Hello, fellow health enthusiasts! Today we’ll discuss adaptogens.
It’s a brand new year, welcome 2024! I am ready to share advice to help you feel your very best, more like yourself. So let’s delve into the extraordinary world of adaptogens. These special herbs are restorative, they know how to turn a switch on in your body, and how to turn it off. They are “smart” in the sense that they provide balance without you having to measure blood levels all the time.
Adaptogens have been gaining traction over the past 3 years, and for good reason!
Adaptogens possess incredible properties to not only adapt to our body’s unique needs but also enhance our overall well-being. They are a good “January” supplement to consider because they can hit a reboot switch on your body making hormonal adjustments as needed.
Top 10 Benefits of Adaptogens
So grab a cup of tea (maybe an adaptogen-infused one?) and get ready to discover 10 mind-blowing benefits of these natural wonders!
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Stress-busters:
First and foremost, adaptogens are renowned for their ability to tackle stress head-on. If you feel like you have lost some of your coping chemicals, please consider apatogens before you do a benzo drug! The latter is sedative and addictive.
Whether you’re juggling a million tasks, dealing with any kind of anxiety (even driving anxiety or the kind that is generalized or idiopathic), adaptogens may be able to come to the rescue and settle you a little bit.
They harmonize your body’s stress response by impacting cortisol, cortisone, DHEA and other hormones to help you stay calm, cool, and collected. That’s why it takes time. You don’t take a pill one day and magically feel better the next. Adaptogens may take up to 6 weeks to achieve optimal effects.
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Energy Revitalizers:
Do you feel like your energy reserves resemble a deflated balloon? It may take a while, but if adaptogens do what they’re supposed to to, they work like an intricately choreographed dance, fine-tuning your adrenal glands to balance your energy levels without the dreaded crash you get with caffiene. It’s more complicated than adrenal hormones, but suffice it to say that over a month or two, you will reclaim lost energy – assuming you take the right adaptogens (see below for a concise list of what’s available on the market).
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Mood Magic:
If happiness were a coveted treasure, then adaptogens hold the map to its prized location. These botanical gems have mood-balancing properties that elevate the serotonin levels in your brain, leaving you feeling more blissful than a pug frolicking in a field of fresh daisies. Adaptogens also impact other neurotransmitters like dopamine, and norepinephrine by interfering with their breakdown (so they last longer and as such may improve mood).
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Sharpened Focus:
Do you feel you have the attention span of a gnat? Some adaptogenic herbs have well-documented evidence to prove they support cognitive function while sharpening your focus.
Wave goodbye to mental sluggishness! Finish the sentence you started, find the correct word you wanted, and know where you put stuff down in the house! When you combine an adaptogen with a nootrope, you can kiss brain fog goodbye!
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Immune-Boosting Warriors:
A strong immune system is a fortress guarding us against the harmful pathogens that siphon off our health, and can at times be fatal! Adaptogens work to provide additional reinforcement cells that help you fight for yourself. They can help with autoimmune conditions too. That way microscopic villains won’t be so opportunistic, and if you do get sick, you can mount the best immune response possible.
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Beauty from Within:
I love creams and serums, but there are skin-beautifying adaptogens too. These work to nourish your skin cells and help with complexion problems. If the balance is correct you can look forward to a radiant complexion and clear skin. If you take too much of the wrong thing (for example DHEA, you can expect acne). I need to emphasize that balance is key. It’s always ideal if you have a holistic expert to guide you, versus self-treatment.
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Sleep Serenaders:
Insomnia is an awful thing! I don’t have it, but during travel, or a difficult night in a hotel, or anything… if I lose one night of sleep I am pretty miserable the next day. For some people, insomnia is chronic and it’s severe. I’m talking to you now. Adaptogens have the ability to help quell your mind, and put you into a state of tranquility. This may pave the way for a few hours of really good sleep, the kind of REM sleep that your body needs to heal.
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Hormone Harmony:
Ladies, listen up if you have hot flashes, menopausal symptoms, PCOS or PMS! Guys, if you have libido, urinary problems or prostate concerns. Adaptogens are often suggested for hormonal imbalances which can address these issues.
Whatever the hormonal mayhem, these herbal superheroes swoop in to restore balance, ensuring your hormones hit all the right notes. Getting the proper balance is critical. If it’s wrong, it can increase hormonal imbalances, so you need to make sure of your baseline hormone status. There are many tests for blood which I do recommend, as well as a special DUTCH test which you do at home. Learn more by CLICKING HERE.
