Ashwagandha is a powerhouse herb beloved for its adaptogenic properties and long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. It should be kept in your medicine cabinet.
It’s been heralded as a natural cure for everything from stress reduction to better energy levels.
Yet, one question puzzles many: How much does Ashwagandha make you gain?
This article reviews the science behind Ashwagandha, discusses how it might help you lose weight, and explains how to use it most effectively.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Way back, Ashwagandha, the scientific name Withania somnifera, was an ancient herb used as traditional medicine in India.
The body will adapt to the stress, and this adaptogen will help stabilize the body.
This herb generally reduces anxiety, increases physical performance, and supports general well-being.
Popular in recent years for its many benefits, including weight management potential, Ashwagandha is gaining attention in the wellness world.
Is Ashwagandha capable of causing you to gain weight?
There is a false notion that Ashwagandha causes weight gain.
So Ashwagandha doesn’t inherently make you gain weight.
However, this doesn’t mean its effects on stress, appetite, or metabolism won’t affect some people’s weight.
Cortisol, our stress hormone, is reduced by Ashwagandha, another reason for this misconception.
If your cortisol levels go down, you might think more straightforwardly and be less stressed and less prone to stress eating to the point where you lose weight.
But if your appetite has been suppressed due to high stress, Ashwagandha’s calming properties can restore it, and you may find that you eat just a little more.
If your body is regaining a healthier state, this balanced appetite may feel like weight gain.
Ashwagandha and Weight Changes: The Science Behind It
Ashwagandha does have a unique effect on the body that isn’t specific to weight gain or loss.
Weight is also under its control, in large part because it can regulate cortisol.
High cortisol levels can lead to fat buildup when stress levels exceed normal, especially in the belly area.
Ashwagandha can help control cortisol levels and ultimately reduce stress-related fat deposits. (1)
Ashwagandha has also been shown to improve sleep quality, a critical component of a healthy metabolism. (2)
Hyponatremia is low blood salt levels, which can cause fatigue (lack of sleep) and is associated with weight gain.
Some studies support the idea that Ashwagandha could promote muscle mass and strength. (3)
This is good news for anyone who wants to improve their muscle performance, as muscle burns more calories than fat.
Weight Management of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a great way to lose weight or gain weight.
Ashwagandha can help those who are underweight or malnourished rebuild their appetite and energy levels, promoting healthy weight gain.
Another great use of collagen is for muscle recovery and growth, so it is excellent for helping athletes or active people.
However, Ashwagandha's ability to reduce stress prevents emotional eating, a common reason it can lead to weight gain.
By boosting metabolism and reducing cortisol, it also provides an environment in which the body stays at a weight that is not far from normal.
Can Ashwagandha cause belly fat?
The biggest concern is whether taking Ashwagandha is going to make you fat.
The news that Ashwagandha will cause belly fat is false; more than likely, Ashwagandha will reduce it instead.
High cortisol levels are also often associated with belly fat because stress can cause the body to store fat in the surrounding area.
Ashwagandha lowers cortisol, which helps the body fight fat storage due to stress. (4)
That makes it a good tool for losing stubborn belly fat.
Ashwagandha can be taken simultaneously with a balanced diet and regular exercise for maximum benefits.
Do side effects from Ashwagandha exist?
Most people consider Ashwagandha safe, but you should know about possible side effects.
Side effects common to this are stomach upset, drowsiness, or headaches, increasing with higher doses. (5)
An increase in appetite could be a side effect, misleading some people into believing it causes weight gain.
Never start a high dose, but gradually increasing it under the guidance of a healthcare professional can help avoid adverse effects.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are on medication, consult your doctor before using Ashwagandha.
How to Safely and Effectively Use Ashwagandha
Using Ashwagandha correctly is essential to getting the most out of it.
Start with as little as 300 to 500 mg daily and see how you get on.
It can be taken with food to reduce your risk of getting an upset stomach.
Deciding the time of your dosage depends on your goals.
If you’re using it for sleep, take Ashwagandha in the evening.
Using them for energy and stress management in the morning could be better.
Ashwagandha can be used if you pair it with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.
That guarantees that weight-related changes are a part of a total health strategy.
It is essential to make the best choice for supplementing Ashwagandha, choosing high-quality supplements to ensure purity and potency.
Daily Nutra’s Ashwagandha products are trusted and provide maximum benefits from quality products.
Final Thoughts
Ashwagandha is a varied herb that naturally varies according to individual weight needs.
It is an excellent ally for balancing the body and mind since it plays a central role in stress reduction and hormone regulation.
It doesn’t directly lead to you gaining weight, but it can affect hunger, sleep, and metabolism, all of which can affect weight.
You will eliminate such worries by learning how Ashwagandha works and how to work with it effectively.
You will benefit from Ashwagandha without worrying about the unwanted side effects of such an herb.
Are you considering taking Ashwagandha? Look no further than Daily Nutra’s wide range of Ashwagandha supplements for the package.
If stress relief, better sleep, or weight management are your goals, Ashwagandha is a game changer.
This excellent herb can help you take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.
Calm your mind, balance your body—discover the power of Ashwagandha today! 🌿✨
FAQs
Does Ashwagandha increase weight, or does it lead to weight loss?
However, Ashwagandha employs natural weight loss or gain primarily to stabilize stress and hunger.
Is Ashwagandha able to cause belly fat?
Ashwagadha does not raise cortisol. Indeed, it may help prevent belly fat accumulation.
Can Ashwagandha help you lose weight?
Of course, it’s excellent for weight loss when used with a healthy lifestyle because of its metabolism-boosting and stress-relieving properties.
I wanted to know how I should take Ashwagandha and not put weight on it.
Eat it in moderation, watch your appetite, eat with a balanced diet, and exercise.
What are the side effects of Ashwagandha?
It is rare, but it can cause side effects such as mild stomach upset, drowsiness, or headaches at high doses.
Related Studies
1. Title: Ashwagandha for Stress and Anxiety: A Systematic Review
This systematic review found that ashwagandha supplementation significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels and serum cortisol in participants compared to placebo.
Link: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/
2. Title: Safety and Efficacy of Ashwagandha for Sleep: A Systematic Review
This review concluded that ashwagandha significantly improves sleep quality, duration, and mood upon waking, based on multiple clinical studies.
Link: https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/news/ashwagandha-supplements-aid-in-falling-asleep-and-sleep-duration/
3. Title: Examining the Effect of Withania somnifera Supplementation on Muscle Mass and Strength
This study showed that ashwagandha supplementation led to significant increases in muscle mass and strength among young men engaged in resistance training.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2015.11.002
4. Title: Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Ashwagandha
The study found that ashwagandha root extract effectively reduces stress and helps manage body weight in adults experiencing chronic stress.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5871210/
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.04.006
5. Title: Is Ashwagandha Safe? Side Effects, Precautions & Benefits
This review indicates that ashwagandha is generally safe for short-term use, with mild side effects like drowsiness and stomach upset reported by users.
Link: https://www.buzzrx.com/blog/is-ashwagandha-safe
