Adaptogens: Nature’s Stress Relief, Part II
This second part of the two-part series on adaptogens will continue listing seven powerful, commonly used adaptogens. Part one
discussed what adaptogens are, how the effect the body, and went over
the benefits of rhodiola, ashwagandha, and ginkgo biloba. Part two will
focus on the benefits of astragalus, licorice root, eleuthero root, and
goji berries. Feel free to contact Back to Health Chiropractic for more information on nutrition in Vancouver WA.
Why Care About Adaptogens?
To recap, adaptogens are powerhouses in fighting the stress reaction
in the body. Stress reactions can result from the traditional, emotional
stress that may first come to mind when you think of stress. However,
they also fight the effects of environmental stressors such as poor
diet, pollution, and overexertion, as well as the internal negative
effects of oxidation. Each adaptogen has its specific strengths and are,
therefore, taken for specific results—but all of them have multiple
positive health benefits and reduce the impact of stress on the body.
Astragalus
Serious research is just getting underway on astragalus and its ability to increase the production of telomerase. Telomerase
is an enzyme having to do with the replacement of DNA. The research
being done suggests that the function of telomerase may have a lot to do
with a cell’s response to viruses such as HIV
as well as those in the case of cancer. Besides fighting bacterial and
viral infections and cancer prevention, astragalus has also been used as
a tonic to clean the liver. It is a good way to combat a cold, fight
fatigue, fight high blood pressure, and strengthen the kidneys as well
as the immune system. In Chinese medicine astragalus has long been used
in increase vitality and improve energy.
Licorice Root
You may only think of black licorice candy when this root comes to mind. Besides flavoring foods, licorice root
is helpful for soothing stomach and digestive conditions. Additionally,
it is antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and helps prevents
autoimmune disorders. It has been used in Chinese medicine, in
combination with other herbs, to strengthen the adrenal function—which
in an important way to fight the effects of stress.
Eleuthero Root/Siberian Ginseng
Not strictly a ginseng, eleuthero root
is more commonly known as Siberian Ginseng. Though the misnomer is
common, it is not to be confused with Panax ginseng, which is commonly
just called “ginseng.” People take this root for anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and antidepressant effects. It is also thought to improve
immune function, increased memory and cognitive function, as well as to
fight against fatigue.
Gojo Berry
The goji berry, or wolfberry, originally comes from China. This adaptogen is packed full of nutrients,
making it a “super food.” It has been used in Chinese medicine for
heart health and protect eyes sight from age deterioration.
Additionally, it has been used to combat fatigue, diabetes, and high
blood pressure. Goji berries are being studied for their preventative
effects from cancer. They are also a strong antioxidant, fighting
against free radical damage in the body—a major cause of aging.
This list of adaptogen is a stepping off place to get started
researching the benefits of these potent herbs. The benefits vary for
each. What all adaptogens have in common is a wide range of
health-boosting benefits. The long list of benefits makes them well
worth looking into.
Adaptogens: Nature’s Stress Relief, Part I
What
exactly is an adaptogen? When the body is stressed it sets off a
certain response. The type of stress—diet related, physical, emotional,
or circumstantial—all create basically the same metabolic reaction. This
reaction can be lessened when taking adapotgenic herbs. Additionally,
each of these herbs creates a variety of positive effects. Different
herbs work in different ways, so each one is taken to elicit specific
results. They tend to be used for things such as minimizing aging,
improving memory, increasing energy, improving immunity, and lessening
fatigue.
In this two-part blog we will discuss the benefits of seven amazing adaptogens. For more specific information on nutrition in Vancouver WA you can give us a call.
What Is an Adaptogen?
So let’s start with a definition. What exactly is an adaptogen?
Google defines it as: “(in herbal medicine) a natural substance
considered to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing
effect upon bodily processes.” Herbal supplements categorized as
adaptogen have been gaining popularity in the West, though ancient
practices such as Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda have been using many of
them for centuries as a way to improve health.
The idea of how adaptogens work is in its name. They help your body
adapt to stressors in the environment. One way adaptogens help the body
is through reducing the production of stress hormones. They also have an
effect on DNA replication, producing proteins that the body uses to
manage the effects of stress.
