The Benefits of Sensoril on Thyroid, Adrenals & Weight

The Benefits of Sensoril on Thyroid, Adrenals & Weight

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Evidence-Based

Sensoril is a special formulation of a supplement known as Ashwagandha

This supplement has been shown in scientific studies to help regulate thyroid function, improve and balance serum cortisol levels and even help with weight loss. 

In order to get these benefits, you must be properly absorbing ashwagandha and getting a high enough concentration in your cells. 

That’s where Sensoril comes in…

Sensoril is a special formulation of Ashwagandha which dramatically increases absorption and therefore results: 

Sensoril vs Ashwagandha

So what exactly is Sensoril?

Simply put Sensoril is a dried aqueous extract of roots and leaves from the herbal medicine Withania somnifera (1).

If that isn’t more clear it’s a fancy way of saying that Sensoril is just a different way to package a special herbal adaptogen known as Ashwagandha. 

But why is Sensoril special?

The reason we are even talking about Sensoril is not that it provides some special ingredient that isn’t in Ashwagandha (they have the same effect inside your body), it’s because of the absorption. 

The problem with certain medications and supplements is not that they don’t work (we know that they work VERY well as long as they can get inside of your cells), it’s how can we get ENOUGH of the supplement inside your body and your bloodstream so that they make it to your target tissues.

benefits of sensoril vs placebo on brain function

When it comes to certain supplements (and many medications) you may only be absorbing around 10% of the total amount that you put into your mouth and down your gastrointestinal tract. 

Let’s put this into perspective:

If you consume 100mg of something (let’s use Curcumin for this example) you may only be absorbing around 10mg of that 100mg. 

So what do we do?

We formulate supplements to include special ingredients to help BOOST absorption. 

In the case of Curcumin, we usually combine it with piperine (2) (or black pepper) to increase the absorption. 

The same logic applies to Sensoril and Ashwagandha. 

The active ingredient inside Ashwagandha is known as Withanolides or withaferins (3) which give Ashwaghanda all of its special benefits (we will talk more about these later). 

So we are really only interested in making sure that this active ingredient is absorbed when you take Ashwagandha. 

And this is where Sensoril steps in. 

Sensoril is simply a special way to formulate and prepare Ashwagandha to help increase the absorption of the withanolides in your intestinal tract. 

This is important for several reasons:

#1. Some people need up to 1,000 to 2,000mg of Ashwagandha daily to achieve optimal results for weight loss, thyroid function, and adrenal function

#2. Some people have difficulty with absorption at baseline due to intestinal issues, low stomach acid, IBS, or other problems that limit the absorption of nutrients.

Sensoril allows you to increase the absorption of Ashwagandha and therefore increase the results you experience while taking this supplement. 

Making sense?

But to make sure we are clear here:

The only difference between Sensoril and Ashwagandha is in how it is prepared, not necessarily the benefits that it provides provided you get enough into your body.

Sensoril and stress reduction

Does that mean everyone needs to be using Sensoril?

Not necessarily, but there are a few exceptions…

If you have hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, severe adrenal fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues then you should put preference this formulation over traditional ashwagandha preparations. 

Let’s talk about the benefits of using Sensoril for these conditions: 

Sensoril & Thyroid Function

Having low thyroid function may be one of the main reasons that you should consider using Sensoril. 

Why?

Because hypothyroidism causes changes to stomach acid production and alters the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. 

Both of these conditions can alter the intestinal absorption of traditional ashwagandha compounds and make this supplement less effective. 

The problem with this is that Sensoril (ashwagandha) has some very beneficial properties for those with hypothyroidism. 

Studies have shown that the use of ashwagandha daily (4) may alter thyroid hormone concentrations in your serum. 

In an 8-week study, scientists found that using Ashwagandha resulted in an increase in T4 by up to 23% and reduce the TSH (this study showed that it may help to normalize the TSH in those with subclinical hypothyroidism). 

In addition, there has been at least 1 case study (5) showing that a 32-year-old woman developed a condition known as thyrotoxicosis while using ashwagandha herbal extract. 

Obviously, this is a very rare and uncommon occurrence (most people with hypothyroidism who use Ashwagandha have a positive response!). 

I only use this study to illustrate that Sensoril and Ashwagandha do indeed have a powerful effect on thyroid hormone concentrations (6) in your serum. 

