In terms of herbal supplements, should you give ashwagandha a try?
As a surgeon, I obviously believe in the benefits of Western medicine. As a society we have made huge strides in treating diseases and illnesses, and we have our life expectancies to show for it. That being said, I also believe in the use of herbal supplements and natural remedies to help support overall health.
I think in terms of health it is important for everyone to make their own minds up about what will or won’t work for them. Some people prefer all their healthcare to take place in a doctor’s office or hospital, and some people prefer a more holistic approach.
Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot about an herbal supplement called ashwagandha, so I decided to do a little more research about the potential health benefits of this ancient medicinal herb. Here are six ways ashwagandha can help support your overall health:
Lower blood sugar- Ashwagandha can potentially help diabetics, because it can increase insulin secretion, and make your muscle cells more sensitive to insulin.
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Lower cortisol levels- Ashwagandha can help with stress and anxiety because it reduces the production of the stress hormone cortisol.
Treats anaemia- Anaemia is most often caused by an iron deficiency, and ashwagandha is rich in iron. Regular consumption can help support your anaemia treatment regimen.
Reduce inflammation- Ashwaganda helps increase the activity of your natural immunity cells, and decrease markers of inflammation, like the C-reactive protein (CRP).
Increase testosterone- Studies of ashwagandha and its effects on men show that taking it regularly can increase sperm count, and the production of testosterone.
Improved memory- Ashwagandha promotes antioxidant activity, which protects the nerve cells in the brain from free radicals. This is especially helpful for people suffering from brain injuries or disease.
Long story short, ashwagandha is a difficult word to spell, but a potentially helpful supplement to add to your daily vitamin regimen. The main goal with taking supplements is to improve your overall health incrementally, and make you less susceptible to illnesses and diseases that require invasive treatment.