In recent studies, adaptogens have been shown to raise our stress response levels, allowing our body to be in harmony more often. In fact, this is the main defining quality in what makes a substance an adaptogen! As someone who has been using Adaptogens consistently for the past year, what are the actual tangible differences I have noticed?

Adaptogens aren’t drugs

Unlike our world’s most used stimulant, caffeine, adaptogenic mushroom blends don’t give your body the same kick as most drugs in this category do. Instead, they work slowly over a longer period of time (roughly two weeks to a month) in order to nourish your body and raise your stress response levels so that you feel like your optimal self. This was a little difficult to adjust to at first because when I want energy I want it now! However, letting my body adjust to these medicines and allowing them the time they needed to start taking effect, I am so glad I stuck with it. The most profound difference I noticed was that my energy levels no longer came in bursts that fell in alignment with my caffeine intake, however now, I experience an ever expanding upwards trajectory in my energy levels. Not only does this make me feel healthier, but it is so much more sustainable to be balanced rather than consistently increasing my caffeine intake.

What about stress levels?

At the same time I began using functional mushrooms and adaptogens, I had also started my breathwork and meditation journey, so, it is hard to quantify how much adaptogens have helped me versus my daily mindfulness practices. However, there is no doubt in my mind that these products were one of the main catalysts in my healing. While I believe practicing mindfulness is one of the most powerful things we can do as humans to make sure our minds are constantly able to adapt, functional mushrooms and adaptogen blends give us the extra boost we need to achieve our goals faster! Their gradual effects are actually one of my favorite aspects of adaptogens because with this they are not addictive, nor do you ever feel like you NEED them. They are simply there helping you behind the scenes when used and you are not withdrawing from them anytime you decide to not take them.

Final thoughts

While I have said that there is no such thing as a magical pill to fix all our problems many times before, I still stick by that. It is only through hard work and dedication that we can truly achieve anything meaningful. With that being said, functional mushrooms and adaptogenic blends have been the sidekick I needed to get me to where I am today, and, even though they aren’t a fix it all magic pill, they are extremely powerful when used in conjunction with mindfulness practices.