Adaptogens & Functional Mushrooms 101
Adaptogens are herbs, roots and plant substances that help balance, restore, and protect the body. They are also known for managing the body’s response to stress.
They help with maintaining homeostasis by regulating many of the body’s processes. For example, when stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is one of those tricky things you don’t want too much or too little of. You need just the right amount! If cortisol levels are elevated for long periods, you are experiencing chronic stress. Stress has an effect on almost every physiological system in your body. This includes the thyroid and adrenal glands.
Adaptogens are a great, natural way to help ease the effects of stress. They will not take away the stress completely, but they will help with managing the symptoms.
They work in both your hormonal and nervous systems to help your body handle stress and build your “reserves” so you can handle larger stress loads and recover faster. This helps increase your stress resilience overall.
Other benefits include adrenal support by promoting a calm nervous system, balanced energy, enhanced immunity, optimal cognitive function and better sleep.
A few incredible adaptogens are Ashwagandha, Eleutheroccocus, Rhodiola, Maca Root, Chaga Mushrooms and Reishi
This is an herb that has been used for thousands of years. While this is commonly referred to as Indian Ginseng, in India they refer to it as “Strength of the Stallion.” This is because of its immune-strengthening benefits. It does help many of the body’s functions but is mostly known for its stress-relieving benefits.
Eleutherococcus:
AKA: Siberian Ginseng. This contains high levels of Eleutherosides. Studies have shown that Siberian Ginseng can help with increasing V02 max and optimizing cardio endurance, improve fatigue and support overall immunity.
Rhodiola:
This herb is found in the cold, mountainous regions of Asia and Europe. The roots are adaptogens that are great for stress, improving symptoms of burnout, fatigue, mood and concentration.
Maca Root:
This is a cruciferous vegetable that is native to Peru, that is usually available in powder form. It is rich in antioxidants, enhances energy, memory and can help improve female sexual health and estrogen balance.
Chaga Mushrooms:
These mushrooms are found on birch trees in cold climates. While they aren’t known for being pretty, they do have some great benefits. To access the benefits the mushrooms' tough cellular walls need to be broken down. This is done by putting them in hot water or alcohol. Their benefits include stimulating the immune system, reducing inflammation and improving physical endurance.
Reishi:
Reishi mushrooms are a true superfood, and are known as the “king of the mushrooms.” These have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. They help with negative effects of stress like increased inflammation, depleted energy, damaged blood vessels, and various hormonal imbalances.
An easy way to incorporate adaptogens into your routine is with supplementation or something like RASA
Taking a break from caffeine? Or maybe it makes you anxious because you don’t metabolize it well. This is where RASA comes into your routine. RASA is a coffee alternative that comes in some delicious flavors and is full of adaptogens. Their “Original” coffee alternative is comprised of 3100mg of adaptogenic herbs and 12 herbs to help you feel your best without the crash!
