Exploring Adaptogens For Your Health
Adaptogens are the latest trend in holistic health and wellness. People everywhere are turning towards natural ways to stay healthy, relieve stress, and maintain balance within their body. Adaptogens are the method to which many are turning. What are adaptogens? Are they safe and beneficial to your overall health and wellness? We’re here to give you all the latest information on what they are and why you might consider to your healthcare professional about using them.
Understanding Adaptogens
Adaptogens are a class of herbs and fungi with unique properties to help the body adapt to stress, pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue and maintain balance in all functions. While you can’t necessarily take away all of the stress triggers that life brings, there are ways to help your body manage its reaction when stress arises. Adaptogens are growing in popularity, but they are by no means a new trend. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to aid in many illnesses.
What makes these herbs and fungi unique are their ability to modulate the body’s response to stressors, whether physical, environmental, hormonal, or psychological. They work by interacting with specific organs or body tissues, such as the adrenal or pituitary gland, in times of stress, fatigue, sickness, anxiety, etc. They help the body adapt without pushing it into overdrive.
Benefits of Adaptogens
There are a variety of reasons why people choose to take adaptogens for their health. For some, it’s a necessity; for others, it’s an enhancement to their quality of life. But not all adaptogens are the same, nor do they provide the same benefits. The most important thing to note when choosing which suits you is that they are not specific to one symptom. Instead, each adaptogen targets a range of symptoms. In order to target your symptoms, you’ll need to discuss with your doctor which one is best suited for your needs. Here are some of the benefits that adaptogens can have on your body:
- Decrease stress
- Decrease anxiety
- Reduce depression
- Decrease fatigue
- Boost immunity
- Improve Mood
- Balance Hormones
- Decrease chronic pain
- Improve focus and concentration
- Improve post-surgery recovery
- Controls blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- Improve mental clarity
- Increase longevity
- Decrease Arthritis symptoms
Examples of Popular Adaptogens 
In the world of adaptogens, the options are as diverse as they are potent! With over 70 different kinds, these herbs and fungi offer many benefits to support our bodies in adapting to stress. These substances come in both synthetic and plant-based forms, but it’s the natural, plant-based kind that truly steal the show. Here are a few of the well-known adaptogens that are available for supplementation:
Ashwagandha is known for promoting calmness and resilience in the face of stress. It is also helpful in regulating the metabolism and protecting your cells as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Rhodiola is known for its energy-boosting properties and mood-enhancing effects. It’s beneficial in aiding anxiety, depression, and stress.
Holy basil, with its rich history in Ayurvedic medicine, is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to combat fatigue and support mental clarity.
Ginseng, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine revered for its rejuvenating qualities, has become popular in the US over the past several decades. It is best known for its ability to combat fatigue and improve memory, but it also offers immune support.
Turmeric, a spice that is growing in popularity, has many healing properties and can reduce symptoms of depression.
Each of these well-known adaptogens brings its own unique set of benefits to the table, making them valuable supporters of balance and well-being.
How Adaptogens Work in the Body
Adaptogens are like the ultimate body balancers, working their magic to regulate our systems and bring us back to that sweet spot of homeostasis. When stressed or out of sync, they step in to offset imbalances and restore equilibrium. Think of adaptogens as the gentle guides of herbal remedies, carefully adjusting chemical reactions in our bodies to restore balance. For instance, they can ramp up or dial down cortisol levels depending on what our body needs most at that moment. If we’re feeling overwhelmed, they might help lower cortisol to calm us down. But if we need a boost of energy to tackle the day, they can give cortisol a little nudge in the other direction. Essentially, adaptogens ensure that everything runs smoothly no matter what life throws our way.
Incorporating Adaptogens into Daily Wellness
Incorporating adaptogens into your daily wellness routine is easier than ever, thanks to a variety of convenient options available. You can start your day by adding powders or capsules to your morning smoothie or breakfast bowl for a quick and effective boost. If you prefer a soothing approach, brew a cup of adaptogen-infused tea to sip on throughout the day or incorporate tinctures into your favorite beverages for a subtle yet powerful dose of support.
Don’t forget about food and spices! Many adaptogens can be incorporated into meals or sprinkled onto snacks to enhance nutritional value and promote overall well-being. With such versatility in form and application, there’s no excuse not to invite these incredible herbal allies into your daily wellness plan.
Consulting with Healthcare Professionals 
There is a lot to consider when it comes to adaptogens and your health. Consulting a physician is a great way to pinpoint which is best for you to try. If you take any medications, a physician will know whether or not the adaptogens are safe to mix with particular medications or other supplements.
It’s also important to note that adaptogens aren’t a long-term fix and are not recommended to determine the root cause of your symptoms. They aren’t intended to replace a healthy diet, exercise, sleep, or many lifestyle choices necessary to reduce everyday stressors. While they can ease your symptoms at their height, it’s a good idea to look for ways to determine the root cause of your symptoms to help yourself long term. Your doctor can help or provide you with the resources to do just that.
Knew Health and Adaptogens
Knew Health is always here to support your holistic lifestyle choices. Annual visits to your Primary Care Physician or Naturopathic Doctor to discuss your wellness plan are always part of your Membership. You can also take advantage of your two health coaching sessions with our certified coaches to discuss your options for adaptogens. At Knew Health, we also provide generous discounts on high-quality supplements, including adaptogens. Our Members also benefit from a yearly allowance, which can be used towards the cost of adaptogens or any other wellness-related product or service. The bottom line is we’ll support your decision to improve your health and wellness! Whether you’re dealing with hectic work schedules, demanding workouts, or just life’s everyday ups and downs, adaptogens can be your natural allies in maintaining balance and vitality.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use to reach your health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.
Sources:
“Adaptogens.” Cleveland Clinic, 10 Feb. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/22361-adaptogens.
Chesak, Jennifer MSJ. “The No BS Guide to Adaptogens for Hormonal Balance and Stress.” Healthline, 9 Sept. 2022, www.healthline.com/health/stress/smart-girls-guide-to-adaptogens#which-one.
Lubeck , Brittany MS, RDN. “What to Know About Adaptogens.” Verywell Health, 5 Jun. 2023, www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-adaptogens-4685073.
“What Are Adaptogens and Should You Be Taking Them?” UCLA Health, 16 Feb. 2022, www.uclahealth.org/news/what-are-adaptogens-and-should-you-be-taking-them.
