It is not possible to distance ourselves from stress.
But one thing we can do is learn how stress works and prevent it from chronically damaging our bodies and minds.
Because if stress is not managed well, it increases the susceptibility to many diseases such as stomach ulcers, hypertension, heart attack, infections and cancer.
Adaptogens are very special plants that protect us from the permanent effects of stress.
So how do they do this?
When we encounter a stressful situation, the body gives the following reactions in order;
- Alarm
- Resistance
- Fatigue
The most important feature of adaptogens is that they keep the body in the resistance phase. The short-term benefit of this is that it helps us respond positively to stressful situations without feeling exhausted or defeated. Because when we stay in the resistance phase longer, we are better able to mentally manage stressful situations and not be overwhelmed by our emotions.
In the long term, the cortisol hormone secreted in stressful situations allows us to respond quickly to emergencies, but when secreted frequently, it causes permanent damage to our bodies and brains. It is this hormone that takes us from the resistance stage to the burnout stage.
Adaptogens keep the cortisol level in our body at a certain level. Thus, they create a balance between hormonal glands and enable our body to respond better to stress.
They are useful in relieving fatigue and depressed mood. They provide mental stimulation and calm the central nervous system.
Thus, in addition to preventing the damage that the cortisol hormone causes to our organs, they also help solve many problems such as insomnia, tension, inability to focus, and emotional eating.
The most well-known, proven, safe adaptogens are:
*ASHWAGANDHA
*RHODIOLA ROSEA
*MACA
*ASTRALAGUS
*GINSENG
Although each of these adaptogens has different properties and the other plants they work with, they all help reduce the effects of stress on our body and brain.
