Ashwagandha for Weight Gain

Weight gain is something that doesn’t get addressed a lot when it comes to health. Most people need to lose weight, and hence, most medications and research are for weight loss. But did you know that there are also people who need to gain weight to get a healthier body? Fortunately, there are natural supplements that address this problem. In the world of Ayurvedic treatment, the Ashwagandha wonder herb can help you gain weight quickly.

Ashwagandha extract can help weight management by suppressing stress, making the whole bodily function work with greater efficiency. The effectivity period can vary based on the recommended dosage, as well as the target weight gain. You can consume Ashwagandha extract via capsule or powder form.

Did you know that over two-thirds of people in the US are out of their BMI limit? Being overweight is a health problem that affects a lot of people in the world. Some people are on the other side of the spectrum: too skinny to be within the BMI. Not because they can’t have proper meals three times a day, but because they have trouble absorbing all the good stuff from their food. One of the medications available in Ayurveda is taking Ashwagandha.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Withania somnifera or Ashwagandha is a shrub that can be found in dry regions. It is a plant mostly located in Nepal, China, Yemen, and India. The plant is also known as “Indian Ginseng” or winter cherry, and can grow up to 75 cm or 30 in tall. Ashwagandha is called the “King of Ayurvedic herbs” because of its numerous healing properties. This includes helping people who want to gain weight.

For those who don’t practice Ayurveda, the Ashwagandha plant will seem just like a harmless shrub on the street. But people who practice this traditional medicine system know that Ashwagandha is one of the major players. It is used to soothe numerous health problems such as irregular sleep patterns, infertility in men and women, high blood sugar levels, and anxiety. This herb is also known for its anti-cancer properties.

Being an adaptogen, Ashwagandha is an excellent herb to control and manage stress. It can also help in rejuvenation via increasing energy levels, improving stamina and concentration. But wait, these are all for stress management. How can these properties help in aiding people to gain weight? How can managing stress help in adding more mass to your body?

Can Ashwagandha Make You Gain Weight?

Stress can affect a lot of bodily functions, including weight and muscle quality. That’s why managing stress is essential, and resting every once in a while is beneficial to both mental and physical health. Overall, if you keep your stress level low, you can concentrate more on taking care of yourself.

Many people don’t know that stress can cause both weight loss and weight gain. Some people eat a lot to feel better. Some cannot eat and develops gastrointestinal problems when under extreme pressure. It can even cause anxiety and other self-harming behaviors that can cause long-term injuries.

Both weight loss and weight gain that happened to your body due to stress are unhealthy. Generally, if we want to gain a healthy weight, increase bone density, and improve muscle mass, we don’t want to put unhealthy fat in our bodies. However, if you can’t keep your stress management (especially chronic stress), you can’t get a healthy body even if you exercise and diet.

In short, whether you’re aiming to lose or gain weight, stress management can affect the outcome. Ayurvedic treatments with Ashwagandha have been proven to help with stress, anxiety, and weight gain since the beginning of Ayurveda.

Ashwagandha Weight Gain with Ayurveda

All the bodily functions are connected. If one of these functions is not optimal, achieving a healthy body is not possible. The Ayurveda principles have embodied this concept: creating balance in all bodily systems can be done by diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing. And one of the best herbs used in Ashwagandha, specifically its roots and leaves.

Ashwagandha can help you gain weight based on stressed management. Studies show that consuming the herb can reduce cortisol levels, known as the stress hormone. By reducing stress, your body will be able to heal itself more effectively. You will be able to absorb the nutrients and healthy fat from daily food consumption.

Additionally, Ashwagandha is also known to help in muscle building. According to a study, consuming 600mg of Ashwagandha daily for eight weeks can gain up to 1.5 to 1.7 times muscle strength and more than twice the muscle size. The study also noted that consuming a higher dosage of Ashwagandha can yield the same results for a shorter period. If you want to gain weight and stronger muscles simultaneously, you can add Ashwagandha to your list of supplements and diet aids.

One more property that Ashwagandha possesses is its antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help in inhibiting deterioration and damage to the cells. These substances are effective in counteracting the effect of free radicals, which are harmful to nerve cells.

Overall, Ashwagandha gives tons of benefits to bodily functions. It does not only give you benefits in stress management. Ashwagandha can also help you with gaining weight and stronger muscles. Among others, its antioxidant-rich properties can protect your nerve cells from deterioration from free radicals, which is always a good thing when you’re aiming to gain weight.

