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Adaptogens: Natural Stress Relievers

Adaptogens: Natural Stress Relievers

Adaptogens are herbs and plants that may help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. Discover more about these powerful adaptogens here

Written By Catherine Gervacio, RND, PN1
Updated on
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Adaptogens

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Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress, enhancing resilience and restoring balance. Derived from plants and herbs like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil, they work by regulating the body's stress-response systems.

Quick Facts

  • Fact #1: Adaptogens help the body regulate its stress response by balancing cortisol levels, supporting resilience to physical, mental, and emotional stress.
  • Fact #2: They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for their healing properties.
  • Fact #3: Unlike stimulants, adaptogens boost energy naturally without causing the jitters or crashes associated with caffeine.
  • Fact #4: Adaptogens can enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, improve cognitive performance, and promote hormonal balance.
  • Fact #5: Their effects are non-specific, meaning they adapt to the body's unique needs, supporting balance and homeostasis across different systems.

But did you know that these natural stress relievers have benefits to dental health too? In a 2021 study, data confirm that the use of complex phytoadaptogens in treating chronic periodontitis is highly effective for long-term prevention. This is attributed to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, stress-reducing, and chronotropic properties.

“Adaptogens are becoming increasingly new in vogue as they are said to help the body manage stress and overall well-being,” said Dr. Avi Israeli, DDS, Co-Founder and Dental Implantologist.” Stress often contributes to oral health issues such as teeth grinding, gum disease, and dry mouth in my dental practice.”

“ Adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and Rhodiola, could help manage the human end level of stress, which can then decrease its impact on dental care. With proper stress management, problems with oral health due to secondary effects from stress may be easily lessened to enhance the quality of life in a patient.”

Of course, while adaptogens are not a substitute for brushing and flossing, their ability to mitigate stress complements dental care, fostering overall health and a brighter smile.

“ It must be remembered that even though an adaptogen can play an important role, it would have to supplement professional dental care rather than replace it,” Dr Israeli added. Orally healthy habits such as hygiene, timely dental visits, and a balanced diet also matter.

“Adaptogens could be an adjunct part of a broader strategy in the management of stress and prevention of oral health problems from stress.”

Incorporating Adaptogens to Manage Stress

Adding adaptogens into your daily routine may enhance your ability to manage stress, boost vitality, and support your immune system. Whether through supplements, beverages, or meals, these versatile herbs and plants offer a simple way to improve both mental and physical well-being in a busy lifestyle. Here are 3 tips to incorporate adaptogens to manage health:

  1. Begin by adding adaptogen supplements, such as capsules or powders, to your daily routine. Popular choices like ashwagandha, rhodiola, or holy basil can be taken in the morning or before stressful situations to promote relaxation and resilience.
  2. Mix adaptogen powders into smoothies, coffee, or tea. For example, add a teaspoon of maca powder to your smoothie or try rhodiola extract in your morning tea for a natural energy boost.
  3. Add adaptogens to your meals. You can cook with adaptogen-rich herbs like holy basil or schisandra berries, or use them in homemade energy bars, soups, and even baked goods.
However, Dr. Israeli reminds everyone to always consult with a healthcare professional. She said, Before the addition of adaptogens into any routine, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider regarding their appropriateness for your individual needs and not likely to interact with other treatments or conditions.

Adaptogenic Herbs List

In a 2023 study, herbal adaptogens are used to enhance focus, boost endurance in the face of fatigue, reduce stress-related illnesses and impairments, improve physical stamina, strength, and energy, address sexual dysfunction, restore cognitive performance impacted by stress, and help maintain balanced cortisol levels. These adaptogens are gaining popularly due to their unique health benefits.

  • Ashwagandha: Reduces stress and anxiety, enhances focus, supports sleep, boosts immune function, and improves physical endurance.
  • Rhodiola Rosea: Increases energy and stamina, reduces fatigue, enhances mental performance, and supports a healthy stress response.
  • Holy Basil (Tulsi): Provides antioxidant support, reduces inflammation, balances cortisol levels, and promotes relaxation.
  • Panax Ginseng: Improves physical performance, enhances cognitive function, supports immune health, and combats fatigue.
  • Maca Root: Balances hormones, increases energy and libido, and reduces stress-related fatigue.
  • Licorice Root: Balances cortisol, supports adrenal function, soothes inflammation, and promotes digestive health.
  • Reishi Mushroom: Supports immunity, reduces stress, promotes sleep, and provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Conclusion

Incorporating adaptogens into your daily routine may be a natural way to manage stress, enhance energy, and promote overall well-being. However, they need to be in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.

A healthy lifestyle complements adaptogens by creating a solid foundation for overall wellness. While adaptogens help manage stress and improve energy, exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep ensure the body is strong, resilient, and capable of maintaining the benefits of adaptogens for long-term health and vitality.

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References

  1. Efficacy of Complex Phytoadaptogens as an Adjunct to Non-surgical Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8257011/
  2. Adaptogenic herbs: A natural way to improve athletic performance https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772632023000181