What is an ADAPTOGEN? DO I NEED ONE?
How are you feeling? Like so many of us during this pandemic, we have endured significant change in our daily routine. For most, this has meant being at home more often with families, and really trying to wrap our heads around this new way of life. At first, we may have thought that we could use this time to unwind, retreat and recharge ourselves. But for some, the added responsibilities of now being at home more often, hasn’t made that possible. Being at home more often has shown to be just as taxing, if not more so, than had we been physically at work during the day.
Maybe you’ve had the realization that you’ve been multi-tasking at such high speeds over the last months, even years. Possibly just relfecting on this now, with this routine disruption bringing to light, just how fast-paced we’ve been functioning. For many of us, we’re realizing that we have been in a state of burn-out for far, far too long.
We need help to ADAPT to this new way of life. Enter – the adaptogens.
Adaptogens are a group of herbal plants, mainly in root or mushroom form, that have been used historically as a way to build resilience – both mentally and physically. Like the name implies, these supplements help you to adapt to stressors.
How do you know if you might benefit from an adaptogen?
- You wake up feeling exhausted, even if you were to get 7-8 hours of sleep
- You’re tired all the time, sometimes with an energy burst right before bed – a time when some might feel that productive burst to tackle the to-do list
- You’re in a constant state of brain fog, and almost feel numb
- This exhaustion feels like it has crept up on you, over the last weeks, months, or even years, and its hard to in point a time when it actually started
If this sounds like you, we should talk about what you can do, to get the support you need.
In terms of supplements, there are many supportive adaptogens to really help aid through this stressful time, that can be grouped according to their action. Generally speaking, the stimulating adaptogens should be reserved for the short term stressors, while the deep, restorative adaptogens indicated for stressors that have been compounded over months to years.
The stimulating adaptogens. These include adaptogens such as rhodiola, siberian ginseng, which are thought to give more immediate energy. Panax ginseng is thought to be the most stimulating out of this group, and should only be used in the short term. Out of the stimulant adaptogens, the ginsengs are those often used with students while studying, or athletes wanting a more immediate energy response.
The semi-stimulating adaptogens. This includes cordyceps, which has a building property to it, not quite as stimulating as the ginsengs.
The balancing adaptogens. Included are maca, ashwagandha, chaga and reishi, providing more of a deep, and restorative sense of adaptation. Oftentimes this group is used in conjunction with women’s hormonal health concerns, due to their additional properties. Maca is thought to also be linked with libido, however the mechanism of action is still not widely understood, while ashwagandha is thought to have an affinity for thyroid health.
The relaxing adaptogens. Out of the relaxing adaptogens, holy basal is a great addition, responsible for restoration after physical stressors.
It’s important to note that just because a product is deemed ‘natural’ or called a ‘supplement’, does not imply its safety, nor efficacy. When dealing with herbal supplements, keep in mind that they need to be used with care, at the proper dosage, and for the right indication.
If you’re finding that you are feeling stuck with your health, and not sure what you do next – contact us to book your free strategy session, to discover the best way for you to work with us.
*Disclaimer* The Strategy Call does NOT include any free medical advice. It is to determine the best course of action for you!
Naturopathic Doctors at Health Over All