The lesson to be learned here is that you must be using it appropriately! 

If you have thyroid problems (Hashimoto’s, high levels of reverse T3, thyroid resistance, hypothyroidism, etc.) then you will want to use around 500-1,000mg of Sensoril per day. 

Sensoril & Adrenal Function

Another condition to consider the use of Sensoril over standard Ashwagandha is Adrenal fatigue or dysregulated cortisol levels. 

Chronic exposure to stress, the kind of stress that you deal with on a day-to-day basis, is enough to cause damage to a set of tissues known as the HPA Axis (7).

sensoril and the HPA axis

This HPA axis, also known as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, is a set of feedback interactions that results in the management of certain specific hormones in your body – namely cortisol, thyroid hormone, and sex hormones (8).

The problem is that chronic stress may cause over-activation of this axis and lead to numerous problems which manifest as the following symptoms: 

  • Chronic fatigue or low energy
  • Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
  • Sensation of feeling “wired but tired”
  • Food cravings, especially for salt or sugary foods
  • Reliance upon caffeine or sugar as a source of energy
  • Reduction in your tolerance to stress

The presence of these symptoms may indicate a problem with cortisol or adrenal dysregulation. 

So where does Sensoril fit in?

Sensoril may help your body “tolerate” these stressful situations and may actually help normalize serum cortisol levels. 

Studies have shown (9) (many studies) that Ashwagandha has a significant impact on stress reduction both from the subjective perspective (patient’s opinion) and from laboratory data. 

Ashwagandha falls into the category of Adaptogens (10) which is a special set of botanicals known for their ability to help reduce stress, balance cortisol, and treat “burnout”. 

Sensoril on stress levels

Treating adrenal-related problems requires the use of targeted supplements and Sensoril has been shown to help reduce the symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue. 

You can read more about other supplements that can help here

For treating adrenal-related issues you will want to use around 250 to 500mg of Sensoril each day. 

Sensoril & Weight Loss

Does Sensoril help with weight loss?

It may indirectly help with weight loss, but probably not in the way that you are hoping. 

I would not classify Sensoril as a “weight loss supplement”, but it does have special properties that may assist or potentiate other weight loss efforts. 

Sensoril has been shown to help in the following ways:

#1. Help increase muscle mass (11).

Sensoril (as well as Ashwagandha) has been shown to help increase muscle mass if used in conjunction with strength training. 

This is really important because muscle mass helps set the metabolism of your body. 

The more muscle mass you have the more energy you burn at rest. 

The moral of the story?

If you decide to use Sensoril it’s also a good idea to combine it with strength training exercises (which is what I recommend)! 

aswhagandha on muscle strength and weight loss

#2. Help reduce post work out recovery time (12).

Secondly, Sensoril helps reduce post work out recovery time. 

This is important because our recovery time tends to prolong as we get older and as gender-specific sex hormones decline. 

In men, this is known as andropause, and in women, this is known as menopause

Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone may influence muscle recovery time and as these hormones decline with age it may take you longer and longer to recover. 

Taking Sensoril can reduce this recovery time and may influence how many times you are capable of working out each week. 

This is also incredibly important for those people who like to work out OFTEN and find cognitive benefits from high-intensity workouts. 

Remember:

Working out does cause some stress to your body and may cause a rise in cortisol levels which can become detrimental over time if it becomes excessive. 

#3. Help increase the effectiveness of exercise.

Next up is the ability that Sensoril has to improve the effectiveness of your workout. 

This goes without saying, but if you are able to push harder during your workout or to work out with more intensity then you will have more benefits. 

Increasing your relative strength will, therefore, improve your results as you push yourself harder. 

#4. Indirectly help improve basal metabolic rate and metabolism.

Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, is that taking Sensoril may result in an indirect increase in basal metabolic rate and metabolism overall. 

This benefit is likely caused by the influence that Sensoril has on muscle mass and also various hormones such as thyroid hormone and cortisol. 

If you can increase the number of calories you burn from 1,800 calories per day to 2,000 calories per day you will be in a better situation to lose weight and keep it off. 

How to use Sensoril for the Best Results + Who should use it

So how do you get these benefits? 

Using Sensoril (like any other supplement) wisely means that you need to use it for the proper length of time and at the right dosage. 

