What Are Adaptogens and How Do They Work?
Our bodies do so much for us — seriously, just think about it. Our bodies fight off infections, produce energy, maintain a sleep/wake cycle, digest food, and power the super-organs that are our brains. With all of that multitasking going on, is it really any wonder that sometimes our bodies need a little extra support?
When life gets real and your energy levels, mental health, or immunity start to dip, try showing your body some love by taking an adaptogen or two. Read on to learn more about these crazy supplements, how they work, and how to take them.
What Are Adaptogens?
Basically, adaptogens are plant-based compounds found in certain herbs and mushrooms that can support your body’s ability to handle stressors. In other words, they help your body adapt to high-stakes situations.
Instead of letting stressors like a demanding job or lack of sleep throw you off balance, adaptogenic herbs can help you stay cool, calm, and collected. These herbs have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurveda to support homeostasis, or balance, within the body.
How Do Adaptogens Work?
Adaptogens work by supporting your body’s stress response system. Specifically, they support the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol. They can also support the central nervous system, which is made up of your brain and spinal nerves. This system is in charge of both your rest-and-digest and fight-or-flight responses.
Picture your body as a thermostat, always adjusting to keep things comfortable. When stress hormones start running wild, adaptogens encourage your system to dial things back to a healthier balance. Whether you're dealing with chronic stress or just need a little help focusing, adaptogens can support overall wellness to help you bring your A-game to every game.
What Are the Health Benefits of Adaptogens?
There are many adaptogens out there, and each one brings its own benefits to the table. Read on for a list of benefits you might find, as well as common adaptogens that can provide each benefit.
Encourages Feelings of Relaxation
If you can’t sleep, have racing thoughts, or have just felt like your body isn’t handling stress as well as it usually does, adaptogens can help. These herbs can help support healthy cortisol levels and help your nervous system stay calm under pressure, providing some much-needed stress relief.
By encouraging balance in the HPA axis, these herbal powerhouses can both support your stress in the moment and help strengthen your defenses against future stressors. This can help you feel more relaxed as well as support high-quality sleep and encourage more fulfilling social interactions. Seeing as stress is a risk factor for dozens of major health conditions, supporting relaxation is more important than ever!
Some adaptogens that can support your mental health include the following:
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Holy basil or tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
- Rhodiola rosea
- Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
- Green tea (Camellia sinensis)
- Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
- Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
Supports Brainpower
Brain fog can hit at the worst moments, making it hard to think and even harder to focus. Adaptogens can support cognitive performance by encouraging focus, memory-making skills, and mental clarity.
Some adaptogenic herbs can even help protect the brain from oxidative stress while encouraging blood flow and supporting mental energy. Whether you're powering through a presentation or just want to stay sharp for the crossword puzzle, adaptogens are there to elevate your brain game.
Some adaptogens that can support your brain include the following:
- Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)
- Rhodiola rosea
- Schisandra chinensis
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
- Lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Supports the Immune System
Your immune system works hard to keep you healthy, and adaptogens can help it do its job by promoting homeostasis and encouraging a healthy immune response. These herbs can support immune cell activity and may help support balance when it comes to stress-induced dips in immune function. Plus, many are rich in antioxidants, which can help your body fend off free radicals.
Some adaptogens that can support your immune system include the following:
- Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
- Astragalus membranaceus
- Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)
- Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor)
- American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
Encourages Physical Performance
If you’re looking for extra stamina during workouts or long days on your feet, look no further than — you guessed it — some friendly adaptogens. Many of them can support energy production, ease feelings of fatigue, support healthy blood sugars, and even encourage efficient oxygen utilization. Athletes and wellness seekers alike can keep their bodies energized and strong thanks to these handy adaptogens.
Some adaptogens that can support your energy levels and fitness include the following:
- Rhodiola rosea
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
- Maca root (Lepidium peruvianum)
- Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)
- Panax ginseng
How Can You Take More Adaptogens?
Are you ready to take advantage of the helpful effects of adaptogens? The good news is, you’ve got options. You can sip on teas infused with holy basil or add a dash of powdered adaptogens like eleuthero to your morning coffee for an energizing twist.
Speaking of coffee, wouldn’t it be great if your coffee already came packed with adaptogens? Our Mushroom Coffee+ contains both lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms, as well as L-theanine from green tea to help you feel less stressed. Plus, our coffee is made with coffee extract that contains only 45 mg of caffeine per serving, so you won’t be adding fuel to your stress fire.
If you prefer something a little more traditional, try regular herbal supplements. Extracts or tinctures work wonders, too. While finding your groove, remember that slow and steady wins the adaptogen race.
Stick to normal doses, and always check in with a healthcare professional to make sure your new wellness choices fit your lifestyle. While adaptogens might be plant powerhouses, they’re even better when teamed up with expert guidance.
Are There Any Drawbacks of Taking Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are powerful, but not all adaptogenic herbs are created equal. Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which isn’t necessarily a bad thing — it just means you should stick with brands you trust.
Be mindful of possible side effects like high blood pressure or interactions with medications. And if you're pregnant, nursing, or dealing with thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, consult your healthcare provider before diving in.
Remember, adaptogens are about enhancing your well-being, not replacing healthcare. It’s still important to talk to a dietitian if your stress is starting to affect your wellness.
The Bottom Line
Adaptogens are magical little herbs that can support your health through life’s ups and downs. Depending on the herb, adaptogens can help you feel relaxed, support focus and mental clarity, encourage the immune system, and support physical energy.
And, thanks to our mushroom coffee, taking adaptogens is even easier than ever. In fact, it’s as easy as drinking a cup of coffee — literally! Try our mushroom coffee for yourself today.
Sources:
The effect of adaptogenic plants on stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis | ScienceDirect
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