Adaptogens. They pop up everywhere and are added to almost anything. Adaptogen coffee, butter, supplements, smoothies, the list goes on. People often ask me for my opinion on adaptogens - are they healthy? Should I be eating them? Until recently, I really didn’t have a good answer or opinion on adaptogens. Then came along my friend Kayla Barnes. She’s a huge proponent of adaptogens - so much so that she recently launched her own company, Supervos, an adaptogenic blends and holistic wellness company. Supervos products are organic, plant-based, and nutrient-dense adaptogenic blends that you can seamlessly incorporate into your everyday life and wellness routine.
Keep reading for a full interview with Kayla on her story in healing herself through adaptogens and starting Supervos. I’m all for using natural products rather than medications whenever possible and have personally seen the benefits of adaptogens in helping me deal with daily stress. I was recently having trouble sleeping and Kayla let me try the Supervos sleep blend. I blend it into a turmeric latte or hot chocolate elixir at night and am absolutely LOVING it - I fall asleep immediately, stay asleep and there’s no groggy feeling when I wake up in the morning. Next up, I think my morning latte needs her brain blend ASAP.
Kayla, you’ve done so many awesome things with your career and you’re only 25. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got to where you are today.
Yes! Thank you very much. I started my first company at 17 when I launched a PR and social media marketing agency. I was young, so I understood social media and I could tell a brand story online. I began working with local brands in my community and aligned with great mentors that I still call friends today. At 18 I began traveling abroad and developing new relationships in the media industry when I arrived back to the states, I put those relationships to work, and my company evolved into a full-service PR, marketing and branding agency. After years of working in a variety of industries I refined my client list to the wellness industry, I knew that I only wanted to work with companies that made the world a healthier and happier place. I've been blessed to work with incredible brands with great integrity, and my passion for wellness has only grown over the years.
What exactly are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are ancient superherbs that help the body in natural processes, including digestion and regulating stress levels. They can boost your metabolism, increase immunity, ease inflammation and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mental agitation. In my experience, they are a life changer.
Adaptogens were first studied during World War II. Scientists were looking for a way to help healthy pilots work at even greater levels. They were looking for a “superhero” pill that’d let the pilots fly better, faster, and for longer periods of time. And they achieved that in the form of adaptogens.
What are the benefits of adaptogens?
Adaptogens vary in their unique benefits depending on the herb, but researchers have found they have several effects on the body: neuroprotective elements, anti-fatigue properties, antidepressive effects, and they can work as a stimulant for the central nervous system.
What was the inspiration behind Supervos?
After years of battling health issues, and many failed attempts in conventional medicine, I began looking for ways to heal myself. I needed to feel better, I wanted more energy, better focus, and to feel happier without the RX that I was being prescribed. This is when I found functional medicine and the profound healing power of plants and ancient herbs. Adaptogens are incredible and underused herbs that have changed my life. I wanted to share the blends that have helped me so much with the world. Our blends are all Non-GMO/organic, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free and contain zero fillers.
Tell us about each of your unique blends.
Our initial blends are our brain, sex, beauty, and sleep. All of our blends contain adaptogens which help your body cope with stress and help to balance your adrenals so I will focus on the other benefits of each blend below.
Brain Blend: Our brain blend is made with herbs shown to increase focus, improve cognitive function, boost your energy, and decrease inflammation. I use the brain blend in the morning with my tea, and mix it with the sex blend for an afternoon pick me up or pre-workout in my smoothies.
Sex Blend: Sex is an organic blend of high vibration herbs and known libido and fertility boosters. It also helps reduces anxiety and stress, lowers inflammation, and works as a vasodilator to increases blood flow and improve cognitive function.
Sleep Blend: I don't want to go a night without this one. Our sleep blend promotes deep sleep, increases restfulness, helps alleviate stress and tension. It's super easy to mix in your decaf tea before bed.
Beauty Blend: Our beauty blend is packed with antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage, and herbs that help rebuild collagen, along with lowering stress levels.
* Stay tuned for new products in the coming weeks.
How can people use adaptogens in their everyday life?
You can use adaptogens throughout your entire day. I use at least 3 per day. I start with the brain or beauty, then combine the brain and sex for an afternoon pick me up, and end my day with the sleep blend.
What do you love most about Supervos?
I love the product quality and benefits. I have been very strict about my diet for years, all organic foods, no dairy, no gluten, no sugar, mostly plants, and healthy fats, so I was adamant about making this product high quality from the blends to the glass containers. I love how they make me feel, I used to think I would be stuck with anxiety and stress forever, until Supervos.
What’s your favorite blend? Favorite recipe?
Hard question! But I would have to say the brain blend, I love the clean energy and with the hours I typically work, it's a game changer. My favorite recipe would be our Mastermind Latte or our new Blueberry MYLK. Both are vegan and super tasty, you can find both recipes on our Superlife blog.
What advice do you have for someone who is just starting on their health and wellness journey?
Do a ton of research, fully understand your WHY. Follow great leaders in the industry. I love Dr. Mark Hyman, Dave Asprey, and Dana James. I think the most important thing you can do is to love yourself. As they say, you can do the yoga, eat the kale, and take the supplements but if you don't deal with what's going on in your head and your heart, you're still unhealthy.
