The realm of natural wellness brims with ancient allies, and among these, Rhodiola rosea shines as a formidable champion. Known also as the golden root, this herb thrives in the mountains of Europe and Asia, offering a beacon of vitality and balance. Known for centuries for its invigorating properties, Rhodiola is now stepping into the spotlight for its potential to support weight management.
Before we proceed, keep in mind that stress, especially chronic stress, can—and most often will—lead to weight gain, mainly through an excessive release of cortisol.
Why and how does stress impact weight?
Stress impacts weight through several pathways, often involving the body's hormonal responses, particularly through cortisol, which is intricately linked with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) – lots more on that below. Here’s how stress can lead to weight changes:
- Cortisol and Fat Storage:When stressed, the body releases cortisol, a hormone that can promote fat storage, particularly around the midsection.
- Appetite Changes:Cortisol also affects appetite by increasing cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods, which provide a temporary feeling of relief from stress. This can lead to increased caloric intake and, over time, weight gain.
- Metabolism Slowdown:Chronic stress can slow down metabolism because the body becomes less efficient in energy usage, preparing for prolonged periods of stress It’s essentially in energy conservation mode. This reduced metabolic rate can make it harder to lose weight even with dieting.
- Impaired Insulin Regulation:Stress can affect the body's ability to regulate insulin, leading to issues like insulin resistance. This condition makes it difficult for the body to process glucose effectively, leading to fat accumulation and, eventually, weight gain.
- Muscle Breakdown: Cortisol promotes the breakdown of muscle tissue to release amino acids for energy. Muscle mass is metabolically active, so a reduction in muscle mass leads to a decrease in the basal metabolic rate (BMR).
Adaptogens help mitigate the body's stress response, thus potentially reducing the release of excess cortisol, stress-related eating behaviors, stabilizing metabolic rates, and supporting healthier insulin regulation.
How do adaptogens help lower stress and weight?
by refining your body’s capacity to handle stress.
They foster a harmonious balance within and normalize physiological functions, enhancing resilience and promoting a steady state even amidst chaos. These botanical virtuosos orchestrate an internal symphony of stress resistance, supporting sustained energy and systemic balance. This is true of any stressors we encounter, whether physical, chemical, or biological. Adaptogens are essential for anyone navigating the ebbs and flows of modern life.
Rather than offering a temporary fix to stress, akin to the fleeting relief provided by over-the-counter medications or comfort foods, adaptogens like Rhodiola engage with your body’s natural mechanisms to foster enduring resilience. Think of it not as a quick snack that briefly curbs your hunger but as a well-balanced, nutritious meal that nourishes and sustains you throughout the day.
They don’t just mask symptoms or offer a quick fix; they equip your body to handle stress more effectively over the long term.
Adaptogens do this by acting on our HPA Axis.
Adaptogens help modulate the body's stress response by interacting with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), our bodies’ special alarm system designed to handle stress.
The HPA axis is a complex network of glands and hormones that regulates various bodily functions, including stress response, energy metabolism, and immune function.
Adaptogens help the body maintain balance and resist the harmful effects of stress by supporting the HPA axis, promoting overall harmony.
Understanding the HPA Axis Process
First, let’s understand the HPA axis process. If you don’t want to, keep scrolling 😉
HPA AXIS: NON-SCIENCEY – Let’s flow.
- When you face stress, your brain (specifically, a part called the hypothalamus) sends out a signal using a hormone called CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone).
- This signal tells another part of your brain, the pituitary gland, to release ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).
- ACTH travels through your bloodstream to your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys.
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Once there, it tells these glands to produce cortisol, a key hormone that helps your body and known as *THE* stress hormone:
- Manage stress
- Control blood sugar
- Regulate metabolism
- Reduce inflammation
Essentially, this system ensures your body can cope with stress efficiently by adjusting important bodily functions through these hormones.
If this process is out of whack, and your cortisol is continuously pumping, it could absolutely lead to weight gain.
HPA AXIS: (same thing but…) DEF SCIENCEY
The HPA axis is a complex set of interactions among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands that regulate the body's response to stress. When triggered by stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which prompts the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), stimulating the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Cortisol, known as the "stress hormone," helps manage how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, maintains blood pressure, and regulates inflammation.
- CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone): Produced by the hypothalamus, CRH is the primary regulatory hormone in the HPA axis. It acts as a signaling molecule, triggering the pituitary gland to release ACTH. Its release is one of the body's first responses to stress.
- ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone): Secreted by the pituitary gland in response to CRH, ACTH travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands. There, it stimulates the production and release of cortisol, which is essential for managing stress, metabolizing nutrients, and maintaining blood pressure and immune function. ACTH ensures that the adrenal glands produce enough cortisol to meet the demands of stressful situations.
- Cortisol (Stress Hormone): Released by the adrenal glands as part of your body's stress response. Cortisol helps the body manage stress by increasing sugars in the bloodstream, enhancing the brain's use of glucose, and altering immune system responses, among other things.
And, ladies, this is how adaptogens regulate our body’s stress response…
- Stabilizing Stress Response: Adaptogens can help:
- Stabilize the release of CRH from the hypothalamus
- This controls the amount of ACTH the pituitary gland releases
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Regulating ACTH:By influencing the levels of ACTH, adaptogens indirectly affect:
- The amount of cortisol produced by the adrenal glands
- This helps in maintaining a more balanced and less extreme cortisol response to stress
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Supporting Adrenal Function:Adaptogens also support the adrenal glands directly.
- Help the adrenals respond more effectively and resiliently to stress demands
- Adaptogens can prevent the adrenals from becoming overtaxed
- Help avoid adrenal fatigue and maintain overall hormonal balance
Conclusion
Incorporating adaptogens like Rhodiola into your wellness routine is like equipping your body with a natural toolkit to handle life's ups and downs with finesse. Imagine facing stress not as a daunting mountain to climb but as a series of manageable hills, each one surmountable with the right support.
So, next time you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, remember that these ancient allies are here to help you regain balance. With Rhodiola and other adaptogens, you're not just surviving stress; you're thriving through it. Think of them as your personal wellness warriors, always ready to help you conquer the day with calm, clarity, and a bit of extra pep in your step.
As you embark on this adaptogenic adventure, envision yourself managing and mastering stress. With each step, you're not only supporting a healthier metabolism and weight management but also embracing a lifestyle of resilience and vitality.