How to Level Up Your Health With Adaptogens
It’s all about Mushrooms these days, so you’ve probably heard about adaptogens at this point. Or you’ve at least noticed that everyone, including your favorite Podcast, seems to be talking about beneficial mushrooms and how they can level up your health.
So what exactly are adaptogens, and what role do they play in the landscape of herbal medicine?
Introducing… Adaptogens!
Adaptogens are a special class of plants (herbs, mushrooms, root vegetables) that help the body adapt to stress.
Research has shown that adaptogens can help us deal with stress by balancing hormones (like cortisol), modulating the immune system, and reducing inflammation.
As a result of their magical stress protective activity, adaptogens can improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive function, while helping to protect against conditions such as anxiety and depression.
If you’re not already familiar with adaptogens, don’t worry – we’re going to dive into everything you need to know about them in this post.
Table of Contents
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are plants, herbs and mushrooms that help your body adapt to stress and mental and physical fatigue.
They are common in the natural health industry and have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine to improve overall wellness and immune function, reduce stress, and balance hormones.
Consult a Health Care Professional
More recently adaptogens have been gaining popularity among modern Western herbalists. Research is ongoing related to the clinical efficacy of adaptogens, and as with any drug (herbal or otherwise) you should always check in with your health care provider before taking anything new.
Health care providers can provide you with important information on research, safety and the potential for reactions or interactions.
How do Adaptogens Work?
The word adaptogen, in its most literal sense, simply means something that helps you to adapt.
Adaptation is your body’s way of reacting to stressors or new conditions. Adaptogens can have a positive effect on this process by helping your body adapt better and quicker to whatever life throws at you.
Adaptogens and the Central Nervous System
When your body is under stress, your central nervous system reacts and your body releases certain hormones like Cortisol.
Cortisol is often referred to as one of the “stress hormones” because it is responsible for the body’s fight-or-flight response.
This is the body’s natural way of preparing itself for a situation that requires extra energy, such as running away from a predator.
The problem is in today’s world we are constantly bombarded with stressors in a way our bodies were not built to handle. This could be anything from a busy work schedule to relationships problems.
When our stress response is always activated and our cortisol levels remain high for extended periods of time, it can lead to a host of problems like depression, weight gain, chronic fatigue, and problems sleeping.
Chronically high levels of stress and cortisol put us at risk for a host of health issues and disease. Finding a way to better adapt to stress can be an important prevention strategy.
This is where adaptogens come in
Adaptogens work by having a normalizing effect on your body’s systems, helping it to recover from a stressful event more quickly or completely, thus leveling out the highs and lows of your everyday life.
Adaptogens can help ease the symptoms of mental and physical fatigue, and can improve your focus and concentration.
In short – adaptogens help you to cope with stress in a more efficient way.
There are many different adaptogen herbs, each with its own unique set of properties.
Popular Adaptogens and their Benefits
Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to have a number of health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and helping to lower blood sugar levels.
Astragalus is also thought to have anti-aging properties and to be beneficial for heart health.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is thought to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting energy levels, and improving mental performance.
Rhodiola is also believed to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries.
This adaptogen has also been found to improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, boosting energy levels, and improving mental performance.
Ashwagandha is also believed to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an herb. It is believed to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress, boosting energy levels, and improving mental function.
Ginseng is also thought to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Maca
Maca is a root vegetable. It is thought to have a number of health benefits, including boosting energy levels, improving fertility, and reducing stress.
Maca is also believed to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Schisandra
Schisandra is an herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting energy levels, and improving mental function.
Schisandra is also thought to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Tumeric
Turmeric is a spice that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It is thought to have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and helping to lower blood sugar levels.
Turmeric is also believed to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Reishi
Reishi is an adaptogenic mushroom. It is believed to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting energy levels, and improving mental function. Reishi is also thought to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Holy Basil
Holy basil is an herb that has long been used traditional Indian medicine. It is thought to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting energy levels, and improving mental function.
Holy basil is also believed to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Cordeceps
Cordyceps is an adaptogenic mushroom. It is believed to have a number of health benefits, including boosting energy levels, improving respiratory function, and reducing stress and anxiety.
