Adaptogen Profile: What is Ashwagandha?

Let’s face it, we're pretty stressed. That may mean that we struggle to maintain balance in our over-stimulated and fast-paced culture. When we are chronically stressed, our body struggles to keep up with the demands of our life, leading to illness, mood disorders, physical ailments, and overall poor health. However, what if there was a natural way to better adapt to life’s stressors and become more resilient in the face of adversity? Enter adaptogens! Used for thousands of years in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adaptogens are plants, herbs and mushrooms that help counteract the harmful effects of stress. Called adaptogens due to their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to your body’s specific needs, they can help heal a host of health issues or simply help ease stress by bringing the body back into balance (otherwise known as homeostasis). Why is this important? In order for our bodies to thrive, we must have a constant internal environment. This means that everything from our body temperature, blood sugar levels, and water content must be controlled and balanced for our cells and bodily systems to function optimally. When we’re exposed to life’s stressors our homeostasis is disrupted, and so are the systems of the body. Adaptogens can help improve our resistance to stress (emotional stress, physical trauma or injury, illness, fatigue, pollution) and normalize our body’s functions. This allows us to maintain a more regular state of homeostasis for optimal health. How do adaptogens work? Our stress levels and response are controlled by a system of glands called the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The central nervous system helps regulate and normalize the HPA axis to help us better cope with stress. Adaptogens ease stress response by releasing Hsp70 and Hsp72 (1), which are "stress sensor" proteins. This helps the central nervous system come out of fight-or-flight mode and back into a balanced state. Without easing our stress response, our bodies can either be over-functioning or under-functioning, often leading to neurodegeneration, chronic inflammation, and even cancer. The benefits of using adaptogens on a regular basis: Improved quality and quantity of sleep Boosted energy (without the crash you get from caffeine) Improved emotional well-being and resiliency Increased concentration and cognitive function Balanced stress and sex hormones Normalized digestive functioning Strengthened immune system Increased detoxification and liver health Stronger resistance to stress Start by adding your favourite adaptogen into your morning smoothie and observe the improvements you may feel. Remember, adaptogens can help make lasting changes to your health, but it won’t happen overnight. When you stay consistent, keep up with your self-care practice, and make small, sustainable changes you can create your healthiest, most joyful lifestyle. Learn more about our adaptogens

Ever feel off kilter or out of balance? Not 100%? In the past year, that has been true for most of us, most of the time! Between an uncertain world, a never-ending to-do list, and our own expectations, it’s challenging to feel on top of things – let alone relaxed and rested. What if there was something to help your body and mind to better cope with the stresses of life? Luckily, adaptogens might just be for you! Let’s dive into this peculiar class of plants and how it can benefit your daily life. Shop Adaptogens What are adaptogens? ‘Adaptogen’ is the term for the plants, herbs and mushrooms that help our bodies to adapt or adjust to the challenges life throws at us. Stress can cause one or more systems in our bodies to overwork or under-function, and if we can’t adapt to or handle chronic stress, we increase the risk of disease. Adaptogens help to bring the body into balance, whichever way it’s required, and allow us to feel better. Can I use adaptogens for stress? Our central nervous system (CNS) works to control and influence activity in all parts of our body. As it receives information and passes along commands, its goal is to keep us as safe as possible. One of the systems the CNS controls is called the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This system of glands and hormones directly affects outcomes like our response to stress levels as well as blood sugar, inflammation, and immune reactions. Adaptogens work by affecting and regulating the CNS and the HPA axis. This means they can actually help to prevent and reverse the effects of too many stressors. Are adaptogens safe? Yes, adaptogens are safe at standard doses for most people. Like anything, how you react specifically may be different than another person. If you experience any undesirable side effects, stop taking the products immediately. Consult with your medical professional if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, on medication, or have an upcoming surgery. Reishi mushroom Reishi mushrooms, or Ganoderma lucidum, help to balance many body systems. Used for at least four thousand years in many Asian countries for its medicinal properties, countless modern scientific studies prove what our ancestors put into practice. Reishi mushroom benefits Calm the body and mind. By improving the health of adrenal glands, where cortisol and other stress hormones are produced, reishi may help reduce anxiety, nervousness, and muscle tension. Modulate the immune system. Reishi improves immune function to protect the body more optimally from viruses, bacteria and cancer cells. It is also shown to be beneficial to an overactive immune system, with autoimmune challenges, allergies, and sensitivities. Shop Balance reishi powder Lion’s Mane mushroom Lion’s Mane mushroom, latin name Hericium, is a white spongy-looking edible mushroom that tastes a bit like shrimp or lobster when cooked. It is generally known for its role in improving memory and brain function. Lion’s mane benefits Protect and regenerate nerve cells. Lion’s mane induces nerve growth factor (NGF), required by the brain and neurons for development and maintenance. Modulate our gut immune system. This can positively affect inflammation and microbes in the digestive system. Shop Memory lion's mane powder Chaga mushroom Chaga mushrooms, or Inonotus obliquus, is a fungus naturally found growing on the outside of birch trees in very cold climates. Very hard, it usually requires an axe or saw to harvest. Chaga mushroom benefits Extremely high antioxidant content. This helps combat free radicals and damage caused by all types of stress on the body. Decreasing effects on anxiety and overwhelming feelings. The high levels of antioxidants allow us to handle stress more effectively. Shop Calm chaga powder Ashwagandha root Ashwagandha, known as Withania somnifera or Indian Ginseng, is a root commonly used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine. Ashwagandha benefits Help balance our mood and increase a feeling of happiness. It has a positive effect on the thyroid, which controls many of our emotional hormones. Normalize weight and food cravings. This positive benefit stems from its thyroid balancing properties. Shop Mood ashwagandha powder Tremella mushroom Tremella fuciformis is also known as snow mushroom, silver ear or white jelly mushroom. It is particularly popular in East Asia, where it has long been used as part of the cuisine and medicine. Tremella mushroom benefits High moisture retention. Tremella has an extreme water holding capacity, comparable to that of hyaluronic acid, a common ingredient in skincare products. Increased moisture retention provides a plump, healthy and youthful look to complexion, decreasing signs of dryness and aging. Immune function support. Tremella polysaccharides (naturally occurring long chains of carbohydrate molecules) have fantastic immunomodulatory properties. Immunomodulators help adjust the immune system to your circumstances and needs, to help your body adapt and fight off stressors. Shop Glow tremella powder

