A natural solution to stress and fatigue? Let's talk about these adaptogens!

Do you sometimes feel so tired and stressed that you can't do anything? There are times when you feel overwhelmed, your head hurts, and your mind feels like it has no freedom? At times like these, some people look for natural solutions. Among these, you may have heard the name 'Adaptogens'. So let's see what these actually are, how they affect our body, and whether they are safe to use.

What are these adaptogens?

Simply put, adaptogens are special active ingredients found in certain plants and mushrooms. Their main function is to help our bodies cope with stress, anxiety , and fatigue . They get their name because they help the body "adapt."

Think of them as a 'thermostat' in our bodies. Like a device that lowers the temperature in a house if it gets too hot, and raises it if it gets too cold, these adaptogens help to restore balance in the body. For a plant to be called an adaptogen, it must have three main properties:

• It is not toxic when taken in normal, recommended doses.
• You need to help the body cope with mental or physical stress.
• We need to help bring the body back to its natural state of balance ( homeostasis ) .

How do adaptogens work inside the body?

The main purpose of using adaptogens is to bring our bodies back to a state of balance (homeostasis). The chemicals in these herbs increase or decrease the chemical reactions that occur in our bodies as needed.

Let's understand with an example.

Imagine that you are very stressed, overwhelmed, and feeling very pressured. Then the hormone 'Cortisol' increases in our body. This is why we 'It's called the stress hormone. When you take an adaptogen, it helps to control these elevated cortisol levels and calm you down.

Now think about the other way around. Let's say you have chronic fatigue and your cortisol levels are lower than normal. Then this adaptogen will help boost those low cortisol levels to the required level and give you energy.

Do you understand? That means these are not things that only work in one direction. Their job is to understand what the body needs at that time, act accordingly, and 'balance' the body.

What are the most common types of adaptogens?

There are several types of adaptogens, and we're going to look at a few of them.

How to use these?

Because adaptogens are substances derived from plants, they can be used in a variety of ways.

• Can be taken as capsules or tablets .
• It can be powdered and added to food or drinks.
• It can be used as a tincture , which is a liquid extract made by diluting it in a solvent like alcohol.

Can you drink it as tea?

Yes, absolutely. Drinking a cup of tea is a great way to simply relax. Some adaptogens can be dried, ground, and steeped in hot water, just like tea leaves. There are many types of adaptogen teas on the market. But if you are buying a product, read the label carefully and be aware of things like what kind of results you can expect from it, how long you should steep it, and how many times a day you should drink it.

Be sure to know these things before using!

If you are considering using adaptogens, it is very important to consider these factors.

Dosage and how long should it be taken?

Dosage varies. It depends on the type of adaptogen you choose, its form (powder or capsule), and the company that manufactures it. For example, you can take 1-6 grams of dried ashwagandha root per day.

However, before you use anything, read the label carefully. But it's even better to talk to your doctor to determine what is best for you and the dosage.

Studies have shown that these are most effective when used for a short period of time (e.g., less than 6 months). However, with long-term, continuous use, the body can develop resistance and the results may diminish.

Are there any side effects?

These are usually tolerated by the body. Side effects are very rare. But it is not impossible to say that they cannot occur. Some of the side effects that may occur are:

• Allergic reactions
• Stomach ache
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

It's also important to understand what the adaptogen you're taking will do. For example, if you take an adaptogen that increases energy before bed, it could cause problems with falling asleep.

Warning: May cause problems with other medications!

If you have conditions like hypertension, diabetes, insomnia, hypothyroidism, or depression, you should think twice before using adaptogens, as they can cause the following:

Before going to talk to the doctor...

With all of this, you probably understand how important it is to seek medical advice before using adaptogens. Have a clear idea of ​​these things before you go see your doctor.

• Tell him about all the medications you are currently taking (including vitamins and other herbal products).
• Tell us about all your medical conditions .
• If you are expecting a baby, definitely say so.
• Tell us about the type of adaptogen you like to use .

It's normal to feel stressed when life throws you a curveball. Adaptogens can help relieve that stress. But before using them, it's important to talk to your doctor to make sure they're safe and appropriate for your health.