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Microflora Builder:
A healthy gut, the foundation of overall health! I am a strong believer in probiotics and a healthy diet. The right combination of adaptogens act as guardians of your gut flora, maintaining a harmonious balance of friendly bacteria. A happy tummy equals a happy person, after all.
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Longevity Elixir:
Last but certainly not least, these formidable botanicals possess anti-aging properties that all of us want! Adaptogens optimize cellular function, combating oxidative stress, and acting as your secret weapon against premature aging.
Now that we’ve explored the remarkable benefits of adaptogens, it’s essential to remember that integrating them into a healthy lifestyle is key.
Maintain a good clean diet (low in unhealthy fats, refined foods and carbohydrates), exercise regularly, and allow yourself adequate rest. Adaptogens should be considered the cherry on top, amplifying your efforts and enhancing your overall well-being. I don’t think people under 30 or even 35 really need them. But as you approach 40, and 50 they become useful allies. An older person in their 60’s and older could really see the benefit!
Now that we’ve taken a whirlwind tour of the wonderful world of adaptogens, let me list some of the strongest most effective incredible adaptogens that you can research on your own, and ask your practitioner if these are best for you. Here are the top 11 adaptogens that you can take a look at:
Each of these herbs has unique adaptogenic properties, which can help the body resist stressors of all kinds, physical, chemical, and biological. Here’s a brief overview of how each might benefit various aspects of health:
- Ashwagandha: Known for its calming effects, ashwagandha can help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also linked to improved energy levels and cognitive function, potentially alleviating brain fog. I put some of this in my Thyroid Script® because it not only helps adrenal function, and mood, but it also supports thyroid hormone levels.*
- Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng): This herb enhances physical endurance and mental clarity, reducing fatigue and improving stress response. It’s also known for boosting the immune system.
- Cordyceps: This fungus is known for increasing energy and stamina. It may also have anti-aging properties, which can benefit skin health, and it supports immune function. There are two types you may see on supplements. “Cordyceps sinensis” contains a higher concentration of adenosine, beneficial for heart health and boosting energy, whereas “Cordyceps militaris” boasts a greater amount of a compound called “cordycepin.” That’s thought to help with chronic illnesses by enhancing immune function, reducing inflammation, and controlling cell growth.*
- Ginseng (American and Panax): Both types of ginseng are known for boosting energy and cognitive function. In particular, these have been linked to improved mood and immune system support. Panax seems to be stronger than American, but both are very good.
- Reishi Mushroom: Often used for its calming properties, Reishi can help alleviate stress and anxiety. It’s also known for its immune-boosting and anti-aging effects, potentially benefiting skin health.
- Rhodiola: This herb is particularly effective at combating fatigue and improving cognitive function, making it beneficial for brain fog. It also helps in managing stress and can improve mood.
- Schisandra: Known for its anti-stress and anti-fatigue properties, Schisandra also supports skin health through its antioxidant properties and may enhance mental performance.
- Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu): Traditionally used in Chinese Medicine for rejuvenating properties, Fo-Ti is believed to improve skin health, boost vitality, and may help with detoxification, thus supporting overall well-being.
- Astragalus: This herb is renowned for its immune-boosting properties. It may also help in energy enhancement and reducing stress-related fatigue.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi): Holy Basil is known for its stress-reducing properties. It can also support immune health and has a calming effect that can enhance mood and mental clarity.
- Licorice Root: It’s often used for its soothing effect on the gastrointestinal system, but it also can support adrenal function, helping the body to maintain a more balanced stress response.
As you can see these can be useful in managing stress, boosting immunity, improving skin health, enhancing mood, increasing energy levels, and alleviating brain fog. Which one is right for you, I simply don’t know. But you can research them on your own, and talk to your doctor. Hopefully, the combination will bring you the desired health you seek.
Suzy Cohen, has been a licensed pharmacist for over 30 years and believes the best approach to chronic illness is a combination of natural medicine and conventional. She founded her own dietary supplement company specializing in custom-formulas, some of which have patents. With a special focus on functional medicine, thyroid health and drug nutrient depletion, Suzy is the author of several related books including Thyroid Healthy, Drug Muggers, Diabetes Without Drugs, and a nationally syndicated column.
