The Benefits of Adaptogens: Managing your Stress Levels

It seems the plight to reduce the ever increasing and damaging effects of stress on the body is a never-ending whirlwind of fads, all of which could have long-lasting effects if we had the time to implement the long term. Truth be told, we’re all struggling to find time to do anything, and with the added pressure of our daily lives increasing all the time it’s no wonder we’re all searching for the answer.

What Happens to the Body during Times of Stress?

Stress is a biochemical reaction to something that is perceived to be threatening, it allows the body to shut down unneeded processes, such as digestion and reproduction, to allow it to focus more on controlling life preservation. Increased heart rate, faster breath, muscle tension, and blood pressure rises to allow faster oxygen delivery to the body’s cells.

Everyone experiences stress differently, and everyone finds different things stressful, so how well we cope or how we react to stress can differ. It can change your emotions, behaviours, cognition and decrease your immunity.

Some of the Common Signs of Chronic Stress are:

• Moodiness, agitation or frustration
• Feeling like everything is too much, being overwhelmed
• Internal chatter that is difficult to stop
• Fidgeting and difficulty relaxing
• Poor self-esteem, worthlessness, depression or anxiety
• Isolating yourself, avoiding social events

What is an Adaptogen and How can it Help your Stress Levels?

Adaptogens are herbs which can help the body adapt to and cope with stress, and help build up the body’s resistance to stress. This is particularly helpful for people who find it difficult to manage and implement changes in their lifestyle to help stress levels.

These herbs work by supporting the adrenals, which are hard-working glands located on top of each kidney.  Their name directly relates to their location (ad—near or at; renes—kidneys). Their direct line of communication is a crucial part of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. By improving the function of these glands, they can communicate more effectively to the rest of the body via hormonal signals. They also affect the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian axis (HPO) indirectly, which can lead to reproductive and menstrual difficulties in women.

What Herbs are Adaptogens?

• Withania somnifera
  • A fantastic herb for high stress, it is also useful for anxiety and improving immune function.
• Astragalus membranaceus
  • This beautiful herb also helps with cardio function and hypertension.
• Eleutherococcus senitcosus
  • Ideal for long term stress with decreased immunity
• Schisandra chinesis
  • A lovely well-rounded herb, that improves mild depression, strengthens the nervous system and protects the heart.

With the use of daily adaptogens, the body is able to build its resilience to the stress response and gradually the signs of chronic stress will begin to dissipate. This coupled with a balanced diet, consistent, good quality sleep, mindfulness, exercise, and social interaction, your stress levels can be managed effectively and efficiently.

To find out more about which herbs suit you most, speak to our Naturopaths at Your Wellness Centre, your mental health naturopathic specialist.

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