Feeling the strain? How Adaptogens may help.

The word 'adaptogen' is a general term used for a specific group of herbs that may help the body deal with the stress of modern life. Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to stress by having a balancing effect on the body by helping to restore vital energy and a normal bodily function. Basically adaptogens may help strengthen the immune and nervous systems and help bring the body back into balance. 

Even though adaptogens are fairly new to the UK health food market they have been extensively used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years, especially in Ayurvedic medicine and can be used long term because of their gradual effect on the body. 

One of the best qualities of Adaptogens is that they can work differently for each user, hence adapting to each individual's needs. For example someone who is stressed or irritable may find that they have a calming effect on them whereas someone with low energy or fatigued may feel a boost of energy and a sense of well being. So basically these groups of herbs would help protect you against any negative effects of potential stressors and reduce them while optimising your energy levels, brain power and increasing your overall resistance to physical, emotional or biological stressors. They are all aimed at increasing your vitality and energy levels, but each of them has its own unique properties. 

Siberian Ginseng helps boost the immune system and prevent colds, but is also used by some people to improve athletic performance. So it would be perfect for someone with a highly active lifestyle who is looking to improve its stamina and recovery times. 

Schisandra is a fruit extract used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also known by its Chinese name, wu wei zi, described as having five tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, and sour. The fruit has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat coughs, liver conditions and stomach disorders. Over time lab experiments have come to identify some possible effects Schisandra has on the human body. Namely that Shisandra acts an antioxidant and protects the liver and nervous system. So it basically acts as a tonic to improve vitality. If you have for some reason a compromised liver, this herb might be for you, as it has the benefit of detoxifying and improving your liver function.

Schisandra is also great for those having trouble with focus and concentration, like those studying or in the middle of a big project.

Astragalus  is considered to be one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine as it is one of the important “Qi tonifying” adaptogenic herbs. It has been prescribed for centuries for general weakness, chronic illnesses, and to increase overall vitality. Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. So if you are someone who catches a cold often, taking Astragalus as a preventive supplement could help built your immune system up. 

It has a long history for treating diabetes related symptoms and kidney disease, as it is known to tonify the kidneys and lower blood sugar levels. It improves the insulin secretion activity as well as reducing overall insulin resistance, which means it helps support the function of the liver, kidneys and acts as a diuretic. 

Rhodiola is typically known to enhance mental performance, helping achieve mental clarity in times of increased stress. If you are in a position where you need the extra "brain-power" for your job or studies, and tend to often get a "foggy head", this herb might just be the one for you. It will help you fight the burnout while maintaining concentration throughout the day. Rhodiola is also the perfect "mood stabilizer" herb. It tackles the "happy" hormones and enhances serotonin and dopamine production. By increasing these "feel-good" hormones our mood levels can be elevated. Often used therapeutically in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, as it fights against the usual stress-factors such as insomnia, excessive worrying and mental tension. Rhodiola is the ultimate mental wellness herb.

Nordic Nutraceuticals Vital Adapt is a powerful combination of these 4 effective, well researched adaptogens. 

Vital Adapt contains 120 capsules with a 1 or 2 a day dosage.
As with any herbal supplement, always check with your health care provider before taking  any supplements with herbal extracts, to make sure it doesn't interact with any current medications you might be taking*.

*To just name a few safety points when considering a food supplement with astragalus, you should not be taking it when taking any sort of immuno-suppresive drugs as astragalus stimulates the immune system. In addition if you receive blood-pressure medication or have diabetes, astragalus could affect the medications taken for these conditions, as it has a tonic effect on the heart function and as a result it decreases blood coagulation. Pregnant or nursing women should not use astragalus root.