Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Do you know which nutrients your body needs before and after you exercise? It can depend on the person. Learn about some important nutrients for energy production and muscle recovery from Amanda Williams, MPH.
A healthy thyroid gland is essential for your overall wellness, especially for energy levels and healthy weight. Turn to nutrients that can help keep this gland functioning properly.
sexual dysfunction
InViteⓇ Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH
Subscribe Today!
There are so many prescribed medications that can create unwelcomed side effects, including sexual dysfunction. This can include erectile dysfunction in men, low libido and more. I want to talk about a really unique nutrient that has been shown to be quite beneficial when it comes to enhancing overall libido, along with many other very positive benefits.†
Maca root extract is very unique. This is a Peruvian plant extract that grows really high in terms of altitude. This is similar to the adaptogenic herb rhodiola, which also grows in very harsh conditions.†
When it comes to the science of how maca root and its constituents are actually working, it’s really quite broad. We’re not just talking about sexual wellbeing. We’re also targeting inflammation, gastrointestinal health, brain health and more. We can also look at maca almost as a superfood. The maca plant itself is very rich in fiber, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. It’s a very powerful antioxidant.†
One of the more common ways in which maca has been studied scientifically was solely in the setting of sexual dysfunction. When you think about erectile dysfunction in men and low libido, we know that maca has been shown time and time again to really help to enhance the libido. It does this by helping to support better levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone.†
CHEMICALS THAT HARM YOUR HORMONES & HEALTH – INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 140. Listen Now>>
Researchers have found that the maca is working through three different mechanisms. One is through the HPA Axis and the regulation of the adrenal glands. Like rhodiola, maca has this adaptogenic property to it. Then, we look at the optimization of brain neurotransmitters. We know that it’s working to help support healthy serotonin release and GABA.†
Maca has long been known for its positive benefits on sexual function in men, but researchers are only beginning to understand how it also functions in women.†
There was a study that was done in post-menopausal women where they were giving the women roughly 600 mg of maca every day. The researchers then assessed them over time to see if there was any improvement in terms of the sexual dysfunction that they were experiencing. In just six weeks, the women who were given the maca extract saw more than a 30% increase in rating scales for factors such as anxiety, depression and dysfunction. That’s a really positive thing because many women complain about lacking sex drive and feeling depressed.†
In this episode, Amanda Williams, MPH discusses sexual dysfunction in both men and women. She focuses on the nutrient maca and its ability to help promote healthy sexual functions, as well as other aspects of the body.†
Key Topics:
Thank you for tuning in to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at InViteⓇ Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the InViteⓇ Health Podcast.
Did you know that some foods are better for your energy levels than others? Turn to highly nutritious foods and supplements for longer lasting and higher quality levels of energy.
Rhodiola rosea, also known as Viking Ginseng, offers support for stress, mental and physical fatigue and energy. It can also support your immune system.
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH
Subscribe Today!
On today’s episode, I am going to be giving you an introduction to Rhodiola. Rhodiola is a fabulous adaptogenic herb and there is so much science behind how it helps to optimize your health.
What is Rhodiola?
An adrenal adaptogenic herb works to modulate the body’s response to stress. For many, this is something that as you get older, you may find using an adrenal adaptogen extremely beneficial. There are many, like Ashwaghanda, Cordyceps, Lemon balm but I love Rhodiola.
The reason why is that the science behind it is so incredibly validating for how it is working in your body. It plays an integral role in enhancing cellular energy production. This is an herb that grows in an inclement environment like the Siberian mountains where it is extremely cold. Yet, the herb thrives. The roots themselves are what yields all of the powerful constituents.
The Science Behind Rhodiola Extract
The research is impressive across the board. One study published in the Complimentary Medicine Research Journal where researchers were looking at the impact of Rhodiola and chronic fatigue syndrome – how it works to successfully treat patients with fatigue lasting six months or longer.
In a separate study, subjects that had chronic fatigue were given the extract every day for eight weeks. After just ten days, patients started to see a significant shift in their level of stress, sleep quality and overall mood. At the end of the eight weeks, over 80% of the participants reported benefit.
Other than for sleep and stress, use of this beneficial herb has been reported in athletes, as well. Athletes are extremely subjected to cellular fatigue, which needs to be restored. Rhodiola was shown to improve cellular energy when used pre- and post-workout.
How Adaptogens Work In The Body
Rhodiola works on a few different mechanisms in the body. It’s adaptogenic properties help with stress. We also know it is beneficial for oxidative stress, which can be damaging to your cells.
The Perelman School of Medicine in Pennsylvania studied the use of Rhodiola in patients with major depressive disorder. This disorder impacts more than 19 million Americans each year – over 70% do not respond to therapies, like prescriptions. In this study, the extract was given to participants over conventional anti-depressant. The Rhodiola group did extremely well when it came to overall sense of well being, using different markers and scales.
Researcher done by the University of California shows how Rhodiola extract was found to increase the lifespan of animal studies. When exposed to Rhodiola, fruit flies had increased longevity. This is because it works to increase ATP – cellular energy. They are now more effectively making energy.
Thank you for tuning in to the Invite Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Invite Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the Invite Health Podcast.
Questions about this important herb? Leave Amanda a comment below to discuss.
