I’ll be completely honest- I go in and out of phases of taking care of myself even more than usual. Of course, I am always doing the usual things- drinking proper amounts of water, getting enough sleep, etc. However, when I get into the hyper-vigilante mode of taking care of myself, I put in a lot more effort and thought into it.
For example, one year, I jogged a minimum of five miles every night. The next year, I was extremely interested in yoga. My point is, that while I am open to trying (mostly) everything at least once, the ways in which I take care of myself can change.
I’ll be honest, when it felt like the world was shutting down bit by bit due to COVID, I became a couch potato. It felt like it took all the energy I had just to get through the day. While I know a lot of this has to do with my mental health (which I am working on), a lot of it affected my physical health.
I have never needed to think about what I ate before. Now, if I have popcorn during movie night, I feel and see the added weight. I just want my old body back. However, I know there isn’t an overnight solution. I know myself, and what I can/cannot handle. So, if you’re like me, and you’re trying your best- just know you have someone else rooting for you.
I am not the type of person who falls for every fad diet or “magical” weight loss pill.
As a writer, I actually don’t mind doing research. In fact, I often welcome it. I enjoy the research and learning phases behind any article I write, almost as much as I love writing it. Whenever I hear about something new, my curious nature pushes me to discover more. I like writing about it, and sharing what I learn with my readers (thank you for reading!).
Today, I’ll be discussing an organic herbal supplement I was recently introduced to, Ashwagandha. While it does not have to do with weight loss, it does affect factors that in turn, could possibly have a ripple effect on a person’s weight. So, what is Ashwagandha, exactly? What does it do? Well, let’s find out!
*While I am discussing Ashwagandha, and will provide a link to the one I have personally purchased, always consult a doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
If you haven’t heard of Ashwagandha before, you’re not alone. To be completely honest, I hadn’t heard of it either. After learning more, I wouldn’t be surprised if more people begin to talk about Ashwagandha; I’d start practicing its enunciation if I were you.
What Is Ashwagandha?
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Ashwagandha is an herb of the Indian Ayurvedic system used as a rejuvenator.1 It is commonly referred to as Indian ginseng or winter cherry and is grown in some parts of the East including India, Nepal, and Yemen. “
What Is It Used For?
Health Line lists the following as the 9 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha. However, I would recommend taking everything with a grain of salt until even more long-term studies have been conducted.
- Possibly helps reduce stress and anxiety
- It May benefit athletic performance
- Can reduce symptoms of some mental health conditions
- It may help boost testosterone and increase fertility in men
- May reduce blood sugar levels
- May reduce inflammation
- It may improve brain function, including memory
- It may help improve sleep
- Relatively safe and widely available
This is not to say that these health benefits are true or untrue, of course. I simply haven’t used the product long enough to say whether or not I, personally, see a significant change. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I were to offer information without the facts. And, let’s just say, I seem to notice a lot of “[Ashwagandha] may […].” in the articles I have read. Thus, making it clear that all of these potential benefits are just that. Potential.
Health and Safety Information
While doing my research, the main point that I found to be incredibly important to share, is there have been some reports on Ashwagandha and Kidney Transplant Rejection. According to an article done by The Food Network,
“[…]ashwagandha is possibly safe when used orally for up to three months. Short term side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and upset stomach. Long-term safety and side effects are unknown. Ashwagandha can interact with medications used to treat conditions such as diabetes, low or high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, autoimmune disease and thyroid disorders. In addition, it is likely unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.”
Is Ashwagandha Healthy?
This is why it is critical to speak to your doctor before beginning the use of any and all medications/supplements.
In Summary
To summarize, the effects of long-term use of Ashwagandha have yet to be identified. Although, there have been quite a few success stories of it being an aid in reducing stress, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function and help to achieve more restful sleep.
Whether you are willing to try Ashwagandha is up to you and your doctor. I encourage you to take the time to discuss your options and make an informed decision. There are quite a few things I am willing to take my chance with; my health, YOUR health, isn’t one of them. This is why I want to make it very clear to consult a professional before altering your usual regimen.
If you’ve had any experience with Ashwagandha, please let me know your thoughts/findings! Stay healthy, everyone!
Related:
How Could You Achieve A Long-Term Healthy Lifestyle?
