Why Trying Adaptogens May Change Your Outlook On Life

Living in a fast-paced world means you need to combat stress, whether you keep your stress in check with a tracker or regularly carve out time to take a long, hot bath. Unless you live under a rock or on a year-round yacht, navigating stress is a natural part of the human experience. According to The American Institute of Stress, current rising stress levels can be attributed to increasing inflation, supply chain issues, global uncertainty, and the Russian-Ukrainian war. Of those that participated in the stress survey, 25% also admitted to drinking higher amounts of alcohol. The holistic health world is hoping to change that, however, with adaptogens.

Adaptogens are plants, mushrooms, or botanicals that help the body's resilience against stress and anxiety. They promote overall well-being and help one cope with fatigue, which can prevent homeostasis, or a balanced system. It turns out stress can do more than just impact your mental health; it can also affect several systems within the body, including the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Luckily, adaptogens are able to help regulate our emotions and thus lead to overall better health.

Plants and mushrooms classified as adaptogens are able to reduce stress by increasing your resistance to tense situations. A 2010 study published in the journal Pharmaceuticals found that adaptogens demonstrate neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, anti-depressive, and nootropic activity. They also stimulate mental energy while increasing work capabilities in stressful or fatigue-inducing environments. They're able to do so by helping to regulate the body's homeostasis, stress responses, and the release of cortisol, aka "the stress hormone." 

According to naturopathic herbalist Dr. Marisa Marciano, adaptogens are a uniquely notable herb because of their ability to prevent damage to the body by supporting the adrenal glands and possibly the pituitary glands, which monitor and regulate hormones. One hormone they help monitor is cortisol, which is great because this prolonged high stress levels can lead to anxiety, weight gain, problems getting or staying pregnant, and more. Note: There is a difference between anxiety and stress, so seeing a professional can help you if you're confused about what you're feeling. 

Adaptogens also regulate the adrenal glands, which, when out of wack, can cause problems like weight gain, fatigue, and acne. These powerful herbs are one of the best stress fighters and exist in a variety of foods, herbs, and supplements.

By reducing stress and anxiety, adaptogens are also able to create feelings of calmness, uplift the mood, and have a positive effect on the central nervous system. One of the most popular adaptogens is ashwagandha, which is regularly used in Chinese medicine and is a potent antioxidant that's been proven to improve memory function and inflammatory pain (via research published in StatPearls). It can even improve the body's dopamine level and regulate one's mood.

Adaptogens also extend to the mushroom family, with exotic blends quickly becoming a replacement for highly caffeinated coffee drinks. Family-owned and operated GT's Living Food's line of mushroom tea elixirs offers a hefty 1800 milligram dosage of adaptogens like reishi, chaga, and turkey tail mushrooms. Other herbal blends like Om's Master Blend can be stirred into your coffee or tea for a stress-relieving boost. If you're ready to ditch the alcohol, then try Kin Euphorics and indulge in buzzy botanical well-being instead of hangovers.

Now, read up on the three chakras you can try balancing to banish chronic stress.