With articles like Why Ashwagandha Is Basically Nature's Xanax, it's no wonder adaptogens are showing up EVERYWHERE which for me is both super helpful and also super confusing. With so many options on the market, I found myself overwhelmed quickly and hungry for more information.
Over the last six months, I really dug into what these little superfoods are all about. It didn't take long for me to find the data compelling enough to give them an honest try. I started taking them daily as part of my morning routine, and I can honestly say I will NEVER go a day without Adaptogens again! It took some digging, but I even managed to find a few products that taste good enough to actually enjoy while consuming them!
DISCLAIMER: Before I go on with some of the details I found during my research on the topic, I want to make it perfectly clear that I am not clinical and any decision to start taking any supplement should always be discussed with your healthcare practitioner.
So, What are Adaptogens?
Herbal and plant compounds that help the body resist and adapt to stress. These herbal substances have been used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. While research on adaptogens is limited, there is evidence that adaptogens offer health benefits to help with stress relief, fatigue, sleep, immune health, and hormone balance.
How do they work?
Adaptogens increase the state of non-specific resistance in stress and decrease sensitivity to stressors, which results in stress protection, and prolong the phase of resistance (stimulatory effect). Instead of exhaustion, a higher level of equilibrium (homeostasis) is attained.
Adaptogens help your body, through the HPA axis, which among many things stabilizes your existing cortisol levels and regulates their production.
Why care about Cortisol? Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate several important functions in your body. One of the most prominent functions is regulating how your body responds to stress. Having a high cortisol level over a prolonged amount of time—often the result of experiencing chronic or long-term stress—can have negative impacts on your health in the following ways:
Fatigue
Irritability
Headaches
Intestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating or diarrhea
Anxiety or depression
Weight gain
Increased blood pressure
Low libido, erectile dysfunction or problems with regular ovulation or menstrual periods
Difficulty recovering from exercise
Poor sleep
Muscle pain or tension in the head, neck, jaw, or back
Adaptogens at The Sundry
I'm sure this collections of Adaptogens will continue to grow, but I have to tell you, I am pretty pleased with what I have been able to find for us! I've even started adding them to care packages to really make them a holistic wellness experience for the reciepiants
Also, look for the new Botanical Bar within The Temple(Emotional & Energetic Wellness Studio) which will be full of non-alcoholic/adaptogen rich options to enjoy while you're there for an event.
Best,
Jess
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