What Are Adaptogens and How They Can Help Your Mental Health

Changes, the fast pace of life, or worries can make us feel overwhelmed, but some natural substances can help us cope better with stressful situations.

Eastern medicine — such as Chinese medicine — has been considered for many years as an alternative method, not entirely effective, by Western scholars. However, as clinical studies on various practices from the other side of the world grows, results have shown that our bodies can benefit from natural medicine in unexpected ways.

This is the case of adaptogens, substances that could safely improve our stress management and quality of life. If you want to know what adaptogens are and what they can do for your physical and mental health, keep reading! We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this healthcare method.

What are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are active ingredients found in certain plants, herbs, roots, and mushrooms. They have been used for many years in various regions of Asia to help relieve stress and related conditions. Their effectiveness has led to their use in multiple supplements, drinks, and other products marketed to help us navigate today’s fast-paced life. Below, we explain what types of adaptogens exist, their benefits to your mental health, and how to consume them safely.

Types of Adaptogens and Their Benefits

In general, adaptogens interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in the body’s stress response. If stress hormones increase in our system, adaptogens lower these levels and restore a healthy balance. The opposite occurs if a hormone level becomes too low, as with cortisol, whose deficiency causes symptoms of fatigue. In this case, adaptogens increase cortisol levels to achieve balance. This is why the main health benefits of adaptogens, according to several clinical trials, include:

• Improvement in mood
• Hormonal balance maintenance
• Fatigue reduction
• Immune system strengthening

Below is a list of the most common adaptogens and the specific benefits each provides:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): helps to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Also, it helps with the cardiovascular system and enhance antioxidant activity.
• Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium): combats fatigue, have anti-inflammatory properties — which help to relieve pain —,  support immune system.
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): strengthens the immune function, helping to combat the effects of stress.
• Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea): reduces fatigue, depression, and pain. Studies have shown Rhodiola improves performance during stressful situations.
• Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis): improves mental performance, increasing focus and coordination
• Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum): increases cognitive function, improving concentration, reduces anxiety, and strengthens the immune health.
• Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus): helps with stress relief, combating fatigue and supports immune response.

In addition to the benefits above, according to studies on adaptogens from the UCLA Department of Health shown adaptogens may also be helpful for:

• Post-surgery recovery
• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

How to Consume Adaptogens

Since they come from plant sources, adaptogens can be consumed in various ways. The most common forms are tea, encapsulated supplements, or powders, which can be added to prepared foods and drinks.

Recommended Dosage of Adaptogens

Adaptogen dosages will depend on the plant source and the form you take. Remember that these dosages are general recommendations, so it’s best to consult an expert who understands your conditions and considers your medical history to determine a personalized dose of each adaptogen that best suits you.

Like other substances, our body can build resistance to adaptogens. Cleveland Clinic experts recommend not taking them for periods longer than six months. To avoid resistance, you can take them in rotation, combining periods of use with equal periods of abstinence.

Herbal-based Supplements

One of the most popular ways to consume adaptogens is through herbal supplements. These may be sold in powder or capsule form and are often made from leaves or extracts of the available plants.

At Yes You Can!, we offer a wide range of supplements to care for every aspect of your health, including your mental and emotional well-being. If you want to start taking care of this part of your health, check out the products Yes You Can! has to offer.

<Yes You Can! Products for Managing Stress During Your Transformation Journey

With all the changes it entails, starting a new lifestyle can cause stress. This is why some Yes You Can! products help you achieve your weight loss goals and manage the anxiety that change can bring.

This is the case with our Appetite Suppressant, which helps you control hunger while bringing calm to avoid falling into bad habits like binge-eating, eating out of anxiety, or giving in to cravings.

If, in addition to losing weight, you’re looking to reduce localized fat, Sleep Burn is what you need. Our nighttime action supplement not only helps you burn fat while you sleep, but also improves sleep quality so you wake up with high energy levels and fully relaxed.

Adaptogens Side Effects

The medical community consensus is that the consumption of adaptogens is generally safe; however, like any new substance introduced to our body, some people may experience negative effects. The most common adverse effects of adaptogens are:

• Allergic reactions
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Additionally, if you’re under any medical treatment, you risk interactions with your medication. Always consult your doctor before starting any dietary supplements, especially if you suffer from health conditions such as:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Insomnia
• Hypothyroidism
• Depression

This is because some interactions between medications and adaptogens could increase blood pressure, affect thyroid activity, lower blood sugar levels, disrupt sleep patterns, or counteract antidepressant effects.

Improve Your Health with Yes You Can! Supplements

The ancient Greek saying “a healthy mind in a healthy body” is as relevant today as when it was first written thousands of years ago. So, start today by taking care of your mood as much as you do your body. With Yes You Can! you can find the balance you need. Do you want to know more? Continue exploring our blog, visit our online store, or call us at 1-888-988-5515.