Top 7 Adaptogens


best adaptogens
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Did you know that there are substances that can help increase the body’s resistance to various forms of stress, whether physical, chemical, or biological? These are called adaptogens. Adaptogens are primarily herbs, roots and a variety of medicinal mushrooms that can modify the body’s response to many stressors and have been used effectively and safely for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions. While each adaptogen works a little differently inside the body, on the whole, they help the body by supporting the adrenal glands, which regulate hormonal responses to stress. Adaptogens are important because they help bring the body back to homeostasis (balance).

Indeed, as the name suggests, adaptogens “adapt” to meet the body’s needs on any given day, in much the same way a thermostat controls temperature; they turn up your energy when you’re fatigued and help you relax when you’re restless. Adaptogens can be purchased as whole herbs, in tea form or as supplements in pill or tincture formats. Let’s take a look at the top 7 most widely used adaptogens on the market and the benefits they offer.

Adrenal extract or concentrate

An extract that comes from the adrenal glands of slaughtered cows; made either from the whole gland or just the outer part (cortex). The main active compound in adrenal extract is the hormone hydrocortisone.

Adrenal extract/concentrate is used to fight adrenal exhaustion, burnout, fatigue, stress, withdrawal symptoms, low immunity and allergies, plus can help reduce pain and inflammation. Other interesting benefits adrenal extract may support include stimulating weight loss, fat loss, enhanced muscle building and better digestion.

When shopping for an adrenal extract/concentrate it’s important to look for one that is sourced from pasture-raised, grass-fed animals raised in grasslands that are non-fertilized and that the animals are not administered feed supplements, hormones, or antibiotics, for the purest and safest product possible.

Ashwagandha

A classic ayurvedic herb and well-established adaptogen, ashwagandha has been around for more than 2,500 years and is the most commonly used and extensively researched adaptogen herb. It possesses potent immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects, rejuvenates and tones the endocrine and immune systems and restores optimal nervous system health by normalizing mood and energy levels.

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Ashwagandha is also able to downregulate cortisol production by the adrenal glands, which helps mitigate the body’s stress response to help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. In fact, a 2012 randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ashwagandha root looked at its ability to reduce stress and anxiety in adults. The results showed that the root possesses powerful antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects resulting in significant symptom reduction. Just as interestingly, ashwagandha has been shown to increase energy, stamina and endurance, improve concentration and memory, reduce brain cell degeneration, improve blood sugar metabolism, enhance thyroid function and boost adrenal health.

When selecting an ashwagandha supplement, look for one that is organic and standardized to ensure you’re getting an optimal amount of the active compounds in the herb.

Astragalus

If you’re looking for a supplement that can both help you deal with stress and boost your immunity, look no further than astragalus. Indeed, astragalus root is one of the most powerful immune-boosting plants known to man and is also a powerful adaptogenic herb that helps build the body’s resilience to stress.

Astragalus has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it has long been recognized for its ability to mitigate the effects of various forms of stress including physical, mental, emotional, environmental, etc. While today, astragalus is widely used for its adaptogenic and stress support qualities, it is also used in many other therapeutic applications such as; balancing mood, protecting against infections, helping calm inflammation, helping to slow the growth of tumours (in conjunction with conventional treatment), protecting heart health and promoting healthy blood sugar metabolism.

Astragalus is sold in powder form, capsules, tablets and tinctures in a range of potencies.

Look for a brand that is organic or has been ecologically harvested for optimal quality and potency.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are a group of water-soluble nutrients that play a range of vital roles in cellular metabolism. The family of B vitamins is crucial to the body’s handling of stress, which explains why B-Complexes are often called “Stress Complexes”. Indeed, acute, and even more profoundly, chronic stress, put increased pressure on the body and deplete many key nutrients, not the least of which are critical B vitamins.

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B complex vitamins perform a variety of roles throughout the body, from supporting the nervous system to allowing the body to absorb the energy from the foods we eat. B vitamins are also required to produce feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, enhance mood and enable the body to better cope in times of stress. Fortunately, B vitamins are widely available in a range of potencies and in tablet or capsule form. B complexes are often enhanced with other stress support nutrients, herbs and mushrooms.

Licorice Root 

Licorice root is considered an adaptogen, but unlike other adaptogens, licorice roots applications are specific rather than nonspecific. That being said, licorice root does offer many of the same health benefits as other adaptogens such as the ability to act as a catalyst for the adrenal glands, regulate cortisol output and protect the thymus gland from excessive cortisol damage. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it’s used to increase energy and endurance, boost immunity and help the body better manage stress. In addition, licorice root extract is a potent antiviral, expectorant and GI remedy. In fact, it is often recommended for gastritis and peptic ulcers since it reduces irritation and inflammation in the GI tract. Licorice is also frequently included in blends for the respiratory tract, coughs, colds, and sore throats.

If you’re in the market for a quality licorice root extract, look for one that is deglycyrrhizinated (DGL). DGL reduces exposure to glycyrrhizin, a compound that’s largely responsible for licorice root’s potential cardiovascular and kidney issues when taken long term.

Rhodiola Rosea 

Rhodiola Rosea is a well-researched plant that has been shown to offer powerful fat-burning (helping to burn visceral/belly fat), energy-enhancing and brain-boosting effects. It also happens to be one of the most effective adaptogens on the market and can balance the stress hormone cortisol and thus temper the body’s stress response. Rhodiola is also known for its anti-fatigue effects and ability to boost brain function by increasing mental energy, performance and concentration. 

Studies have found that the Rhodiola Rosea plant contains over 40 different chemical compounds that are responsible for its adaptogenic qualities. The most potent of these include rosavins and salidrosides. Rosavins are unique to Rhodiola Rosea within the Rhodiola family, whereas salidrosides are common in other Rhodiola species. Look for an extract that has approximately 3 % rosavins and 1 % salidrosides for optimal adaptogenic effects.

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Rhodiola Rosea may be purchased as looseleaf tea, in teabags, tincture, capsule, or tablet form, in a range of potencies. 250–700 mg daily is the most common dose, but certain conditions may require closer to 350–1,500 mg daily.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng (Eleuthero) has been used for centuries throughout Eastern countries, though despite its name, it is completely different from American and Asian ginseng. Eleuthero, in fact, contains different active components than true ginseng. The active ingredients in Eleuthero are called eleutherosides and have been shown to boost the immune system. It is also a powerful adaptogen known to help protect the body from the effects of chronic stress and reduce associated physical and mental symptoms. Additional applications for Siberian ginseng include stimulating mental alertness, improving memory, preventing heart disease and relieving symptoms of low mood and anxiety.

Final Thoughts on Adaptogens

Adaptogens make a wonderful addition to just about everyone’s daily regimen because not only do they help the body to build its resilience, but they also offer myriad other health benefits/protective effects. Also, unlike caffeine and caffeine-like alternatives that provide a short-term boost and stimulating effect, adaptogens do not deplete the body of precious nutrients, nor do they lead to the inevitable crash, or cause insomnia, stomach ache, increased blood pressure or entail withdrawal syndrome.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.

Author Bio

Roos Jonsin is a Canadian naturopath and researcher dedicated to helping people live healthier lives through education about vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements. Roos also consults with suppliers and manufacturers with product development and marketing. National Nutrition is Canada’s leading health & nutritional supplements store, also voted as the Best Health Food Store in Canada by the experts at Canadian Health Food Association. 

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/


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