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Key Insights
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Ashwagandha is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to promote health and well-being. One of its many benefits is helping people gain weight healthily and naturally. This article will explain how to use Ashwagandha to support weight gain, its Ayurvedic properties, and combine it with other herbs for the best results.
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Did You Know?
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Does Ashwagandha Increase Weight?
Ashwagandha is an herb that can help with many issues. It should be mentioned, though, that ashwagandha does not directly affect weight gain. However, it helps by tackling the underlying issue that is keeping you from gaining weight. Stress, poor gut health, weakened immunity, and inappropriate digestion are why many people struggle to gain weight.
Ashwagandha improves digestion, increases metabolism, and reduces stress. Studies have shown that this common herb is a great source of antioxidants. It also possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Studies have also shown that it increases strength and body mass significantly.
How to Consume Ashwagandha for Weight Loss
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Method of Consumption |
Details |
Recommended Dosage |
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Ashwagandha in Powder Form |
Mix powder with honey, ghee, or milk for better taste and nutrition. Consume with milk at least 20 minutes before or after breakfast. |
3–6 grams daily, divided into 1–2 doses |
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Roasted in Ghee |
Roast Ashwagandha powder in ghee, and add sugar or dates. Typically used for weight gain but not ideal for weight loss. |
Not recommended for weight loss |
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Tea or Decoction |
Boil Ashwagandha powder in milk or water to prepare tea or decoction. Add honey for taste. |
1–2 cups daily (1–2 grams per serving) |
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Mixed with Food |
Add Ashwagandha powder to sweets, cookies, or Shrikhand. Typically used for weight gain. |
Not recommended for weight loss |
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Ashwagandha Leaves |
Dry leaves, grind into powder and mix half a teaspoon with hot water or milk. Consume twice daily. |
1–2 grams daily |
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Tablets |
Take with water or milk after meals for improved digestion and metabolism. |
300–600 mg daily |
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Ashwagandha with Asparagus |
Combine Ashwagandha with asparagus to enhance digestion and support muscle building. Primarily for weight gain. |
Not recommended for weight loss |
Ashwagandha Benefits for Weight Gain
Here are some of the advantages of Ashwagandha for weight loss:
1. Boosts Appetite, gut and Digestion
Ashwagandha helps improve digestion gut health and boosts appetite, both essential for weight gain. Its adaptogenic properties help reduce stress, which can often lead to poor digestion and loss of appetite. By calming the body and improving gut health, it ensures that the nutrients from food are absorbed efficiently.
A stronger digestive system helps the body healthily gain weight without causing bloating or discomfort. Including Ashwagandha in daily meals or as a supplement can lead to a natural increase in appetite over time.
2. Enhances Muscle Growth
Ashwagandha supports muscle development by increasing stamina and strength. It is particularly effective when combined with resistance training or exercise. It helps improve energy levels and promotes muscle recovery, which is critical for building lean muscle mass.
Regular consumption of Ashwagandha stimulates protein synthesis, aiding in the repair and growth of muscle tissues. For individuals looking to gain weight healthily, Ashwagandha helps build muscle rather than storing fat.
3. Improves Energy and Stamina
Ashwagandha boosts energy levels and enhances stamina, making it easier to engage in physical activities that promote weight gain, such as weightlifting or strength training. Its rejuvenating properties reduce fatigue and increase endurance, allowing you to stay active longer.
This increase in energy helps burn calories effectively while promoting muscle mass development, contributing to healthy weight gain.
4. Balances Hormones
Ashwagandha regulates cortisol levels, a stress hormone that often disrupts metabolism and causes unintended weight loss. Balanced cortisol levels improve overall metabolic function, ensuring the body retains essential nutrients and gains a healthy weight.
Additionally, Ashwagandha supports hormonal balance, which can help individuals who experience weight fluctuation due to thyroid or adrenal gland issues.
5. Promotes Better Sleep
Good sleep is crucial for weight gain and overall health. Ashwagandha is known to improve sleep quality by calming the mind and reducing stress. A well-rested body repairs itself more efficiently, which aids in building muscle mass and storing energy.
Proper sleep also regulates hunger hormones like leptin and ghrelin, ensuring you consume adequate daily calories for healthy weight gain.
6. Reduces Stress-Induced Weight Loss
Stress is a common reason for weight loss, as it often leads to poor appetite and disrupted eating habits. Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic properties help combat stress, promoting a calmer state of mind and better eating habits.
By reducing the impact of stress on the body, Ashwagandha ensures that energy and nutrients are directed toward weight gain rather than being burned due to stress responses.
What are Ashwagandha’s Main Drawbacks?
Ashwagandha is a natural herb that is generally safe, but taking too much can cause problems, including:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Liver issues
It's important not to exceed the recommended ashwagandha dosage. Doing so can upset your stomach, cause diarrhea, or negatively affect your liver. Start with a smaller dose and slowly increase over time if needed. Stop taking ashwagandha if you experience any unpleasant side effects. Moderation is key when using this and any herbal supplement.
The recommended daily allowance is 1–2 grams of the dried root or 300–500 mg of extract. Follow dosage guidelines to avoid potential stomach, liver, and other issues. Being aware of proper dosage and possible side effects allows you to safely utilise ashwagandha's many health benefits.
Also check: How long does Ashwagandha takes to work?
Ashwagandha and Shatavari for Weight Gain
Studies support the usage of Shatavari for weight growth in addition to ashwagandha. Shatavari promotes hunger and aids with digestion. Following an Ashwagandha-enhanced workout, Shatavari aids in the digestion and consumption of more food. This gives your body the nutrition to acquire weight and develop muscular mass.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha is a potent and all-natural method of promoting healthy weight growth. Whether taken as a powder, capsule, or added to meals, it can help relieve stress, enhance digestion, and build muscle. By utilising ashwagandha regularly and with other Ayurvedic medicines, you can reach your weight-gain objectives in a balanced and healthy way.
FAQs
1. How to take ashwagandha powder with milk for weight gain?
One teaspoon of ashwagandha powder can be added to a glass of milk and some honey. Cardamom can also be added to enhance flavor, increase metabolism, and facilitate better digestion.
2. Can Ashwagandha Alone help with weight gain?
Ashwagandha can support weight gain by improving digestion, reducing stress, and boosting muscle growth. However, it works best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
3. How long does it take to see results with Ashwagandha for weight gain?
Results vary from person to person, but most people see noticeable changes after 6 to 8 weeks of regular use.
4. Can Ashwagandha cause weight gain if overused?
If you take too much Ashwagandha, it may cause digestive problems. Always stick to the recommended dosage to avoid side effects and ensure healthy weight gain.
References:
- Ashwagandha promotes weight gain by improving digestion, reducing stress, and boosting energy for muscle growth. (https://www.researchgate.net )
- The ancient herb ashwagandha is well-known for supporting the body's stress management.(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih)
- Another herb with nourishing qualities is Shatavari. When taken with ashwagandha, it encourages consistent weight gain and helps with general health. ( https://www.researchgate.net)
