20 May Ashwagandha – Your Stress & Weight-loss Hack
Have you heard the term “Adaptogen”? Well, this one in particular might just change the wellness and weight loss game for you. Ashwagandha, is an adaptogen that has shown incredible results when it comes to both lowering cortisol and balancing thyroid hormones.
By definition, an “adaptogen” is: a natural substance (in natural and/or ayurvedic medicine) considered to help the body adapt to stress by exerting a normalizing effect upon bodily processes when stress is encountered. They bring our body back to balance regardless of whether levels are too high or too low, and the power of ashwagandha when it comes to balance is quite impressive.
Ashwagandha, which translates to ‘smell of horse,’ is used most notably for reducing stress (which can come from exercise, diet, infection, and fear – Your body can’t differentiate the source).
Your adrenal glands are endocrine glands responsible for releasing hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) in response to stress, and by supporting adrenal function (by decreasing cortisol naturally), ashwagandha can help you overcome both adrenal fatigue (when are adrenals are overtaxed by emotional, mental, and physical stressors) and chronic stress complications.
In addition to balancing adrenal hormones, ashwagandha also has a thyroid hormone-balancing effect. “In a 20 days study mice were give ashwagandha and their T3 and T4 levels were analyzed along with lipid peroxidation (antioxidant protection).
Significant increases in serum T4 were found which indicates this herb has a stimulatory effect on a sluggish thyroid.” (2) It also greatly reduces lipid (aka. fat) peroxidation by promoting the destruction of free radicals that cause cellular damage. Millions of people currently struggle with thyroid issues such as hypothyroidism (many who don’t even know), and ashwagandha may actually be the answer they’ve been looking for.
Most of us are aware of the damage stress can cause on our brain and nervous system, but recent research has proven ashwagandha is more takes stress relief a step further by using powerful antioxidants to destroy free radicals, reducing degeneration and improving symptoms of alzheimer’s, depression, and anxiety.
Additionally, studies have shown that ashwagandha has calming, yet energizing effects on our body and can boost endurance during physical activity, improve concentration, motivation, and stamina by sharpening brain function and reducing pain.
In summary, benefits of ashwagandha include:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Decreasing cortisol
- Improving memory formation, concentration, and physical endurance
- Balancing thyroid hormones
- Aiding with neurodegenerative diseases
With all of these benefits, why aren’t more people taking ashwagandha as a part of their wellness regimen? Excellent question. That’s why FITTEAM Global includes it as one of the main ingredients in FIT. (Now you know. :)) So, spread the word, and let’s get more people on board with reaping the benefits of this adaptogenic super-herb!
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