The human body exhibits a unique trait – in our younger years, typically up to the age of 25, it seems like everything runs smoothly on its own. We are brimming with energy, and our bodies effortlessly handle any challenges that come our way. But as the years pass, a pressing question arises: where can we find the strength to tackle new challenges?
Common Missteps in the Pursuit of Productivity
It's perfectly normal to want to boost productivity. However, the challenge lies in selecting the most effective tools for achieving this goal. Most commonly used methods, such as coffee, sugary snacks, or mindless scrolling on social media, tend to drain our bodies even further. Here's why:
- Productivity and personal efficiency revolve around a cycle of work and rest. The better our bodies rest, the more resources they accumulate, and the faster restorative processes occur in various systems, including muscular, neural, and hormonal.
- Conversely, the prevalent tools for productivity enhancement often exploit our body's resources to the maximum. They deplete our bodies and can leave us feeling excessively fatigued, creating a false sense of "I've done all I can."
- Human nature itself encourages the use of such tools. When deadlines loom and stress mounts, we instinctively seek quick fixes rather than the right solutions.
The pursuit of rapid results, combined with the exploitation of our body's resources, leads to several adverse effects. Sleep is disrupted because excessive stimulation prevents our bodies from relaxing properly. We may achieve quick solutions, but in the long term, we experience heightened stress due to a constant energy deficit and sleep deprivation. Our nervous system becomes imbalanced, struggling to find equilibrium.
Providing Resources Rather Than Depleting Them
Attempting to extract the maximum from our bodies often stems from a lack of information and an overload of marketing messages. In reality, most people are familiar with only a limited set of tools, like coffee with something sweet, as quick energy boosters. However, caffeine doesn't provide energy; it merely masks the feeling of fatigue. The surge of energy from caffeine is essentially a blockade of the body's signal indicating a need for rest. Nature, on the other hand, offers a much broader array of tools that nourish our bodies with energy and enable us to manage our internal resources more effectively. Here's a list of these tools.
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is an extract from French maritime pine bark, containing 70% procyanidin. Procyanidin is a potent antioxidant known for its ability to neutralize free radicals, which are responsible for oxidative stress and the associated signs of aging.
Initially, this remedy found its use in the field of cosmetics, primarily because the signs of aging are often visible on the skin. However, when taken internally, it became evident that Pycnogenol is even more effective. This is because it not only stabilizes the nervous system but also promotes the health of blood vessels and the heart.
By reducing oxidative stress, Pycnogenol can address the root causes of major cognitive disorders, such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As a bonus, it aids in normalizing blood pressure.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is one of the most effective adaptogens. It aids in coping with physical and emotional stress and adapting to challenging stress conditions. This is achieved through its complex impact on the brain:
- In our nervous system, nerve cells communicate through axons that transmit electrical signals, much like power lines. To ensure signals are transmitted effectively, each axon is covered by a myelin sheath, which acts as insulation. Thinning of this sheath due to oxidative stress can lead to neurodegenerative diseases. Rhodiola Rosea reduces oxidative stress, acting as a neuroprotector.
- Our brain doesn't have a "gas tank" of its own; it draws all necessary elements directly from the blood. Oxygen, glucose, and precursors are delivered through a network of tiny capillaries that span the entire brain. However, in conditions of stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and sunlight, blood vessels tend to constrict. Rhodiola Rosea has a positive influence on the brain's vascular system, dilating brain blood vessels and promoting normal blood flow.
- Furthermore, Rhodiola Rosea provides comprehensive stress protection, allowing the brain to function productively even in adverse environments.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a gentle stimulator of the nervous system, enhancing both mental and physical performance. This is attributed to its content of dibenzo-cyclo-octadiene lignans and specific polysaccharides. One distinctive feature is its ability to improve night vision. Importantly, Lemon Balm's stimulating effects do not lead to nerve cell exhaustion.
- The stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS) is due to Lemon Balm's neuroprotective effect. In essence, the plant's active compounds more effectively shield neural networks, enabling the brain to allocate more resources for active work rather than external defense.