Cordyceps is also thought to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane is an adaptogenic mushroom. Lions Mane has been found to reduce inflammation, positively impact the immune system, and aid in cognitive function.
Lion’s Mane is also associated with improved cardiovascular health and anti-aging properties.
Chaga
Chaga is also a mushroom. Chaga has been celebrated for various health benefits, such as improving immune system function, and reducing inflammation.
Chaga is also touted as having anti-aging properties and healthful impact son heart health.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is an herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is believed to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting energy levels, and improving mental function.
Rhodiola is also thought to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Suma
Suma is believed to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, boosting energy levels, and improving fertility.
Suma is also thought to be beneficial for heart health and to have anti-aging properties.
Adaptogens and Safety
When taking adaptogens, it is important to be aware of any possible side effects and drug interactions. Some adaptogens may cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea or diarrhea.
Others may interact with medications that are taken for blood pressure or heart conditions.
This is why it is so important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any adaptogens. Additionally, it is important to purchase adaptogens from a reputable source to ensure that they are of high quality and potency.
How to get Started?
So you’re interested in adaptogens? That’s great! But before you dive in, there are a few things you should know.
I know we are beating this to death, BUT, it really is important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding adaptogens to your routine. This is especially important if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.
Second, not all adaptogens are created equal. Some may cause adverse effects if taken in excessive quantities. So be sure to read the safety information provided with your adaptogen of choice, and start with a low dosage to see how your body reacts.
Finally, don’t overdo it! Adaptogens are powerful plants and can have a profound effect on your health if taken correctly. Start with one or two adaptogens and work your way up as needed.
How Do I Make Adaptogens Part of My Daily Routine?
So you’ve read up on adaptogens and spoken with your health care provider, now how do you make adaptogens part of your daily routine? The good news is, it’s actually pretty easy! Here are a few ideas:
1. Add adaptogen powders to your breakfast smoothie or oatmeal.
2. Mix adaptogen tinctures with water or juice and drink as a detox drink throughout the day.
3. Add adaptogen capsules to your daily vitamin regimen.
4. Take adaptogen supplements before bed for better sleep quality.
5. Make adaptogens a part of your self-care routine by using them in skin care products or aromatherapy.
Morning Mushroom Coffee!
I introduced adaptogens into my daily life by starting with mushroom coffee! There are number of companies that offer delicious blends of high quality coffee mixed with adaptogen mushrooms.
This is my favourite blend – it combines organic fair trade coffee with two types of adaptogen mushrooms. It tastes exactly like coffee and helps with both focus and immune function.
Substituting some of my morning caffeine with healthy adaptogens gives me more long lasting energy throughout the day and has eliminated the jitters I would normally experience after a couple cups of coffee.
Read our article here on how to make a perfect cup of coffee. I make my adaptogen coffee with a Chemex (pour over) coffee maker and it is SOOOO good!
However you begin to explore the stress protective activity of adaptogens, reading more about adaptogenic plants is a great first step.
The following resources contain fascinating information about how adaptogens can improve physical health, enhance physical activity, balance hormones, aid in the treatment of insomnia and exhaustion, improve rest and recovery, and much more.
They are fascinating and exciting reads that will quickly turn you into a mini adaptogen expert and motivate you to explore how these ancient plants can improve your day to day life.
Learn More about Adaptogens
Adaptogens – Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief provides an overview of adaptogens, their history, and their various uses.
Why we like it: This is good comprehensive resource to start your journey into learning about adaptogens and to build your foundational understanding of these plants and their benefits.
The Rhodiola Revolution provides information on the history and uses of Rhodiola Rosea.
Why we like it: Rhodiola is fascinating herb that can be used to improve how you feel and perform every day. This book also includes actionable information on how to use Rhodiola safely and effectively in your every day life.
Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism provides information on the history, uses, and safety of adaptogens.
Why we like it: This book includes easily to follow information on how to use adaptogens effectively to treat the common conditions so many of us are concerned with, stress, mental performance and health, aging and chronic conditions.
The Herbal Apothecary provides information on the history and uses of medicinal herbs.
Why we like it: This book contains information on how to use herbs safely and effectively for various conditions and includes recipes for herbal teas, tinctures, and salves.
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