Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just trying to improve your health, taking ashwagandha could be an effective choice for you. This adapt genic herb has been used in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years, and recent studies have found that it can help with a wide range of conditions and promote numerous benefits, including those related to weight loss. Here are the most important things you need to know about ashwagandha and weight loss today!
What are the benefits of Ashwagandha?
A well-known benefit is that it can help improve health, weight loss, and overall wellness. When taking ashwagandha in capsule form, you might notice improvements such as increased strength and stamina or better joint health.
In addition to these general benefits, ashwaganda can also help with mental health issues such as anxiety and insomnia. If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms or simply want to improve your overall wellness, taking ashwaganda can be a great option!
The Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a very powerful herb. Not only can it be used to treat arthritis, osteoporosis, insomnia and depression; it can also help with weight loss. It does so by supporting thyroid health and reducing stress levels.
These two factors affect our metabolism and overall energy level, which means if you’re experiencing thyroid issues or too much stress, you might have a difficult time losing weight no matter how hard you try.
But when ashwagandha supplements are taken daily, they can help improve your thyroid function and reduce your stress levels. This will give you more energy to work out and make healthier food choices throughout your day. The result? You lose weight!
What is ashwagandha?
Also known as Withania somniferum, ashwagandha is a shrub with fleshy leaves and inconspicuous white flowers. It’s native to India and grows in dry scrublands throughout the country. Often used in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is touted for its natural health benefits, including reducing stress and building immunity.
For weight loss purposes, however, there’s one major claim that many supplement makers are pushing: It improves metabolism. While it does have metabolic-boosting properties, there’s more to it than just that—including how exactly it works for weight loss…
Research on Ashwagandha’s Effectiveness for Weight Loss
There is evidence that suggests ashwagandha may help with weight loss and could be useful as a complementary therapy. The herb may also reduce stress, enhance energy levels, boost immunity, improve sleep and promote fertility.
In addition to these potential benefits, there are no known side effects associated with taking ashwagandha. However, it should not be used by pregnant or lactating women or children under age 12 without first consulting a doctor. Individuals who take blood-thinning medications should also avoid using it.
What are the side effects of ashwagandha?
Research shows that ashwagandha is an effective, safe way to boost your overall health and wellbeing. A 2016 study in Phytotherapy Research found that ashwagandha root extract was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing anxiety and improving quality of life in a group of adults with anxiety disorder.
However, it may also interact with certain drugs, so be sure to talk to your doctor before taking it if you take other medications. Also, always read product labels carefully—some preparations may include small amounts of caffeine or other stimulants as added ingredients.
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Does Ashwagandha have any interactions with medications?
You may have heard that ashwagandha works in weeks. While it does take some time to see results, you should start to feel more relaxed and energetic after about a month of regular use. But remember: There’s no magic pill or instant cure-all that can solve your weight issues.
Combining your use of ashwagandha with a healthy diet and regular exercise will help you get to your goal faster than taking it alone, but you should still be prepared to put in some work to make it happen. The better shape you’re already in before beginning a supplement routine like this, the easier it will be!
Can I take Ashwagandha with my other supplements?
Ashwagandha can be taken with other supplements and medications. If you are taking another medication, it is best to speak with your doctor about possible drug interactions. You should also consult a health care professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as there is not enough scientific evidence available at present.
If you are thinking of combining ashwaganda with another herbal supplement, speak to your health care provider as some herbs can interfere with each other’s effects. We recommend that you first find out what interactions could occur by speaking to a healthcare professional before using supplements together or in conjunction with any prescription drugs.
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Can we use Ashwagandha daily?
Since many supplements are not regulated by FDA, we recommend consulting with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. And although ashwagandha isn’t intended to treat any specific condition, it can be taken daily as a dietary supplement.
It is non-addictive and doesn’t cause side effects, so there is no danger in using it on a regular basis. However, you should be aware that some supplements—including ashwaganda—can interfere with other medications you may be taking, so it’s important to consult with your doctor before beginning any new regimen.
Does Ashwagandha make you gain weight?
The question of whether ashwagandha causes weight gain or weight loss is a tricky one. Some studies do show that it has no effect on weight, while others show that it does.
While there are conflicting results, one thing is clear: There are no risks to taking it. Regardless of how your body responds, it can’t cause damage or harm your health in any way—aside from potential side effects caused by other herbs and supplements you may take alongside it.
If you want to give ashwagandha a try as part of your plan to lose weight, go ahead! It just might work for you. If not, at least you know it won’t hurt.
Does ashwagandha cause hair loss?
Don’t let it scare you! It is true that ashwagandha contains steroidal compounds that, similar to how a high dose of prednisone causes hair loss, can lead to androgenic alopecia. But there are two major differences.
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The first is that ashwagandha causes minor hair loss only when taken at very high doses – around 2 grams daily over an extended period of time. That is equivalent to taking around 100 capsules in one day.
The second difference is that while prednisone will cause permanent hair loss, ashwa-gandha has been shown in studies to reverse balding after as little as three months of treatment. So don’t worry about your hair falling out if you take ashwa-gandha! In fact, it might just grow back again.
What is the best time of day to take ashwagandha?
Taking ashwagandha before bed will give it time to settle into your system while you sleep. Consider taking it a half hour before bed and then again in the morning, because it’s always better to spread out doses to keep steady levels of a supplement in your body.
Most research suggests ashwaganda is safe and effective when taken every day without interruption. However, you should consult with your doctor before taking any herb or supplement on a daily basis just to be sure there are no interactions or adverse reactions with other medications you may be taking.
How long does ashwagandha take to start working?
Some people feel relief from symptoms of anxiety within hours of taking ashwagandha, but full benefits may take weeks to show. If you begin to notice benefits after a week or two, don’t stop taking it! Stick with it so you can reap all of its many rewards.
Consult your doctor if you feel your ashwagandha is not working and he or she may be able to recommend other options.
Is ashwagandha safe?
Many people use ashwagandha as an alternative treatment option because they want to avoid prescription medications that might have negative side effects. In fact, there are several possible drug interactions associated with using drugs such as blood thinners and blood pressure medications when using ashwagandha.
If you are on any type of medication, speak with your doctor before beginning treatment with ashwagandhaa. It is also important to consult your physician before starting any new supplements in addition to prescribed medications. Always speak with a licensed healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle routine.
Conclusion
There are many ways to lose weight, and adding ashwa-gandha to your routine can be a helpful method to consider. As always, it’s recommended that you talk with your doctor before making any dietary changes.
However, when combined with an exercise regimen and healthy diet, you might see an increase in energy levels and motivation—all of which will help make weight loss more successful. Taking ashwagandha can also improve immune function, reduce cortisol levels (which will improve sleep), balance blood sugar levels (which makes losing weight easier), and boost memory and cognition.
