NutraChamps Blog

Tag: rhodiola

  • Struggling to Focus? These Supplements Help!

    Struggling to Focus? These Supplements Help!

    Are you struggling to stay focused throughout the day? Do you feel like you can’t concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes? Fear not, my friends, for I have the solution to all your focus woes! In this article, we will be discussing the best supplements for focus that will help you stay on task and achieve your goals with ease. So, grab a pen and paper, take some notes, and get ready to focus like never before!

    Caffeine

    Let’s start with a classic. Caffeine is one of the most popular and widely used supplements for focus, and for good reason. It is a natural stimulant that can improve mental alertness, concentration, and focus. Caffeine works by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine, which is responsible for making us feel tired and sleepy.

    However, it’s important to keep in mind that while caffeine can be a great tool for boosting focus and productivity, it should be consumed in moderation. Too much caffeine can lead to jitters, anxiety, and insomnia, which can actually harm your ability to focus. Stick to a moderate amount of caffeine, around 200-300mg per day, and you should be good to go!

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in brain function and development. They are commonly found in fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, as well as in nuts and seeds. Omega-3s can improve cognitive function, memory, and focus, making them an excellent supplement for those looking to boost their mental performance.

    A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that omega-3 supplementation significantly improved attention and focus in individuals with ADHD. Additionally, another study found that omega-3s helped improve working memory and processing speed in young adults.

    Rhodiola Rosea

    Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries to improve mental and physical performance. It works by increasing the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that play a key role in focus, motivation, and attention.

    A study published in Phytomedicine found that Rhodiola Rosea improved mental performance in subjects who were experiencing stress-induced fatigue. Additionally, another study found that it helped reduce mental fatigue and improved cognitive function in night shift workers.

    Bacopa Monnieri

    Bacopa Monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to improve cognitive function and memory. It works by increasing blood flow to the brain and enhancing communication between neurons.

    A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Bacopa Monnieri significantly improved cognitive function and information processing speed in elderly individuals. Additionally, another study found that it helped improve memory and attention in healthy adults.

    In conclusion, there are a variety of supplements that can help improve focus and concentration. From caffeine to omega-3s, Rhodiola Rosea, and Bacopa Monnieri, each supplement offers unique benefits that can enhance cognitive function and mental performance. However, it’s important to remember that supplements are not a magic solution and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene. 

    Sources:

    1. Einöther, S. J., & Giesbrecht, T. (2013). Caffeine as an attention enhancer: reviewing existing assumptions. Psychopharmacology, 225(2), 251-274.

  • Rhodiola: The Natural Remedy for Anxiety and Depression

    Rhodiola: The Natural Remedy for Anxiety and Depression

    Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or just generally stressed out? Well, have no fear, because Rhodiola is here! That’s right, Rhodiola – the herb that’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine – can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety.

    First, let’s talk about what Rhodiola is. It’s a plant that grows in cold regions of the world, such as the Arctic and mountainous areas of Europe and Asia. Its root has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, particularly in Russia and Scandinavia, to treat a variety of ailments, including depression, fatigue, and anxiety.

    Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of how Rhodiola can benefit your mental health. One of the key ways it does this is by reducing the amount of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is a hormone that’s released when you’re stressed, and it can cause a lot of damage to your body if it’s chronically elevated. Rhodiola can help reduce cortisol levels, which in turn can help alleviate anxiety and improve mood.

    But that’s not all – Rhodiola has also been shown to boost the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These are two important neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating mood, among other things. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, Rhodiola can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

    Another way that Rhodiola can benefit your mental health is by reducing inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Rhodiola has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

    So, how can you get your hands on some Rhodiola? Well, lucky for you, NutraChamps has a Rhodiola supplement that’s perfect for anyone looking to improve their mood and reduce anxiety. Their Rhodiola supplement is made with high-quality, pure Rhodiola root extract, and is free from any artificial fillers or additives. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and non-GMO, so you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body.

    In conclusion, if you’re looking for a natural way to improve your mood and reduce anxiety, Rhodiola might just be the herb for you. With its ability to reduce cortisol levels, boost neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and reduce inflammation, Rhodiola can help improve your overall mental health and wellbeing. So why not give it a try and see how it can benefit you?

    Sources:

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6208354/
    2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7048584/
    3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6212985/
    4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6212967/
  • Say Goodbye to Stress and Fatigue with Rhodiola

    Say Goodbye to Stress and Fatigue with Rhodiola

    Are you feeling stressed, tired, and just plain “meh”? Well, my friend, it sounds like you could use a little boost from Mother Nature herself. And no, I’m not talking about a double espresso (although, let’s be real, coffee is always a good idea). I’m talking about the little known, but oh-so-powerful adaptogen, Rhodiola.

    Rhodiola, also known as “golden root,” is a plant that grows in the cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. It’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help with everything from fatigue to depression. But it’s not just some old wives’ tale – science has backed up the benefits of this little root.

    Let’s start with the big one: stress. We all have it, we all hate it, and it seems like there’s never enough time in the day to deal with it. But Rhodiola may be able to help. Studies have shown that taking Rhodiola can decrease the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body (1). And when cortisol levels are lower, we feel less stressed. It’s like a little “screw you” to stress.

    But Rhodiola isn’t just good for stress – it’s also great for energy. It’s been found to improve physical and mental performance, as well as reduce fatigue (2). So, next time you’re thinking about reaching for that third cup of coffee, maybe give Rhodiola a try first.

