Stress can come from a variety of places. When we use the word stress, we get sort of stressed out don’t we? I think the word has been misused a lot and in ways that are sort of negative.
There are different types of stress.
– Biological (elevated cortisol levels)
– Chemical (pesticides or pollution)
– Emotional (anxiety or grief)
– Physical (strenuous activity)
Adaptogens help the body resist the effects of stress by counteracting damage and promote healthy functioning.
Adaptogens are certain herbs, spices, roots, and mushrooms that can make the body more resilient to different types of stress. These substances help the body cope with the effects of stress while lowering the damages that stress creates. The most common effects are fatigue or depression.
Since chronic stress can negatively affect our gut health, it is important to experiment with stress reducing routines and substances like adaptogens on a case by case basis. They are considered safe and have few side effects, but each person should read the effects and side effects of each to determine which adaptogens are beneficial and which should be avoided or used with caution. Some will interact with some medications so always research each supplement you consider taking before you take it.