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Stressed and tired was yesterday - with our Ashwa+

You are often stressed in everyday life and therefore very tired, but at the same time it is difficult for you to calm down and fall asleep early? This can primarily be related to an increased cortisol level, because stress causes it to rise.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is the main hormone involved in stress and the fight-or-flight response, as the naturally-protective response releases new energy and strength that the body needs. Because the sleep and stress responses share the same pathway through what is known as the HPA axis, "dysfunction" - caused by cortisol, for example - can alter or worsen the sleep cycle.

Chronically elevated cortisol levels can have negative effects on health. Apart from the fact that you should basically try to avoid excessive stress and at the same time get enough sleep to stay healthy and productive in the long run, you are not helplessly at the mercy of your inner restlessness and constant fatigue. You can find out more about cortisol in our digression below.

Our Ashwa+ is a combination of high quality anti-stress nutrients that help your body control your stress and energy levels, and Ashwagandha root extract as an adaptogen.

Important: Food supplements are only ever a supplement to a balanced and healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle.

 

Key Facts

• Patented Ashwagandha root extract KSM-66®
• Combined with the nutrients magnesium, vitamin B6 and zinc
• Vegan due to vegetable capsule shell
• 2-months pack (60 daily servings)
• Without undesirable additives

 

From Indian naturopathy - Ashwagandha root extract

Ashwagandha is a small plant native to India and North Africa. The root and its berries are used to make a very popular Ayurvedic remedy that has been used for over 3000 years. Ayurveda is thus one of the oldest traditional "healing arts" and is counted among alternative medicine. Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen.

The patented Ashwagandha root extract KSM-66® used in Ashwa+ contains the full spectrum of plant compounds of the Ashwagandha root and has a very good bioavailability. In addition, KSM-66® is the Ashwagandha root extract that has been most scientifically studied - thus the perfect base for our Ashwa+.

 

Sensible nutrient combination of magnesium, vitamin B6 and zinc

In addition to ashwagandha root extract, Ashwa+ contains magnesium, vitamin B6 and zinc. In combination, they act as a support, as magnesium and vitamin B6 support normal mental function and the normal function of the nervous system, while zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and to normal cognitive function.

With a dosage of 60 mg magnesium, 2 mg zinc and 0.21 mg vitamin B6 per daily ration of two capsules, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) confirms the positive effects on the human organism.

If you often feel sluggish and tired due to disturbed sleep cycles, magnesium and vitamin B6 help to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Zinc has also been shown to support the maintenance of normal bones, skin, hair and nails. Ashwa+ contains true all-round talents in a relevant dosage based on scientific findings.

 

Performance and relaxation at the same time

It is normal to experience stress from time to time and to have an increased cortisol level. However, if you continue to experience stress over a longer period of time and do not feel any improvement, you should definitely consult a doctor so as not to harm your health.

You should also always make sure you have a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Even the best supplements cannot replace this.

 

 

Excursus: Cortisol levels - What do you need to know?

What is cortisol and how does it affect the body?

Cortisol - also known as hydrocortisone - is an endogenous hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. Along with adrenaline, it is the best-known stress hormone and is important for various metabolic processes in the body. Cortisol is involved in many important bodily functions and is even vital for us.

For example, the hormone regulates protein and fat metabolism and our carbohydrate balance. In addition, cortisol increases blood sugar levels and supplies the body with energy from the body's own energy stores. In addition, the hormone has an anti-inflammatory effect and influences our blood pressure.

As a stress hormone, cortisol is increasingly released in stressful situations to make us more efficient. Together with cortisol, the messenger substances adrenaline and noradrenaline are also released. As a result, both the pulse and the breathing rate increase and glucose is provided as an energy source. These reactions are important in extreme situations in order to escape danger - the release of cortisol makes the body "ready to fight", so to speak.

If the stress or strain is not acute, but becomes a permanent condition due to chronic stress, then the cortisol level is permanently elevated. This can become problematic and lead to physical and psychological complaints.

 

What are the causes of an elevated cortisol level?

An elevated cortisol level can have various causes, including stress, hypoglycemia or pregnancy. In addition, hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex, for example due to a tumor on the adrenal cortex, can also lead to a high cortisol concentration in the blood.

However, in addition to these physical causes, personal lifestyle can also lead to elevated cortisol levels. Possible causes include:

• Chronic stress (this includes both physical stress, e.g., from excessive exercise, and psychological stress, e.g., from grief, deadline pressure, heavy workload, etc.)
• Lack of sleep
• Too little relaxation
• Unhealthy diet
• Too much alcohol and caffeine
• Severe overweight
• Depression

 

What happens when cortisol levels are persistently too high?

If your cortisol level is permanently too high, it can have far-reaching consequences for your health in the worst case scenario. These symptoms can - but don't have to - occur as a result of elevated cortisol levels:

• Obesity
• Muscle loss
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Difficulty concentrating
• Reduction in performance
• Delayed wound healing
• Weakened immune system
• Sleep disturbances

Since the symptoms of increased cortisol levels are generally rather unspecific, other causes may also be possible. Therefore, it is worthwhile to have corresponding symptoms clarified by a doctor and to check there whether increased cortisol levels are actually the reason for the complaints.