How Long Does It Take – Ashwagandha To Gain Weight?

Just like other things in the world of medicine, Ashwagandha’s effect depends on the patient’s body. It all boils down to how much dosage the body can take safely (with or without side effects). Some people might not see the medication’s effect for weeks, while others can see differences in how they feel within a week.

It also depends on the dosage and how long the patient wants to wait for the changes to start showing up. Higher dosages can make the medication take effect faster, but it can also be too much for the body to handle. More Ashwagandha intake can make significant changes in a shorter time, but it can also flare up side effects.

Your weight gain goal is also an important factor. If you want a small change in your physique, your medication’s duration can only last for a short while. Small dosages can also be forgiven, making it an overall easier experience for the body. But if you aim for significant muscle and weight increase, you might need more prolonged medication with higher dosages.

Both studies for muscle increase from Guru Nanak Dev University and study by Wankhede S et al. used an eight-week time-frame. The studies had gained significant results within the same time frame. However, the higher dosage gets better results in muscle improvement overall.

Ashwagandha Side Effects

Patients who are not used to using Ashwagandha can feel some side effects upon consumption. It can also clash against other medications and other herbal supplements. Although most side effects are mild and short-term, Ashwagandha is not advisable to be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

For instance, a high dosage of Ashwagandha can lead to stomach upsets, causing diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea. It can also irritate the intestinal mucosa, the innermost layer of the gastrointestinal tract. People who have autoimmune diseases are not advised to take Ashwagandha supplements in all cases.

Some patients might not know that they’re allergic to Ashwagandha until taking the medication. To make sure that you’re safe from taking this supplement, consider dabbing the extract in your skin first. Do not continue with the medication if you encountered unwanted effects and symptoms from the contact.

Another factor to consider is overdosing. Although Ashwagandha has tons of beneficial substances, it can still be dangerous to human health at substantial dosages. Avoid taking antihypertensive and thyroid medicines while using Ashwagandha products. To ensure that you’re safe in consuming Ashwagandha supplements, always visit your doctor or family physician.

Ashwagandha Capsules Or Powder: Which Is Better for Weight Gain?

The Ashwagandha plant can be used in both capsule and powder forms. Both are known for containing both roots and leaves of the plant. Although both parts can be used as a medicinal aid, choosing between capsule and powder depends on how you would like to use it as a supplement.

For patients who like to:

• Get equal dosages regularly.
• Easy and quick Ashwagandha consumption
• Easier supplement planning

Ashwagandha capsules are the best option. You can take your medication anytime, anywhere, with capsules. It has portable packaging and uniform dosages. Only choose Ashwagandha capsules if you want convenience and sure-fire accurate dosage decisions.

On the other hand, Ashwagandha powder can be used differently. Ashwagandha powder is preferred because it is absorbed easily and can be incorporated into food. The powder form is for patients who:

• Want to spice up the medication by trying different recipes
• Want to consume it as a drink (by adding honey or milk, similar to a tea)
• Wants easier digestion

For more active ingredients, choose products that contain Ashwagandha root extracts. These products have a higher withanolide, an active ingredient that gives all the benefits Ashwagandha is known for. Tinctures are also available for people who don’t like to take either capsule or powder.

Best Ashwagandha Capsules for Weight Gain

Ashwagandha capsules can be the best option for people who favors convenience than saving. There is no doubt that creating your capsules from scratch is the cheapest option, but that doesn’t mean that manufactured Ashwagandha capsules are not of fair value.

Here are the five ashwagandha products with guaranteed quality that doesn’t leave holes in your pockets.

1. NutriRise – Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder

NutriRise Organic Ashwagandha Root Powder is one of the best capsule supplements in the Ashwagandha market right now. It has one of the products with a good value per capsule among the other products on the list. Each bottle contains 120 capsules with 650mg of Ashwagandha extract. Additionally, it contains black pepper extract for an additional boost in absorption.

Reasons to buy:

• A decent number of capsules and dosages at one package
• 100% pure ashwagandha powder (no fillers)
• The product which is closest to pure powder form
• Available internationally

2. Organic India Ashwagandha

The Organic India Ashwagandha is another value-pack that caters to a lot of different people. It has 90 capsules with 800mg. This product is organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, making it available for people with related conditions requiring these food classifications. Besides, this capsule can be taken by people with Halal and Kosher diets.

