By Aimee Sabri. Emergency room nurse. Health & wellness expert. Creator of The Clean Slate Method.
What are adaptogens? If you are like me and read health and wellness articles on the reg, then you have definitely heard this new-ish buzzword. But what are they exactly and how can they help you live YOUR best life? Let’s dig in!
Adaptogens are herbal pharmaceuticals that help the body adapt to stressors. They can help regulate your adrenal system, fight fatigue, improve focus and reduce anxiety. What’s amazing about them is how they help your body “adapt” to what it needs. They can pump you up when you need to be energized, and calm things down when you need to chill out. Let’s take a look at the heavy hitters:
Ashwagandha: In Sanskrit this means “the strength of a horse,” which I think is a polite way of saying that it smells and tastes like a dirty barn, so mask that flavor with some stronger stuff. Like lots of chocolate if you’re putting it in a smoothie. Ashwagandha helps reduce stress, regulate cortisol levels and reduce irritability and anxiety. It also helps to normalize sleep patterns and reduces inflammation. Those are all things I need on the reg, so I take this herb every day. If you can’t tolerate the taste in a smoothie, it is available in capsule form. Dosages range from 125 mg to 600 mg a day. Start low and titrate up as needed.
Maca: Maca is a Peruvian plant grown in the Andes. It has traditionally been used to reduce the symptoms of peri-menopause and menopause; specifically hot flashes, mood swings, irritability and low libido. It has a very pleasant, almost malt-like taste and I add it to my morning smoothie most days of the week. Recommended dosage is 1-2 teaspoons of powdered maca.
Reishi: The reishi mushroom grows in Asia and has been used for thousands of years in Eastern medicine. It is known as “the mushroom of immortality.” Reishi has anti-cancer properties and boosts general health, immunity and wellness. It is available to be consumed in a variety of ways; from teas to tinctures and can be found in adrenal support supplements.
Schisandra: Seems like the Nanai hunters were onto something here. Schisandra can help increase exercise endurance and improve concentration. Women with chronic stress performed better on mental tests after taking a combo of schisandra and rhodiola. Seems like a win-win to me!
Morning Maca Smoothie (AKA How To Get Your Groove Back)
Serves 1
1 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk
1 scoop chocolate vegan protein powder
1 tsp maca
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 frozen banana
1 handful of fresh spinach
Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and then drink it up!
All posts are intended strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to make any representations or warranties about the outcome of any product/service.
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