Stress relieving practices and products are not new. In fact, since the start of the pandemic, 47% of Americans have reported an increase in their stress levels (1). As a result, the use of adaptogens to manage stress has grown.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are herbs, roots, and other plants that aide in stress relief and restoring balance to the body after encountering stressful situations. It is believed that these substances interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which solicits your body’s stress response (1). To be considered an adaptogen, plants must have three qualities (2):
1) Non-toxic when taken in normal doses.
2) Supports the body when coping with stress.
3) Aids the body in returning to a place of balance (homeostasis)
The purpose of taking adaptogens is to restore balance in your body after its stress response is solicited. As an example, when you’re stressed and cortisol rises, an adaptogen will respond by reducing cortisol levels. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing chronic fatigue symptoms and have low cortisol levels, an adaptogen will help to increase and balance the level of cortisol in your body (2).
Common adaptogens:
· Ashwagandha – shown to have a positive effect on the endocrine, immune, nervous, and cardiovascular system. Helps to regulate metabolism and your brain’s response to stress (2). Shown to reduce anxiety and depression (1).
· Rhodiola – shown to alleviate symptoms of fatigue, depression, and pain (1).
· Tulsi (holy basil) – shown to reduce anxiety, increase focus and strengthen the immune system (1).
“I can tell when I don’t take these!! Life is stressful and I find Anxdefy+ helps everything run more smoothly. I am able to handle the daily stress in strides with less anxiety peaks.”
-Derek K.
Who should take adaptogens?
Adaptogens help balance the way your body responds to stress. Some common reasons to take adaptogens are:
· To reduce anxiety
· Improve energy and decrease fatigue.
· Balance emotional stress and trauma
· Increase your immune response (2)
Studies on adaptogens do not show any major adverse effects or serious health risks when taken at normal and recommended dosages (3). They do not have any known addictive or intoxicating properties, making them a healthier alternative to prescription drugs in many cases. This is why we formulated AnxDefy+. Its label includes adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha root, rhodiola extract, and holy basil extract. AnxDefy+ helps to control the body’s response to everyday stress supporting a healthy weight, decreased appetite and increased mental clarity.
The contents of this blog should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem-nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
