Using the Indian herb ashwagandha for weight loss may be effective, especially when stacked with rhodiola rosea, proper dietary choices and daily exercise.

For thousands of years in India, Africa and parts of the Middle East, Ashwagandha has been used for preventing and treating certain health conditions and diseases.

Perhaps most notably, ashwagandha upregulates thyroid functioning and lowers cortisol levels. By improving thyroid functioning, hormonal balancing is improved throughout all systems of their body. The thyroid acts as a metabolic controller; having direct influence on metabolism and energy levels.

Additionally, ashwagandha is believed to improve insulin sensitivity and decrease LDL cholesterol levels.

What are the effects of Ashwagandha for promoting weight loss and what is the best way to use it?

Ashwagandha for Weight Loss

The benefits of using ashwagandha for weight is attributed to its adaptogenic properties.

Adaptogens are substances which help the body adapt to chemical, environmental and physical stress.

Adaptogens are believed to be particularly effective at enhancing hormonal balance throughout the endocrine system.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that shows remarkable actions for improving thyroid functioning. Whether the thyroid is hyperactive as with Graves disease, or sluggish as with Hashimoto’s, ashwagandha demonstrates a modulating effect.

In one 20-day study, mice were given ashwagandha and then monitored for changes in T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels. Strong increases in T4 were noted, along with significant levels of antioxidant protection concerning the peroxidation of lipids.

By scavenging free radical agents, lipid peroxidation is greatly reduced. Reductions in lipid peroxidation are associated with enhanced fat metabolism, more stabilized blood-glucose levels, reduced depression and/or anxiety, lower cholesterol, decreased stress hormones, boosted immunity, strengthened adrenal functioning and various other health factors that are beneficial in reaching and maintaining healthy weight levels for the long run.

Ashwagandha is also observed to reduce elevated cortisol levels. Cortisol has catabolic effects in the short-term, but in the long term it can lead to weight gain and obesity. When cortisol levels remain elevated for long periods of time, it can cause the liver to release more glucose than normal.

The body must then release insulin to ensure this glucose gets transported into your cells and out of the blood stream. This can cause insulin resistance over a long enough period of time and result in increased storage of glucose as fats. By controlling cortisol, Ashwagandha may further promote fat loss and fight against this risk factor for obesity.

Stacking Ashwagandha with Rhodiola Rosea

Ashwagandha is believed to be more effective for weight loss when it is combined with Rhodiola Rosea. This is another natural supplement that is said to improve energy levels and support fat metabolism.

In a study involving 130 overweight patients at a Georgia hospital, Rhodiola rosea supplementation resulted in a 19-pound (11%) average weight reduction. In comparison, a placebo group eating the same diet lost only 8 pounds in the same time frame.

Stacking rhodiola with ashwagandha for weight loss may result in a syngerstic effect which could enhance effectiveness. User reviews and anecdotal evidence suggests this to be the case. However, there are no research studies that have looked at this combination. Extra caution should be used when using both substances, especially for those with certain pre-existing health conditions (as discussed below).

Cardioprotective Benefits of Ashwagandha

Supplementing with ashwagandha for weight loss may also boost the health of the cardiovascular system.

Clinical studies have shown that taking 3 grams of ashwagandha daily for 30 days significantly reduces triglycerides, low density and very low density lipoproteins, and total serum cholesterol levels.

It also induces vasorelaxation on the heart muscle and blood vessels, making the delivery of blood and its nutrients more easily achieved.

Without increasing blood pressure, ashwagandha is observed to help flush away arterial plaque deposits and decrease the risks of developing atherosclerosis. This subsequently reduces the chances of developing coronary artery disease, heart disease and various other related conditions.

Anti-Diabetic Properties of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha supplementation also helps to decrease the amount of glucose circulating in the blood. By improving glucose absorption, ashwagandha helps to decrease the workload of the pancreas. Less insulin required from the pancreas leads to less glucose being stored in fat cells.

When glucose levels remain exaggerated for too long, adverse and possibly deadly conditions may develop, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome (prediabetes), insulin resistance and obesity.

Ashwagandha for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is more prevalent than ever on a worldwide basis. Lacking energy causes inactivity, which can in turn cause depression, weight gain, obesity and more. Like diabetes, weight gain and obesity are results of energy imbalances in the body.

Poor food choices and sedentary lifestyles, along with excessive stress levels, deplete energy reserves without much hope for rejuvenation. The adaptogenic properties of ashwagandha help to restore energy and combat energy deficiency-related conditions.

Safety of Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha has been used since ancient times by many millions of people from various cultures. Clinical testing also shows the general safety of ashwagandha when used as a dietary supplement.

Even with long periods of usage, it causes no serious or permanent side effects in the vast majority of cases. Some people experience nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. In extreme, rare cases, other, more serious side effects are possible.

There are various pharmaceuticals that may cause negative interactions with ashwagandha supplements. Speak with your doctor, and use extra caution, if you have type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, hypertension or any immune system disorder.

Pregnant and lactating women are generally not recommended for ashwagandha supplementation; although there is mixed evidence concerning this. If you are considering using ashwagandha for weight loss, or for any other therapeutic target, then consult with your doctor first.

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Article last updated on:by Nootriment