Adaptogens
Adaptogens are natural substances such as plant extracts and mushrooms that help the body maintain balance and general wellness. They are most known to help with stress management, anxiety, and energy levels.
While we often can’t control the amount of stress we are under, we can help the body better manage that stress to reduce any potential stress-related negative health consequences. For thousands of years adaptogen plants have been used to improve adaptability and resilience regardless of the nature or degree of the stressor.
Popular and well-studied adaptogens include Panax ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, and Ashwagandha. Some adaptogenic mushrooms include Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey tail, and others. Research shows that these adaptogens decrease cortisol levels, the potent stress hormone, and reduce subjective stress levels in mentally stressed-out healthy adults. Adaptogens also help ease both mental and physical fatigue. Specific to cancer survivors, research shows that several adaptogenic herbs can help with cancer-related fatigue.
Adaptogens are available as dietary supplements, and they can include just one or a combination of adaptogen ingredients. If you are going through active cancer treatment, it’s important to work with an integrative or naturopathic physician who is well-versed at using adaptogens in their clinical practice. Not all physicians understand dosage and applications for the variety of adaptogens available.
