Adaptogens

One of my favorite adaptogen mixes. I add a tsp to my smoothies and even my coffee. Add with a healthy fat, like coconut oil, for added benefit!

If you've found yourself in a rabbit hole on Instagram, stalking people with amazing photos of healthy foods and recipes, you may have come across the word adaptogen. Everyone seems to be putting these blends into their daily coffee, smoothies and cooking with them. But what are they? They're little superheroes that have been used for ages and here is what they do:

The number one benefit of adaptogens is their ability to protect the body from toxins that are caused by stress. If you live in this day and age, chances are you have experienced stress. These little superheroes can support your body when dealing with emotional stress, physical stress (like working out), and stress induced by illness. 

Adaptogens themselves are herbs and mushrooms that, according to Dr. Andrew Weil, "can bring the body back to homeostasis." Specifically, adaptogens support your adrenals and balance your hormones. Stress wreaks havoc on most of your bodily systems, from your digestion to your cardiovascular health and your endurance. By balancing your adrenals, you can avoid adrenal burnout...also known as chronic stress. 

My blended adaptogenic coffee.

There are a number of adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms that, when added to the diet, can work simultaneously to provide serious health benefits. Make sure to talk with your doctor about which herbs and mushrooms are safe to take while pregnant, but using adaptogens to increase fertility is an awesome way to get your body baby ready.

1. Red Raspberry Leaf - This herb is sweet tasting and especially good for supporting fertility. It tones the uterus and reduces excess bleeding, which can make it especially beneficial for women who have recently had a miscarriage (like me). It is also good for dads to be! 

2. Chaste Tree Berry - This little powerhouse is known for balancing hormones and increasing fertility. According to Hethir Rodriguez C.H., C.M.T., author of The Natural Fertility Diet, Chaste Tree Berry is said to encourage ovulation by increasing lutenizing hormone, lengthening the luteal phase and increasing progesterone. This herb can be bitter and is best made into a tincture. Should not be taken while pregnant. 

3. Ashwaganda - For those having trouble conceiving, Ashwaganda can be especially helpful in balancing your endocrine and hormonal systems. It's a strong adaptogen that will help regulate your adrenals and promotes better sleep -- necessary for women trying to get pregnant. 

4. Maca Powder - While maca increases fertility, it is best avoided during pregnancy. Maca can balance hormones and encourages a favorable balance of estrogen/progesterone conducive to fertility. 

5. Cordyceps - Cordyceps, an adaptogenic mushroom, contains immune system supporting polysaccharides, amino acids, fatty acids, and polyamines that play a role in cell regeneration. According to Dalene Barton-Schuster, CH, Doula, Animal, human, and in-vitro studies have shown that cordyceps has the ability to enhance aerobic capacity and energy stores. Human trials have shown this mushroom can normalize the immune system function and prevent damage to cells from free radicals. This may be evidence for supporting a variety of fertility issues including poor egg and sperm health associated with declining age and/or nutritional deficiencies, immune related recurrent miscarriage, antisperm antibodies and PCOS.