 

Lowering cortisol levels: These tips can help

How you can lower cortisol depends on the cause of the increased secretion. If the elevated cortisol level is due to a stressful lifestyle, then you have several options for lowering cortisol levels yourself. This essentially works by avoiding the factors that are at fault for the excess cortisol. We have compiled tips for you that can help lower your cortisol levels naturally:

 

1. Get plenty of exercise

With regular exercise and sports, you'll lower your cortisol by regulating blood sugar levels and preventing high blood pressure and obesity - both possible causes of permanently elevated cortisol levels. But be careful, you should always ensure sufficient regeneration. Because even though exercise is healthy and can reduce stress, overly intense sessions can have exactly the opposite effect. Overtraining causes cortisol levels to skyrocket instead of decreasing them. This means it's best not to work out every day and to replace a harder workout with a casual jog or bike ride. Regular yoga sessions can also be helpful in minimizing stress and helping the body recover.

 

2. Conscious relaxation

Take stress signals seriously instead of ignoring them and consciously create time for relaxation. After all, a stressful daily routine can increase cortisol levels. Think about what is relaxing for you personally and integrate these activities into your daily routine. This can be a good book, listening to music, a walk, an appointment with a massage or simply time with family and friends.

 

3. Low alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine not only raise your blood pressure, but they also drive up your cortisol levels. Therefore, especially during stressful periods of your life, it can be a good idea to cut back on caffeine and alcohol to lower the stress hormone cortisol.

 

4. Healthy diet

Lowering cortisol also works through diet. This is because not only alcohol and caffeine, but also refined sugar and trans fatty acids cause cortisol levels to rise rapidly. While sweets raise blood sugar levels, trans fats raise cholesterol levels - both of which stimulate the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol. You can avoid this by eating a balanced diet, avoiding sugar, and opting for whole grains instead of white flour products. These keep your blood sugar levels stable, which results in a lower release of cortisol. You can also replace refined sugar with sugar alternatives.

 

5. Take regular screen breaks

In the age of smartphones and tablets, most people are constantly available - and therefore more stressed. If you consciously spend less time in front of the screen and simply put the smartphone away, this will also have a positive effect on your stress level. This can help reduce the cortisol in your blood. By the way, too much artificial light can also lead to the body not being able to switch off properly and constantly release stress hormones.

 

6. Consciously reduce stress

In addition to relaxation exercises, there are other specific exercises that can help lower stress levels. One example is the so-called "power posing". For this, you assume a position that radiates self-confidence and confidence - for example, you stand with your legs wide apart and put your hands on your hips. A Columbia and Harvard University study has shown that these poses can reduce the release of the stress hormone, helping to lower cortisol levels.

 

7. Sufficient and restful sleep

Excess cortisol can prevent restful sleep. This is because the stress hormone keeps us awake and gives us energy - making it the antagonist of the sleep hormone melatonin, which makes you tired and allows the body to rest. The problem: lack of sleep, sleep disorders and poor sleep quality prevent cortisol from being broken down at night and, at worst, can stimulate the release of the stress hormone even further. This is why it is so important to ensure restful sleep when cortisol levels are elevated.

One way to do this is to supplement melatonin. In order for you to calm down in the evening and find sleep, the hormones melatonin and cortisol should always be in balance. This is because cortisol levels should reach their lowest point by midnight. As melatonin levels rise, cortisol levels fall - provided you're not permanently stressed. One spray of our Melatonin Spray contains 1 milligram of melatonin and can help you get to sleep faster. To help you feel less tired when you wake up, the spray also contains vitamin B6.

In addition to melatonin intake, the right conditions in your bedroom can also help you sleep better. Make sure that the room temperature in your bedroom is not too high and that the room is sufficiently darkened. Also, it can help to put your smartphone or tablet out of your hand one hour before bedtime and switch it to flight mode.

 

 

FAQ Ashwa+

How long does it take before I notice the effects of Ashwa+?

The onset of effect varies from person to person. As a rule, it is usually 6-8 weeks.

 

Is there a difference in the effects of Ashwa+ in men and women?

We are not aware of any study that examined gender differences between men and women, and the previously mentioned studies included groups of men and women together. Although gender differences are possible, both men and women appear to experience significant benefits from ashwagandha.

 

Is Ashwa+ vegan?

Yes! Due to our vegetable capsule shell, we are able to offer Ashwa+ vegan.

 

What is the difference to Testo Support?

Testo Support focuses mainly on hormone balance and can have positive effects on well-being, health and performance, with a positive side effect on stress levels. Ashwa+, on the other hand, is mainly used for stress reduction, cortisol reduction and relaxation, whereby the positive effect on testosterone is only a side effect.

 

Best time to take Ashwa+?

It is best to take it in the evening or after training. This can achieve better results, as Ashwaganda can help with relaxation.

 

Can I combine the Ashwa+ with the Athlete Stack?

This is not a problem and many of our athletes do this. The dosages do not lead to overdosing or negative interactions.

 

There are warnings in the media about Ashwagadnha. Why do you still offer Ashwa+?

We know the BfR's warning and are aware of it. However, the BfR's warning is unclear and not really differentiated.

We use ashwagandha of the highest quality with GRAS status and explicit safety data. A patented form of ashwaghanda is used in the product - KSM-66.

KSM-66 from the company Ixoreal Biomed is GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) based on a critical evaluation and an independent committee of experts. KSM-66 can and may be used as a food ingredient.

For this reason, we only use KSM-66.