You may have heard the terms “fight and flight” and “rest and digest”. These terms commonly refer to states of the nervous system, and the truth is we need both. The sympathetic nervous system is needed to get active for the day and respond to physical, emotional and mental stress (in modern lives we have things to do and respond to). The parasympathetic nervous system is required to rest and recover, to carry out a range of specific functions in the body including digestion, repair and detox as well as rejuvenating our endocrine system, such as our adrenal glands, which allow us to respond to stress.

 

It is in the balance that true vitality is built in the body and adaptogens have been shown to regulate hormonal systems such as the HPA axis to allow the body to recover and build back vitality more efficiently. We have all heard the saying “burning the candle at both ends”.

Adaptogens have been shown to increase cognitive function, mood and focus by a raft of different mechanisms that predominantly relate to the regulation and optimisation of nervous system function. However there are some standout herbs.

 

Lions mane mushroom has been shown to have a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and improving memory as well as increasing NGF a neurotrophic factor, known to play a critical protective role in nerve and neuron health.

 

Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) a prized ayurvedic herb contains naturally high levels of Levodopa. Levdopa is the direct precursor used in the natural synthesisation of dopamine and research has shown that levodopa assists in maintaining healthy tonic dopamine levels resulting in increased mood, focus and overall cognitive function. Mucuna pruriens has also been shown to have excellent neuro protective properties particularly relating to dopamine receptors.

Hormones are the body’s messengers, directing systems throughout the body to carry out an almost infinite array of processes and functions. There are over 70 herbs and mushrooms known as adaptogens and each have their own characteristics when it comes to how they intricately affect hormones. One thing that studies have confirmed in recent years is that adaptogens have an incredible overall ability to balance hormones and create homeostasis in the body. One of the reasons adaptogens have been shown to regulate hormone function is believed to be due to the reduction in stress response, leading to deeper replenishment of the endocrine system. This gives the body vigorous capacity to respond hormonally, allowing for the signalling of healthy processes that allow the body to thrive. In addition to this, adaptogens have been shown to contain a wide range of compounds that optimise healthy endocrine function.

Adaptogens have been shown to support overall gut health, predominantly due to their ability to regulate nervous system function, reducing the stress response and supporting parasympathetic functions. Blood flow is increased to the gut during parasympathetic activity and many restorative functions are carried out.

 

Adaptogens also contain polyphenols, flavonoids and resistant prebiotic fibre which all support healthy gut flora. In addition to this, polyphenols and alkaloids found in adaptogens have been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut, leading to healthy and efficient digestive function.

 

Studies have shown Cacao (not technically an adaptogen) to contain flavonoids which decrease gut inflammation as well as being a rich source of prebiotic fibre which transform into bioactive metabolites helping to break down food and aiding in nutrient absorption.

Adaptogens have been shown to maintain equilibrium by increasing and/or decreasing certain chemical processes. This adaptation of the metabolism has been shown to “fine tune” metabolic processes leading to healthier metabolic function. Adaptogens have also been shown to assist the body in regulating blood sugar levels, a key factor in long term metabolic health.

 

They have been shown to help regulate the body’s response to stress, primarily by lowering and regulating cortisol levels. This allows for the improved ability to manage a healthy weight.

Adaptogens have been shown to support cellular function by up-regulating proteins and peptides within the body that support healthy mitochondrial function, even when under acute or chronic stress.

 

A stand out adaptogen in cellular health is Shilajit, which contains over 80 trace minerals as well as fulvic and humic acid. Shilajit has been shown to increase ATP cellular energy production, boost overall cell function and acts as a potent detoxifier carrying free radicals from the body. Many of our blends contain Shilajit as it acts synergistically in the uptake of other beneficial compounds.