Adaptogens are the latest buzzword in the wellness industry. Today, you can see adaptogenic herbs being added to juices, smoothies, and diet plans. Keep in mind that adaptogens are not just a health fad. These products have been used for thousands of years, particularly in India and Asia. The reason is that these herbs are believed to treat several ailments. To give a better view, here are some reasons adaptogens are becoming popular in the wellness world.
What are Adaptogens?
As mentioned, adaptogens are used in Ayurvedic and Chinese healing traditions for thousands of years. They are plant substances, like mushrooms or herbs, that can help your body become resilient to chemical, biological, or physical stress. Aside from that, these products are also believed to help your body return to “homeostasis” or a balanced state.
According to experts, adaptogens can interact with your sympathoadrenal system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, parts that are involved in your body’s stress response. To be specific, these plant substances can ensure that your body is functioning properly by regulating your hormones.
Reasons Adaptogens are Becoming Popular in the Wellness World
1. It Helps Fight Stress
As you know, there are several causes of stress, such as an external events, injury, chemical agents, mental issues, and environmental factors. Either way, there will be physiological changes when any of these causes triggers your body to release stress hormones. For example, sudden hormonal changes caused by the release of stress hormones may lead to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Eventually, prolonged or overwhelming stress can lead to a serious medical problems.
Adaptogens can help fight stress. However, they don’t reduce stress when you’re experiencing a stressful situation. Instead, they slowly improve your body’s reaction to stress. As a result, your body can handle stressful situations efficiently when they arise.
2. It Help Your Body Achieve a Balanced Sate
One of the top reasons adaptogens are becoming popular in the wellness world is because of their ability to help your body return to a balanced state. As you know, various factors can lead to hormone imbalance. For example, your cortisol (stress hormone) may increase when you’re under too much pressure. When you take an adaptogen, it can help lower your cortisol levels to a normal state.
Some adaptogens can also help lower or increase your estrogen levels, depending on your biochemical settings. Either way, these hormonal changes can lead to homeostasis or a balanced state so that your body can perform optimally.
3. Other Benefits
Depending on the type of adaptogen you’re taking, it can also offer other health benefits, including the following:
- Increase endurance and fight fatigue
- Improve mental performance
- Strengthen immune system
- Boost energy levels
- Normalize body functions
Important Things to Remember
Overall, here are some of the reasons adaptogens are becoming popular in the wellness industry. Despite their many benefits, adaptogens should be taken with precaution. Aside from that, experts also recommend consulting your doctor before taking any adaptogenic herbs. Remember, some herbs may interact negatively with your medications. As such, you should get your doctor’s approval before taking any herbal supplements.
