Do you experience?

Fatigue
Mood Imbalances (anxiety, depression, etc)
Lack of motivation
Lack of Focus
Low stamina/endurance
Compromised immune system (get sick often)
Digestive dysfunction (IBS-C, IBS-D, IBD, etc)
Hormonal imbalances
Dry Skin
Nutritional Deficiencies
Thinning Hair

If any of these (any many more symptoms) plague you, then you need to add some Adaptogens to your regimen.

Adaptogens are herbs found in nature that help us adapt to Allostatis, this is the body’s effort to retain homeostatis under prolonged or chronic stress. Adaptogens are botanical interventions that have been used since ancient times to counteract physiological adaptations to the stress response. They support normalization of stress-induced biochemical changes and provide a safe intervention to regain health and balance. Adaptogens provide an elevated stress resistance.

Brief History of Adaptogens:

Adaptogens were first used around 3000 BCE for medicinal purposes by TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine,) and usually reserved for Chinese Royalty, Also used for Ayervada and later they were used by Vikings and Olympians, due to their ability to oxygenate the blood, increasing energy and stamina for battle and competition.

The term “adaptogen” was discovered in 1940s by a Russian toxicologist and referred to as a substance that “increases the state of non-specific resistance.” They quickly grew in popularity as they were discovered to support a healthy stress response and bolster stress resilience.

What does this mean? I like to think of them as a personal stress thermostat. When your house gets warm, the thermostat makes and adjustment to cool the house down. When the house gets cold, warm air will blow---keeping a constant perfect 71 degrees. Like a thermostat, adaptogens give us what we need. They either lift us up (stimulating) or calm us down.

Why do we need Adaptogens now more than ever?

In 2011, a study showed that 75% of adults experience moderate to high levels of stress and that 54% of people are concerned for the amount of stress in their lives. Where do you think those numbers are today??

Without going into the full details of the Autonomic System (ANS), just know that psychological or physiological stress can have a harsh impact on our entire body leading to an overactive or under-active HPA Axis. Kind of like a domino effect, when individuals experience chronic stress—whether real or perceived, the body thinks its under attack. This level of stress leads to inflammation (which suppresses the immune system) and can easily progress into disease.

COMMON OVERACTIVE STRESS RESPONSE SYMPTOMS:

Easily irritated

Difficulty breathing

Agitation

Insomnia

Anxiety

Intolerant

Difficulty concentrating

COMMON UNDER-ACTIVE STRESS RESPONSE SYMPTOMS:

Fatigue

Poor appetite

Decrease Libido

Hypersomnia

Inflammation

Suicidal thoughts

Low self-esteem

So how do Adaptogens help??

Adaptogens support a healthy stress response and bolster stress resilience. Different adaptogens share similar properties but they differ according to their individual organ system affinities and HPA axis effects. They also are opposite of “an ill for a pill’ as they each have numerous pharmacological effects and indications. Here are just a few things adaptogens provide us:

· Beauty (hair, skin, nails support) + Longevity

· Rich Source of B Vitamins

· Anti-aging support (skin tonic)

· Digestive support

· “Chalcones” which stimulate nerve growth (Great for post-op or neuropathy from chemo or diabetes)

· Can speed up wound healing

· Supports spiritual well being

· Can increase breast milk flow

· Purifies the blood/detox support

Anti-depressant support
Memory Enhancement

· Natural Thyroid Treatment (stimulates T3 and T4 production)

Helps increase “Natural Killer Cell” activity –aka beats pathogens and increases the immune system

· Creates sense of calm

· Suppress angiogenesis---the growth of tumor cells

· Helps balance adrenaline (norepinephrine + epinephrine)

· Indirectly liver support

· Improved Blood Glucose Levels

· Improved cholesterol levels

· Stress reduction

· Hormone balance

· Can help with: asthma, arthritis, chronic fatigue, anemia, infertility, depression, and high blood pressure

So you can see why these can help just about everyone no matter what is ailing them. And just so you know: Adaptogens are just plants and are non toxic, so they are safe for every day use! Adaptogens also work best when taken consistently over time….so bring on the herbs!!

Screen Shot 2018-07-05 at 11.53.14 AM.png

Carli created WELLNESS BY CARLI to combine her love of real food with her knowledge of functional medicine. These article are to share what she has learned to hopefully help you heal and feel your best!