In addition, I also recommend that you combine Sensoril with other adaptogenic botanicals and supplements. 

Why?

Because certain nutrients synergize well with other nutrients and can enhance the effects. 

You can see an outline of how to use Sensoril for the best results below. 

Who should use Sensoril

  • Patients with Thyroid disorders including Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, high levels of reverse T3, thyroid resistance, or suspected thyroid disease
  • Patients with known or suspected cortisol dysregulation (low or high serum cortisol levels) 
  • People who have failed to improve with standard Ashwagandha extracts
  • Those who have weight gain in the abdomen or high insulin levels
  • Patients with known or suspected systemic inflammation
  • Patients with a history of GI issues that may otherwise limit the absorption of nutrients/supplements/vitamins
  • Patients who suffer from anxiety or find themselves less tolerant of stressful situations

How to Use

  • For weight loss: 500 to 1,000mg per day x3-6 months (should be combined with strength training)
  • For thyroid disease: 250 to 500mg per day x3-6 months
  • For adrenal/cortisol problems: 250 to 500mg per day x3-6 months (depending on the severity of adrenal/cortisol dysregulation)

Back to you

Sensoril is a special formulation of Ashwagandha that has been shown to increase the absorption of the active ingredient of withanolides. 

While not everyone will need to use Sensoril certain patients may find specific benefits in using Sensoril. 

Patients with this condition include:

  • Those who suffer from Hypothyroidism
  • Those with adrenal-related problems
  • Patients seeking weight loss
  • Those with gastrointestinal issues which may limit the absorption of nutrients

Now I want to hear from you:

Have you used Sensoril before?

Did it work for you?

Why or why not?

Leave your comment below! 

#1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897003/

#2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9619120

#3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/

#4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296437/

#5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16355578

#6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28829155

#7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181830/

#8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181830/

#9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/

#10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19500070

#11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4658772/

#12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4658772/

the benefits of sensoril ashwagandha

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About Dr. Westin Childs

Hey! I'm Westin Childs D.O. (former Osteopathic Physician). I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. I love to write and share what I've learned over the years. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) and I'm proud to say that over 80,000+ people have used them over the last 7 years. You can read more about my own personal health journey and why I am so passionate about what I do.

P.S. Here are 4 ways you can get more help right now:

#1. Get my free thyroid downloads, resources, and PDFs here.

#2. Need better symptom control? Check out my thyroid supplements.

#3. Sign up to receive 20% off your first order.

#4. Follow me on Youtube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram for up-to-date thyroid tips, tricks, videos, and more.

21 thoughts on “The Benefits of Sensoril on Thyroid, Adrenals & Weight”

  1. For those of us on a tighter budget, would you have any problem with Swanson Sensoril Anti-Stress Nutraceutical 125 mg 120 Caps being used as an alternative to your recommendation?

    Reply
    • Hi Jarod,

      I have never used that specific product so I can’t say if it will work or not. I would suggest some caution when using those types of brands, however, as they don’t necessarily use the best ingredients (both active and inactive).

      Reply
  2. Interesting reading. I’m in the midst of treating hydrogen SIBO in the ileum with Candibactin AR & BR, which purportedly will take 2-3 months. My thyroid and androgen labs are back and I’m wondering if it’s better to wait to treat what appears to be sub-clinical hypothyroid (low ends of normal), adrenal fatigue, and some androgen dominance. [FWIW, labs and symptoms are summarized below.] I’ve started taking ashwagandha extract and reishi and after reading your articles am considering switching to your ashwagandha and thyroid adrenal reset combo you’ve used in practice, but is it better to wait until the SIBO is corrected? I see you’re no longer practicing and the coaching sessions appear focused on weight loss and although that’s not an issue for me, at this point it seems working with a functional clinician is becoming necessary. Thanks for any feedback.

    [48, female, premenopausal. All thyroid levels are at the low end except for TSH which is just past the median, and estriol unconjugated is at the low end (0.1) of <2.0 ng/mL. Sex hormone binding globulin is high, and free DHT, DHEA, and DHEA sulfate are at the high ends of normal. Thyroid nodules are present with discrete compositions (some granular); waiting for 1-year follow-up ultrasound results. Have most symptoms of adrenal fatigue and hypothyroid but without the weight gain, and androgen dominance. Ultrasound indicates one simple ovarian cyst at 3cm, so PCOS doesn't seem to be the cause unless it's a non-cystic type of PCOS which apparently now exists. Zinc is also low.]

