Do Adaptogens Really Work?

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Are you experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and depression?

If so, the first thing you should know is that you’re not alone.

Living in the modern world often comes with a lot of stress that, over time, can wreak havoc on your body.

At The Mindful Healing Clinic, we can work with you to help offset some of the negative effects that stress can have on your body, such as lowered immune function and poor sleep quality.

One of the ways we do this is through adaptogens.

My name is Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, a healing botanical medicine naturopathic doctor in Mississauga, Ontario, and today we’re going to take a look at adaptogens.

What are adaptogens?

How can they help you manage stress?

And do they really work?

Sit tight and keep reading to find out more.

What Are Adaptogens?

“Adaptogen” is a broad term used to describe certain plant based substances that help your body recover from and improve resistance to the negative effects of stress.

Adaptogens are naturally found in a wide range of plant based foods, such as turmeric and ginseng.

They provide a broad range of benefits to your health.

For instance, ginseng is known to help your pituitary and adrenal gland function.

This can improve sleep, lower your risk of developing arthritis, and help manage chronic fatigue.

What Does An Adaptogen Do?

The primary benefit of adaptogens is boosted adrenal function.

Your adrenal glands are responsible for regulating your stress hormones.

Adaptogens work to restore your body’s natural balance and improve your resistance to both short and long term physical and mental stress.

Therefore, eating foods rich in adaptogens can help reduce your stress levels and improve your overall health.

Some of the benefits adaptogens are known to provide include:

• Improve sleep and reduce fatigue
• Support your immune system
• Improve your hormone balance
• Decrease inflammation
• Manage your blood sugar levels
• Enhance your mental performance
• Ease depression and anxiety
• And much more

What Foods Are High In Adaptogens?

Fortunately, adaptogens are easy to find in many common pantry items.

Let’s take a closer look at a few of them.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that can help to support your body’s natural antioxidant functions as well as help manage levels of stress hormone production.

It can also help you maintain a healthy body weight, healthy blood pressure, and manage immune and inflammation responses while under stress.

Turmeric can also help with PCOS symptoms.

Turmeric is commonly found in many Asian themed dishes, such as curries, as well as soups and certain lattes.

2. Liquorice Root

Liquorice root is an herb that has been found to help regulate cortisol, the stress hormone produced by your adrenal gland.

Not only can chewing on liquorice root help support your adrenal gland, but the act of chewing can also provide a distraction from the state of anxiety.

Liquorice root is also commonly enjoyed in tea form.

3. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Holy basil is another herb that can help to manage your stress response and improve symptoms of anxiety.

Despite its name, holy basil isn’t related to basil.

It’s part of the mint family that can provide a peppery taste to soups, stir fries, and pastas.

It can also be combined in a tea with liquorice root for additional benefits.

4. Moringa

Studies suggest that moringa can help to stabilize blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

The moringa tree leaf is most commonly found in its dried or ground form and can be added to foods to provide a nutty taste.

It can also be added to juices and smoothies.

5. Maca

Maca is a member of the cruciferous family and shares similarities with kale, broccoli, and cabbage.

It provides your body with a powerhouse of nutrients ranging from seven essential amino acids to fibre.

It can additionally help to balance your estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels and boost your libido.

Maca powder is commonly added to smoothies, porridge, breakfast bowls, home baking, and much more.

Should You Take Adaptogens?

Now that you’ve heard all about the benefits of adaptogens, you might be wondering if you should be increasing your daily intake.

It’s important to consult your trusted naturopathic doctor before making any decisions regarding your health.

Despite the many health benefits, adaptogens may have negative interactions with certain pharmaceuticals or health conditions.

If you’re considering taking adaptogens, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at The Mindful Healing Clinic.

Book Your Appointment With The Mindful Healing Clinic Today

Do you want to know if adaptogens are right for you?

Or are you interested in hearing more about natural methods for improving your health?

At The Mindful Healing Clinic, we can help guide you to make the best possible decisions for your health.

Book your appointment with The Mindful Healing Clinic today.