Have you been wondering what’s up with adaptogens? I’m sharing how adaptogens impact your health and how to use them.
This is the first post in a new series called “Love Your Body with…” I’ll be sharing simple ways you can nourish your body more. Each post will feature a nourishing food, drink, or product that I’ve incorporated into my wellness routine and have been loving.
I’m starting with adaptogens!
Adaptogens are one of the hottest wellness trends right now, but they’re not new. Adaptogens are a group of herbs, roots, and mushrooms that have been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
They’ve suddenly gained popularity because they have the ability to fight stress and fatigue and, let’s be real, we’re all stressed and tired.
Adaptogens help to create more balance in the body by strengthening your adrenal system and moderating your stress responses. Adaptogens are also high in antioxidants and contain anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat free radicals and reduce cellular damage.
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline. Your body has the ability to come back into balance once your stress levels have been reduced. But when you’re in a constant state of stress, you can experience chronic inflammation and even adrenal fatigue.
Chronic inflammation can cause excess weight, digestive issues, fatigue, skin issues, allergies, brain fog, gum disease, puffy eyes or face, and more.
Adrenal fatigue can show up in your body as lack of energy, anxiety or mild depression, difficulty dealing with stress, dry skin, weakened immunity, issues with sleep, food sensitivities, and more.
Adaptogens help your body come back into balance when experiencing stress and can help reduce the effects of stress on your body.
Adaptogens got their name because they help the body adapt to its specific needs either energizing the body or calming the body. Pretty amazing!
I was interested in adding adaptogens into my wellness routine because I experienced chronic stress and anxiety when I was working at my previous job in PR. I gained nearly 20 pounds in the four years that I worked there despite eating well and consistently moving my body.
My stress has been greatly reduced now that I don’t work at that job anymore but I still experience stress (as we all do), and I want to help my body manage stress better.
The herbs that are considered to be adaptogenic are:
- American and Asian Ginseng root
- Ashwagandha root
- Cordyceps
- Dang Shen root
- Eleuthero root
- Holy Basil herb
- Jiaogulan herb
- Licorice rhizome
- Reishi fungus
- Rhaponticum root
- Rhodiola root
- Wu Wei Zi berries
You don’t have to go out in search of these specific ingredients though. Most adaptogens come in a powdered form with a blend of different adaptogenic herbs.
I’ve been adding a teaspoon of Moon Juice Spirit Dust to my coffee along with some coconut oil or Moon Juice Beauty Dust to my morning smoothie. I also use it to make my Superfood Hot Chocolate and vanilla adaptogen lattes.
Spirit Dust is a blend of uplifting superherbs and mushrooms that help combat the effects of stress.
Beauty Dust is an adaptogenic blend of superherbs and pearl that help combat the affects of stress. It uses a formula that aids in the production of collagen and silica production and helps to hydrate the hair, skin, and nails.
Moon Juice also makes Dream Dust, Sex Dust, Power Dust, Deep Chocolate Adaptogenic Protein Powder, and other protein powders.
Other brands of adaptogens:
Amazing Grass Beauty Elixir Greens and Adaptogens
Amazing Grass Belly Elixir Greens and Adaptogens
Amazing Grass Brain Elixir Greens and Adaptogens
Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Blend
Moondeli Organic Calming Adaptogen
Gaia Herbs Adrenal Health Nightly Restore Adaptogens
*Resource: Nutritious Life
Do you use adaptogens? How have they impacted your health?
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