Adapt to stress with Ashwagandha
Stress. It's something we all experience, no matter our job, geographical location, or family situation. Stress is the body's response to environmental stimuli (stressors). It is natural and healthy to some extent; stress can motivate us and drive us forward in life. However, too much stress and an inability to manage it can have dramatic consequences on an individual's health.
In Canada, statistics reveal the prevalence of stress in our modern society. Almost three-quarters of Canadian workers report being "stressed." Among these stressed workers, more than one-third consider themselves "highly stressed." While there are many sources of stress, 60% of highly stressed individuals cite work as the primary cause. 1
The cost of high stress levels to the Canadian economy is crippling. An estimated $20 billion annually is spent or lost dealing with stress-related issues. An incredible 75% of short-term work disabilities are due to stress. 2
The Dark Side of Chronic Stress
Stress triggers the production of adrenaline and cortisol in the body, allowing the individual to react to the stressful situation. Heart rate, body temperature, endocrine response, and anxiety all increase. Productivity increases for a short period, but fatigue and exhaustion can follow, and if stress is prolonged, health problems can arise.
Chronically high stress levels are associated with mental health problems. The Mental Health Commission of Canada reports that anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, as well as alcohol and drug abuse occur more frequently in people under extreme stress. 3 These conditions can lead to memory loss, poor brain performance, anxiety disorders, and accelerated aging. Furthermore, with the mind-body connection in humans, stress problems can go beyond mental and physical illnesses. Heart disease, arthritis, joint conditions, diabetes, respiratory problems, migraines, metabolic syndrome, increased obesity risk, poor sexual performance, and weakened immunity all increase in the shadow of long-term stress.
Solutions for Managing Stress and Anxiety
The pharmaceutical industry offers a wide selection of medications to help individuals cope with stress. Some common prescriptions are anxiolytics (tranquilizers) (e.g., benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax), beta-blockers for anxiety symptoms, or sleeping pills to aid sleep. The drawbacks of these medications can be addiction, decreased effectiveness with regular use, memory loss, cognitive decline, and withdrawal symptoms. Addiction can occur in as little as two weeks with some drugs. 4
To avoid the potential risks of pharmaceutical drugs when dealing with stress and anxiety, the Canadian Mental Health Association suggests a number of lifestyle adjustments to help the mind and body cope: 5
- Identify the source of stress and establish a reduction plan
- Sufficient sleep (7 hours per day) to allow the mind and body to heal
- Regular, vigorous exercise helps relieve stress
- Yoga, deep breathing, and massages help calm the mind and body
- Adopt a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean meat, protein
- Start the day with a good breakfast and drink water throughout the day
- Adopt a positive attitude and an optimistic outlook on life
- Surround yourself with supportive family and friends
Natural supplements can also help the body and mind cope with stressful conditions. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium have been found to be helpful. Traditional herbal remedies also help the body function under mental or physical stress.
Adaptogens – Natural Stress Resistance
Herbs that can enhance one's ability to cope with stress are classified as adaptogens. These are plants with medicinal components that can help normalize body functions during periods of mental and physical stress to rebalance and rejuvenate an individual. A number of herbs are classified as adaptogens. The best herbal adaptogens are those that exhibit the following characteristics 6:
- Decreases stress-induced damage
- Safe and beneficial even at higher-than-normal doses
- Without negative effects, such as withdrawal
- Avoids impacting normal body functions more than necessary
One herb that satisfies all the requirements of a true adaptogen is Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Its name, Ashwagandha, means "smell of a horse" due to its distinctive odor and its ability to give someone the "strength of a horse." Ashwagandha root has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as a rejuvenating herb to improve the performance of several body systems: the neurological, immune, energy production, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
Ashwagandha has a long history of use as an adaptogen, and even some basic clinical trials are promising. A unique, full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha has now been tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the full potential of the herb to help humans manage stress and anxiety. This Ashwagandha, branded KSM-66®, has been referred to as the "world's best Ashwagandha."
KSM-66® – Ashwagandha for Mental Stress
KSM-66® is a superior Ashwagandha extract for several reasons. It is a root-only extract for one. Only the root extract is used in Ayurvedic medicine, not the leaves. KSM-66® has the highest concentration of active withanolides at 5% of any root-only Ashwagandha extract. KSM-66® is a full-spectrum extract that contains the full profile of nutrients naturally found in Ashwagandha. But most importantly, KSM-66® extract is supported by extensive clinical studies for its many benefits.
Researchers believed that Ashwagandha's ability to reduce blood cortisol levels was the primary reason for its effectiveness against stress and anxiety symptoms. During stressful mental or physical situations, cortisol can increase up to 20 times normal levels due to excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion. 12 High cortisol leads to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar. High cortisol levels for short periods can save our lives, by focusing all body systems on survival. High cortisol levels for long periods can have detrimental effects on anxiety, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, sleep problems, weight gain, memory, and concentration disorders. 13
Clearly, KSM-66® Ashwagandha has proven to be an effective adaptogen, with research continuing to document its wide applications. Users of this special herbal extract will quickly understand why it was recently selected as "Best Botanical Ingredient" by Engredea at the Natural Product Expo - the world's largest natural health exhibition.