Let's talk about adaptogens.
I've been getting lots of questions on the topic of adrenal health lately, especially during the recent Thyroid Yoga trainings I led. Before we dive into adaptogenic herbs, let's talk about the relationship between the thyroid and adrenal glands. Nurturing the thyroid without giving the same TLC to the adrenals is one of the mistakes that many of my clients have made.
I can relate and can remember when I felt everything but "good." In fact, it was often a struggle to get out of bed. My legs felt heavy and my brain was a foggy cloud that couldn't remember formulas I needed to pass my biomechanics exams. But somehow, with all the effort in the world, I graduated with honors in biomedical engineering. Sadly, that meant I was constantly pulling all-nighters and fueling with late-night pizza binges.
No wonder my body was fighting me. It took years to find balance for my body, and I did my own research to learn the link between the adrenals and the thyroid. Adaptogens became the icing on the cake.
Adaptogens are a unique group of herbs used to promote the health of your adrenal system, the system that manages your body's hormonal response to stress. They help support the body's response to stress and its ability to naturally cope with occasional anxiety and normal fatigue—slowly and gently, without jolts or crashes. They're called adaptogens because of their unique ability to "adapt" their function according to your body's specific needs.
In tandem with my daily Thyroid Yoga sequences and holistic lifestyle rituals, I've been taking supplements that support my adrenals, which contain Siberian rhodiola, holy basil, schisandra berry, and ashwagandha root extract to support my adrenals and keep me feeling radiant emotionally and physically.
Ashwagandha tonifies the endocrine system, while holy basil supports a peaceful mood. Schisandra berry provides antioxidant support, and rhodiola promotes balanced, sustained energy.
I'm all about taking organic herbs for sustaining a beautiful, healthy lifestyle. Combine that with yoga, meditation, breathwork, and essential oils and you're on your way to your healthiest, most alive you.
Want to know how your adrenals are doing? Take this quiz.
Fern Olivia is a speaker and influencer on the power of integrative medicine, yoga, and holistic lifestyle practices. She graduated Cum Laude from Syracuse University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises. She is also a Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (AADP) from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Fern is the founder and CEO of Thyroid Yoga® and now trains wellness leaders and practitioners, integrating Reiki, Sound Healing and Intuitive Healing into the practice. Today, she works with clients through Personal Retreats in Nosara, Costa Rica and virtual Thyroid Yoga® sessions and mentorships, available globally.
Fern has partnered with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon at The Ash Center for Comprehensive Medicine, Dr. Robin Berzin and Dr. Jeffrey Egler at Parsley Health, among leading health practitioners, expert yoga instructors, and brilliant entrepreneurs. Together with these exceptional doctors and renowned practitioners, she offers Thyroid Yoga® in tandem with integrative medical practices, yoga studios, and wellness centers. Fern is a certified Reiki practitioner and registered yoga teacher.