If you feel like stress and anxiety is becoming more difficult to manage, you’re not alone. We’ve been pummeled with stressors over the last few years. We’re long overdue for a dose of calm. Allow me to introduce you to the calming regimen that lowered my inflammation markers and that I actually enjoy consuming — mood boosting adaptogens.

Adaptogens enhance our immune system by increasing T-cell activity. They protect our liver, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and improve digestion. For these reasons, I depend on the mood boosting adaptogens every single day.

When we’re stressed, adrenaline pumps into our bloodstream. Our hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis triggers production of the stress hormone, cortisol. Too much cortisol causes a slew of health problems including adrenal issues. Introducing adaptogens helps regulate cortisol spikes, encouraging our adrenal glands to rest.

MOOD BOOSTING ADAPTOGENS

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, we all know the drill. We should drink more water, eat more veggies, sweat every day and meditate. Each of these helps manage stress. But, I’ve found these three adaptogens are the wellness secret sauce.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha soothes stress and anxiety. It’s an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Reishi

Reishi boosts your mood. It balances your immune system and regulates blood glucose levels.

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane enhances focus. It contains bioactive substances beneficial to the brain, heart and gut.

The most enjoyable way to consume these mood boosting adaptogens is through Clevr SuperLattes. I attribute my lower inflammation markers to their Chai, Matcha and Golden Turmeric blends. And I recently added their new Sleeptime SuperLatte to my evening routine. All of Clevr’s blends include oat milk, coconut cream, adaptogens and probiotics. They’re gluten-free, absent of refined sugars and dairy, sustainably sourced and delicious. They taste like your coffee shop favorites, but upgraded with healthy goodness. And they’re über-easy to make, just add water.

CLEVR SUPERLATTES

“Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow.”

—Doug Firebaugh

Another adaptogenic brand I love is Moon Juice. My favorite Moon Juice product is SuperYou Stress Management. It contains a blend of four adaptogens that help alleviate emotional, mental, physical and hormonal stressors. Ashwagandha reduces irritability. Rhodiola reduces fatigue. Shatavari promotes hormonal balance. And Amla helps protect skin from oxidative stress. With more than 2,100 five-star reviews, it’s a crowd pleaser.

It’s important to keep in mind that as soothing and mood boosting as adaptogens are, they aren’t stand-alone solutions. Our wellness depends on drinking water, eating veggies and breaking a sweat. If we can take a dip in an Epsom salt bath a few times per week, even better. Adding the mood boosting adaptogens to your routine is the anti-inflammatory cherry on top. —xo

You might also like The Pandemic Habits I Plan to Keep.

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