Adaptogens

1. Adaptogens Basic information and benefits of using adaptogens By: Jennifer Carmichael

2. What are adaptogens? • Adaptogens are herbal supplements that are believed to relieve environmental stressors. • They have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and are thought to “balance” the energetic responses of the body. • As of late it is believed that these herbs can increase the immune system and increase the adrenal gland functions. • Most popular adaptogen is ginseng.

3. What do adaptogens do? • Work on a cellular level to help normalize responses • Help normalize and stimulate recovery processes • Helps body better deal with daily stressors due to environment or emotional responses

4. Stages of progress • Stage one: Alarm Release of stress hormones, cortisol & and adrenaline Cortisol effects tissue throughout the body -immunosuppresive effect -negative impact on energy -decreases movement of glucose through the bloodstream Key enzymes that turn glucose into energy are blocked

5. Stages of progress cont’d • Stage 2: Resistance Each individuals response to stress varies Therefore each response to adaptation varies Homeostasis occurs when the body returns to normal state after stressor (ex. Physical activity) This leads to the final stage

6. Stages of progress cont’d • Stage 3: Exhaustion By observing the onset of symptoms it can be determined how effective the adaptogenic substances are Once adaptogens are introduced into the daily diet the first 2 stages are handled differently. Stress or illness may still be present but the way the body handles the stressors is effected Adaptogens increase the capacity of cells to rebuild responses to stressors decreasing the internal damage caused by stress, illness, fatigue

7. Conclusion of progress • When adaptogens are added responses to stress still occur but the changes in cell function to stress are modified • Adaptogens moderate the levels of blood glucose in stressful situations • By moderating the responses to stress valuable energy is conserved • Stress responses are not blocked but smoothly transitioned to prevent adrenal exhaustion by increasing

8. FDA regulation • It is important to understand that adaptogens have not been approved by the FDA • It is also important that you speak with your doctor prior to taking any adaptogens. Even though they are natural supplements they can have an adverse effect on certain health conditions or prescribed medications. • Speaking with a trained individual in adaptogens is highly recommended prior to consumption of products

9. EleutheroCommon name: Siberian Ginseng • Used successfully to treat bone marrow suppression caused by chemotherapy or radiation, angina, hypercholesterol • Is a mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant • Improves symptoms of osteoarthritis • Improves mental performance • Helps cut high cholesterol • Improves athletic performance

10. ReishiCommon name: Ganoderma • Anti-inflammatory • Anti-viral • Immunomodulator (helps regulate/normailize immune system) • Calms the mind, relaxes • Strengthens the heart • Improves cardiovascular function • Inhibits clumping of platelets & lowers blood pressure

11. Reishi Retrieved from www.nfollc.com

12. He Shou WuCommon name: Fo-ti flower • Nourishes the liver, kidney, blood, Jing (essence) • Improves urinary tract • Stimulates gall bladder & liver function • Enhances T-cells • Increase libido • Used to calm nervousness & treat insomnia • Helps with blood deficiencies, anemia, ear ringing, lower back pain, poor vision

13. He Shou Wu Root Retrieved from lionheartherbs.com

14. EucommiaCommon name: rubber tree • Increase joint strength • Improves circulation • Increase stamina & endurance • Decrease lower back pain • Relieves aching joints • Strengthens kidneys • Strengthens bone bones and collagen structure • Helps with hypertension • Increase libido • Strengthen Qi to produce a balance in energy levels

15. Eucommia Retrieved from www.bigstockphoto.com

16. Cordyceps • Anti-asthmatic • Anti-leukemic • Hepatoprotective (prevents damage to the liver) • Stimulates immune system • High in amino acids & fatty acids • Builds lean muscle mass • Great for post-exercise recovery • Energizing, enhances aerobic capacity • Improves lung function • Prevents damage to cells caused by free radicals

17. Cordyceps Retrieved from www.citadelnutrition.com

18. What are Superfoods?

19. Superfoods… • Defined as foods that are nutrient dense but low in calories • Pack a mean punch of antioxidants and essential nutrients (nutrients our bodies do not make on their own) • Green superfoods have the highest concentrations of easily digestible nutrients, fat burning compounds, vitamins and minerals for healing & protecting the body • Contains proteins, phytochemicals, & healthy bacterias to build clean muscle & tissue

20. Fruit & Nut Superfoods • High in antioxidants to fight free radicals • Goji berries: rich source of vitamin C (more than any other fruit) • Superior source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, & E • Contain 18 amino acids & 21 trace minerals • Ideal food for reversing the aging process and protecting against disease

21. Raw Cacao • World’s most concentrated source of antioxidants • Extremely high in magnesium: supports the heart, increases brain function, relaxes menstrual cramps & muscles • Increase flexibility & helps build strong bones • Helps balance blood sugar • High in Iron-keeps blood healthy & fights anemia • High in Omega-6 fatty acids • High in Zinc- assists immune system, liver & pancreas

22. Bee Pollen • Most complete superfood found in nature • Complete protein (contains all 22 essential amino acids) • High in antioxidants • Provides quicker recovery from exercise • Increase strength, energy, speed • Returns heart rate to normal • Produces histamine, neutralizing many allergies • Abundance of B vitamins-builds up stress defense

23. Maca • Contains significant amount of amino acids & carbohydrates • Contains calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, iron, B1, B2, B12, C, & E • Balances hormones • Increase stamina • Nourish glandular system • Increase energy • Enhance brain function • Slows again process • Lessens aches & pains • Prevents osteoporosis

24. Where can I find such exotic herbs?

25. LIFEbar Lifebar is an all organic juice and smoothie bar located in the Highlands of Louisville. This is the only organic juice and smoothie bar in the state as well as the only one serving up a healthy remedy of superfoods and adaptogens. Visit them on Facebook at Lifebar Highlands or stop in at 1570 Bardstown Rd.

26. In Closing: • Be sure to check with your doctor prior to changing your diet or using adaptogens • Research the adaptogens at the web pages cited or visit the following: http://ijbr.ssjournals.com/index.php/journal/article/view/39

27. References Hurd, Ryan. “What are adaptogen herbs?”.Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/157015-what-are-adaptogen-herbs/ August 16, 2013 Image retrieved from http://www.trainertonymartinez.com Jawaid, T., Tewari, N., & Verma, L. (2011). Adaptogenic Agents: A review. International Journal of Biomedical Research,2(5). Retrieved August 25, 2014, from http://ijbr.ssjournals.com/index.php/journal/article/view/39

28. References cont’d Retrieved from http://www.adaptogens.org/adaptogen/why/47-how-adaptogens-work-on-the-body Retrieved from http://www.adaptogens.org/adaptogen/why/47-how-adaptogens-work-on-the-body Retrieved from www.citadelnutrition.com Retrieved from http://www.foodmatters.tv/health-resources/fruit-and-nut-superfoods Retrieved from lionheartherbs.com Retrieved from www.nfollc.com Winston, D. & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press Wolfe, D. (2009). Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future. Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books