Adaptogens 101: What are they, do they work, and how do I get them?

Adaptogens are a hot topic in the health and wellness world, popping up everywhere from farm-to-table restaurants, supplement stores, to yoga studios. But what are adaptogenic herbs, anyway? Do they even work? And how do I get them? 

What are adaptogens?

Adaptogens are non-toxic herbs, fungi, and roots that aid the body in resisting stressors of all kinds – physical, chemical, or biological. Adaptogens work to enhance the body’s natural ability to restore itself to an ideal physiological function.

Common adaptogens and their benefits: 

  • Schisandra: Supports memory, focus and mental performance
  • Ashwagandha: Enables healthy stress management
  • Tulsi Basil: Enables healthy stress management
  • Maca Root: Promotes mood and energy levels
  • Reishi Mushroom: Helps the body create a healthy sleep pattern and adapt to stress
  • Cordyceps Mushroom: Enables healthy stress management
  • Turmeric: Helps the body balance stress hormones and enables a healthy inflammatory response
  • Nettle Leaf: Enables healthy stress management
  • Licorice: Boosts endurance and overall energy

Do adaptogens work?

Adaptogenic herbs, roots, and fungi are at the forefront of many recent pharmacological studies which are breaking adaptogens down to the molecular level and determining their beneficial effects.1 A study by Panossian and Wikman at the Swedish Herbal Institute Research & Development has shown the “beneficial stress-protective effect of adaptogens is related to the regulation of homeostasis via several mechanisms of action, which are associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the regulation of key mediators of the stress response.” In other words, adaptogens work to enable a healthy stress response in multiple forms. 

Panossian and Wikman concluded that “adaptogens have a significant, beneficial and specific effect on stress-induced symptoms under fatigue.” The study showed that “the most convincing evidence of the efficacy of adaptogens were found in studies related to its effects on cognitive function and mental performance.”

How to add adaptogens to your diet.

Adaptogens are finding their way into many teas, tinctures, and powders so adding them into your diet is easier than ever. Our very own Core140+ meal replacement shake features organic adaptogens as a part of 140 nutrients making up every serving! 

Here’s the good stuff packed into every serving:

  • 22 grams of grass-fed protein to support muscle growth
  • 18 organic greens to provide important nutrients
  • 6 grams of organic fiber to keep you full and satisfied
  • Organic adaptogens 
  • Digestive enzymes and probiotics to support gut health and nutrient absorption
  • Only 280 calories and 5 g of sugar
  • Great chocolate taste

Try Core140+ today, and discover how easy and delicious it can be to incorporate complete nutrition and adaptogens into your everyday diet!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026

Disclaimer:

This information relies upon scientific research on certain ingredients in Kyäni products. None of the studies examined Kyäni product specifically, and there is not necessarily a relationship between the results of these studies and any Kyäni product. Neither the studies nor the statements and products referenced here have been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Association. Kyäni products are not intended to, and do not, diagnose, treat, cure, prevent, or mitigate any disease or condition.