{"id":70635,"date":"2024-12-09T02:58:07","date_gmt":"2024-12-09T10:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/?p=70635"},"modified":"2024-12-09T02:58:09","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T10:58:09","slug":"adaptogens-for-anti-aging-do-they-really-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/adaptogens-for-anti-aging-do-they-really-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Adaptogens for Anti-Aging: Do They Really Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Can plants alter aging<\/strong>? Are there natural substances that lengthen longevity<\/strong> or even reverse aging<\/strong>? Today top scientists are researching remedies that have been used for thousands of years. They\u2019re called adaptogens<\/strong>. There\u2019s evidence they may reduce anxiety and even extend life expectancy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adaptogens<\/strong> are mushrooms or herbs that might have health benefits. They are added to teas or crushed into powders you can mix into beverages. Do they work? Are there respected studies demonstrating their advantages? And what role do they play in the growing science of anti-aging?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Adaptogens Help With The Stress Response And Aging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although science has been examining ways to lengthen longevity<\/strong> for as long as there have been scientists, anti-aging is a relatively new field. Its focus is on extending not just life expectancy<\/strong> but our healthy, disease-free years \u2013 what is sometimes called \u201chealthspan.\u201d This branch of science is concerned with keeping people youthful for as long as possible \u2013 on the inside and the outside. There are few things that shorten lives as effectively as chronic stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How we handle stress \u2013 and more importantly how our bodies handle it – has outsized implications for life expectancy<\/strong>. Whether caused by financial strain, family drama, or general anxiety, untreated stress has been linked to everything from cardiovascular disease to type 2 diabetes. Chronic stress also affects the skin, prematurely aging<\/strong> it while overwhelming and even counteracting anti-aging treatments. Because chronic stress is so damaging, it makes sense that researchers are taking a look at adaptogens<\/strong>. That\u2019s because an adaptogen\u2019s<\/strong> efficacy is derived from how it interacts with our body\u2019s primary stress-driver \u2013 the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HPA is responsible for fight-or-flight responses. When it constantly releases stress hormones like cortisol, it can have a debilitating effect. When the release of cortisol is triggered by genuine danger, it\u2019s hugely beneficial. Cortisol amplifies adrenaline by keeping our blood sugar, heartbeat, and respiration elevated. This hormone is also involved with metabolism, blood pressure, and the normal sleep-wake cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adaptogens<\/strong> can tamp down the stress response<\/a> \u2013\u2013 an anti-aging benefit because chronic stress reduces longevity<\/strong>. It\u2019s believed that consuming adaptogens can keep your body in a neutral, steady state. This is known as homeostasis. Along with tamping down the way we react to stress, adaptogens<\/strong> can also help the body resist damage caused by other outside factors. They also work to restore normal functions faster following a stress reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before adding adaptogens<\/strong> or any <\/em>longevity supplements<\/strong> to your daily diet, it\u2019s important to check your baseline. You need to know if your hormones are in balance, if your heart health is where it should be, if there are inflammation markers in your blood along with a host of other concerns. How do you do that? Well, there\u2019s a simple at-home blood test available from Kyla<\/a> that delivers the insights you need at a price you can afford. Because while other companies charge hundreds of dollars for the same test, the at-home blood test<\/a> from Kyla is just $99. It may be covered by your insurance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Start by completing an easy online quiz, then choose the best test<\/a> for you. In a few days, you\u2019ll receive a test kit along with instructions for sample collection. You\u2019ll just need a few drops of blood. Then mail the sample back to our labs postage-free.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon you\u2019ll receive valuable insights not only about the state of your present health but steps you can take to avoid problems in the future. There will be information about your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes along with B and D vitamin deficiencies, hormonal and blood sugar levels along with liver, and kidney health. By making adjustments you can lengthen your longevity<\/strong> while improving cognitive function. You can even learn how to lower your biological age<\/strong> – which is the age of your cells. Reducing this is one of the first steps towards lengthening your healthspan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

