We live in a world where stress is sometimes considered common and normal. It is an unavoidable reality of life. There are different reasons and factors for someone to feel stressed. And although considered normal, exposure to different stressors can affect your body’s homeostasis or state of balance. That is why we continue to find ways to cope with stress. Many people find relief by using adaptogens.
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are natural substances that promote the stability of physiological processes and homeostasis. These include certain plants, herbs, roots, and mushrooms. Their main goal is to help your body respond to stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The herbal action in adaptogens increases or decreases chemical reactions within your body.
What are the benefits?
Aside from stress relief, different adaptogens may offer a variety of other health benefits.
Reishi Mushroom
It has the potential to help the body cope with stress, improve the immune system, and promote a good sleep cycle.
Chaga Mushrooms
This mushroom is a superfood. It contains a ton of vitamins and minerals, can help improve your immune system, and can help fight cancer.
Ashwagandha
Indian practitioners use it as a general tonic to boost energy and combat stress and anxiety.
Echinacea
This flowering plant may have positive effects on the immune system. It has the potential to help reduce important inflammatory markers and memory loss caused by inflammation.
Elderberry
This dark purple berry is packed with B vitamins and boosts your immune system.
Açai
Acai is full of antioxidants and is known to be a neuroprotectant.
Blue Lotus
This type of water lily found in Africa and Asia may help improve sleep, influence mood, and reduce stress.
Cacao
It may help lower blood pressure and improve brain function.
Lavender
It could help improve the quality of sleep and could help lower stress levels.
How do I take adaptogens?
Because they come from plants, you can take adaptogens in several different ways:
People take adaptogens as herbal supplements in a form of capsules, tinctures, or gummies.
we can drink them in tea;
or as a powder added to soups, smoothies, and other foods.
Side effects of adaptogens
There is little known about adaptogens’ side effects because of the scarcity of studies available. But anecdotal evidence suggests that the risk of getting side effects from adaptogens is really low. However, just like other plants, it can cause allergic reactions and gastric distress in some people.
As always, it is very important to inform your physician or your health adviser before taking an adaptogen to make sure they won’t interact with any medications or any conditions that you have.
Takeaway
Adaptogens are not meant to cure stress. They serve as mediators to help your body minimize stress response. They also help you recover from anything that is putting you off balance. Aside from taking adaptogens, living a healthy lifestyle, finding ways to limit your exposure to stressors, and working with your physician to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms are a must if you want to manage stress.
