The Nutrition Revolution Podcast · Kimberly Brown and Tabitha Myers

Advantages of Adaptogens

June 20, 2025·24 min·2 clips

Tabitha explains why you shouldn't take ashwagandha every day—your body adapts and it stops working.

Kimberly and Tabitha, hosts of the Nutrition Revolution podcast, explore adaptogens for women's health. They frame adaptogens as ancient, powerful tools for managing stress, hormones, and energy. The hosts clarify they are not medical doctors and advise listeners to consult a physician. They begin with ashwagandha, recommending it for stress, anxiety, cortisol reduction, thyroid function, and sleep at 300-600mg daily. Kimberly and Tabitha stress the need to cycle ashwagandha, taking it for two to three weeks then stopping for an equal period to maintain efficacy. They suggest taking it in the afternoon or evening and avoiding it during pregnancy due to limited human studies. Rhodiola rosea is presented as a morning supplement for energy, endurance, mood, and mental focus, with a dose of 200-400mg. The hosts note it can be stimulating and suggest those prone to anxiety start with a lower dose like 100mg. Maca root is highlighted for hormone balance, libido, and easing PMS, with different colors like yellow, red, and black targeting energy, hormones, and fertility respectively. They cite studies on maca root improving male sperm motility and quantity. Holy basil is described as calming for the nervous system, aiding blood sugar and immunity, with a recommended tincture for faster anxiety relief. Schisandra berry is noted for morning mental clarity and stress resilience at 500-1000mg daily. The conversation shifts to medicinal mushrooms, starting with lion's mane for brain support, neuroplasticity, and anxiety. Reishi, called the "queen healer," is recommended for sleep, immunity, and perimenopause, best taken at night. Cordyceps is discussed for energy, stamina, and libido, with a humorous reference to the TV show "The Last of Us." Chaga is presented as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for skin health, while turkey tail is recommended for immune and gut health as a prebiotic. A surprising insight is the strong emphasis on cycling adaptogens like ashwagandha to prevent the body from adapting and reducing their effectiveness. The hosts reveal that maca root has been relatively well-studied for male fertility benefits. They note that holy basil in tincture form can act quickly for panic, similar to CBD oil. The episode includes a lighthearted diversion where the hosts discuss the fictional cordyceps pandemic in "The Last of Us," contrasting it with safe supplemental use. They recommend buying mushroom blends like those from Four Sigmatic or Om Mushrooms, but suggest purchasing individual adaptogens for more controlled stacking. Yerba mate is introduced as a caffeinated adaptogen that may provide energy without jitters due to its unique blend of compounds. The tone is conversational, educational, and supportive, with hosts sharing personal anecdotes and client experiences. The style is informal, featuring friendly banter and practical, evidence-based recommendations. Listeners interested in natural, non-pharmaceutical approaches to stress, hormone balance, and women's health would find this episode valuable. Those seeking rigorous scientific critique or immediate medical advice might prefer to skip it.

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