ALL ABOUT ADAPTOGENS PART 1

          We are as a species, pretty adaptive and sensitive, It's definitely what made us survive evolution despite not being the biggest or the scariest. Its all due to a process we have called Homeostasis which is  maintaining a stable environment inside our bodies. Homeostasis is mainly controlled by our nervous system, hormones and a constant dialogue between outside stimuli, and our internal control centre; the hypothalamus. For example, using the control of temperature as an example; we essentially have an internal thermostat which constantly monitors our blood temperature and will adjust our physiology and tell ourselves to shiver, (muscle contraction generates heat) raise our hairs (trapping warm air insulates our body- yes there are benefits of not getting laser hair removal in the winter months!) or change our behavior; reaching for the cashmere jumper or opting for a lovely steamy hot bath. Therefore, we are constantly adaptive, we go up, we go down, we fluctuate and if it were any other way and if we didn't deviate from the mean on an almost minute by minute we wouldn't be such amazing, adaptive fine specimens of evolution.

          This is why I have been researching a lot about supplements which can support our homeostasis, given that we are under so much stress in our modern lives. Of course we know that the future of medicine is to design tailor made medicine, nutrition and supplements based around our genetic code, but what is there available now to move in synergy with our normal homeostatic fluctuations? The answer could be Adaptogens. The evidence based problem with Adaptogens is there is little clinical data, but a lot of anecdotal and historical use across Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. That being said, if we think of the hype of say, compounds in turmeric, ginger and tea which are now being used and recognised in advanced genetic clinical trials as protective against many diseases, it makes sense to consider Adaptogens as a viable and supportive option to supporting our homeostasis, and make us more resilient to stress/ modern life in general.

Given how our homeostasis is disrupted due to stress; Adaptogens work to balance deviations but work in sync depending on what your body needs instead of completely blocking a response, they adapt depending on what your body needs - cortisol a little too high? Adaptogens may buffer this effect and help you deviate closer to your normal state. While the cellular mechanisms are not entirely clear, and therapeutic doses yet to be clarified Adaptogens are beginning to see wider recognition with clinician and incorporation into next generation super supplements.

HOW STRESS EFFECTS OUR SKIN 

& HOW ADAPTOGENS  COULD HELP

Linking our stress levels to how we look may seem like a vain train of thought, but it is actually very interesting how our neuropsychoendocrinology and stress homeostasis can drastically take a toll on our skin health. Adaptogens have been shown to minimise the increase of certain proteins associated with cell destruction. 

Stress has also been shown to decrease barrier function (dry skin anyone? )and decrease skin immunity potentially giving rise to skin infections, p.acne colonisation etc This is because our skin is an endocrine organ, so will respond to stress in the same way other organs and tissues do: simply, in a detrimental way that will show on your skin.  Adaptogens essentially minimise these systemic effects. A little cushion for an already incredible adaptive response.

FOR STRESS & ANXIETY: 

As with the following recommendations please consult your doctor before taking any supplements and always check the supplements detail a break down of the ingredients including dosage and additives, or if you have any questions or would like a Clinical Nutrition consult, please feel free to email me here :)

ASHWAGHANDA 

Ashwaghanda has shown to significantly reduce all markers of stress and even reduce cortisol in a standardised clinical trial of 64 people with no adverse effects even with a high dose (300 mg Ahwaghanda for 60 days) Researchers concluded this reinforced the individuals response to stress, essentially providing resilience and  enhancing well being and that state of serenity we all strive for!

FOR IMMUNITY SUPPORT AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Disclaimer: the below uses affiliate links to amazon, from which I earn a commission to support the website, but are based on what I fully recommend :) 

REISHI 

Changes in our endocrine system and homeostasis which perpetuate the development of obesity is gaining a lot of research. If we can pinpoint the changes in our hormones that lead to the snow ball effect of weight gain and obesity, we could help a lot of people who struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Reishi mushrooms have been shown to be a fantastic adaptogen for this area of homeostasis, Reishi has been shown to be a powerful adaptogen agent in preventing fat accumulation and body weight increases and has been shown to have significant beneficial effects on immune function, tumour minimisation and decreasing allergies. 

True Vida, a fantastic organic certified vegan friendly brand

Solgar Reishi Complex 

I really hope you've enjoyed this post, I would love to know more about any experience with Adaptogens, I am on a quest to make the perfect Adaptogen  drink/ tonic so if you have any ideas I would love to know :) 

 L.M xxx