How Safe is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is one of the many impressive ingredients in the world of superfoods, used for generations by various cultures to offer a wide range of benefits for the body and mind.

When it comes to natural food ingredients and supplements, there is usually much less risk of potentially harmful properties affecting your health. But like with all foods in your diet, it’s wise to consider the safety implications every now and then when taking superfoods like Ashwagandha.

Let’s take a look at how safe Ashwagandha is should you choose to include this ingredient in your diet.

Why take Ashwagandha in the first place?

Ashwagandha can be used as an effective remedy for low energy and fatigue. Whatever your reason for tiredness, a healthy dose of Ashwagandha each day in combination with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise could help you achieve much better energy levels.

It can also be used to combat stress. By maintaining the levels of cortisol produced in your adrenal glands, Ashwagandha is able to regulate the overall levels of this stress-related hormone, which can help you avoid unnecessary anxiety in your life.

As Ashwagandha’s can help regulate the amounts of cortisol in your body at any one time, it effectively reduces the chances of built-up stress or anxiety which can stop you from sleeping properly. 

Potential side effects

As Ashwagandha has been linked with decreased blood pressure, this could potentially affect people who already have low levels or those who take medication to lower blood pressure.

For those who take medications for your blood pressure, this is one ingredient that should be taken with caution. And if you have diabetes, you should pay added attention to your blood sugar levels if you choose to take Ashwagandha.

There is limited information about whether Ashwagandha is safe to take while you’re pregnant. As such, it’s worth pausing your consumption of this ingredient during your pregnancy period.  There are many other foods that should also be evaluated first before you take them when you’re pregnant, so consult a doctor for advice if you’re unsure.

Considerations

Most tests on Ashwagandha are based on short-term usage, so it can’t be said for certain whether taking this supplement over prolonged periods of time can affect your body in a negative way. It’s also advised that dosages are kept to sensible amount and taken with food when possible.

Like with anything, too much of a good thing can potentially cause damage and lead to unwanted results. Using Ashwagandha responsibly as an occasional supplement in conjunction with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise is the best way to stay healthy and free of health risks.

If you feel that Ashwagandha is interfering with any of your existing or future health conditions, it may be worth consulting with a doctor for advice, or simply taking a break while you recover from your condition.

Is Ashwagandha safe?

Ashwagandha as a supplement is generally quite safe, as long as you are taking it as part of a balanced diet and not an alternative for other healthy foods.  

The major considerations in addition to whether you are pregnant or have diabetes, is whether you’re actually getting the best version of the superfood that you can find. Counterfeit or hybrid Ashwagandha products cannot be trusted so should be avoided at all costs.

As the natural supplement market isn’t regulated the same way as medicines, it’s up you to carry out your own evaluations and due diligence when purchasing Ashwagandha. When purchasing Ashwagandha, make sure you are always souring your ingredient from reliable retailers with a proven track record of delivering the genuine article.