Adaptogens, Your New Best Friend For Balancing And Supporting Your Hormones
It seems that “adaptogens” are all the rave nowadays. I feel like everywhere we look we’re seeing them somewhere, whether it’s in supplemental form or in the caption of our local Instagram blogger's post. But what are they? Why take them? I’m about to give you the low down on adaptogens, why you should take them, and which are my favorites!
First and Foremost, What Are They?
Everyone seems to have a slightly different definition, but in simple terms, they are substances that theoretically adapt to your body and what your body individually needs to fight against various stressors. Adaptogens have been touted to support our adrenal glands, manage our stress responses, and balance hormones for an overall sense of homeostasis. Cool, right? Anything that can bring my body into such a state of harmony is essential in my opinion. No wonder they’re so popular!
Adaptogens have been touted to support our adrenal glands, manage our stress responses, and balance hormones for an overall sense of homeostasis.
Okay, so now that we understand the basic term and how they can help, what “substance” is considered an “adaptogen.” I’m happy to say there is quite a long list, but please don’t be discouraged by the names of them…they can be a bit overwhelming at first glance. I remember when I first started taking a few of them from this list and was butchering their names left and right—LOL!
Here are a few of the favorites that I recommend. (Please keep in mind this was so hard to name only a few because there are so many I love!)
Ashwagandha: (Indian Ginseng)
Maca: (Peruvian Ginseng)
Goji Berry: (Wolfberry)
Reishi Mushroom: (Lingzhi Mushroom)
What are their benefits?
Ashwagandha
This adaptogen is so amazing at balancing stress and hormones. I personally take this ayurvedic herb daily in supplemental form.
Two of my favorite brands are Gaia Herbs and Ancient Apothecary:
Maca (Peruvian Ginseng)
This Peruvian herb is a powerhouse for balancing hormones for both men and women. It's also known to increase vital energy in the body, as well as libido! I highly recommend consuming maca in its gelatinized form which helps your body digest it more easily. Maca also has a sweet, nutty taste, so I prefer to take as a powder! I usually add to smoothies, chia puddings, or coconut yogurts!
Two of my favorite brands are Native Organics and Organic Traditions:
Goji Berry (Wolfberry)
This adaptogen is also rich in vitamin C. I call it the beauty berry, and let me tell you, it tastes divine! I consume the dried berries almost daily (though I would personally prefer to have them fresh but can never seem to find in my local supermarket). I eat them straight from the package because they taste so good, or you can find me sprinkling them on acai bowls!
Two of my favorite brands are Dragon Herbs and Essential Living Foods:
Reishi Mushroom
Known as the queen of mushrooms, or the mushroom of immortality! It has been used for over 2,000 years to support the well-being of the body. Reishi is very potent, and I find the powder to be very, VERY bitter! But some amazing brands somehow seem to mask the taste so you can consume it just as easily in your daily routine as the adaptogens listed above.
Two of my favorite brands are Addictive Wellness and Four Sigmatic:
Closing Thoughts
There are still so many other adaptogens to incorporate and learn about, but these are an easy bundle to start with if you haven’t already! I hope you enjoy!