16 UCW DECEMBER 3-9, 2014
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
Chronic stress is nasty. Over the long run, when your adrenal glands pump
out abnormally large amounts of the stress hormone cortisol, your blood pres-
sure and blood sugar go up, your immunity response goes down, and your body
becomes more vulnerable to infections and heart disease.
Unless you're a hermit or unusually enlightened, you
(along with everyone else) deal with a multitude of daily
pressures at work, at home, and on the road. You might
even be addicted to stress, feeling that you must respond
to every ping from emails and texts instead of disconnect-
ing for downtime and a good night's sleep.
A mindfulness practice (meditation or prayer, yoga, regu-
lar walks) can help. So can a group of supplements called
adaptogens. These remedies bolster stress-resistance by
shifting biochemistry and, as the name suggests, helping
you adapt to a whirlwind existence.
"Adaptogens are an important part of a healthy stress-
management regimen," says Mindy Green, an herbalist and
aromatherapy expert in Boulder, Colorado. She points out
that many of these herbs (listed in order of likely benefit)
can be ground up and added to foods, such as soups, as
well as taken as supplements.
For accuracy, look for the herbs' Latin names on product
labels.
Rhodiola
Originally investigated by Russian scientists more than
50 years ago, rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is widely regarded
as one of the best adaptogenic herbs. In a recent four-week Swedish study of
60 people, researchers reported that rhodiola supplements reduced burn-out
fatigue and improved general mental performance, particularly concentration.
Other studies confirm rhodiola's stress-reducing effects, and a 2014 study pub-
lished in The Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine noted that the
herb also relieved symptoms of severe depression—working as well as a leading
drug but with few side effects.
Dose: 500–1,000 mg daily.
Eleuthero
Also called Siberian ginseng, eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) appears
to regulate the immune response, boosting immunity while also protecting
against stress-induced inflammation (which can exacerbate aches and pains).
Some research suggests that eleuthero can improve athletic performance, as
well as enhance feelings of well-being and overall quality of life in seniors.
Dose: 200 mg daily.
Ashwagandha
Part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera) can lessen fatigue in people suffering
from chronic stress and serious diseases. The herb helps
people feel rejuvenated and improves cognition.
Dose: 500 mg daily.
Licorice root
This herb (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is de rigueur if you have true
adrenal exhaustion, characterized by chronic fatigue, low blood
pressure, and dizziness when standing. The body needs some
cortisol to buffer occasional or mild stress. Though commonly
misunderstood, adrenal exhaustion means your body has lost
its ability to produce even normal amounts of cortisol; people
with this condition typically down large amounts of caffeine
to make it through the day. Licorice root works by inhibiting
the body's breakdown of cortisol, so normal reserves can be
replenished. Use a nondeglycyrrhizinated (nonDGL) licorice
root tincture before bed. Do not use if pregnant.
Dose: Follow label directions.
Mushrooms
Maitake, shiitake, and reishi, the three most popular adap-
togenic mushrooms, are all nutritionally rich and enjoy a long-
standing reputation in Traditional Chinese Medicine as energy enhancers. All of these
mushrooms have antitumor effects, so they may be particularly beneficial for people
dealing with the stress and fatigue of chronic disease. Eat fresh maitake and shiitake
as you would any mushrooms (they're great in stir-fries), or take any of the three in
supplement form.
Dose: Follow label directions.
Remember: It's a good idea
to talk to your health care
provider before starting a
new supplement.
Adaptogens and Stress
BY BRENDA HARRIS
BRENDA HARRIS, Owner, Apple Crate Natural
Market, Contributing Writer.
http://www.applecratenc.com
COM-
MENTS?
Editor@upandcomingweekly.com.
910.484.6200.
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is widely
regarded as one of the best adaptogenic
herbs.
According to the National Institutes of Health: Experts
estimate that 1 out of 88 children age 8 will have an
ASD(Autism Spectrum Disorder). Males are four times
more likely to have an ASD than females. In 1997, at the
request of Congress, the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
formed its Autism Coordinating Committee (NIH/ACC) to
enhance the quality, pace and coordination of efforts at the
NIH to find a cure for autism (http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-devel-
opmental-disorders/nih-initiatives/nih-autism-coordinat-
ing-committee.shtml).
Known for supporting great causes, the FireAntz are
stepping up to help the Autism Society of Cumberland
County. On Dec. 13, the Fayetteville FireAntz will host
Autism Awareness Night at the Crown. As part of this initia-
tive, the team has adopted honorary team member Caleb
Johnson. Ten-year-old Johnson hails from Cumberland
County and is a big fan of the team. As the FireAntz take the
ice against the Hunstville Havoc, the team will sport special
jerseys that will be auctioned off at the end of the game. A portion of the proceeds
will go to support the Autism Society of Cumberland County. For the Dec. 13 game
only, the team will adjust the lighting and PA system to create an atmosphere that
will accommodate those in attendance that have autism.
Johnson's family has experienced the generosity of the FireAntz on a very per-
sonal level. "Caleb's daddy is friends with Kevin (McNaught), the general manager
for the FireAntz, so we always went to the games and my son really got into the
hockey," said Tammy Walters, Caleb's Mom. "Caleb is not a person who likes to be
in a crowd and he was slowly introduced to the arena and the game. One time we
took him in and he met the players. Another time he went in and touched the ice.
It was a very gradual process. This is the only place where Caleb he doesn't have
problems with crowds. This has also helped him in other ways. It has made it
easier for him to be in a crowd when we go to other places like restaurants."
Walters also noted how compassionate and patient
the players were when they were introduced to Caleb.
"Sometimes Caleb repeats things five or six times when
he is talking. They all took their time and went out of
their way to be nice to my child and answer any ques-
tions we had."
"On behalf of the team, we're extremely excited to
support a cause so dear to our hearts ," Fayetteville
FireAntz General Manager Kevin McNaught said. "It's
important to us to give back and support the members
of the community that have given us so much over the
years. We look forward to the continued growth of this
program for years to come."
The mission of the Autism Society of Cumberland
County is to provide support and promote opportunities
that enhance the lives of individuals within the autism
spectrum and their families. Through programs and
activities, the organization seeks to inform and educate
parents/caregivers and professionals by providing
referral, resource information and opportunities for families. By collaborating
with other organizations in the community the Autism Society of Cumberland
County helps pair families with appropriate services. Support groups, support
parents and parent education programs make things easier for family members
because it gives them a chance to meet other families facing the same struggles as
well as meet professionals in the community.
"No matter how you look at it, having a child with any level of Autism Spectrum
Disorder is a gift," said Walters. "They are an amazing gift from God. They are so
special."
Find out more about the FireAntz at www.fireantzhockey.com.
Learn more about the Autism
Society of Cumberland County at
http://www.autismcc.org.
FireAntz Host Autism Awareness Night
BY STEPHANIE CRIDER
The FireAntz are set to host Autism Awareness
night, complete with commemorative jerseys.
STEPHANIE CRIDER, Editor. COM-
MENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.
com. 910.484.6200.
