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““Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving””
— Albert Einstein
The Power Behind Adaptogens

The Power Behind Adaptogens

Taya Bregant
Nutrition

Adaptogens, far from being a recent discovery, have been integral to diverse civilizations throughout history, with roots embedded in traditional practices like Chinese medicine that span centuries. Remarkably, these natural remedies are experiencing a resurgence in popularity today.

In this exploration, we will delve into the following aspects:

  1. Understanding Adaptogens: Discover the essence of adaptogens, unraveling their historical significance and how they have transcended time and cultures.

  2. Mechanism of Action: Explore the intricate workings of adaptogens, shedding light on the physiological processes that make them unique and beneficial.

  3. Associated Effects: Investigate the purported effects of adaptogens, providing insights into their potential contributions to well-being and resilience.

  4. Common Adaptogens: Identify and familiarize yourself with some prevalent adaptogens, drawing from a diverse array of sources and traditions.

  5. Guidance on Use: Conclude with practical advice on the judicious use of adaptogens, offering considerations for seamlessly integrating them into your lifestyle.

This article aims to empower you with newfound knowledge, enabling you to apply it practically and enhance your overall well-being.

Ginseng

WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENS?

Adaptogens are defined as being natural or synthetic active compounds which mainly help our body and mind in adapting to stress. After stressful times, these compounds are claimed to provide a sense of homeostasis or rebalancing after a stressful encounter, helping to reset our body's stress levels.

I have previously written about the dangers associated with chronically high stress levels, and you can read about them here.

Natural types of adaptogens, as described below, are sourced from a variety of plants, while synthetic adaptogens are chemically produced. Both types usually come in the form of a supplement such as tablets or powders.

Apart from helping your body adapt to stress, adaptogens are also useful for promoting post-exercise recovery, rebalancing of hormones, and aiding in immune function. We will be discussing all of these further on.

Overall, adaptogens have to meet three different types of criteria in order to be considered as an adaptogen:

  • They have to be specific and help the body overcome different adverse conditions, whether that be physical or environmental stress.

  • They have to positively contribute to the physical impacts of stress.

  • They must not harm or interfere with the usual workings of the body.

Cordyceps

HOW DO THEY WORK?

In order to understand how adaptogens work, you have to understand our body's natural stress response.

Whenever we go through a physical or mental stressor, our body goes through a process known as General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS).

GAS is made up of three different stages: Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion.

Alarm stage:

  • Here, your body receives the initial stressful stimulus, which is also known as initiating your fight or flight response.

  • This stage is paired with the activation of the autonomic nervous system and the release of a variety of different hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline from your adrenal glands.

  • These hormones cause the usual sensations associated with stress, such as an elevated pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Resistance stage:

  • In the resistance stage, your body tries to repair or ease that initial stress response and allow your body to calm down again.

  • If the stressful situation is no longer present and you can overcome it, then your body will work towards lowering your pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

  • However, if the stressful situation persists or if you do not resolve the stress, then your body will not get the signal to calm down and will continue functioning in a stressful state with a high production of stress-related hormones.

Exhaustion:

  • This stage occurs when we live in a constant state of elevated stress, which is not only a genuinely harmful state for our body to live in but also comes with draining you of your physical, emotional, or mental resources to the point where your body is no longer able to cope with stress.

  • Some common signs of exhaustion include feeling fatigued and a sense of burnout; however, I have written more about the associated effects of chronic stress here.

Now, how do adaptogens help here?

  • Adaptogens are believed to help extend your body's resistance phase by providing a stimulating effect that holds off exhaustion. This means that instead of crashing or being overwhelmed by a stressful event, you are able to hold off that exhaustion for longer and find a sense of balance to carry on.

  • By adapting to the stressful situation at hand, it allows you to better handle it and perform better while being under stress, which works to improve your overall health and well-being.

Reishi

COMMON ADAPTOGENS

Below, you can read about some common adaptogens you can find nowadays and their associated health effects:

  • American ginseng (Panax ginseng): Has been shown to boost memory, reaction time, promote a state of calmness, and boost the immune system. Ginseng is also used for fighting fatigue.

  • Ashwagandha: May help in reducing stress and general anxiety, as well as decreasing chances of developing depression.

  • Reishi: This is a type of mushroom which has been shown to boost the body's immune function and is commonly studied for its effectiveness in treating cancerous tumors.

  • Cordyceps militaris: Has been shown to boost stamina, as well as having potent anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Goji berries: These berries have been shown to boost energy levels, enhance physical and mental performance while promoting deeper sleep and a greater sense of well-being.

  • Rhodiola rosea: Helps to delay mental or physical fatigue as well as depression.

  • Schisandra berry: This may help to boost endurance, mental performance, and working capacity. It was also shown to improve concentration and body coordination.

  • Tulsi (holy basil): Promotes a focused state and postpones mental fatigue while also improving memory and thinking concentration.

Schisandra berries

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS

Adaptogens are able to elicit quite powerful and noticeable effects on the body and mind.

It is best to always consult with a doctor or naturopathic physician who can advise you on which adaptogens are most suitable for you, what dosage to administer, and what are some relevant side effects that are associated.

It is also worth noting that certain adaptogens may negatively interact with any other medications you may be taking, so they may not be suitable for everyone.

Additional precaution is needed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as some adaptogenic supplements may not be suitable for a developing fetus.

Overall, always consult with a professional before taking any substance that has the ability to impact your body's functioning.

KEY IDEAS

In today's blog post we have looked into what adaptogens are, how they carry out their relevant effects and what are some common adaptogens that you can get your hands on today.

REFERENCES

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