Every one of us has to deal with stress off and on that impacts our mental wellbeing. In this country we seem to need to deal with added stress, especially at this time of loadshedding and excessive price increase. Some people are good at combating their stress within a shorter time, while others need help to do so. Sometimes, its actually all too much and its okay to just say that. Those who can't handle their stress may have to face prolonged or chronic stress that negatively impacts their life. Some people use different supplements, home remedies, and other techniques to combat stress but may or may not get their desired results. Adaptogens are a blessing for everyone for combating stress and anxiety. For many of you, the word Adaptogens might be new. Therefore, this article will tell you in detail about what Adaptogens are and what role they play in managing stress. So, let’s start!
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are compounds that are abundantly present in several herbs and plants. They are famous for their magical properties in combating stress, boosting energy, improving mental health, and building resilience. Adaptogens were initially found and used by the people of China and India. However, they are now used throughout the world as an effective remedy for combating stress.
How Adaptogens Help Our Body to Fight Stress
The present research on Adaptogens highlights that they stimulate our adrenal glands. These adrenal glands play a role in the regulation of hormones that control or manage stress. When a person ingests adaptogens in any form, they help our adrenal glands in effectively managing the stress hormones. As a result, we feel relieved from the stress and enjoy better mental health. However, there is no significant research on the link between adaptogens and stress control, but fewer available studies support their relationship. There is an intense need to carry out more research in finding the link between stress hormones and adaptogens and how they benefit us.
Where to Find Adaptogens?
Here are some of the plants from which you can easily find the adaptogens:
Ginseng
Ginseng is a slow-growing plant with ginger-like roots that have wonderful health benefits. This plant is rich in adaptogens and is widely being used in Chinese medicines. Ginseng’s adaptogens are famous for reducing stress, decreasing fatigue, and balancing the level of sugar in the blood.
Moringa
Moringa is a plant that is famous for its medicinal properties and includes a rich amount of adaptogens. Due to the countless benefits of Moringa, it is also called a miracle tree. The main features include the regulation of normal body balance, reducing stress and depression, improving mental state, and boosting immunity and energy levels.
Astragalus
In Chinese medicine, Astragalus is one of the most abundantly used plants. It also contains adaptogens and many other healthy compounds that combine to fight stress. It is also well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Not only this, but this magical plant herb is also amazing in improving heart health and managing kidney issues.
Ashwagandha
This is also one of the most widely used and most effective Adaptogen herb plants. There are also some research studies conducted on this plant that revealed its fantastic properties in combating stress, anxiety, and depression. Ashwagandha also improves memory and brain functions, reduces the production of stress hormones, and improves well-being.
Ways to Take Adaptogens
If you are thinking about taking adaptogens to manage your stress, here are the two ways to take them. However, make sure to consult with a doctor before taking them to avoid any potential side effects, as there is little research on them.
Capsule form
Some of the Adaptogens are available in capsule form, such as Astragalus. There are varying dosages depending on the specific capsule and you must check how much your body needs before taking one. Exceeding the recommended dosage may leave adverse health impacts or may worsen your stress level.
Powder form
There are some adaptogens that are available in powdered form. For example, Moringa comes in powder form, and its recommended daily dosage for adults is 1-2 tablespoons. Taking it regularly for at least a week or two would help change your stress level noticeably. However, never exceed the recommended dosage and always consult with a medical health provider before you start taking adaptogens.
The Top 5 Supplements for Stress
Are you looking for the best and the most effective supplements for relieving stress or anxiety? You may find a great variety of such supplements in the market but do they all work in relieving stress? Instead of trying multiple things for stress relief, you must look for a few that guarantee positive results. Let’s take the guesswork out of the process and review the top 5 supplements for stress relief right now.
L-theanine
According to research, L-theanine is a powerful amino acid that has wonderful stress-relieving properties. This stress-releasing agent is found in black and green tea and offers amazing health benefits as well. Several studies show that the regular intake of L-theanine through tea or coffee results in controlling the production of cortisol hormone. When the cortisol hormone, which is a stress hormone, decreases in the body, your stress level decreases. In this way, it helps a person feel lighter, happier, and stress-free.
