Adaptogens In Your Routine
Incorporate adaptogens to your routine to increase your overall performance and sleep
Hey there, stress-heads! Have you heard about adaptogens? No, it's not a new superhero group - although they are pretty super! Adaptogens are a group of herbs and mushrooms that can help your body cope with stress. That's right, stress-be-gone!
So, what's the deal with adaptogens? Well, they help regulate your body's stress response system, which includes a bunch of complicated-sounding stuff like the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system. Basically, they help your body handle stress better, and who doesn't need a little help with that these days?
One of the coolest things about adaptogens is that they can help reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that's released in response to stress, and too much of it can wreak havoc on your body. Adaptogens can help lower cortisol levels, which can reduce anxiety, improve your mood, and even boost your brain power.
There are all kinds of adaptogens out there, like ashwagandha, rhodiola, ginseng, and holy basil. Each one has its unique properties and potential benefits. For example, ashwagandha is great for improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety, while rhodiola can help boost your exercise performance and reduce fatigue.
Adaptogens come in all kinds of forms too, like capsules, powders, and tinctures. Some popular adaptogenic supplements include ashwagandha extract, Rhodiola rosea extract, and Asian ginseng extract. Just remember, if you're already taking medication, talk to your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine.
Plenty of successful people are on the adaptogen train, like Tim Ferriss, author of "The 4-Hour Work Week," who loves Rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha, and Bacopa monnieri. Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings is also a fan of adaptogens, using cordyceps and reishi mushrooms to help her dominate in the sand.
Incorporating adaptogens into your daily routine is easy-peasy. Add them to your morning smoothie, take them in capsule form, or add some to your favorite tea. Just remember, adaptogens shouldn't be used as a substitute for proper medical care. If you're dealing with chronic stress or other health issues, talk to your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan.
So, there you have it, folks. Adaptogens are the new stress-busting superheroes in town. Give them a try and see how they can help you tackle the day with a little more pep in your step!
Next week Cold Exposure….
References:
Panossian A, Wikman G. Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010;3(1):188-224. doi:10.3390/ph3010188
Liao LY, He YF, Li L, et al. A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide. Chin Med. 2018;13:57. doi:10.1186/s13020-018-0214-9