Adaptogens – you've probably heard about them, but what are they really? Well, they're herbs, plants, and even mushrooms that help your body handle stress and fatigue. Instead of serving just one purpose, adaptogens give your body what it needs to stay balanced despite the daily pressures of life.
You might be familiar with adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Reishi, Ginseng, and Goji Berry, which have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions. Some newer adaptogens gaining popularity include Lions Mane, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail. These fungi have been around for ages and have special relationships with other plants and the environment. For instance, mushrooms absorb minerals and water for trees, while the trees provide the mushrooms with vital nutrients – it's a win-win situation! These partnerships are crucial for both species to thrive, especially during tough times.
Adaptogenic Benefits
Incorporating adaptogens into your daily routine has many benefits. They can help combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, reduce anxiety, and aid in recovery from stress. Stress triggers physical responses that affect immune function, hormones, cognitive abilities, and our internal clock. Managing and adapting to stress can reduce cortisol and other stress hormones. Cortisol, released during stressful times, increases heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. While it's important for high-alert situations, prolonged high levels of cortisol can have negative effects on the body. Current studies show that 77% of the population is experiencing employee burnout, so it’s important now more than ever that we find ways for our bodies to cope. Adaptogens act as an invisible shield against the negative effects of stress on our bodies, decreasing our sensitivity to the stress hormones and supporting homeostasis (balance).
So, How Often Should I Use Adaptogens?
Adaptogens, such as Cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga, and Lion's Mane, are functional foods that should be consumed daily as part of your routine to maximize their benefits. These adaptogens work best when taken consistently over time to fully experience their advantages. It's always recommended to research before adding a new supplement to your routine. Start with a small amount and monitor how you feel. If desired, increase the intake, and always listen to your body.
The Different ‘Shrooms
Adaptogenic mushrooms are not psychedelics. To put it simply, medicinal mushrooms such as chaga, reishi, and lion's mane act as functional foods, providing health benefits beyond essential nutrients, and are not psychoactive. Psychedelic mushrooms contain psychoactive secondary metabolites like psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin. These mushrooms have been gaining attention for their potential in treating depression, PTSD, addiction, and more. If you're interested in adaptogenic foods, it's recommended to further explore this topic and consult with your doctor or health care provider before incorporating them into your routine.
Explore more on how you can add this amazing ingredient to your diet. Check out our recipes with our top selling Hot Reishi Cacao
https://itsblume.com/blogs/the-scoop/reishi-fudgesicles-recipe
Disclaimer: Clinical research on adaptogens is still in its infancy and we always recommend talking to your doctor or healthcare provider prior to adding a new product to your routine.
