WANT THE TEA?
W A N T T H E T E A?
NUTRITION
My DIRTEA secret to achieving more energy, focus and calm.
B Y C H A N N Y W A R R I N G T O N
The alarm clock goes off. Surely not, that felt like five minutes not 8 hours. You drag yourself out of bed and get that morning cup of Joe. You slowly turn into a human, but after an hour the zombie returns. Only a Starbucks run will save you! I know the feeling, I used to fuel myself with caffeine just to get through the day. By 3pm I'd lost count of how many and I'm pretty sure if you cut me open I would have bled espresso. Until I found my secret I was a mixture of little to no sleep, increasing stress, raging hormones, and overriding anxiety.
For me it was the constant pressure of the fast 'gen-z', everyone's a CEO and Beyoncé has the same amount of hours in a day world (she also has about 12 assistants) that I was trying to keep up with. I felt like if was only me struggling to succeed at work, clean the house, stay healthy, do the washing and plan a social life. Wtf was everyone else drinking? Well I've found it and it's not what you think. Keep reading!
Adaptogenic mushrooms. Adaptogens are used within traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and are basically rejuvenating herbs. They help the body adapt, restore and fight off chemical, biological, and physical stress.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
When we are stressed or "in danger" our brain sends signals to our pituitary gland. The brains and Pituary gland then signal the adrenal glands to release the hormones needed to deal with the situation/stressor at hand. This process is called the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. Weird science I know.
When we experience constant stress the HPA screws up causing a knock on effect to our adrenal glands. Cue in unbalanced hormones, poor digestions, trouble sleeping, skin issues, increased anxiety.
Adding in adaptogens can help balance your overall stress response and in turn the production of stress hormones (such as cortisol), which restore the function of the brain and their besties, the adrenal glands.
WHAT CAN ADAPTOGENS HELP WITH?
Improves sleep
Aids digestive issues
Increases focus
Increases energy
Regulates hormones
Improves blood sugars
Reduces stress responses
Reduces inflammation
Improves overall wellbeing
HOW CAN I INTRODUCE THEM INTO MY ROUTINE?
.
So when I was first introduced to Adaptogens it was through a brand called DIRTEA. The brand was set up by two very busy brothers named Andrew and Simon. Their mission was to improve their own wellbeing and help fuel their hectic lifestyles to keep them energised, focused and healthier overall. From experiencing lack of sleep, stress and anxiety they came to discover the healing powers of functional mushrooms. On their travels they were invited to a tea ceremony which is where they first came to try these savory superfoods. The brothers were hooked and decided to share their benefits with the world, and so was born Dirtea.
The brand consists of organic mushroom powders, and their signature Coffee and Cacao super-blends. Each provides different benefits from energy, focus, immunity, skin and calm. I've tried and tested them all and they are now a staple in my pantry and my daily ritual for supporting a healthier lifestyle. So let me take you through the line up and the magic in the mushrooms.
SIPPIN ON SUNSHINE
Mushroom Coffee super blend
If you're like me and a morning cup of Joe is a must before you start the day, look no further. This organic nutrient-rich coffee blend is infused with ingredients that not only give you that morning boost of energy without the crash but also aid the body's immune system to improve your memory, and mood, and support your gut health.
This bag of goodies holds pure Chaga (for immunity & skin), Lion's Mane (for focus), Cordyceps (energy), Maca (digestion) and Ashwagandha (for de-stress). Topped with oat milk you will be full of beans, ready to smash that workout or just be on form to seize the day.
IN FOCUS
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Powder
Sometimes things get in the way and your mind wanders. If you can relate this is your fix. Lions Mane has endless benefits but it's known for helping one to focus. It also protects the brain from memory loss and is known to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Not to mention its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. The perfect afternoon pick-me-up that will keep your eyes on the prize all-day.
THE POWER RANGER POTION
Chaga Mushroom Powder
This all-rounder will defend you from all evil! If your looking for a mushroom filled with antioxidants look no further. Chaga helps the body fight inflammation and is praised for lowering blood sugar levels and reversing insulin resistance. Its taste is bitter and earthy but popped into coffee it's the secret to my glowing skin. I struggle with Rosacea and regular breakouts but after just one week of using this, my skin was visibly less inflamed and clearer.
PEAK PERFORMANCE
Cordyceps Mushroom Powder
This is for my fellow nodding dogs and by that I mean the tired “AF” ones. I like to add this to my morning cuppa when I need that extra wake me up.
This pure powder has the ability to enhance energy levels, and boost our metabolic rate. For someone who has struggled with adrenaline fatigue for years, this had me feeling like the bunny from the Duracell adverts from back in the day.After a spoon of this I am fully charged and ready for the day.
As well as helping you perform it also works wonders for muscle recovery, another good one for the gym goers.
Another perk I noticed was a change in my menstrual cycles and for the better. I was diagnosed with polycystic ovaries back in 2015 after inconsistent periods and constant fatigue throughout the day. Despite living a healthy lifestyle I was constantly drained and nothing seemed to help, until I started adding this to my morning smoothie. My extreme tiredness was practically non existent, and my cycles were back on track.
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
Reishi mushroom powder
Everyone's meltdown must have. Reishi mushrooms have been seen as the superfood for stress and depression and how the ability to supercharge your immune system. With added perks helping stabilise your mood and create more feelings of calm, there's not much more this bad boy can do.
Other than its ability to improve sleep and aid the liver. The liver has the very important job of flushing out all the toxins your body no longer needs.
If we’re over-stressed our liver is not able to function properly causing issues such as poor digestion, slow metabolism and poor detoxification.
I have this one when I feel a cold coming on or feel run down, within 2-3 days I'm a vision of health.
A HUG IN A MUG
Mushroom Cacao Super Blend
There's nothing better than ending the day with a hot chocolate, and this my friend is your new bedtime bestie. This Cacao blend offers a sweet treat with added sprinkles of healthy goodness. Cacao powder is packed with flavonoids. These nutrients help lower blood pressure and improve the overall immune system. Blended with Reishi and Ashwagandha to help calm the mind and improve sleep, you will be in the land of nod in no time. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
FINAL TIPS
The stigma behind mushrooms has always been linked to recreational highs. The science behind functional mushrooms is ever-growing and in popular demand among holistic health lovers, for good reasons. They are considered dietary supplements and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as food, not drugs.
DIRTEA has made a massive difference in my life and I only share the good shit with you! Try it out and let me know how you find it.DIRTEA
Apart from mental stressors, physical and toxic stressors can also affect our bodies. Think household chemicals, most of our market-bought fruit and veg covered in pesticides, pollutants in the air, and my personal fav, sugar. I’ll be going more into these so keep your eyes peeled.
If you’re here THANK YOU for reading, and I hope you have found what you’re looking for with me
SHE WRITES
@SHEWRITES_00