Stress…What’s That?
Let’s face it, daily living is abundantly filled with stress – work, family, training, health…the list goes on. Whether the stress is part of our life requirements or self-imposed from a race or training regimen, often the result can be anxiety, fatigue and immune system compromise. The body is a powerful machine that can adapt to environmental stressors in amazing ways. But it is often helpful to give some support to our ability to deal with stress on a general physical level. That’s where Adaptogens have gained much notoriety in recent years.
Consider the name of this general group of substances – most often found in herbs, mushrooms and the like – and you will understand their relative benefits. Specifically, adaptogens are ingredients found in these natural sources that can potentially help the way our bodies react and “adapt” to both environmental and internal stressors. Since our bodies typically want to exist in a state of healthy balance, adaptogenic substances are often used to help regulate and move the body back to a natural state of balance when faced with stressors.
Why Is This Helpful for Athletes?
Any athletic endeavor can add physical and psychological stressors above those that would normally exist, particularly during extend programming, targeted training and racing. Although the benefits of physical exercise are important, prolonged or intense training can put a great amount of strain on our bodies that over time can affect many aspects of health, immune function and even mood.
Research suggests that adaptogens may be a great resource for many athletes to aid in recovery and the ability to adapt to training, thereby potentially improving performance and helping to reduce injury, fatigue or burnout. There are a number of natural compounds that scientists have found have adaptogenic and beneficial qualities. Below are a few of the more popular compounds that many athletes may consider during training and sport performance. Although it’s not an exhaustive list and there are many other compounds that can have additional or alternate uses, these are a few that are considered relevant and potentially useful!
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a mushroom that has gained a lot of attention for its potential to enhance athletic performance. Specifically, cordyceps contains particular bioactive compounds that are associated with cellular energy production. For athletes – particularly endurance athletes – the compounds cordycepin and adenosine in these mushrooms help with the production of ATP, the body’s “gasoline” fueling metabolic energy. Additionally, cordyceps has been associated with enhanced oxygen utilization which makes this natural substance a potentially useful resource for athletes to help improve stamina and reduce fatigue during exercise. How amazing right?!
Reishi
Reishi is an orange-brown mushroom that has long been associated with longevity and long-term health. It contains certain natural compounds called triterpenes that have been found to help reduce inflammation and help boost the immune system. Since athletes are often pushing their bodies to perform, the recovery process is paramount to sustained training performance. Natural anti-inflammatory sources and a boosted immune system are key components to maintaining athletic performance across any planned regimen or training program.
Rhodioa Rosa
Rhodiola rosea (RR) is a plant known by other names such as golden root or rosen root. It is particularly significant for endurance athletes, as it contains certain bioactive compounds that have been shown to help the body’s resilience and adapt to stress – potentiating increased levels of energy, improved VO2 max and a decrease in exercise induced muscle damage during activity.
Lion’s Mane
Lions Mane is another mushroom that has gained popularity among athletes for its unique effects on nerve growth and brain function. These effects translate broadly to potential benefits in focus, cognitive function and resultant reduction in fatigue during sports performance. For many athletes, the increases in focus and mental clarity can be a great benefit during competition as well as training.
Ashwaghanda
This small shrub has been included as a powerful component in traditional eastern medicine and has gained much attention due to the abundance of alkaloids, flavonoids, lactones and glycosides – all bioactive compounds beneficial for athletes. Research has shown these compounds can help improve the body’s use of oxygen during exercise (VO2max) and help reduce the effects of stress on the body from exercise, such as increased cortisol, muscle damage and reduced recovery. Together with its immune health benefits, Ashwaghanda is a preferred choice adaptogen for athletes due to its broad scope of benefit.
Are there risks to taking Adaptogens?
Many studies typically focus on the benefits of adaptogens as a means to help the body adapt to environmental and biological stressors. Indeed there is a wealth of research indicating the beneficial aspects of these natural substances, particularly relative to exercise and athletic performance. However, it is also important to recognize that products that contain these bioactive compounds are not regulated by the FDA. So formulas in various products such as tablets, capsules, teas and powders are not scrutinized for potency, source or efficacy.
Moreover, some adaptogenic compounds can interact negatively with medications and may result in unwanted side effects like sleepiness, hormone abnormalities, blood pressure changes, and metabolic effects. So it is always recommended that you consider the source of your products, the quality and the ingredients prior to using any adaptogen product. Additionally, it is always recommended that you consult with your healthcare practitioner prior to taking any supplement or adaptogen product.
Hint: Want to get some prep in? Check out what is available for eBooks and online coaching programs. You may find something that can stick with you and get to the finish line!