Reasons to buy:

• Offers vegetarian option for Ashwagandha products
• Non-GMO and Gluten-free
• Kosher and Halal certified

3. Pure Encapsulations Ashwagandha

Pure Encapsulations takes it to another level with its anti-allergen ashwagandha medications. It doesn’t use gluten, artificial colors, sweeteners, shellacs, and unnecessary binders in the product. Each bottle contains 120 capsules with 500mg of ashwagandha extract, which is good for people who don’t want higher dosages.

Reasons to buy:

• Includes a standard 5% withanolides
• It doesn’t contain gluten, dairy, or soy products
• Best for people who are looking for mild dosages
• Doesn’t use common allergens

4. Ashwagandha Complex Rhodiola Rosea and Turmeric Capsules

Not all Ashwagandha products in the market only contain ashwagandha roots or leaf extracts. There are available “blends” that complement the taste and medicinal benefits for optimal effect. Products like the Ashwagandha complex have turmeric and Rhodiola for added anti-inflammatory properties and black pepper for more comfortable body absorption.

Reasons to buy:

• A good product for people who wants a blend of beneficial herbs
• A great all-rounder adaptogenic supplement due to additional boost from Rhodiola, turmeric, and black pepper

5. Planetary Ayurvedics Full Spectrum Ashwagandha

The Planetary Ayurvedics Full Spectrum capsules have one additional ingredient on the list: calcium. It has 59mg of calcium and 500mg of ashwagandha roots, and 70mg root extract for a more effective blend. Take note: additional root extract makes these capsules a little bit potent than others. Consumption of this product for people who has allergies in Ashwagandha can cause problems.

Reasons to buy:

• Additional calcium for people who need a calcium supplement
• Tablet-form for people who don’t like capsules
• Contains both Ashwagandha root and root extract for more effective dosages
• Good price-per-capsule ratio

Best Ashwagandha Powder for Weight Gain

The best way to get Ashwagandha powder is by natural means: growing it yourself and grinding to make a powder. If you have the patience to do so, natural Ashwagandha powder can save you tons of money in the long run. Take note: the optimal habitat for Ashwagandha to grow is hot and humid climates.

Once the plant is matured enough to harvest, get the roots, and wash thoroughly. Dry the roots under the sun (this can take a few days, make sure all the roots are dried). Once stiff and light, the roots are ready to be ground up.

You can manually make the powder via mortar and pestle. However, the better option is to chop up the roots and use a food processor. Once processed, use a coffee grinder to make finder products.

Of course, manually making your own Ashwagandha powder is optional. There are pure Ashwagandha powders already available in the market. Please take note: it might cause you some money, but it’s still way cheaper than buying capsules. Besides, you can enjoy powder on different recipes for a better medication experience.

Here are the three best pure powder ashwagandha supplements in the market right now.

1. BulkSupplements Pure Powder

You might be wondering why you would want to use pure powder if there are capsule alternatives already. The answer is simple: economic and more variety. You can use pure powder forms for baked goods, smoothies, coffee, and other beverages. And as of now, BulkSupplements have the best price-to-product ratio in the market.

Reasons to buy:

• Pure ashwagandha powder
• It doesn’t have filler
• Available in 250g, 500g, 1kg, or 5kg containers
• Good price for the amount of powder you get

2. Sun Potion Ashwagandha Powder

Do you want something that you can scoop up each morning and add to your favorite drink directly? Sun Potion got your back with their Ashwagandha powder mix. It comes from the pure root part of the plant. You only need to add half a teaspoon of the stuff for a complete dosage.

Reasons to buy:

• It comes from 100% Ashwagandha root extract
• Can be included in food as is (half a teaspoon of the powder is recommended)
• No additives
• GMO-free and Vegan safe

3. Four Sigmatic Adaptogen Blend

The Four Sigmatic powder is jampacked with other adaptogen products, including Ashwagandha powder. Other ingredients included in this bottle are Reishi, Cordyceps, Panax Ginseng, Amla, Schisandra, Holy Basil, and Gynostemma.

Reasons to buy:

• Includes other adaptogenic herbs in the mix
• Balanced mixture – can be used as is
• An excellent addition for oatmeals or yogurt