Health Hotline Magazine | February 2024

IMMUNE system RHodiola Support a Strong with As we age, our immune func tion declines in a process called immune senescence, in which we lose the ability to mount a robust immune response to antigens and see an increase in low-grade inflammation, also called “inflammaging.” This, in turn, can make us more susceptible to developing autoimmune diseases and cancer. Animal studies have shown that rhodiola can enhance immune function, provide an tiviral and antibacterial activ ities that can reduce the risk of serious infections, includ ing influenza, and inhibit the growth of a variety of human cancer cell lines.

Beat the Burnout In May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially included burnout in its Inter national Classification of Diseases. The WHO defines burnout syndrome as resulting from chron ic stress characterized by feelings of exhaustion or energy depletion, negative or cynical feelings related to a job, and reduced professional efficacy. A survey from FlexJobs and Mental Health America reported that 75 percent of workers have experienced burn out. So, what can be done about it? While the Mayo Clinic recommends sleep and relaxation as treatment, rhodiola offers a targeted, synergis tic approach. The first clinical trial exploring the outcomes specifically in burnout patients treated with rhodiola found that patients who took 200 mg twice daily for three months had

improvements in all three main symptoms of burn out: exhaustion, cynicism, and lack of efficacy. Improve Strength & Endurance Taking rhodiola for improving strength, stamina, and athletic performance has been around so long even the Vikings have been said to have used it to enhance endurance and physical strength! Now, modern research has shown that supplementation does have a positive effect on athletic ability and per formance—without adverse effects.

According to one review of 10 published research papers on rhodiola and its ability to “improve human exercise ability,” results included: a reduction in pain and muscle damage after training, a reduction in oxidative stress, as well as an enhancement in antioxidant capacity, an increase in the body’s resistance to fatigue, and an improvement in ath letic explosive power. The doses in the studies ranged between 170 mg/ daily and 1,500 mg/daily. Furthermore, animal experiments have shown that rhodiola increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—what our cells use to produce energy— and creatine phosphate, which helps maintain a constant concentration of ATP in muscle cells during bursts of exercise that would otherwise deplete ATP from these cells. Rhodiola-treated rats significantly prolonged the duration of exhaustive swimming, and the supplement had the effect of activating the synthesis of ATP in mitochondria, while promoting the process of energy recovery in the body after exercise. From mental clarity and a boost in mood to stress resistance and in creased endurance, rhodiola is there for it all.

Natural Grocers ® | 15

For references, email customerservice@naturalgrocers.com