adaptogens

Adaptogens, Adrenal Response, and Alleviating Your Stress

Written By Kacie Goff May 20, 2019

Have you felt stress at any point in the last week? That question sounds like a joke, right? In our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, most of us are moving about a million miles a minute. So, yeah, stress is pretty commonplace. What about fatigue? Yep, it’s everywhere. You’d think modern medicine would have a solution for all this. But, actually, our best bet might come from something much more ancient: adaptogens.

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are plants. It’s pretty simple, actually, but not all plants are adaptogens. The herbs and roots we identify as adaptogenic have one thing in common: they all bring us back to center. They’re natural tools that we can use — and, in many cases, that people have been using for centuries — to help combat the stresses of modern life and feel more balanced. They can protect us against fatigue, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. [1]

It sounds sort of like snake oil, right? That’s a whole lot for some little plants to deliver. But, remember, this isn’t just one substance delivering a range of cures. Search the web for any adaptogens list article, and you’ll find it’s got at least a handful of different herbs and roots on it. There are even adaptogenic foods, like holy basil, that you might already be eating.

Adaptogens aren’t a new concept, either. Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine practices have used these plants for centuries to support people’s healthiest lives. There’s something to be said about the fact that these ancient remedies are still being used today.

Adaptogens and your adrenal system.

So, how do adaptogens work?

What every item on any adaptogens list has in common is that it boosts your adrenal system. A little science class refresher: that’s the system that controls your body’s hormones and that means it plays a role in everything from how you react to stress to how susceptible you are to that cold going around your office. It also affects your blood pressure and metabolism, too.

Your adrenal system is an extremely important part of how your body functions and adaptogens work by giving it support. Some supplements either boost your mood or chill you out. Adaptogens are a little more versatile. Because they help your body naturally respond better to stimuli, they can help you feel calmer when you get called into the boss’s office at work and boost your focus when you’re feeling that afternoon slump.

Basically, they help give your body its best chance at staying centered and balanced so you can feel and perform better — all the time. If your hormones need to chill, they’re there. If they need a boost, they’re there. Adaptogens to the rescue!

Now, back to our first question: are you feeling stressed? If so, it might be time to try adaptogens. They increase your stress resistance [2], even giving you a tangible stress defense system. [3]

Feeling tired? Same solution. Adaptogens help you fight fatigue, making it easier to stay focused and supporting your best mental performance. [4]

Getting started with adaptogens.

So, whether you’ve been feeling tired, stressed, or under the weather, adaptogens can be a useful addition to your nutritional routine; but where do you start? Again, the adaptogens lists are endless and they all recommend different ones. It can be a lot to take in.

To make it easier, we’re recommending three adaptogens with broad benefits to try first:

Ginseng

Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, can help soothe stress in your body and boost your immunity. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, meaning with specific doses, it may defend against certain types of cancer. [5] Plus, it can boost metabolism and support weight loss. [6]

Looking for an easy way to work this one into your routine? If you start your day with a cup of coffee, we’ve got you covered. Our Slim Blend coffee is infused with Panax ginseng (along with B vitamins and Garcinia cambogia) to help you seize the day — and your fitness goals.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha makes pretty much every adaptogens list — and for good reason. It’s great for beating stress, helps your body fight cancers and tumors, reduces inflammation, and is just plain rejuvenating. [7]

Now, be warned. Ashwagandha is Sanskrit for “smell of the horse.” The easiest — and least flavorful — way to work ashwagandha into your routine is to buy it in capsules that you take daily.

Maca

Don’t worry, there are some good-tasting adaptogens out there, too. Maca is a root that tastes good enough to mix into your smoothies or baked goods. It’s a huge help in balancing your hormone levels and can boost booth your energy and libido. [8]

You can get maca in capsules at your pharmacy or as a powder in most health food stores.

So, what’s stopping you? If you’re looking for a natural way to manage stress, boost energy, and feel more balanced, adaptogens are your ally.

And, hey, what’s easier than brewing a cup of coffee with them already in it? Our ginseng-boosted Slim Blend coffee is ready to help you start your day strong and centered.

Shop for VitaCup Slim Blend Now!