Adaptogens for Managing Stress and Balancing Hormones

Navigating through life’s stresses, especially as we get older, can be challenging. I understand how crucial it is to maintain hormonal balance and overall well-being. That’s why I want to share some insights about adaptogens—natural substances that can help your body adapt to stress and stay balanced. Let's explore how these powerful herbs can support your journey to better health.

What Are Adaptogens and Should You Be Taking Them?

These are herbs, roots, and plant substances, like mushrooms, that help the body manage stress and restore balance. 

But not all herbs work as adaptogens. To be considered an adaptogen, an herb or plant substance must:

1. Be non-toxic at normal doses

2. Support the body in various stressful conditions

3. Help the body return to a stable state

Adaptogens can be found as supplements, teas, or even added to foods like smoothies and soups. If managing stress more effectively or improving your overall well-being sounds appealing, adaptogens might be worth considering.

Do Adaptogens Help with Hormones?

You might be wondering, can they actually balance hormones? Absolutely! Adaptogenic herbs have been used for centuries to support hormonal health. For example, Ashwagandha can reduce anxiety and depression, while Ginseng helps fight fatigue. However, it’s essential to understand that while these herbs support hormonal balance, they should not replace medical treatment.

Which Adaptogen is for You?

Choosing the right adaptogen depends on what you need. Here’s a guide to help you:

Adaptogen	Possible Benefit	Possible Side Effects
American ginseng	May boost memory, reaction time, calmness, and immune system	May interact with blood thinners
Ashwagandha	May reduce stress and anxiety	May cause stomach upset; not safe in pregnancy
Astragalus	May combat fatigue	May interact with drugs that affect the immune system
Cordyceps	May boost stamina	May cause dry mouth, nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, diarrhea, allergic reactions; may cause lead poisoning; not safe for people with RA, MS, or lupus
Goji berry	May boost energy, physical and mental performance, calmness, sense of well-being, can improve sleep	May cause allergic reaction
Eleuthero root	May improve focus and stave off mental fatigue	May cause upset stomach, headache
Jiaogulan	May reduce stress and boost endurance	No side effects recorded as yet
Licorice root	May reduce oxidative stress	May cause high blood pressure, reduced potassium; not suitable during pregnancy or for people with kidney disease or cardiovascular problems
Rhodiola rosea	May stave off physical and mental fatigue	May cause dizziness, dry mouth, or excess salivation
Schisandra berry	May boost endurance, mental performance, and working capacity	May cause restlessness, sleep problems, breathing difficulty
Tulsi / Holy basil	May reduce physical and mental stress, stress-related anxiety, and depression; improve memory and thinking	Likely safe for most people, but more research is needed
Turmeric	May reduce depression	Likely safe in small amounts

By integrating adaptogens and other healthy habits into your routine, you can take significant steps toward better stress management and hormonal balance. This approach empowers you to make informed decisions about your health, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Other Ways to Balance Your Hormones

Remember, adaptogens are just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some other strategies to help balance your hormones:

• Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber while limiting processed sugars.

• Drink Green Tea: It may help balance insulin and improve the body’s response to this hormone.

• Get Regular Exercise: Physical activity influences appetite hormones and improves insulin use.

• Manage Your Stress: Activities like yoga, listening to music, or walking in nature can help keep cortisol and adrenaline in balance.

• Get Enough Sleep: Proper sleep helps regulate melatonin and cortisol levels.

• Avoid Endocrine Disruptors: These compounds, found in tobacco smoke, pesticides, plastics, and more, can cause hormonal imbalances.

Who Should Not Take Adaptogens?

While adaptogens offer many benefits, they might not be suitable for everyone. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, using hormone therapy, or have conditions like endocrine disorders, mental health issues, or cancer, consult your healthcare provider before taking adaptogens. It’s always best to get professional advice.

Ready to Balance Your Hormones and Reduce Stress?

Are you ready to take control of your stress and hormonal balance? Take the first step towards optimal health and vitality by scheduling an appointment with Rejuvenate Health and Wellness. Our personalized wellness program, which leverages the principles of functional medicine, can help you improve your quality of life and achieve your goals for a healthier, happier you. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us at info@rejuvenatehealthak.com. Let's embark on this journey to better health together.