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Page 22 | Abby's Magazine | www.AbbysMag.com It is officially time to help your body "adapt" with adaptogens It's amazing how resilient and adaptable human beings are. And even as we are challenged in this ever-changing world, we're managing to redefine "normal" and collectively support each other in new ways. The silver lining is that many of us are experiencing a collective exhale as are forced to slow down and just "be" rather than "do" to maintain important separation. This is a great time to take stock of our diet and lifestyle and learn new habits such as meditation, which is supportive to our nervous system. Your entire physiology will thank you for adding in any mind-body practices at this time. Now, more than ever, I am reminding my patients to faithfully keep taking their adaptogen herbs. With so much worry and stress lately, the opportunity to thrive is diminished and most of my patients are, sadly, relegated to "survival mode." What's a body to do? History offers the answer. Indigenous peoples around the world have looked to nature for some millennia to nourish their bodies in times of need. Imagine, for a moment, what a "native healer" would have recommended 1,000 years ago for villagers experiencing stress; the answer invariably would have included adaptogenic botanicals. Why are adaptogens so important? An adaptogen helps balance the body's natural defense system when exposed to stress. When the body is repeatedly fending off the ravages of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, there is a ripple effect causing potential short-term and/or long-term impacts on one's health. These can include: • Anxiousness and worry • Altered sleep • Weakened immune system function • Fatigue • Hormone changes (including sex hormones) • Changes in thyroid performance • Upset stomach and indigestion • Weight and metabolic challenges What adaptogen is right for me? When helping my patients select the "right" adaptogen for their body's needs, I guide them based on the scientific research and traditional use of each herb. Below is a short list of herb-specific qualities that may be helpful for you and your healthcare provider to discuss as related to the best fit for your body. Remember, we were all born uniquely "us," and our life journey has, without question, been equally unique relative to stressors, health challenges and life in general. Let's take a closer look at my top five favorite adaptogens (not including Licorice, Cordyceps and a few others containing specific phytonutrient support). Nurturing your Body During Turbulent Times By Dr. Chris Meletis Rhodiola Rhodiola rosea and other Rhodiola species have been extensively researched and offer a unique level of support for both mental and physical stress-induced fatigue. It has been reported that the Russian military, athletes and citizens have harnessed the benefits of Rhodiola. It grows in the arid parts of the Artic and high mountain regions of Siberia as a plant that has had to learn to adapt to harsher terrains and environmental stressors. Rhodiola is rich in active constituents including, but not limited to, salisdroside. This may be one of the reasons patients around the world use it as a "go to" in their stress and anxiety management wellness program. I personally choose Rhodiola for my patients that are wired, tired and struggling to keep themselves in balance; frequently accompanied by feeling emotionally vulnerable. Here are some of the popular uses of Rhodiola: • Occasional anxiousness • Melancholy • Mental and physical fatigue • Adrenal support • Feeling overwhelmed • Longevity • Memory support • Circulatory health support • Stamina Astragalus Astragalus membranaceus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a millennium to help bolster the immune system and ward off the ravages of stress. I frequently select Astragalus for my patients to support a healthy immune system and to address seasonal challenges when stress becomes excessive. Here are some of the popular uses of Astragalus: • Generalized stress • Immune support • Inflammation response support post-exercise • Heart health-supportive • Support healthy blood sugar metabolism Ashwagandha Withania somnifera is a revered herb in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine as a Rasayana (restorative tonic). It is traditionally used as a nerve tonic and has been studied extensively for a wide variety of other benefits as well. I use it in my practice for general adrenal support, and specifically for patients looking to balance their adrenal/thyroid system. Think of it like a warm blanket for the nervous system.