properties. It improves cognitive performance, stress response, and circulation. It may potentially help lower blood pressure, fight bacteria, protect the liver and promote immune function.
Astragalus Root – It is most commonly used in traditional Chinese Medicine to boost immune function and buffer the effects of stress. It is also helpful when dealing with high inflammation.
Licorice Root – A caution with this adaptogen is that it can increase blood pressure and potassium levels so is best taken in the form of DGL to mitigate those effects. Licorice Root can increase your energy and endurance as well as boost your immune function.
Cordycep Mushrooms – I won’t tell you where this one grows (you may be turned off), google it if you must know, but it is a nutrition rich mushroom that is high in antioxidants. Cordycep helps regulate cortisol and has anti-fatigue properties.
Tumeric – This is a favorite for those dealing with high inflammation, but did you know that it can help prevent aging, increase circulation, and protect your liver and bowels?
Believe it or not, this is not ALL the Adaptogens. There are even more, textbooks full in fact! But these are the most common ones we see and are asked about. There are some precautions you should take when investigating adaptogens for yourself or a loved one. Always speak with a medical professional before taking adaptogens if you are already taking prescription medications as there can be interactions. There are also certain conditions where adaptogens are not recommended. Always be sure you do your research and take only trusted high quality supplements.
Want to get even healthier? Are you dealing with chronically high stress levels? Could you use some support figuring out what foods and adaptogens you could add to your everyday to support normalizing your stress hormones? Curious about how health coaching can help you make healthy changes? Let’s talk! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with us today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about! Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com and sign up for a FREE consultation. We work with people from all over the world individually or in groups so don’t let anything hold you back!
