The Buzz on Adaptogens: How To De-Stress Without Alcohol
If you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind without reaching for a glass of wine or a bottle of beer, you might have heard of adaptogenic drinks. These are non-alcoholic beverages that contain natural ingredients – notably adaptogens – that can help your body cope with stress, boost your mood, and enhance your energy. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, not exactly.
Adaptogens have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and they have some scientific evidence to back up their benefits. As you look to replace alcohol with healthier alternatives you are likely asking yourself just how adaptogenic drinks compare with the buzz of alcohol – and where does that buzz come from? It will certainly depend on your personal definition of buzz, but let’s explore what adaptogens are, how they work, and what kinds of drinks you can make or buy to enjoy their effects.
What Are Adaptogens
Adaptogens are a group of herbs, plants, and mushrooms that can help your body adapt to different kinds of stress, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional. They do this by interacting with your nervous, hormonal, and immune systems, helping them maintain a state of balance, also known as homeostasis. While adaptogens are herbs, not all herbs are adaptogens. To be considered one that has an adaptogenic effect, the herb (or plant substance) must meet the following criteria:
Be considered nontoxic when consumed at normal doses.
Support the entire body’s ability to cope with stress.
Help the body return - or adapt - back to a stable state (homeostasis).
What Adaptogens are Most Commonly Used in Drinks
Some of the most common adaptogens include:
Ashwagandha: This is a shrub that grows in India and Africa, and it has been shown to lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality.
Rhodiola: This is a flowering plant that grows in cold regions, and it has been shown to improve mental performance, reduce fatigue, and enhance mood.
Ginseng: This is a root that grows in Asia and North America, and it has been shown to boost energy, memory, and immunity.
Lion’s Mane: This is a mushroom that grows on trees, and it has been shown to stimulate nerve growth, improve cognitive function, and protect against neurodegeneration.
Reishi: This is another mushroom that grows on trees, and it has been shown to modulate the immune system, fight inflammation, and inhibit tumor growth.
While these are some of the most common examples of adaptogens you’ll see in drinks, there are many more, such as maca, holy basil, cordyceps, and schisandra. Each adaptogen has its unique properties and benefits, but they all share the common goal of helping your body cope with stress and restore balance.
How Do Adaptogens Work to Create a Buzz
Let’s get into the science … without getting too scientific. Spoiler alert: the exact mechanisms of how adaptogens work are not fully understood, but one of the main theories is that they influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is the system that regulates your stress response. When you encounter a stressful situation, your HPA axis activates and releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare your body for fight or flight. This is useful in the short term, but if you’re constantly exposed to stress, your HPA axis can become overactive or underactive, leading to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, and other health problems.
Alcohol itself is a depressant and over time some people have turned to alcohol to basically depress their systems when they are experiencing high levels of cortisol – aka they’re “stressed out.” The alcohol effects create a feeling that calms down stress and anxiety, in a good way. For some, this dampening effect is what they consider a buzz. Yet, alcohol causes other harms to the body, even in moderate consumption, more and more that we are becoming aware of today.
Adaptogens, on the other hand, can help your HPA axis function optimally by either stimulating or inhibiting its activity, depending on what your body needs. For example, if your cortisol levels are too high, adaptogens can help lower them, and if they are too low, adaptogens can help raise them. This way, adaptogens can help your body maintain a healthy stress response and prevent the negative effects of chronic stress.
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Adaptogens: The Natural Alternative to Booze
If you’re ready to try adaptogens - whether as a wellness play or alcohol alternative - the options are plentiful. Here are some ways to incorporate adaptogens into your daily life:
Incorporate adaptogens into your diet, such as taking capsules, powders, or tinctures.
Make your adaptogenic drinks at home by simply adding a powder or tonic to your own smoothies, lattes, and teas.
Drink them as a ready-made beverage, a simple cocktail replacement. You can find ready-made adaptogenic cocktails and sparkling drinks in some stores or online, such as Kin Euphorics, Recess Mood, or Tranquini.
These are just some of the many adaptogenic drinks that you can try, but feel free to experiment with different combinations and flavors.
Sip Your Way to Bliss with Adaptogenic Drinks
Adaptogenic drinks are a great way to enjoy the benefits of adaptogens without alcohol. They can help you relax, unwind, and cope with stress, while also improving your mood, energy, and cognition. As you embark on your adaptogenic drinking journey, make sure to read the labels and follow the directions, as some adaptogens may have side effects or interactions with certain medications or conditions.
Whether you decide to make your adaptogenic drinks at home with some simple ingredients or buy them as ready-made cocktails or party drinks from reputable brands - either way, you’ll be doing your body and mind a favor by choosing a healthier and more natural alternative to alcohol. Cheers!