Melatonin
Melatonin is also a hormone that is naturally produced inside our body by our body’s pineal gland. This hormone fights with the stress-causing hormones and restricts their production. However, if your stress gets chronic and you fail to manage it in any way, you can start taking the melatonin supplements. Nowadays, melatonin supplements are available in the market in a great variety of forms. For example, there are capsules and tablets that contain varying doses of melatonin. Similarly, there are many creams and drops that contain this hormone. You can choose any one of the melatonin supplements and start taking it in the prescribed dosage for stress relief.
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex is a key role player in controlling your stress and anxiety. People who have vitamin B complex deficiency are at a higher risk of developing anxiety or chronic stress. Fortunately, there are many foods that are rich in the vitamin B complex. For example, meat, eggs, legumes, and green leafy vegetables are rich sources of the vitamin B complex. Making some of these foods every day can meet your body's daily vitamin B complex needs. However, you can also take the supplements for this vitamin to relieve your stress and improve your mental wellbeing.
Vitamin D
There are many studies on the positive impact of vitamin D on the management of stress. The findings of the research say that the regular intake of vitamin D helps in good nerve and brain health. Also, it helps in uplifting the mood as well as creating feelings of relaxation. On the contrary, there are numerous cases where vitamin D deficiency leads people to suffer through severe anxiety, stress, and even depression. However, there is also some evidence where the excessive intake of vitamin D causes kidney issues and other body impairments. Therefore, it is important to take only the required dosage of vitamin D supplements daily for relieving or managing your stress level.
Lemon Balm
It is a very pleasant and beneficial herb that comes with the scent of lemon. Its leaves look like that of the mint leaves, but it has wonderful properties to relieve stress. Lemon balm was first cultivated in Europe, but now you can easily grow and find it anywhere in the world. It doesn’t only help in relieving your stress but also improves your sleep and mental health. To use the lemon balm, you can either prepare its tea from its leaves or buy various creams and capsules containing lemon balm extract.
What to Consider When Buying a Supplement
Choosing the best supplement.
Although there are so many medications and supplements for stress relief, it is important to choose the best supplement for you. I suggest doing thorough research and seeking medical advice. Spend some time thoroughly evaluating the pros and cons of multiple supplements along with reading reviews. Then, choose the one that you find the most reliable for you or which you feel the most comfortable with. If you are still confused and unable to decide, you should go for medical advice. Don’t rush to buy a supplement without any knowledge or information about it because it may have side effects.
Keep in mind other medications you are taking.
Another important thing is to keep in mind are those medications that you are already taking for any reason. For example, if you are a diabetic or heart patient and are on medications, you must seek medical advice before starting any supplements. This is important because the new supplements may negatively interact with the other medications that you’re taking. As a result, you may face serious, life-threatening health consequences. Therefore, make sure to talk to your doctor if you want to take any stress-relief supplements.
Know the right dosage.
Finally, never start taking any supplements if you don’t know the right daily recommended dosage. You must keep in mind that taking the wrong dosage of vitamins, minerals, or any other supplements would negatively impact your health. Either read the labels on the supplements carefully to ensure the right dosage or consult with a professional health provider.
Our diet may or may not fulfil the daily nutritional needs of our body which impacts our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. To relieve your stress and anxiety, you must think about starting different supplements. “This article shared the top 5 supplements to manage and control stress. Before you start taking any of these for stress management, make sure to consult with your doctor and take the right dosage. “
Final Note
If you are going through prolonged or chronic stress, it is time to start managing it in varying ways. One of the best natural ways to combat stress is the use of adaptogens. They are found in some herbal plants and available in the form of capsules and powder in the market. Taking the adaptogens daily in the right dosage can help you effectively combat your stress, improve your mental health, and enjoy good well-being.
Please consult a professional if you feel totally overwhelmed. Xx
Sending love and light to you all 😊
