Ever come across the name Ashwagandha and wondered what on earth it was? Read on for the many benefits of this powerful superherb and how it can help you manage stress and weight loss naturally.

What is Ashwagandha and How Does It Help Manage Stress and Weight Loss?

Ashwagandha is an ancient herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to help manage stress and weight loss. This super herb has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits, including stress relief, improved mental clarity, and weight loss. 

How Does Ashwagandha Relieve Stress & Anxiety?

77% of people experience stress that affects their physical health and 73% of people have stress that impacts their mental health [5]

Do you know what happens to your body when you are stressed?

Stress is the body’s natural reaction to difficult or unfamiliar circumstance that releases your stress hormones cortisol & adrenaline. This can have both a physical & mental effect on you. Your body can respond in a variety of ways such as your heart rate increasing, muscles tensing up, your breathing becomes faster, and your senses become heightened.

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen, meaning it helps the body cope with physical and mental stress.

Studies [1,2,3] have shown that ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels therefore helping to manage stress symptoms. It also helps to regulate hormones, which can lead to improved moods and better sleep cycles thus improving energy levels too. Ashwagandha is a great natural supplement for those looking to manage their stress levels without the use of pharmaceuticals.

You can find Ashwagandha supplements readily available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powder, liquid and even gummies.

Like all vitamins it can take a couple of months of regular consumption for the effects of this wonder herb to be seen and felt – so give it time.

Is There A Downside To Taking Ashwagandha?

While it is generally considered safe to consume ashwagandha in moderate amounts, there are some potential side effects to take note of if its consumed in too large a dose. These include headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea and possible changes in blood pressure [4].

General advice is that people with overactive thyroid glands might want to avoid ashwagandha (or do your own further research) as it may increase your thyroid hormone [4]. Its also best to avoid during pregnancy, when breastfeeding and if you are allergic to nightshades or grass you may not be able to take.

It is important to speak with your doctor before consuming ashwagandha or any other herb or supplement to ensure it’s safe for you.

Effects of Ashwagandha on Weight Loss & Metabolic Health

Studies [1,2] have shown that ashwagandha can help reduce body fat, improve metabolic health, and even aid in weight loss. It is believed to work by regulating hormones such as cortisol and insulin, which can help decrease appetite and cravings while also increasing the body’s ability to burn fat. This makes ashwagandha an effective natural remedy for those looking to lose weight and improve their overall health.

Additionally, Ashwagandha has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Overall, with its many benefits, ashwagandha is an excellent natural remedy for managing stress and promoting weight loss and much much more! What’s there not to love!?

Feeling stressed?
Check out my free guide on Positive Affirmations For Stress to help get your mindset back on track and ease those feelings of stress & overwhelm.

It is important to remember that the advice given on this website is not meant to replace the guidance of a healthcare professional. Before making changes to your nutrition and wellness regimes, it’s important to reach out to an expert or medical professional. Reliance on any of the material provided on this website is at your own risk.

References
  1. Akhgarjand, C., Asoudeh, F., Bagheri, A., Kalantar, Z., Vahabi, Z., Shab‐bidar, S., Rezvani, H., & Djafarian, K. (2022). Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytotherapy Reserach, 36 (11), 4115–4124. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7598
  2. Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Joshi, K. (2017). Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(1), 96–106. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216641830
  3. Gopukumar, K., Thanawala, S., Venkateswarlu, S., Rao, T. S. S., Thamatam, V. B., & Chauhan, S. (2021). Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract on Cognitive Functions in Healthy, Stressed Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8254344
  4. Kubala, J.K., MS, RD, & Spritzler, F. (2022, Januray 7). 9 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha (S. Orford, Ed.). Healthline. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ashwagandha#The-bottom-line

  5. Patterson, E. (2022, September 5). Stress Facts & Statistics (M. Hull, Ed.). The Recovery Village. Retrieved March 20, 2023, from https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/stress/stress-statistics/#:~:text=According%20to%20The%20American%20Institute,that%20impacts%20their%20mental%20health