    Reply
  3. I read all of it and can’t find anything on how sensoril is supposedly better absorbed. Sensoril is not better absorbed at all.

    Reply
    • Hi Al,

      There’s no mention that Sensoril is better absorbed compared to other brands of Ashwagandha. The statement in the beginning regarding absorption applies to all supplements not specifically to Sensoril.

      Reply
  4. Hello,
    Thank you for another amazing article. I’m hoping you can please clarify some confusion. In the ingredient list of Thyroid Adrenal Reset Complex which is your recommended product, I can’t find neither Sensoril or Ashwagandha listed. If you can please advise. Thank you and have a blessed day.
    Elsa

    Reply
  5. I read that ksm-66 could help w/food cravings. My hormones have been checked and they were all w/in the normal range. But I have depression, anxiety and adhd, along w/intense sugar cravings. I am also a nail biter and hair twister. So I was hoping to find something that helped w/these issues. I took the ksm-66 and I do think it did increase my energy and perhaps my mood, but I also feel like it made it much harder to fall asleep, almost stimulating in a way. I dont think it helped w/my cravings but also think it may have needed more time, as it hasnt been a month yet.
    But was hoping Sensoril would help w/the food cravings and energy w/o the sleep problem.
    Do you have any suggestion for helping w/food cravings that could be related to stress, compulsivity, anxiety, and depression?

    Reply
  6. No, I have never used either one before but Dr. Senatra uses it in his Omega Q Plus Ultra, so I was just checking on it, he says it helps a person with stress standing in the way of a healthy Heart, Brain Health, Healthy aging and stress reduction.(He said try Ultra with Ashwagandha). I like this Dr. just checking to see if this works He is wonderful, he is a heart DR.

    Reply
  7. Does sensoril need to be cycled? I’ve been taking it for almost two months and it has allowed me to sleep really well each night. But for the past two nights my sleep worsened. I’m feeling my body may be getting used to it and I need to stop taking it for a few days. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Hi Madison,

      I’ve never seen anyone that needed to cycle it and I’ve had people use it daily for months and months.

      Reply
      • Maybe I’m taking too much of it. I’m thinking about halving my dose. I was taking 2x/day. The good sleep does come back after one or two bad nights. I have no idea what causes those.

        Also, you mentioned people take it for months and months. So is it safe to take it indefinitely?

        I want to keep taking it as it has allowed me to get off of Ambien for good.

        Reply
  8. Dear dr. Childs,
    On my journey with low thyroid I discovered that I’m intolerant to night shades. This plant family includes tomatoes, pumpkins, potatoes, eggplants, goji berries and so on and unfortunately Ashwagandha too.
    Do you have experience with Ashwagandha intolerance in your patients?
    Thank you for your work!
    Natanielle

    Reply
    • Hi Natanielle,

      Yes, it’s uncommon but it does happen. I would say anywhere from 5-10% of people have trouble with it. But I do find that most people who have issues with nightshades can still tolerate ashwagandha, that’s just been my experience.

      Reply
  9. Hello Dr. Childs,

    I have been using your A.R.C. with the Ashwagandha for forever and I am unable to find it. It has helped me through perimenopause like nothing else so I am a tad concerned to be without it. Have you discontinued it or are your bringing it back in a new product?

    Reply
    • Hi Heidi,

      The original ARC formula has been discontinued but I am working on a new supplement that will replace it.

      Reply
  10. Hello Dr. Childs,
    I have had hashimotos for years. A couple of years ago, I started having conversion issues and I just recently started on Cytomel along with my Synthroid. I tried NP thyroid but it made me sick.
    My question is, can I take Ashwaghanda even though I am being treated?
    Thank you!
    Piper

    Reply
    • Hi Piper,

      Ashwagandha can be helpful regardless of whether or not someone is using thyroid medication, if that is what you are asking. Whether or not it works is more based on the individual.

      Reply
  11. Dr. Childs,
    I have sub-clinical hypothyroidism and insomnia problems and would like to start taking ashwagandha at your suggested doses. My question is, should I take it before or after meals and what time of day would you suggest, thank you.

    Reply

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