Ashwagandha Popularity: Scientists Speak On The Truth Behind Its Benefits.
One recent health trend that has gained momentum on social platforms is ashwagandha, with users claiming significant stress relief, improved confidence, and increased libido.
It’s undeniable that stress can have a profound impact on a person’s overall health. The State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report highlights that about 44% of workers worldwide report experiencing a significant amount of stress (Source: Medical News Today).
Research has consistently shown that ongoing stress can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Moreover, stress can negatively affect the immune system, impact metabolic health, and disrupt sleep quality.
Given these potential health consequences, it’s no surprise that people are actively seeking ways to alleviate stress.
One method that’s gaining popularity on social media is the use of ashwagandha supplements. Referred to as “glizzy pills,” influencers using the hashtag #ashwagandha are sharing their experiences, including claims of boosted testosterone, increased libido, enhanced cognitive function, and an overall improvement in emotional well-being.
Some even assert that ashwagandha has empowered them to handle challenging life events, like break-ups or removing toxic people from their lives, with greater ease.
But are these social media claims grounded in scientific reality, or are they more hype than fact? According to Dr. David C.
Leopold, the network medical director of Integrative Health & Medicine at Hackensack Meridian Health and Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and an assistant professor of medicine at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, ashwagandha contains substances called withanolides, which are believed to be responsible for its effects.
Dr. Leopold explains that ashwagandha has the potential to reduce cortisol levels, which are a primary driver of our stress response.
By lowering cortisol levels, ashwagandha may assist the body in returning to a state of relaxation. This effect includes an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity, responsible for functions like rest, digestion, healing, and caregiving, while simultaneously reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, which governs the fight-or-flight response.
Furthermore, ashwagandha is currently under research for its potential role in Alzheimer’s disease therapy.
While these social media claims are intriguing and backed by some scientific insights, it’s essential to approach them with a critical eye.
The benefits of ashwagandha may vary from person to person, and its effects might not be as universally transformative as some online posts suggest.
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