History of Adaptogens <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adaptogens<\/strong> were first described by Soviet scientist and physician Dr. Nikolai Lazarev in 1947.  Although he\u2019d spent World War Two focused on performance-enhancing drugs that could deliver extra strength and speed to his country\u2019s soldiers, as the war ended his attention turned to more \u201clife enhancing\u201d substances. He first examined the benefits of a plant commonly used in both Russian and Chinese traditional medicine. Schisandra<\/strong> chinensis or five-flavor fruit is often described as having all of the flavors within its purplish berries: sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, and sour. Seeds from the schisandra<\/strong> berry are lignans, which in recent studies have shown promise as both a preventative and as a treatment for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. When the schisandra\u2019s <\/strong>berries and the seeds are ground up and used as an additive, they may slow the progression of Alzheimer\u2019s and may even have an antidepressant effect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lazarev described Schisandra<\/strong> chinensis, ginseng, and several other plants as being adaptogens<\/strong> because they can enhance the human body and help it resist various adverse conditions (like stress, disease, family conflicts, and pollution). To be considered an adaptogen, they must maintain homeostasis while not interfering with the body\u2019s normal function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A decade later, his work was built on by another Soviet scientist named Israel Brekhman. Often called the \u201cfather of adaptogens<\/strong>,\u201d he was researching ginseng\u2019s effects when he expanded adaptogen\u2019s definition to include man-made pharmaceutical interventions that also help maintain homeostasis even under negative conditions. In fact, adaptogens<\/strong> don\u2019t even need to be derived from plants \u2013 they can come from minerals or even animals so long as they perform the same function. Today over 70 plants are considered adaptogens, with numerous other substances also sharing the category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adaptogens<\/strong> may have anti-aging properties. If you\u2019re curious about anti-aging, downloading the Kyla app<\/a> will give you insights not only into this developing field but also how to reduce your own biological age and even begin to reverse aging. By joining the Kyla Anti-Aging program, you\u2019ll be exposed to cutting edge insights about your health thanks to a combination of AI analytics and advanced testing.To discover the best ways to stay young on the inside and the outside, download the Kyla app<\/a> and learn more about healthy aging<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adaptogens And Anti-aging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So how do adaptogens<\/strong> help with aging? An article entitled \u201cPlant Fortification of the Diet for Anti-Aging Effects\u2026\u201d notes that \u201cAging is an enigmatic and progressive biological process which undermines the normal functions of living organisms with time.\u201d What is the source of healthy aging<\/strong>? What we eat plays an outsized role, as do the antioxidants we consume. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One factor in premature aging is the very breath of life. As the article explains, \u201cOxygen is an essential molecule that sustains human life on earth and is involved in the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that pose certain health complications. The ROS are believed to be a significant factor in the progression of ageing. A robust lifestyle and healthy food, containing dietary antioxidants, are essential for improving the overall livelihood and decelerating the ageing process.\u201d Along with the vitamins A,C,D,C and E, adaptogens<\/strong> are one of the dietary antioxidants that slow this process down and can even reverse aging. One reason these substances achieve this is that they \u201c\u2026reduce ROS production in the cells, thereby improving the life span of living organisms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examining numerous natural herbs which have been used as medicinal remedies for millennia, researchers have discovered their anti-aging properties. Adaptogens<\/strong> that have been shown to reduce stress and slow aging include; ashwagandha<\/strong>; rhodiola schisandra<\/strong>, and adaptogenic mushrooms <\/strong>including cordyceps sinensis, lion\u2019s mane, and reishi which may reduce the risk of injuries among hard-training athletes along with reducing stress-related markers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies suggest that cordyceps sinensis in conjunction with rhodiola<\/strong> or rhodiola rosea<\/strong> (rhodiola roses) reduce both stress responses and fatigue. However, most supplements containing adaptogenic mushrooms<\/strong> are expensive. There have also been some adverse side effects reported. Taking rhodiola<\/strong> or rhodiola rosea<\/strong> by itself can also deliver adaptogen<\/strong> effects. Taking it orally for longer than three months is not recommended. Some adaptogenic mushrooms<\/strong> have been linked to liver toxicity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ashwagandha<\/strong> is commonly available as ashwagandha powder <\/strong>and ashwagandha tea<\/strong>. An evergreen shrub found in Africa, India, and parts of the Middle East, it has shown promise in treating anxiety<\/a>. As a supplement it may even help reverse aging<\/strong>. Whether you consume it as ashwagandha powder<\/strong> or ashwagandha tea<\/strong>, make sure to research the source and purity of the product you use. As with all supplements, ashwagandha<\/strong> isn\u2019t subjected to the same scrutiny about efficacy and safety as medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether the Siberian variety studied by Brekhman