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Adaptogens are plants that help our bodies respond better to stress, including mental, emotional, environmental or physiological stressors. Adaptogens have a normalizing effect, helping our bodies come back to a state of homeostasis or balance. These plants have the ability to 'adapt' and thrive under undesirable environmental conditions and therefore help us to re-establish our sleep cycle, support our immune system and calm our adrenal response. Some examples of adaptogens include Chaga mushroom, eleuthero, ashwagandha, Shatavari, schizandra, Rhodiola, reishi mushroom, tulsi, licorice root and ginseng. Adaptogens can also include foods like goji berries and spices like turmeric.
Adaptogens that support fatigue are more stimulating and increase energy while others are calming and support sleep. For example, ginseng and Rhodiola improve fatigue by supporting the immune system and improving mood and energy while reishi and ashwagandha support calming the adrenal response. Consult your practitioner to identify the best adaptogens for you and use them in this collection of recipes to support a more balanced and peaceful state of mind.
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Hey! My name is Leah Loyd and I am a Licensed and Registered Dietitian. I graduated from North Dakota State University and completed the Dietetic Internship from the University of Oklahoma. I have worked several years in an inpatient setting practicing Medical Nutrition Therapy, helping teach dietary modifications to patients following illness or with newly diagnosed disease processes. However, I love being involved in lifestyle management and having an active role in changing lives prior to the disease. This sparked my change to an outpatient setting and got me started at RX Health & Wellness. Since, I have completed the Certificate of Training in Obesity in Pediatrics and Adults. I am passionate about all things food, and I am an active member of the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Women’s Health Dietetics Practice Group.
