What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a select group of herbs and mushrooms that while consumed, support the body’s ability to deal with stress naturally. These herbs and mushrooms are called adaptogens because of their amazing ability to adapt to the specific needs (physical, chemical, and/or biological) of the body. Adaptogens are commonly used in many sport supplements, lifestyle supplements, and holistic doctors may suggest them as a healthy alternative before prescribing medication. Here is a list of some (not all) common adaptogens you may of heard of:
- Ginseng - improves general well-being, physical stamina, and concentration. Ginseng has shown to improve immunity and slow the aging process.
- Bacopa – improves memory and reduces anxiety
- Holy Basil – studies show that holy basil can protect your body against toxic chemicals. It may also prevent cancer by reducing the growth of cancerous cells.
- Reishi Mushroom – known as the “Queen of Mushrooms”, Reishi Mushroom has a variety of potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system and fighting cancer.
- Ashwagandha – reduce blood sugar levels, reduce cortisol levels, reduce stress and anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression, reduce inflammation, increase strength, improve brain function, and more…
- Maca Root – improve mood and increase energy and endurance
- Rosemary – helps prevent brain aging and helps improve memory
- Rhodiola – improve exercise performance, energy, and brain function
References:
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What Are Adaptogens and Why Are People Taking Them? https://time.com/5025278/adaptogens-herbs-stress-anxiety/
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That Supplement Show (Podcast) https://www.megafood.com/podcast/ep-16-adaptogens-with-dr-tieraona-low-dog.html
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Rhodiola and Exercise https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4008828/
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Hype, Hope, Ginseng https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-history/hype-hope-and-ginseng
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What is Bacopa https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bacopa-monnieri-benefits#1
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Ashwagandha and Brain Function https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24147038
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Ashwagandha and Inflammation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19388865
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Ashwagandha and Depression https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439798
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Ashwagandha Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26068424
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What is Holy Basil https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
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Reishi Mushroom Benefits https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16230843
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Maca Root Benefits https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322511.php#ten-benefits
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Rosemary Benefits https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266370.php