Adaptogens are no modern-day miracle, but in fact have existed within the Mother nature for years. Despite the various controversies around its growing popularity, it is in fact scientifically proven to be effective, nourishing and healing in nature. In fact, Adaptogenic herbs are being offered in everything from supplements and tonics, to coffee, hot chocolate, and juice bars that you buy at your local grocery store.
If you take a look at the ingredients list of any ‘herbal’ product, I’m sure you find a few Adaptogens herbs incorporated to give you additional benefits. Let’s deep dive into a few facts and theories around Adaptogens and uncover the deep dark secrets of these magical herbs.
Let’s start with the basics, Are Adaptogens really a wonder in the modern age? Are they really as auspicious as they seem? Are they good for my body and how does it really work?
Given the fast pace of life and the many situations we deal with every day, we know what stress is. Stress is a response that doesn’t just exist in the mind but also in our bodies. Stress can cause very real physical changes in the body, including harming the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems.
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough meditation in the world that can promise you that you will never ever stress in life. But, there are ways, you can treat this physical pain and give your body a little bit of rest.
Tracing back the history of Adaptogens, it’s outlived most of our belief’s, theories and lifetimes…
Adaptogens were first developed and studied during World War II. Back then scientists were looking for a way to help healthy pilots work at even greater levels. In short, they needed a quick fix or a “superhero” pill that would let the pilots fly better, faster, and for longer periods of time. And they thought they found it in the form of adaptogens.
What is an Adaptogenic herb?
Adaptogens are certain herbs or mushrooms thought to have health benefits. It’s amazing really how these natural herbs work as adjusters that counteract the affects of stress (physical, chemical, or biological) within our bodies. Adpatogens when consumed, stimulate our body's stress-protection response and help our functional systems to return to a balanced state known as "homeostasis."
Why do we need them?
These herbs aid our bodies in reacting to or recovering from both short- and long-term physical or mental stress. Some also boost immunity and overall well-being. Research shows adaptogens can combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, ease depression and anxiety, and help you thrive rather than just muddle through.
Let’s uncover the science behindAdaptogens and it’s miraculous healing methods within our bodies…..
Adaptogens are herbal pharmaceuticals that work to counter the effects of stress developed within an individual’s body. Adaptogens have stimulant properties that help counteract those harmful effects.
Adaptogens work at a molecular level by regulating a stable balance in the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal glands. These are involved in the stress response. They work by “hacking” the stress response in the body.
Do I have stress? What kind and how can consuming Adaptogens help?
Trust me when I say, we have all experienced stress, we literally have. Some of us may be holding up some stress right now as you’re reading through this article.
Let’s understand the 3 kinds of stress phases:
- alarm phase
- phase of resistance
- phase of exhaustion
In simple terms, what’s stress? Like when you’re working out, enjoying your morning laps or lifting weights and our body’s response to this activity by kicking out hormones like adrenaline that improve muscle performance and increase our ability to concentrate. This allows us to focus better at what we’re doing while we’re in the phase of resistance. Our body in that moment is literally resisting the stressor, so we feel energized and clearer, that;s our body giving us an inner boost of energy that in turns fight the stressor.
And then, as we fatigue (or get exhausted), we enter in the exhaustion phase. Adaptogens basically stretch out that “sweet spot” in the middle — the phase of resistance — allowing us to hang out in the powerful part longer.
It’s normal for our body to exercise the build and release of stress the right way, and when there’s no natural push towards an activity and this stress keeps accumulating within our body, it can work in a negative way and impair our total wellness. Adaptogens to the same effect, they work towards relieving this stress (like you would when you exercise) and give you a boost of energy and total wellness.
Some Adaptogens benefits are:
They have been recommended by some practitioners to:
- Improve attention
- Increase endurance in situations caused by fatigue
- Lower stress-induced disorders and impairments in the body
- Balance hormone levels
- Keep cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and other hormone levels in check
- Fight fatigue that results from excessive physical or emotional stress
- Combat the impact that stress has on cognitive function
- Stimulate mental performance that has been impacted by stress
- Normalize body functions
- Boost the immune system
- Fight the symptoms caused by elevated cortisol levels (such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and obesity)
- Increase physical stamina and improve energy levels
- Improve the function of organs, such as the liver and adrenal glands
- Improve the function of body systems, such as the gastrointestinal system
In some of the studies conducted, Adaptogens showed positive signs in promoting health for general well-being and when used as a supplement with other traditional medications for specific conditions and health problems. People that consumed Adaptogens in daily life, showed signs of healthy, happier and wholesome livelihood compared to those that didn’t. It also showed lesser stress accumulation snad sideeffects within those individuals. Adaptogens have been shown to help people with cardiovascular health and certain neurological disorders, especially ones that may happen more frequently as individuals age. Wondering if Adaptogens are just a hype? No they are not. They are literally as good as they say they are!