We are huge advocates for the power of adaptogens and the positive impact that they can have on the pressures experienced by modern lifestyles. In this article, we explain what adaptogens are, how adaptogen supplements can benefit a stressful lifestyle and help explain how these powerhouse plants can ensure your body is equipped in the best possible way.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are edible plants, such as herbs or mushrooms, that help the body resist physical or mental stressors.
When we feel stressed, our body produces cortisol and other stress hormones. While our bodies are able to process small bursts of stress, elongated stressful periods can negatively impact our physiology and mental health. It can also affect our skin’s appearance and other physical attributes.
We believe in an inside-out approach to wellness, which is why we’re passionate about how our bodies respond to adaptogens.
The term ‘adaptogen’ was introduced into scientific literature in 1957 by Russian toxicologist Nikolay Lazarev to refer to ‘substances that increase the state of non-specific resistance' in stress. Broadly, an adaptogen must have the four ‘Ns:
- Nourishing - bring nutritive strength
- Normalising - raise what is low and lower what is high
- Non-specific - act on multiple parts of the body at the same time
- Non-toxic - be completely safe when used over extended periods of time
Adaptogens each have different functions and can be sourced from around the world but we select Nordic adaptogens specifically for their purity and potency. For example, our Chaga mushroom is harvested in Finland from sustainably managed organic certified forests which are known to have some of the cleanest air and water ever measured on earth.
How can adaptogens help my lifestyle?
We all want to feel our best and if we’re experiencing a stressful period, there are implications on our wider health. Sleep can be disrupted, our mind can be clouded and if we’re feeling less resilient overall, diet and exercise can often slide too. Adaptogen supplements can help improve your immunity and response to stress, helping you avoid that ‘run down’ feeling we’re all familiar with. As such, they work holistically to improve our overall well-being.
Why are adaptogens good for stress?
Adaptogens can help the body respond better to stress by regulating hormone responses. While our natural stress response is likely to kick in from time-to-time, the role of adaptogens is to lessen their impact on your body.
Specifically, these special plants interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathoadrenal system - both of which are involved in the body’s response to stress - to help regulate it and ensure necessary recovery.
If stress affects all aspects of our mind and body - harming your immune system and significantly reducing your energy levels - it’s important to get on top of things. Our goal is to reduce the impact that every-day stressors have on your body, helping you to be more resilient.
Our supplements have been created as an easy way to incorporate the power of adaptogens into your routine to ensure you feel your best. For more information, follow us on @forest_spa_finland or order your first supply of our innovative Nordic Adaptogen Supplements.