Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or constantly fatigued? Stress could be sabotaging your health—and your waistline. With increasing interest in holistic health, rhodiola weight loss support has emerged as a promising natural solution for those struggling to shed extra pounds due to chronic stress or fatigue. But can rhodiola really help you lose weight?
Let’s take a closer look at exactly how rhodiola works to support overall health, including rhodiola weight loss tips, and links to supplement suggestions that you can find right here at Professional Supplement Center.
What is Rhodiola?
Rhodiola rosea is an herb classified as an adaptogen due to its ability to support a healthy stress response. Known by other names such as arctic root and Aaron’s rod, rhodiola has been traditionally used to enhance resilience and adaptability, especially in cold climates.
What is an Adaptogen?
Adaptogens are herbs or natural substances that help the body adapt to stress, both physical and mental. Rather than overstimulating or sedating, they help bring the body back to balance.
What are the Benefits of Rhodiola?
As an adaptogen, rhodiola is widely used to help reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Potential health benefits of rhodiola include:
- Reduced physical and mental fatigue
- Enhanced exercise performance and endurance
- Improved resilience to environmental and emotional stressors
- Support for balanced mood and cognitive function
What are the Downsides of Rhodiola?
Although generally safe, rhodiola may cause side effects in some individuals, including:
- Dizziness or dry mouth
- Irritability or restlessness
- Low blood pressure
- Medication interactions
Always consult your healthcare provider before use and follow dosage instructions on the product label.
How Does Rhodiola Help With Weight Loss?
Rhodiola contains bioactive compounds that are responsible for its metabolic effects, namely rosavin and salidroside — two different polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties. Evidence on the effectiveness of rhodiola for weight loss is mixed, but promising.
A 2013 study revealed that when combined with bitter orange, or citrus aurantium, rhodiola helped regulate appetite and lowered visceral fat weight in animal models. While animal studies are not enough to substantiate the benefits, a human study on rhodiola demonstrated that it may modulate genetic expression associated with fat cells, improve fat burning, and/or slow fat accumulation.
Further, by reducing the impact of psychophysiological stress, rhodiola may also help regulate cortisol-driven eating patterns, such as cravings for sugary or processed foods.
What is the Best Way to Take Rhodiola?
For best results, rhodiola should be taken earlier in the day — ideally on an empty stomach or between meals to improve absorption. While there are no universally established dosages, most supplements provide 200 mg to 600 mg per serving. Since it’s an herb, individual responses can vary, so start with the lowest effective dose and adjust as needed.
Who Should Not Take Rhodiola?
Rhodiola may not be suitable for everyone. Avoid use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. People with low blood pressure or those taking medications for hypertension, mood disorders, or blood thinning should consult their practitioner before starting rhodiola to avoid the risk of side effects.
What Are the Best Rhodiola Supplements for Weight Loss?
Choosing the right supplement can make all the difference. Below are some top-rated rhodiola weight loss products, selected for their quality, potency, and positive customer feedback. You can find the links of each down below, all available right here at Professional Supplement Center.
Thorne Research Rhodiola
Thorne Research Rhodiola delivers pure rhodiola rosea extract, standardized to contain 3% rosavins in each 100 mg capsule. Ideal for those seeking clean, high-quality formulas, this one is manufactured to cGMP standards and is free of gluten, egg, artificial preservatives, and GMOs.
NOW Foods Rhodiola 500 Mg
NOW Foods Rhodiola 500 Mg is a vegan-friendly formula offering a potent 500 mg per capsule. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable boost to support your weight loss efforts, try NOW Foods Rhodiola 500 mg. It’s free of gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and GMOs.
Standard Process Rhodiola & Ginseng Complex
Standard Process Rhodiola & Ginseng Complex offers a synergistic combination of rhodiola with ginseng for an extra energy boost to fight fatigue and keep you mentally sharp. This formula is great for enhancing exercise performance and makes an excellent addition to your weight loss routine.
The Bottom Line
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb commonly used to enhance energy levels, improve exercise performance, and aid in weight loss. It does this by working on the HPA axis and nervous system, restoring balance to the stress hormone cortisol. It also may help curb cravings and reduce appetite by modulating other neurotransmitters.
You may benefit from rhodiola if you experience the symptoms of high cortisol, which include fatigue, weight gain, cravings, or difficulty sleeping and/or waking. As a mild stimulant, rhodiola should be taken in the morning and ideally away from food for best absorption.
Weight loss is a journey, so it is important to be patient and consistent, as it can take up to 3-4 months to see results, although some people may see benefits in as early as 2-3 weeks. Consult your practitioner before taking rhodiola, especially if you take medications.
FAQ
Does rhodiola lower cortisol levels?
Yes, rhodiola is believed to help balance the body’s stress response by reducing elevated cortisol levels. This adaptogenic action supports weight loss by limiting stress-driven cravings and fatigue.
How much rhodiola should I take to lose weight?
Common daily doses range from 200 mg to 600 mg, taken in the morning or early afternoon. Consult your healthcare provider before starting and for specific dosing suggestions.
Is rhodiola safe for the liver?
Rhodiola is generally considered safe for the liver, and no major liver toxicity has been reported in standard doses. However, the research is still ongoing so be mindful and select high-quality products once your doctor has approved and advised your use of rhodiola.
- About the Author
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Kimberlee Springer, an Austin-based nutritionist from Nashville, TN, is your go-to for all things wellness. When she’s not talking vitamins, you can find her decoding planetary symbolism, walking her dog, or bird-watching with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store.