CBD vs. Adaptogens: The Wellness Power Couple
Jul 14 , 2020
Ashwagandha is an Adaptogen derived from a small shrub with yellow flowers that's native to India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant's root or leaves is used to treat a variety of conditions. Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumour growth.
Adaptogens keep your internal environment in a state of balance. Ashwagandha, for example, is very effective at balancing cortisol levels, meaning, if your levels of cortisol are too high, Ashwagandha helps lower them, or if levels are too low, it can help bring them back up. By keeping your hormones and other such things balanced, it enables you to live longer and better.
Researchers believe that it reduces stress by blocking the stress pathway in the brain by helping to regulate the chemical signaling in the nervous system.
If your cortisol levels are too high, then when they return to normal levels, you may notice an increase in energy as high cortisol levels can increase fatigue. You may also see an increase in motivation and mood, as high cortisol levels can negatively impact our mood.
Weight Management – Cortisol affects your weight. Too much cortisol can increase the amount of visceral fat around the stomach area.
Athletic Performance – Research shows that cortisol levels affect your performance output. High cortisol levels can negatively affect your physical performance and limit muscular gains at the gym.
Having imbalanced cortisol levels can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. In a study conducted by pukka herbs, with over 300 members of the public participating, they found a 42% improvement in emotional health and willingness to engage in social activities. Ashwagandha also has the added benefit of helping to treat adrenal fatigue, giving our adrenals a well-deserved rest.
Cortisol should naturally decrease in the evenings; however, for many of us, it doesn't. Being stressed can keep your cortisol levels elevated well into the night, which can adversely affect our sleep quality. By drinking Ashwagandha Tea or taking a capsule 30 minutes before bed, you can return your cortisol levels to where they should be.
By getting sufficient amounts of sleep we also improve our ability to regulate stress levels as well as a number of other important areas of our wellbeing.
Jul 14 , 2020
Jul 01 , 2020