Which Adaptogens Do What?
Of course each person reacts differently, so it is important you
consult a physician about any medical concerns you may have. This blog
article is not meant to replace or offer medical advice. With that in
mind, here are some common—but far from all-inclusive—uses for
adaptogens:
Rhodiola
This little power house grows in colder climates and is well know throughout Central Asia. Rhodiola has been shown to reduce fatigue while increasing mental acuity and concentration. Additionally, Rhodiola has been shown to reduce mild to moderate depression.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha,
also known as Indian ginseng, is well known in Ayurvedic medicine. Its
benefits are many and could have an article written on this one herb
alone. Here are a few documented benefits of Ashwagandha: Improved
immunity, reduces anxiety and depression, lowers cholesterol, works as
an anti-inflammatory, lowers blood sugar, inhibits the growth of tumors,
reduces ADHD, imporves liver function, and combats signs of aging. With
a list like this, the question is more: Why not take Ashwagandha?
Ginkgo Biloba
This herb has gained populatiry in the West over the last couple of
decades for its ability to improve memory and cognitive function. Ginkgo biloba
has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain. This is especially
of interest for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Additional studies suggest that ginkgo biloba may decrease the symptoms
of PMS as well as help with vascular diseases and pain caused by blood
clots.
Stay tuned for our second part of Adaptogens: Nature’s Stress Relief,
where we will discuss the benefits of licorice root, eleuthero root,
astragalus, and goji berries.
Coping with Stress and Depression
As the weather outside becomes gray and work becomes dauntingly slow,
despite the holidays, we can have a tendency to become overwhelmed with
seasonal depression or stress. But there are ways to cope with this
that are much more simple than one might think. It starts by simply
living a healthy lifestyle.
First of all, you need to understand that this is something everyone
experiences at least once, if not many more times, in their life.
Although you may feel hopeless and unfulfilled with things that used to
bring you joy, there is hope! It is simply a condition and everyone has
the means to overcome it and avoid it in the future. It is strongly
advised for someone who is depressed to seek help from a professional.
However, there are additional day-to-day things you can do to cope with
or prevent it, which is what this post will focus on.
It is important to get daily exercise in order to get your blood
pumping, improve your circulation, contribute to detoxification, provide
an outlet for your frustrations, and release the body’s natural
feel-good chemicals.
Eating right is another way to keep your mind and body healthy.
Indulging on fatty, over-processed, and sugar-filled foods will not only
weigh you down, but cause fatigue and harmful chemicals to be released
in your body. It is important to get a nutritional diet filled with
nutrients and all parts of the food group. This includes lean meats,
dairy, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and plenty of water! Some of
the most common nutrient deficiencies that have been connected to mood
disorders are omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, folate,
chromium, iron, iodine, and amino acids. It is also important to note
that these nutrients are absorbed much better when they are provided by
foods, rather than taking store-bought vitamins. Foods that contain
these nutrients can easily be found online or through your doctor.
Meditation is another way that many people find relief from the
stresses of everyday life. Take the time to relax, breathe in deeply,
and focus on your own mind and body for a little bit each day. This will
allow more oxygen to your brain and body as you breathe in deeply,
which will also help to combat some of the physical pains that often
come from stress, depression, and mood disorders.
Make sure you are getting at least eight hours of sleep each day,
limiting alcohol consumption, getting natural sunlight, and taking some
time each day to do something fun for yourself! In addition to
exercising, laughing is another easy way to boost the levels of the
natural feel-good chemicals in your body. When we’re faced with a long
and stressful to-do list on a daily basis, it can be easy to forget to
do things for ourselves, but nonetheless, it is actually very important
for your physical and mental health.
So if you’re starting to feel down in the dumps lately, or more
on-edge than usual, try incorporating these things into your daily life,
it certainly won’t hurt to try!
If your experiencing physical pain from stress, you should also
consider visiting a chiropractor. We offer a variety of services that
will surely relieve your pain and get you back on track with a healthy
body. For chiropractic care in Vancouver, Washington, contact Back to
Health Chiropractic for an appointment!
