Stress is a natural response to everyday challenges, but too much stress can be harmful. It affects both your mind and body. Moreover, prolonged stress results in health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. What do Ashwagandha supplements have to do with stress?
Ashwagandha is a plant from India’s traditional medicine. Now, modern science sees its many health benefits. Experts suggest this plant helps fight stress and anxiety as an adaptogen. Adaptogens help lower stress hormones like cortisol, which calms your senses.
For example, there’s an ultimate adaptogen supplement, Ashwa-70. Discover more about it:
- Properties of Ashwagandha
- How it works to promote optimal health
- Tips for choosing the right dosage and frequency
What Are Ashwagandha Supplements?
Ashwagandha supplements come from a small shrub. They are found in dry regions of South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa. They have traditionally been used in Ayurveda, an ancient Hindu system of medicine.
It contains alkaloids, lactones, and flavonoids, which provide numerous benefits. For instance, it can help fight inflammation, protect from tumor growth, and guard the brain. Additionally, it reduces stress, manages diabetes, and protects the heart.
Moreover, it contains many beneficial compounds, including withanolides. “Withanolides” is found in certain plants. These plants have been used for a long time in old-style remedies and can do lots of different things.
In 1965, scientists discovered a compound called Withaferin A (WA) in Ashwagandha. It belongs to a group of compounds found in this plant.
According to scientists, WA has potential therapeutic effects in various diseases. These include autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, cancer, brain disorders, and mental conditions. This plant may be a safe and effective therapy option.
Specifically, studies show Ashwagandha has many positive effects on the body. It can reduce inflammation, protect against damage, and help fight cancer. Moreover, it can reduce anxiety, boost the immune system, and support brain health.
How Ashwagandha Supplements Relieve Stress
Adaptogens are plants and herbs or roots, like Ashwagandha. They help your body handle stress and regain balance. It also supports resilience and improves how the body handles stress.
Stress of any kind can disturb your body’s balance. Experts suggest that adaptogens work with a key body system, the HPA axis. It manages your stress response and helps keep you stable.
Moreover, scientists suggest Ashwagandha specifically might help reduce stress and anxiety in various ways. It calms down the body’s main stress system, or HPA axis. Also, it controls certain hormones like cortisol and DHEA.
When you’re stressed, these hormone levels increase. Although associated with good health, DHEA can also indicate more stress when its level rises. Ashwagandha helps reduce cortisol and DHEA. As a result, it might make the body’s stress response less reactive.
In other experiments, researchers find Ashwagandha influencing brain chemicals that can lift mood and ease anxiety. These different ways Ashwagandha works combine to help improve mood. It can also help you sleep better and rest well.
How To Choose High-Quality Ashwagandha Supplements
Its roots are made into powder and put in capsules, drinks, and food so people can easily take them. Picking high-quality products is vital for the best results. To choose the right product, remember these tips.
It is important to focus on the withanolide content. Withanolides are special compounds in Ashwagandha. They give the herb its health-boosting benefits. Moreover, choose a product with at least 5% withanolides for the best benefits.
Moreover, choose trusted brands and makers. Good companies use natural ingredients. They follow strict rules for making their products. Also, they test their products to ensure they are safe and work well.
Lastly, find products tested by third-party groups. These groups check the product’s ingredients, purity, and strength. This extra step helps to make sure the product is of high quality.
For instance, premium products have been tested to lower cortisol levels by 23%. It equates to 30% reduced stress!
How To Take Ashwagandha Supplements
Experts suggest taking 250 mg of Ashwagandha daily decreases stress levels and improves sleep quality. Both of these factors are crucial for managing stress. But, anxiety levels may not change significantly. On the other hand, taking 600 mg of Ashwagandha daily improves stress, anxiety, and sleep quality.
It’s important to note that the quality and consistency of herbal extracts can vary. Overall, studies find no severe side effects.
However, some people should not take Ashwagandha. For example, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use it because it may be unsafe. Moreover, people with autoimmune diseases should be careful; Ashwagandha can worsen their conditions.
Talk to your healthcare provider about Ashwagandha if you take any medicine. It may not work well with some medications. For example, they may interact with immunosuppressants, sedatives, and thyroid medicines. Your healthcare provider can see if it is safe for you to take Ashwagandha with your other drugs.
When starting Ashwagandha, begin with the smallest amount that works. Slowly increase the amount with the guidance of a health provider. This way, you can watch how your body reacts. You’ll also be able to ensure no sudden side effects.
Lastly, Ashwagandha comes in different forms, like capsules, powders, and tinctures. Pick a trusted brand and follow the directions on the package or what your health provider says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: What is Ashwagandha?
People have used it as medicine for a long time. The plant’s root has potent compounds that help fight swelling and repair damage in the body. Ashwagandha supplements can help you stay healthy.
Question 2: What does Ashwagandha do for your body?
Ashwagandha supplements help your body deal with stress and feel balanced again. It reduces stress hormones and fights harmful substances that can increase when stressed. It also helps boost mood, calm anxiety, and improve sleep.
Question 3: Who should not take Ashwagandha?
Some people should be careful with Ashwagandha or not take it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use it because it might be unsafe for their babies. People with autoimmune diseases should also be careful. Those taking drugs for a health condition should consult a health provider when using Ashwagandha supplements.
The Bottomline
Taking Ashwagandha supplements is a natural way to manage stress and feel your best. This powerful herb has been supported by scientists for its ability to help the body stay balanced and strong.
Ashwagandha can promote relaxation and reduce stress, leading to better sleep and increased energy. It can even enhance physical performance. But not all Ashwagandha supplements are created equal. Look for a high-quality brand with high withanolides to ensure the best results.
Thankfully, Ashwagandha is safe for most people. By incorporating it into your daily routine, you can better manage life’s stresses. Despite its long-standing history and modern research, talk to your healthcare provider to be sure.
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