What are Adaptogens?
After I was diagnosed with cancer the first time I became viscerally aware of just how precious our health is and I relentlessly committed to doing all I could to be proactive with it.
One of the first things I learned (in lots of research!) was that the food we eat plays a significant role in our cellular makeup and overall health.
After working with both a traditional and holistic doctor, I became fascinated by all the natural ways you can be preventative with your health.
That’s where adaptogen herbs came into the picture for me.
Adaptogens are a class of herbs that have been used for centuries to help the body “adapt” to stress. They grow in harsh climates at high elevations where the soil is rocky and oxygen is thin.
Because these plants have to adapt to very harsh conditions, they have been traditionally said to have highly concentrated nutrients that can help your body cope with stress, and help neutralize harmful free radicals.
Put simply these herbs help to counteract the effects of stress in the body.
Stress is a very real threat in today’s world.
It has been scientifically proven to cause real physical changes in the body. It can harm the neurological, endocrine, and immune system.
Since my third cancer diagnosis was thyroid cancer, and my hormones were all over the place… this seriously sparked my interest!
Learning adaptogens could positively impact your endocrine system gave me some hope during that impossibly tough time.
That’s when I decided to make them a non-negotiable in my daily diet.
How do they help?
They work at a molecular level by regulating a stable balance in the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal glands. This study review found that adaptogens can be used to promote health and overall well being.
They can positively impact…
- neuroprotective elements
- anti-fatigue properties
- antidepressive effects
- stimulant for central nervous system
Oh, and added bonus they increase your mental work capacity, enhance attention, and prevent stress and fatigue – YES PLEASE!
Standing the Test of Time
While they have become more popular these last few years, adaptogens have actually been a long term component in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine.
Getting access to these herbs in the proper nutrient density for them to be impactful can be be tough and expensive – but it’s not impossible!
These shakes offer them and so much more.
If you ever want to learn more about them or try them out just send me a message!
Maca, Astragalus, Ashwagandha, Maitake Mushroom, Cordyceps, Reishi Mushroom, Schisandra are all powerful adaptogens in this daily superfood shake I swear by.
XO – Nicole
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