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if you're unsure about what adaptogens are
General
WHAT ARE ADAPTOGENS?
Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that help our bodies adapt to stress on a cellular level. In other words, they help us maintain balance, or homeostasis. By boosting our internal systems, adaptogens promote natural energy and immunity, stabilize mood, and improve focus and libido.
Adaptogens help our bodies build resilience to stress and mitigate its further affects. They are not a cure, and they may not work in extreme or immediate cases of anxiety or depression. Further, adaptogens work best in addition to a balanced diet and proper hydration.
HOW DO ADAPTOGENS WORK?
Research shows that adaptogenic herbs interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a complex system of glands, receptors and hormones in our bodies. The HPA axis is vital for homeostasis, stress responses and energy metabolism.
When we consume adaptogens, their organic properties and compounds work with the HPA axis to help balance our systems. For instance, if there’s too much of one hormone, the adaptogens help to lower it. On the flip side, if there isn’t enough of a hormone, adaptogens can help replenish its levels.
Studies also suggest adaptogens work with the immune-neuro-endocrine system, which helps the body regulate its use of energy and maintain strong immune defenses.
Although adaptogens have been used for millennia, keep in mind that research on adaptogenic herbs is ongoing.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
There’s no substitute for adaptogens in Western medicine. Integrative medicine, and adaptogens specifically, can help fill the gaps left by Western medical practices. Adaptogens have thousands of years of historical use to back up their use, as well as increasingly informative modern studies.
Adaptogens help the body’s internal systems build resilience for long-term wellness rather than providing a quick fix. For example, you might react to feelings of tiredness or fatigue by reaching for sugar, coffee or other stimulants. While these might help in the short term, they may actually deplete your energy over time. On the other hand, adaptogens like Rhodiola and Cordyceps can help slowly build up your body’s ability to ward off fatigue.
ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?
Adaptogens are nontoxic plants with gentle effects. However, some points should be taken into consideration before you start consuming them.
They may react with other medications. If you’re taking certain prescribed medications, we suggest talking with your doctor or consulting a naturopath or herbalist before adding Lionheart Adaptogens into your routine. It may react with the effects of your other medications. For example, taking Lionheart Adaptogens along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low.
Further, consult your doctor or a knowledgeable health care professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or immunocompromised and considering taking Lionheart Adaptogens.
The boost in energy and focus you'll notice are naturally produced by your body with the help of adaptogens. This means that more is not better; they are better in lower doses. We recommend having only one serving of Lionheart Adaptogens each day over the course of 6-12 weeks (unless you’re directed otherwise by your health care professional). Having too many servings in a single sitting may result in adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches.
If you want to know how to use adaptogens
Usage
WHEN IS IT BEST TO HAVE LIONHEART ADAPTOGENS?
For the best results, have Lionheart Adaptogens during the first part of your day. At first, it may be best to drink it alongside your first meal, but as you get used to it, you can try starting your day with it on an empty stomach.
You can mix Lionheart Adaptogens into smoothies or coffee, but we suggest mixing it into boiling water and adding your favorite creamer and sweetener, or just enjoy it black.
Start slowly and stick to one serving at a time instead of trying several all at once. This way you can determine how it does or doesn’t affect you before deciding whether to try adding more.
Remember, adaptogens aren’t meant to be a quick antidote to anxiety or fatigue. Rather, they help your body build resilience over time.
Adaptogens are meant to be taken consistently for up to 16 weeks at a time. They are also meant to be stopped periodically, so your body can reacclimate
CAN LIONHEART ADAPTOGENS BE TAKEN EVERYDAY?
Many people take Lionheart Adaptogens almost every day, while others will take them several times a day based on their needs (check with a professional for guidance about what's right for you). We recommend that you take a day off from your adaptogens each week; if you're using them for more than six weeks, to also take a full week off; and if you're using them for six months, to take a full month off. (These little breaks are said to let the plants really take effect in your system).
And if you don't notice a difference instantly, be patient— adaptogens are powerful, but slow-acting, so it can take up to a few weeks to notice a difference.
So don’t feel bad if you miss a dose of your adaptogens! This small variation can improve your sensitivity even if you’re not someone who needs or wants to cycle your supplements.