Upload
karina-holden
View
100
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Adaptogens. Basic information and benefits of using adaptogens By: Jennifer Carmichael. What are adaptogens?. Adaptogens are herbal supplements that are believed to relieve environmental stressors. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Citation preview
ADAPTOGENSBasic information and benefits of using adaptogens
By: Jennifer Carmichael
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.
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
Stages of progress
Stage one: AlarmRelease of stress hormones, cortisol & and
adrenalineCortisol effects tissue throughout the body -immunosuppresive effect -negative impact on energy -decreases movement of glucose through
the bloodstreamKey enzymes that turn glucose into energy
are blocked
Stages of progress cont’d
Stage 2: ResistanceEach individuals response to stress variesTherefore each response to adaptation
variesHomeostasis occurs when the body
returns to normal state after stressor (ex. Physical activity)
This leads to the final stage
Stages of progress cont’d
Stage 3: ExhaustionBy 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
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
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
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
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
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
Retrieved from lionheartherbs.com
He Shou Wu Root
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
Retrieved from www.bigstockphoto.com
Eucommia
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
What are Superfoods?
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
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
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
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
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
Where can I find such exotic herbs?
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.
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
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
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