All About Adaptogens
You’ve likely heard the term “adaptogens” lately, and for good reason! In the current state of the world, adaptogens are necessary allies of ours. But what are they? How can they help us?
What’s an adaptogen?
To start, let's define what an adaptogen is. Adaptogens are a special class of herbs and fungi that help the body to adapt to stressors–whether they be psychological or environmental. Adaptogens also support the body in having a healthy metabolism, and aid the body with achieving homeostasis. Not to mention, it’s been shown that prolonged use of adaptogenic herbs or fungi, the body’s ability to cope with stressors is enhanced!
How do adaptogens work?
Sounds like magic! So how exactly do adaptogens work? Adaptogens act as protectors of our internal stress response. In this context, stress is defined as anything that disturbs homeostasis, or balance within the body–maybe it’s a traumatic life event, or perhaps simply having one too many drinks on a night out with your friends. Either way, when homeostasis is disturbed, our bodies release stress hormones to cope with the stress we’re dealing with. These stress hormones give us the energy we need to either fight the stressor or to resist the stressor (otherwise known as fight-or-flight, or the sympathetic nervous system).
When our bodies encounter stress, they go through three different phases of the stress response, and then return to homeostasis. These three stages are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Adaptogens actually aid in reducing the unfavorable side effects of the alarm phase, as well as helping us remain in the resistance phase through eliminating or decreasing the exhaustion phase.
Want more of the nitty-gritty science behind adaptogens? Check out this study.
Which herbs and fungi are adaptogenic?
Sounds like you could use some adaptogens in your life? Us too. Don’t worry, we have you covered!
Some well-researched and effective adaptogens include Ashwagandha, Cordyceps, and Reishi. All three of these powerful, stress-modulating adaptogens are employed in our beloved Mastermind blend.