I found out I had fibroids two years ago at my regular pap check-up. My OB said oh so nonchalantly, "Oh, you have an enlarged uterus. Basically, it makes you look like you're carrying around a bowling ball in your stomach." An enlarged uterus? I asked with trepidation. What exactly does that mean? She told me it meant that I have benign growths on my uterus that cause me to have heavier periods and that 80% of women have fibroids and don't even know it. I have two on my uterus and they can grow bigger or smaller each month, depending on hormones, diet, and activity level. They typically do not cause an issue unless they are debilitating and quite frankly I did not even know I had them until my regular checkup that day. I always thought heavy periods were....normal? My OB says I should have no trouble making healthy babies, and the main drawback to fibroids is super heavy periods where iron supplementation is necessary. Now that I'm aware of them, I do everything I can to take care of myself, eat lots of iron-rich foods, leafy greens, lean proteins, and run and exercise as much as possible. I do everything in my power to have my fibroids not take over my entire life when my period comes and taking adaptogens has helped immensely with that. I'm still learning and researching all about adaptogens and their specific uses for all of women's various issues, but they have made a difference if I pair them with cycle synching.
I was so excited when Amazing Grass via Fit Approach asked me to review their new Elixirs that include farm-fresh greens with adaptogenic herbs. They have a brain, belly, and beauty elixir that all contain amazing ingredients like Moringa, Ashwagandha, Reishi, and Mucuna. Each Elixir has different greens and adaptogens based on the type, but all help manage stress levels.
What are adaptogens?
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Adaptogens are a unique group of herbal ingredients that help the body's reaction to stress and help to improve the health and function of the adrenal system. While they are surely not a cure-all, they can help manage chronic anxiety, regulate hormonal reactions, and help manage stress levels when a stressful situation comes up. Not every adaptogen is made for everybody though, and not everyone will react the same. Some people do not need adaptogens at all, and they are best taken one at a time, rather than overloading your system with various herbs. Adaptogens help to improve the health of your adrenal system, the system that’s in charge of managing your body’s hormonal response to stress.
I have found through trial and error that the best way to start incorporating adaptogens into your daily routine is to start slow and small. You don't need a lot at first and probably will not notice the effects right away. If you do it each day though and find the adaptogen that fits well with your body and hormones than after a few months (yup, you read that right, months) you will start to notice a difference if taken correctly.
The best part about Amazing Grass Elixirs is that you can add whichever one you like best to your daily smoothie's and you'll reap the benefits of greens plus herbs. My favorite one is the beauty elixir because it gives me that added boost of energy on my daily runs and it tastes super yummy in my blueberry smoothies. Plus, it's loaded with Ashwanga which is the adaptogen my body loves most because it helps me manage my stress and anxiety levels. Start slow, and be patient! Adaptogens take time. It may also take some time for your body to figure out which one it adapts to best, so make sure to experiment with adaptogens a bit to help you decide which one is best for you.
If I take Ashwagandha on a daily basis, I notice how much better I feel by the end of the week. I struggle with anxiety and racing thoughts and Ashwagandha helps my body adapt to stress better versus when I don't take any at all. I also like taking Maca from time to time, although I've found it stresses my adrenals too much, so I only take it at certain times of the year in small amounts.
Find what works for you by experimenting and tracking your daily progress to see if you feel a difference. If stress if what you'd like help with then check out Ashwagandha because it has helped me immensely.
There are many different adaptogens out there all serving a different purpose. You can begin your journey now by picking some Elixirs from Amazing Grass using the discount code: SweatPink2017 for 40% all Amazing Grass products!
What to hear more about my personal adaptogen journey? Have you ever experimented with adaptogens? Do you like them? Comment below and tell me your thoughts.
This post was sponsored by Amazing Grass, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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