Time to explore something new – ashwagandha, something I started taking myself recently after being highly recommended from by my personal trainer.   This is something I knew a little about, but not a whole lot, and when I did the research, I was impressed by what it can do.

This plant/shrub has been used in medicine to help increase energy and improve overall health, reduce inflammation, pain and anxiety.

Ashwagandha are for those who seem to want to use herbal medicines for several reasons.

In our daily life we are full of stress triggers (you can’t deny it we all have them), during these stressful times, cortisol within the body becomes elevated and causes the heart to pump faster, then you breathe rapidly, and your body generates more glucose for a quick burst of energy. This is the start of your body going into “fight or flight mode.” Ashwagandha can help with your body to be able to cope through the process.

So, but what does ashwagandha do? Research shows that it can help in several ways:

• Normalizes cortisol levels, which reduces the stress response.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Reduces cancer risks.
• Improves memory.
• Improves immune function and anti-aging properties.
• Eases stress and anxiety.

Ashwagandha comes in a variety of forms. It’s available in gummies, capsules, liquid drops and powders that you can mix into drinks (I recommend gummies if you take a lot of supplements, it breaks up the monotony of taking capsules).  It has been recommended that taking a normal dosage of 500mg twice a day would be beneficial, along with looking at getting the supplement that is verified by one of the following ConsumerLab, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF International).

Although most can take this supplement, there can be some side effects –

• Gastrointestinal upset.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting and nausea.

But as usual check with your healthcare provider before beginning anything new