    Let’s not forget about our mood, Rhodiola has been found to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety (3). So, if you’re feeling a little down in the dumps, Rhodiola might just be the pick-me-up you need.

    So, how do you get your hands on this little gold mine? Well, you can definitely find Rhodiola supplements on the market, but we here at NutraChamps have a Rhodiola supplement that comes in capsule form, making it easy to take on the go. Plus, it’s made with 100% pure Rhodiola extract, so you know you’re getting the good stuff.

    In conclusion, Rhodiola may just be the little adaptogen that could. It can help with stress, energy, and mood, and it’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine. So, next time you’re feeling a little “meh,” give Rhodiola a try and see if it can give you the boost you need. And remember, NutraChamps has got you covered with our easy-to-take capsule form supplement.

    References:

    1. Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress—protective activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 3(1), 188–224.
    2. Darbinyan, V., Aslanyan, G., Amroyan, E., Gabrielyan, E., Malmström, C., & Panossian, A. (2007). Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 61(5), 343–348.
    3. Hung, S. K., Perry, R., Ernst, E., & Spritzler, J. (2011). The effectiveness and efficacy of Rhodiola rosea L.: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 18(4), 235–244.
     
     
     
  • Deep Dive: What is Rhodiola?

    Deep Dive: What is Rhodiola?

    Have you been feeling low-energy? Join the club!

    I’ve got just the herb for you. It’s called Rhodiola, but also goes by arctic root, golden root, king’s crown, and rose root.

    If you are looking for a natural supplement that will give you energy without the jitters, keep reading to find out more about this magical herb.

    What is it?

    This Ayuvedic herb is all the rage lately. It’s roots trace back to Russia, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe. 

    It’s historically been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years, and grows in cold regions and at high altitudes in Europe and Asia.

    Rhodiola Rosea blossom in spring
    Source: https://clutchcognition.com/awesome-biohacks-rhodiola-rosea/

    It’s traditionally used to attempt to increase endurance, work performance, and for those who cannot tolerate high altitudes (or with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and nausea).

    Today, many people use Rhodiola to increase their energy, stamina, boost strength gains or athletic performance, better handle the effects of stress, and to manage mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Sounds like a super drug, doesn’t it?!

    How it works

    You will want to look for a product that contains both 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside, which is fairly typical in many supplements. Rhodiola Rosea roots contain more than 140 active incredients, the two most potent of which are mentioned above (rosavins and salidroside). 

    Let’s take a deeper dive and see if it’s right for you.

    Who would benefit from Rhodiola?

    This is a bit tough to answer because I’m not a medical professional. If you find yourself in this category, you should still do your due-diligence and speak to someone who can offer more insight.

    • Those looking to improve brain function (think of it as a biohack!) – some say it can ease mental fatigue, but I have yet to see enough studies out on this, specifically.
    • Those who want to increase their exercise performance (not necessarily muscle strength or power, in terms of gains, rather endurance!
    • Animal research suggests rhodiola may help improve diabetes control, but there aren’t enough human studies for me to recommend it to everyone for lowering human blood sugar levels – It could also interfere with diabetic or thyroid medication, so check with your doctor first!

    Avoid Rhodiola if: you are on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), benzodiazepines, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). You may also want to avoid Rhodiola if you are pregnant. Check with a doctor to see if you can add this to your routine.

    How to incorporate it into your life

    NC rhodiola bottleThere isn’t anything quite like this in the food we consume, and eating it from the plant is not as tasty as one might think, so a supplement is your best bet. NutraChamps has a great option in their Rhodiola Rosea capsules. Two capsules a day, consumed at breakfast or lunch, provides 600 mg of Rhodiola Rosea Extract! If that feels like too much, take 1 capsule and see how you feel on 300 mg of Rhodiola.

    Even though we don’t eat foods high in Rhodiola, doesn’t mean we can’t add it in ourselves! Feel free to open up the capsule or use a powdered or tincture form in your yogurt, smoothies, coffee, matcha, chia pudding, tea, or in adaptogenic energy balls! There are also some tasty options here!

    If you are taking Rhodiola before your workouts for extra stamina and energy, take 200-300 mg an hour or two before exercise. Depending on your body, you may or may not need to take it with food, as it could upset your stomach if you have not consumed anything.

    Conclusion

    With all the good, there may also come some side effects for some users. Don’t be alarmed, most of the time this happens due to a contraindication with other medication or it simply means you’ve taken a dose that is too high for your body.

    Rhodiola plant and bark
    Source: veeva.ca

    Some of these side effects include headache, stomach upset, drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. If you have trouble sleeping, it’s likely because you’ve taken it too close to bedtime. I treat Rhodiola the same way I treat coffee. I try not to consume either after 2pm so that I can fall asleep without any insomnia. 

    Just like any other adaptogenic herb, it could take weeks to notice the changes in your body, so be patient! And like I always advocate, please see a doctor or naturopath if you are looking to start supplementing with Rhodiola Rosea. It may not be right for you, and it’s better that you ask a medical professional before adding it to your regimen, just in case.

    Have you used Rhodiola before? Many of our customers say they’ve tried it and have been using it every day, while others say they take a break every once in a while to make sure their body gets back to baseline. Let me know how you have incorporated Rhodiola into your routine!

    Resources:

    • https://examine.com/supplements/rhodiola-rosea/
    • https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/rhodiola
    • https://mhanational.org/rhodiola-rosea
    • https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/rhodiola-rosea-benefits-side-effects-of-this-adaptogen