What Adaptogens Can Do for Your Adrenal Health
When it comes to health, it’s safe to say that pretty much every part of the human body is equal, right? Well, the reality is, there is one part of the human body that, if left untreated or taken care of, can lead to detrimental results. If you did not know, your adrenal glands play an essential role in creating sex hormones and cortisol, which a human cannot live without. Due to this, researchers have begun to draw a connection between adaptogen supplements and an increase in adrenal health.
What are Adaptogens?
In the past 10 years, there has been a specific class of herbs that has been driving a large amount of conversation and, in turn, research. Researchers have begun to study adaptogens, an herb, or potential combination of herbs, that have been known in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine and recently proven to provide a user with a wealth of unique health benefits. Now, there are a specific set of criteria that must be met in order for an herb to be considered an adaptogen.
In accordance to expert Dr. David Winston, an adaptogen qualifies only if it meets the following:
- Non-Toxic
- Plays a part in developing a system of resistance to any adverse factors in the human body.
- Modulate system functions and maintains homeostasis
Through understanding what an adaptogen is, it will be much easier to begin understanding the immense health benefits behind adaptogens and their influence over the adrenal health system in the human body. Before we do that, let’s take a look at the most common Adaptogens.
- Asian Ginseng
- Milk Thistle
- Ashwagandha
- Rhodiola Rosea
- Aloe Vera
What is Adrenal Health?
Adrenal health is a more complicated term that is referring to the commonly known adrenal glands. As we discussed earlier, adrenal glands play a major role in the human body. These glands are responsible for producing hormones that assist during stressful moments in life. They are located in the kidney region, near your lower back. These two glands, through life, can be effected causing, what is commonly known as, Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome. In effort to reduce the risk or any potential fatigue, researchers have discovered a benefit of adaptogens on adrenal health.
How Adaptogens Influence Adrenal Health
It’s clear, based off the mere descriptions of adaptogens that they are extremely beneficial for the human body. In fact, they could not BE adaptogens without that feature. Considering this, one of the main benefit of adaptogens is their ability to influence adrenal health. Recently, researchers have been actively studying adrenal health and Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, as discussed in the previous paragraph.
On the topic, writer Fawne Hansen describes, “What happens is that, after a period of chronic stress, your body starts to run out of the hormone precursor material that it uses to make certain hormones. As this continues, it becomes more and more difficult for your body to produce the required levels of stress hormones, sex hormones, and other hormones and neurotransmitters.”
With that being said, researchers have discovered that there are methods and solutions to helping the adrenal glands build resistance towards stressful moments: adaptogens. As HypoThyroidMom calls it, these are the “kings and queens of herbal medicines.”
These world renown herbs are responsible for health restoration, building stamina, establishing immunity from sicknesses, extending life and so much more. As for adrenal health, adaptogens are known to help with handling stress in life. Now, you may be asking, “How can a simple plant and herb help with my stress?”
Well, the truth is, adaptogens can regulate and equalizes the entire adrenal health system. In other words, if your adrenal health system is compromised or low, with proper adaptogens, it could quickly heal and repair the glands and establish immunity from future event.
Through incorporating adaptogens into everyday life, they can:
- Play a major role in reducing everyday stress through establishing a sense of calmness through the day.
- While many people who may be stressed feel tired, with adaptogens, the consumers will feel more energetic and lively.
- Assist with inflammation and help supplement the effects of antioxidants.
- Provide ‘food’ for your adrenal glands to continue generating hormones.
Today, many researchers and doctors are beginning to crown adaptogens, like that of HypoThyroidMom. The benefits and influence of these herbs on organs and bodily systems is quite amazing. In fact, many doctors are beginning to recommend that even individuals who are not exhibiting high levels of stress – or any Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome symptoms, should take a balance blend of adaptogens.
Taking the Holistic Route
Today, researchers are beginning to discover a resonating truth in the holistic practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine. As adaptogens, an ancient commonly practice herb, has been recently equated to influencing adrenal health, it’s imperative to note that the benefits of adaptogens are endless. In fact, when you opt to take the holistic route, it opens up an avenue of more health-conscious choices that ultimately result in a healthier and happy lifestyle.
Tags: adaptogen, adrenal, health, healthy, Healthy Lifestyle, sleep, stress, Supplements