Adaptogens 101: The IncredibleHealth Benefits,Explained

First, let’s answer the question that likely brought you here: what are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are non-toxic herbs. They can help the human body resist biological, physical, and chemical stressors.

Different types of adaptogens are used for Ayurvedic and Chinese healing. They’re also used as supplements or everyday cooking ingredients.

Consuming adaptogens could help your body learn how to handle stress. You could experience homeostasis, or mental and physical balance, too.

Certain herbs and mushrooms can adapt their functions based on what our bodies need. The compounds within each adaptogen can either relax or rouse the body, too. Your body will trigger a response based on what it needs to achieve homeostasis.

Some even have anti-aging properties.

A few herbs are too bitter to consume as food. Instead, you might consider consuming certain herbs as:

• Supplements/capsules
• Smoothies
• Teas
• Herbal drinks
• Tinctures

They’re used as a healthy alternative to stimulants and medications, too.

Some can have chemical actions when used in a laboratory setting. For example, they might produce certain hormones. They could after stress chemicals as well.

For example, one herbal adaptogen might lower or raise the level of estrogen in different settings. It’s possible these chemical actions can help the body function at optimal levels.

There are many different types of adaptogens. Each adaptogen can trigger its own specific action.

It’s important to note that there are only limited clinical research studies available. Researchers are still learning more about the effectiveness of these herbs.

Here are a few types of adaptogens you can explore:

• Maca, which can boost energy and improve your mood
• Bacopa Monnieri, which protects the brain, improving memory and cognitive function
• Wild yam, which regulates female hormone levels
• Licorice, which can boost energy, endurance, and the immune system
• Cordyceps, which can fight stress and balance hormones
• Holy basil, which promotes relaxation, easing stress and anxiety
• Rhodiola Rosea, which lowers fatigue, depression, and anxiety
• Ashwagandha, which helps the body cope with stress
• Astragalus root, which reduces stress and aging
• Siberian ginseng, which boosts energy and helps fight exhaustion
• Reishi, which helps the body adapt to stress while promoting healthy sleep

It’s important to note that there are a few side effects associated with using these supplements.

Some herbal supplements can interact with prescription drugs, OTC medications, and other supplements. Make sure to consult your doctor before using an adaptogen for the first time.

Licorice root could cause elevated blood pressure. It can also cause low potassium levels when taken over time.

For the most part, it’s safe to take adaptogens. However, you might want to consult a doctor first. They can help you avoid potential interactions.

As you explore different types of adaptogens, you might come across adaptogen mushrooms, too.

For example, reishi mushrooms might benefit your lungs and immune health. Its ability to reduce stress could help you sleep. It might help with cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions.

Chaga mushroom supports antioxidant protection. It could protect your body from free radicals.

Cordyceps supports immunity. It’s also used for stamina, endurance, and energy.

Shiitake mushrooms help the liver, skin, and immune system. It could provide antitumor and antiviral benefits.

Lion’s mane is used for memory and cognitive development.

Turkey tail could help improve immunity, liver health, and digestion.

Using different types of adaptogens might help your body better respond to stress. They won’t impact your experience, though. Rather, an adaptogen might improve how your body responds.

Stress is a physiological condition. It can impact your immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. Stress is sometimes caused by an external event, chemical agent, or environmental condition.

These events can cause the body to release stress hormones.

Certain stress hormones can cause different physiological changes.

For example, stress can cause a boost in your heart rate and blood pressure. Hormonal changes might cause a fight-or-flight response. An adaptogen might help the body overcome maladaptive stress from:

• Biological factors (illness or injury)
• Environmental factors (high or low temperatures)
• Physical events (chronic loss of sleep)
• Day-to-day stress (driving in heavy traffic)
• Mental issues (losing your job, divorce, etc.)
• Chemical agents (drugs, alcohol, etc.)

The benefits of adaptogens you can experience might vary based on your situation.

Using an adaptogen might help the body overcome biological, chemical, or physical stressors. A few benefits of adaptogens include their ability to:

• Normalize body function
• Boost immunity
• Improve attention
• Lower stress-induced disorders and impairments
• Balance hormone levels
• Increase endurance in situations caused by fatigue
• Stimulate mental performance when impacted by stress
• Fight fatigue from excessive physical or emotional stress
• Keep hormone levels in check
• Increase physical stamina
• Combat the impact stress has on cognitive function
• Boost energy levels
• Improve the function of the liver, adrenal glands, and other organs
• Improve the function of body systems like the gastrointestinal system
• Fight symptoms caused by elevated cortisol

Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone. Too much cortisol can cause anxiety, depression, and fatigue. It could also cause obesity, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.

Keeping your cortisol levels in check could help you avoid future health issues.

To recap, what are adaptogens? They’re herbs (including mushrooms) that might ease stress throughout your body. They might help your body achieve a state of homeostasis, too.

Adding adaptogen mushrooms and herbs to your daily routine could benefit your overall health.

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