As the Holiday Season approaches, it will undoubtedly increase our stress load beyond our current levels. With the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us have already felt this increase which has manifested as anxiety, decreased mental sharpness & energy, sleep issues, to name a few. Targeted nutritional supplements offer a potential solution to getting us out of fight or flight mode and positively influencing our immune system.
Adaptogens are a class of herbal compounds that have proven to be beneficial for stress & anxiety. They have a unique dual action to adjust to your body’s presentation of the stress response. If you are too keyed up, there is a grounding effect, or if you are experiencing fatigue, there is an energy & mood uplifting action. Some common examples include Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Eleuthero, Holy Basil, & Panax Ginseng. Studies have shown that adaptogens improve cognition and stress resilience, support optimal immune function, sleep cycle, and optimize energy and stamina levels. As with any herbal product, it is important to discuss product selection with a knowledgeable pharmacist or other healthcare professional as there can be medication interactions, side effects, or other nutrient depletions to consider.