- The mild stimulating effect of Lemon Balm is also associated with improved communication between the gut microbiome and the brain. Consequently, the brain receives more essential nutrients, leading to enhanced efficiency.
- Lemon Balm's potential is actively harnessed in the treatment of neurological conditions. It is highly regarded for its antioxidant action, apoptosis suppression, anti-inflammatory effects, neurotransmitter regulation, and modulation of pathways associated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Lemon Balm is also an adaptogen. Its effects do not lead to dependence, as they do not rely on direct receptor stimulation. Instead, it provides the necessary resources and is easily eliminated from the body when in excess.
Leuzea
Leuzea stands out for enhancing the influx of protein and glycogen into muscles, promoting healthy muscle mass growth. As a result, individuals experience increased endurance, strength, and improved sexual capabilities.
The increase in endurance and sexual potential occurs by enhancing energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress through the SIRT6/Nrf2 pathway. The impact is comprehensive, affecting both the vascular system and myocardial function.
Furthermore, Leuzea significantly enhances the performance of cell membranes, thereby improving the body's overall energy exchange. This allows the body to utilize its accumulated resources more efficiently.
Maca
Maca, a plant native to the Peruvian Andes, undergoes a comprehensive analysis that demonstrates its effectiveness in normalizing signal transmission in the central nervous system (CNS). It acts as a neuroprotectant, effectively enhancing energy metabolism, leading to increased physical endurance and reduced fatigue.
One distinctive feature of this plant is its systemic improvement of male fertility. Increased endurance and erectile stamina are attributed to valuable nutrients and secondary metabolites: macaridine, macamides, and glucosinolates.
Maca's impact on sexual function is both comprehensive and well-studied. Alongside boosting physical endurance, the plant stimulates spermatogenesis and reduces benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
Eleuthero functions as a regulator of serotonin and adrenaline hormone production. This plant efficiently triggers mechanisms to enhance the body's physical capabilities while promoting increased mental and physical performance. It is valued for its therapeutic effects in alleviating fatigue, symptoms of depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia.
In the Soviet Union, extensive research was conducted on Eleuthero. Notably, out of 46 studies published from 1962 to 1986, information was gathered indicating the effectiveness of Eleuthero in:
- Addressing physical and mental exertion under normal working conditions, elevated temperatures, and at high altitudes.
- Treating or preventing colds and the flu.
- Improving color perception and visual acuity.
- Increasing productivity, enhancing cognitive effects, and boosting blood cell counts.
Eleuthero's key feature is its ability to increase the functional lifespan of organisms. By enhancing stress resistance and neuroprotection, the body retains functionality and mobility for a longer duration.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps has gained significant popularity in recent medical research, especially after being included in the diet of Chinese Olympic champions. The evidence supporting the effectiveness of this fungus can be summarized as follows:
The primary value of cordyceps lies in its wide and diverse range of polysaccharides. In simpler terms, polysaccharides serve as a high-energy fuel source for the body and brain. Cordyceps also actively participates in the body's metabolic recovery processes. This accelerates recovery after physical workouts and periods of mental and emotional stress. Cordyceps is distinct due to its "specific set of biologically active components." This means that its components, despite their value for humans, are rarely found in a regular diet. Their use can enhance the functional capabilities of the body. Due to its unique components and their impact on the body, the longer cordyceps is included in one's diet, the more pronounced its effects become, and the more efficiently the body responds to it.
Chaga
A comprehensive analysis of the Chaga mushroom identifies several effects: improved metabolism, liver cell protection, post-illness recovery, and the elimination of toxins and wastes from the body.
An intriguing study reveals that Chaga is the source of six steroids. These isolated components have both neuroprotective effects and aid the body in its recovery processes, enhancing overall bodily functions.
Chaga is highly effective in protecting and restoring the biomechanisms of intercellular communication, a key element in controlling blood flow in microvessels. This includes the rapid transmission of signals through vascular endothelium in response to local stimuli. As a result, the impact of this fungus is felt throughout the entire body.