Adaptogens. What are they? And how do they work?
To understand how adaptogens work, you first have to understand how STRESS works.
Stress can come in many forms. Stressors like sleep deprivation, sedentary workplace environments, and exposure to toxins through our food and environment can have both short- and long-term impacts on our physical and emotional well-being. Nutritional deficiencies, gut dysbiosis, mental/emotional stress, overexercising, and undereating are also stressors that impact our nervous system.
One of the major ways psychological and physical stress impacts us is through the stress hormone, cortisol.
Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands. It’s known as the stress hormone because it’s released during times of physical and psychological stress. It increases your heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and breathing rate to give you a natural energy boost to take on whatever stressor is coming your way. However, long-term, “chronic stress” is an issue.
The body’s response to everyday stressors is largely managed by a central stress response system, known as the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis or HPA axis. It’s responsible for connecting our brain to our hormone system which, in turn, impacts everything from mood and energy to metabolism, immunity, and sex drive.
Chronic stress can lead to high cortisol levels all the time, and that can have a serious impact on your health. Over time, your adrenals can’t keep up, leaving you depleted, and now, not producing enough cortisol.
This is where adaptogens can help. Adaptogens can help support your HPA axis and balance cortisol levels.
Adaptogens have a balancing effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
You don’t want too much cortisol or too little cortisol. You want just enough.
Adaptogens can help reduce fatigue, increase resistance to stress, and help preserve healthy cortisol levels and HPA axis function. Adaptogens are the umbrella term for fungi and plant-derived compounds that have been used for thousands of years used to help the body adapt to stress.
Some of my favorites are reishi mushroom, ashwagandha, holy basil, and Rhodiola.
Adaptogens have widespread benefits: Promote a calm nervous system, maintain a healthy mood, and support optimal cognitive function and overall well-being.
Things to know:
Adaptogens are not fast-acting and have a more subtle effect. You need to wait at least three months to really know if you’re addressing the core issue.
These are potent. For real clinical benefits of adaptogens, it’s crucial to get the help of a practitioner who knows which ones may be best suited for you, the correct dose, and the optimal time of day.
Adjust your lifestyle - optimize sleep, and nutrition & incorporate habits to manage stress.
Do you suspect you have an adrenal imbalance? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call to begin discussing your health concerns and goals.
