What are adaptogens and how can they aid your overall health?
MANAGING stress has long been important for overall health.
Stress levels appear to be at an alltime high with load shedding, high fuel prices, and the Covid-19 pandemic all affecting people.
“Adaptogens are synthetic compounds like bromantane, levamisole, afobazole, bemethyl, etcetera, or plant extracts that have the ability to enhance the body’s stability against physical loads without increasing oxygen consumption”, says Faaizah Laher, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Association for Dietetics in South Africa.
“Extracts from Panax ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, and Schisandra chinensis are considered to be naturally occurring adaptogens and plant adaptogens.
“To put it simply, adaptogens’ properties and mechanisms of action are evolving due to more evidence emerging, but they’re believed to act as eustressors, or ‘good stressors’, that mimic mild stress in the body.”
They decrease acute distress by modifying chronically high levels of the stress hormones cortisol and corticosterone, offering a protective effect against damaging stress.
Despite the fact that many people today use plant adaptogens, there have only been a few human clinical trials.
Plant adaptogens may be useful in the treatment of chronic fatigue, cognitive decline, and immune protection, according to data from a meta-analysis. However, further research is needed before making any firm conclusions because a variety of other factors may interfere with their function and absorption.
Here are five adaptogens recommended by Laher and certain other health professionals:
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen and a traditional ayurvedic plant that possesses anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
A 2014 published literature review discovered that consuming ashwagandha frequently may help reduce anxiety.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is advocated by Laher for enhancing focus and relieving stress.
Research that is credible (such as a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the gold standard) indicated that taking Rhodiola helped battle the type of weariness that impairs our mental performance and focus.
Dawn Jackson Blatner, registered dietitian and author, says “Rhodiola can help squash a sweet craving”.
Cordyceps
It is thought that taking the medicinal mushroom cordyceps as an adaptogen is helpful for your heart, liver, and kidneys. And while that isn’t incorrect, data links cordyceps to enhancing erectile function and promoting longevity. Additionally, it may serve as an aphrodisiac for women.
Schisandra
This less well-known adaptogen is a red berry from China. It has all five primary flavour components, which provide a balancing effect. It also strengthens the immune system and reduces stress.
Eleutherococcus
Laher suggests this herb if your goal is to replenish your vital energy.
Before incorporating an adaptogen into your wellness regimen, always consult a medical practitioner. These chemicals might interact with your present medications.