The Benefits of Adaptogens to Help with Stress Relief and Adrenal Fatigue

Chronic stress is one of the most pressing concerns ailing the human population. While stress in some cases can keep your immune system running fine, too much of the same thing can do the exact opposite.

Prolonged stress leads to many health issues, including leaky gut, insomnia, adrenal fatigue, heart disease, anxiety, and several autoimmune conditions. Unfortunately, we cannot say goodbye to stress once and for all. Stress from health issues, work, financial problems can always overwhelm you.

However, you can manage stress with things like adaptogens. These are plant compounds that help with things like adrenal fatigue. It’s isn’t just the trendy thing to try. People have used it over the ages and went on to experience miraculous benefits.

Fitness influencer Katie Dunlop even mixes her blend of adaptogens with her java cup and asserts how great it makes her feel. Katie suffers from hypothyroidism but manages the condition pretty well with diet, exercise, and adaptogens. Adaptogens provide a more balanced stress response. They also help control cortisol production and encourage a healthy stress response.

Ashwagandha

The ‘horse smell’ adaptogen or ashwagandha (Sanskrit name) is the new magical medicine promising some amazing stress-relieving benefits.

It is the toast of the wellness world as it can take away the claustrophobic feeling of stress. You can take it in the form of extract or supplements. This evergreen shrub is synonymous with a calm state of mind. Ashwagandha can also help regulate the body’s inflammatory response.

It can even reduce blood pressure. This adaptogen can activate the body’s natural killer cells to ward off infections. Ashwagandha can also help in the proper functioning of the thyroid function and produces the T3 and T4 hormones. It is particularly beneficial for autoimmune conditions too, such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It also reduces adrenal fatigue.

Maca

Maca root is another adaptogen that is slowly but surely climbing the superfood popularity charts. Hailing from the Andes mountains, this root vegetable is rich in protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, basically all the good things.

This powerful herb can improve libido, fertility, mood and help the body cope with issues such as adrenal fatigue.

Maca can also support hormone production. It balances the overproduction or underproduction of hormones. Maca tastes great. It tastes as good as butterscotch, and you can blend it with smoothies for a powerful energy boost.

 Ginseng

Chronic stress triggers inflammation, which can trigger many illnesses because of an unbalanced immune response and hormonal imbalance. Ginseng has potent properties to modulate the body’s stress response and help regulate the HPA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis.

It can impact the body’s inflammatory response in conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart diseases, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma.

Ginseng has powerful cognitive-supportive neuroprotective effects as well. This adaptogen promises a positive impact on the autoimmune as it controls the pro-inflammatory stress-inducing cytokines. You can sip this adaptogen as tea. However, for some, the taste is too bitter. And hence it supplements as a better option for those people. Other herbal blends are available that combine other adaptogens with ginseng, making it a more palatable version to consume.

 Rhodiola

Cortisol, a stress hormone, can deplete valuable nutrient reserves and has some unpleasant side effects, right from affecting your memory to causing your blood pressure to rise to dangerous levels, even raising your blood sugar levels. Cortisol can increase the harmful visceral fat and gives you that unsightly belly fat.

Well, in plain words, cortisol can spell bad news for your health. So, for controlling cortisol and lowering its effects, you can try something as potent as Rhodiola. Rhodiola is a powerful adaptogen that has a great impact on cortisol. Research says regular consumption of Rhodiola can gradually change the way your body perceives stress.

Rhodiola can also boost support energy levels and help increase concentration in those dealing with adrenal fatigue. There are almost 20 different types of Rhodiola plants, and of all of them, it is Rhodiola Rosea that promises powerful benefits. Countries like Russia, Norway, Sweden have been using Rhodiola for treating medical traditions for ages with great results.

Here are some great adaptogens for you to try. However, consult with a naturopathic before trying any one of them to understand the dosage and whether it may suit your specific health condition.