Stress, Energy, Caffeine & Adaptogens 

Introducing FuFluns' New 

Adaptogenic Energize and Balance Formula

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Why is Stress Bad?

Stress can mean many things, but often refers to a triggering of the sympathetic nervous and endocrine systems, a response commonly known as “fight or flight”. This gives us burst of energy which our ancestors used to escape from, or fight wild animals.  However, we’re not meant to sustain this stress response over the long term. It can slowly and quietly have horrific effects on our bodies:

  - Decreased immune function, detoxification and libido

  - Reduced cardiovascular health

  - Increased inflammation

  - Trouble sleeping or insomnia

  - Memory or cognition issues 

  - Slower, digestion and elimination 

Caffeine...

Arguably the most consumed drug on the planet, and where we have been trained to look for energy in the form of coffee or tea. Caffeine does offer some benefits and certainly boosts energy, but elicits a stress response, acting on a variety of stress and mood related hormones and neurotransmitters, increasing the effect of some (like adrenaline and cortisol). Long term reliance will deplete your overall vitality (see above), cause stress and possibly adrenal fatigue.  Increased productivity today, is traded for long term health. Famed author, Michael Pollen shares his experience (and some interesting history) from quitting caffeine for 3 months on Joe Rogan.

What are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are botanicals and fungi which help your body adapt to physical and mental stress, plus provide energy and other "side benefits". To geek out for a moment, adaptogens help your body to balance stress by supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is a term used to represent the interaction between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. Essentially, the HPA axis controls the body’s response to stress. Research shows that adaptogens work by re-regulating the HPA axis. They can help to produce a positive stress response within the body and balance hormonal function. By balancing the body’s stress response, adaptogenic herbs allow you to adapt to and better handle life’s stressors.  Nikolai Lazarev coined the term in the 1940’s when he was researching performance enhancing stimulants. He defined them by their actions:  

  1. They’re safe and nontoxic *

  2. They have positive effects on a range of body systems *

  3. They often have modulating or trophorestorative effect, acting as a “thermostat” of sorts for your bodily systems *

  4. They work by affecting the stress response and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of the nervous-endocrine systems *

In essence adaptogens can reduce stress, increase energy and provide a host of side-benefits!  Although the term “adaptogen” is less than a hundred years old, they have been consumed for thousands of years.  Two of the best known adaptogens are Ashwagandha and Ginseng, most revered in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine respectively. 

 *  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Adaptogen Side Benefits

1. May Reduce Cortisol Response:*

Research shows that adaptogens have the ability to impact the body’s release of cortisol.

Cortisol is a stress hormone. Think of it as your body’s built-in alarm system. It also regulates your metabolism, inflammatory response, and immune function.

2. May Provide Adrenal Support:*

Adaptogens can help the adrenal glands respond more effectively and efficiently to excess stress hormones. When stress stops, adaptogens help the adrenal glands shut down more quickly. They also support adrenal function by allowing cells access to more energy and preventing oxidative damage.

3. May Support Better Sleep: *

Many people have insomnia and other sleep-related problems. Stress from outside sources can cause people to have trouble sleeping. These problems often happen because of elevated cortisol levels. This is where adaptogens come into play; they work to relax your body and balance hormonal responses - supporting energy and sleep.

4. May Increase Physical Stamina & Endurance:*

Adaptogens have been shown to increase athletic performance. Through extensive experiments on athletes, scientists reliably have demonstrated the value of adaptogens for increasing endurance and shortening recovery time from both training and sports injuries.

In particular, Cordyceps has been shown to support improved tolerance to high-intensity exercise after supplementation. In addition to Cordyceps, these other adaptogens have been found for physical performance: Eleuthero, Ashwagandha & Rhodiola

5. May Reduce Symptoms of Arthritis:*

Arthritis occurs when there is inflammation of the joints. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Adaptogens can help reduce inflammation and as a result, may help to reduce the pain associated with arthritis.

 *  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. 

Energize and Balance

We donate 1% of revenue to Angelic Organics Learning Center

May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all 

- Shantideva