or the American version, ginseng is probably the most popular adaptogen<\/strong> additive \u2013 appearing in energy beverages, diet powders, and numerous other formulas. Studies suggest that it can boost your immune system along with reducing anxiety and promoting healthy aging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, no supplement will ever promote healthy aging<\/strong> as much as lifestyle adjustments focused on diet, exercise, stress reduction, and sleep will. To ensure you are doing all you can to live the best life possible, enroll in Kyla\u2019s Anti-Aging program<\/a>. After downloading the app you\u2019ll learn how your lifestyle can affect your life expectancy<\/strong>. You\u2019ll be able to track vital health indicators like primary care and hormone levels. The app will even let you monitor your data conveniently while offering visual representations of your progress,\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kyla app health assessment<\/a> is designed to identify health risks before they become life threatening. So download the Kyla app today and start living your best life now!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sources<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Starkman, Evan. \u201cAdaptogens: What to Know,\u201d WebMD. July 2, 2023. https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/balance\/adaptogens-what-to-know<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. \u201cWhat are adaptogens and should you be taking them?\u201d UCLA Health. February 16, 2022. https:\/\/www.uclahealth.org\/news\/article\/what-are-adaptogens-and-should-you-be-taking-them<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Dhanjal, Daljeet Singh et al. \u201cPlant Fortification of the Diet for Anti-Aging Effects: A Review.\u201d Nutrients. September 30, 2020. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7601865\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Liao, Lian-ying.et al. \u201cA preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: Comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide,\u201dChinese Medicine. November 16, 2018. https:\/\/cmjournal.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s13020-018-0214-9<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Panossian, Alexander G et al. \u201cEvolution of the adaptogenic concept from traditional use to medical systems: Pharmacology of stress- and aging-related diseases.\u201d Medicinal Research Reviews. October 25, 2020. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7756641\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Panossian, Alexander, and Patricia L. Gerbarg, \u201cThirteen Potential Use of Plant Adaptogens in Age-Related Disorders,\u201d Complementary and Integrative Therapies for Mental Health and Aging. New York: Oxford Academic. March 1, 2016. https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/book\/24571\/chapter-abstract\/187827495?redirectedFrom=fulltext<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Todorova, Velislava et al. \u201cPlant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives.\u201d Nutrients. August 20, 2021. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8398443\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Whelan, Corey. \u201cWhat to Know About Schisandra,\u201d Healthline. September 30, 2024. https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/schisandra<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Liu, Xiao-Xing et al. \u201cBibliometric Study of Adaptogens in Dermatology: Pharmacophylogeny, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Mechanisms.\u201d Drug design, development and therapy. February 6, 2023. https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9912821\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. \u201cDr. Israel Brekhman: \u201cFather of Adaptogens\u201d and His Energizing Adaptogen Blend in e+,\u201d Isagenix Health. https:\/\/isagenixhealth.net\/father-of-adaptogens-and-his-energizing-adaptogen-blend-in-e\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Kubala, Jillian, MS, RD. \u201cWhat Are Adaptogenic Mushrooms? Benefits, Risks, and Types,\u201d Healthline. March 19, 2021. https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/adaptogenic-mushrooms<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. \u201cRhodiola: Uses, Side Effects, and More,\u201d WebMD. https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/vitamins\/ai\/ingredientmono-883\/rhodiola<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Adaptogens are mushrooms or herbs that could reverse aging – find out more about how they work and the best ones to choose.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":70636,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[{"id":40,"name":"Anti-Aging","slug":"longevity","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/longevity\/"},{"id":193,"name":"Supplements","slug":"supplements","link":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/blog\/category\/longevity\/supplements\/"}],"tags":[489,490,408,394],"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/kyla.com-wordpress\/p\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/09025754\/shutterstock_1151019941-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70635"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70635"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70635\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":70637,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70635\/revisions\/70637"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyla.com\/p\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}