STRESS – we all know what a heavy feeling this word can bring! Most of us (well, all of us) experience stress daily. Often, we don’t even realize that our body is under a state of stress, that we are overwhelmed both mentally and emotionally, and as time goes on, our bodies start to feel the effects! Stress is actually a physical response within the body when it is under attack. When our body is under stress, it causes a release of complex hormones and chemicals such as cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine to prepare our body for physical activity. Think “flight or fight” – you know, like if you were running from a tiger! Our body goes through a series of changes during times of stress, which is controlled by our nervous system. A few symptoms that we can experience during times of stress are: Heart palpitations Insomnia Lack of appetite/increase in appetite Fast breathing Irritability Decreased stamina Illness Weight loss/weight gain (especially in the abdominal area) As stress continues to build up in our body, it can have a negative effect on our health. Although the symptoms listed above may seem mild at times, the accumulation of stress from our daily lives can lead to serious health issues such as Adrenal Fatigue, depression, anxiety, Auto-immune disorders/diseases, reproductive issues (both men and women) and even skin conditions. Sounds scary right? Well, it actually can be. Unfortunately, more and more people are feeling the effects of stress. Employers are even seeing more “stress leave” notes from their employees, and doctors are prescribing more anti-depressants to help with people cope with their unstable emotions and burnouts. So, how can we combat this? How do we stop having so much stress in our life or even how do we even support our Adrenal glands (the two small glands that sit on top of our kidneys) that are responsible for our bodies ability to react to stress? Well, there are a few ways, however, when it comes to supplementation, Adaptogens are my favourite star! What is an Adaptogen? An adaptogen is a herb or botanical substance that greatly improves your body’s response to stress! It helps your body “adapt” to stress and helps it function optimally during times of stress. How many of us know that during stressful periods, we lose our concentration levels, our ability to make smart decisions, and even our cognitive function suffers. An adaptogen’s main purpose is to restore balance and homeostasis (the body’s natural balance) within the body. They are a unique group of “healing plants” and it is the constituents within them that make them so beneficial. Adaptogens have the unique ability to produce “non-specific “responses within the body, increasing the power of resistance against multiple stressors such as physical, biological and chemical stressors (think exercise, health, and toxic substances). They provide support and protection to not only our Adrenal Glands but to our entire body. A few of my favourite adaptogens that I generally like to recommend to my clients are the following: Ashwagandha Maca Siberian Ginseng Reishi Mushroom Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is known to be one of the most powerful herbs in the Ayurvedic healing and has been used in India for a variety of conditions for over 3,000 years! It is very well known for its restorative properties, for reducing cortisol (our stress hormone) in our body, balancing our sex hormones, and supporting thyroid function. It also has a unique ability to increase energy levels within the body, especially for those who experience adrenal dysfunction resulting in lowered energy levels. Many athletes even like to supplement with Ashwagandha for those increased energy levels, and to improve brain function! Maca Maca is also an excellent adaptogen due to its high amounts of flavonoids that have been associated with reduced anxiety levels and depression. It is a very nutritious plant that provides a high amount of vitamins and minerals, as well as helping to balance sex hormones. Not sure how to use Maca? Try out these Maca Cacao Super Seed Bites! Siberian Ginseng Siberian Ginseng is traditionally used in Chinese medicine and is a rare plant often found in the harsh mountain forest in Eastern Asia, Japan, and even Russia. Known for its ability to increase endurance and provide resilience to environmental stresses, Siberian Ginseng aids in the recovery from strenuous exercise and mental exhaustion (stress!). Another amazing benefit of Siberian Ginseng is that is great for our immune health! How many of us can say that we often get sick when we have been under stress? Well, that is because stress weakens our immune system! Siberian Ginseng’s main role or action within our body is to act as an “immunomodulator”, which helps recharge and restore exhausted adrenals glands. Reishi Lastly, let’s talk about Reishi mushrooms! By now most of us know that mushrooms have a medicinal purpose within our body and can be quite beneficial to our overall immunity and health, and Reishi is no exception! It is an excellent choice to supplement with for its ability to improve not only mental and physical performance but to also act as an “immunomodulator” like Siberian Ginseng. Reishi mushrooms help support and regenerate exhausted adrenals glands – which helps reduce and restore cortisol levels within the body. Conclusion: I think the benefits of supplementing with adaptogens outweighs the effects of not supporting our adrenal health, especially as more and more people are getting sick, living with diseases, and suffering from mental and emotional disorders. Adaptogens play a huge role in supporting and even healing, our stressed Adrenals. Adaptogens are a great way to help hormonal imbalances in our body, stress-related work leave, weight gain, illness, lack of energy, and poor memory or cognitive function. There isn’t one adaptogen that works better than the other. It is about finding one that works best for you and your needs and often combine a few to give you the best result. Of course, this is alongside a good wholesome diet, enough sleep, a few yoga classes and some meditation! A few of my favourites are Maca and Ashwagandha daily and I always notice when I don’t take them. For more information in regards to stress or adaptogens, please check out our website organika.com. – Chelan Wilkins, RHN – National Education Trainer