Mushrooms: A viable well known adaptogen
by DEAN FOOR and ANNIE FRESHWATER with Entangled Biome
A Daily Dose of Mushrooms
In a world where non-pharmaceutical options are becoming more and more popular, one can become overwhelmed by the plethora of emerging possibilities. Ayurvedic herbs and adaptogenic botanicals once only found in specialty stores can now be bought online or at your local grocery store—often with no accurate information on their benefits or proper usage.
How many of us have gone into a health food store with the best of intentions and purchased hundreds of dollars of organic supplements—only to let them sit on the shelf, confused about what these magic pills are supposed to do?
We’ve talked here and on the Entangled Biome blog about the benefits of medicinal mushrooms. A wide variety of fungi seem to be popping up everywhere, in many different forms. You can buy whole mushrooms, mushroom capsules, mushroom-infused tinctures, and even mushroom chocolates.
Understanding the unique benefits of each mushroom is fascinating—but, for some, it’s also overwhelming. That’s why we are sharing a practical guide to how mushrooms can impact your daily routine in tangible ways.
Mushrooms in the Morning
Do you struggle to get up to speed in the morning? Does the mid-day slouch send you to the couch for a nap or back to the kitchen for yet another cup of coffee?
Medicinal mushrooms can provide an incredible energy boost, whether you need it when you first wake up or when you hit a wall in the afternoon.
Reishi can fight fatigue, thanks to triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans.
Cordyceps can potentially increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the compound that drivers energy to our muscles. This makes Cordyceps especially beneficial as both a pre- and post-workout supplement, but it can also help you get motivated as part of your daily routine.
Try Reishi or Cordyceps to kick your exhaustion—and energy drinks—to the curb!
Mushrooms for Preventative Care
You’ve heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away—but did you know that medicinal mushrooms can boost your immune system?
Reishi can stimulate white blood cell formation, helping your body naturally fight off bacterial and viral infections. It is also anti-inflammatory, which allows your system to operate more optimally.
Chaga is likewise an anti-inflammatory mushroom—one that is believed to have anti-viral properties.
Chaga can stimulate gut bacteria to provide a massive boost to the immune system.
Maitake offers similar immune support and may help combat cold and flu symptoms.
While vitamins, diet, and hygiene contribute to your health, mushrooms can provide tremendous benefits as part of your daily routine.
Boost Your Brain Power—and Calm Your Nerves
As we continue to live with the impacts of the pandemic, anxiety and depression have become increasingly more commonplace. Daily stress has a compounding effect, making many activities a struggle. Even simply focusing on a given task may be overwhelming at times.
Long-term pharmaceutical options may not be a good fit for some due to beliefs, insurance, health concerns. While mushrooms are not the answer for all mental/emotional conditions, Lion’s Mane, in particular, can significantly empower how your brain and nervous system function:
Lion’s Mane has anti-inflammatory properties and may stimulate nerve growth. These benefits can potentially alleviate depression and anxiety as your body adapts to stressful situations.
Lion’s Mane is additionally full of compounds known as hericenones and erinacines. These can stimulate the growth of brain cells, thereby boosting your brainpower.
If you find yourself struggling with brain fog, stress, or mood, Lion’s Mane may help you recalibrate with regular use. Try it when you start to feel overwhelmed, or use it in the evening to prepare for a better night’s rest!
Mushrooms + Serious Health Concerns
If you are relatively healthy but looking to optimize your wellness, mushrooms are one of the best allies daily.
But what about serious health concerns? Diabetes, high blood pressure, long-haul COVID, cancer—these issues and more run rampant in our world today, diminishing many people’s capacity to live life on their terms.
Mushrooms have long been used by cultures across the world to treat serious illnesses. In recent years, researchers have been unlocking mushrooms’ vast potential to address a variety of conditions:
Shiitake is packed with eritadenine, sterols, and beta-glucans, all of which lower cholesterol. This mushroom may help improve heart health.
Maitake has been extensively studied for its anti-cancer benefits. Researchers believe Maitake can combat the growth and reproduction of cancer cells and stimulate the body to fight tumor cells.
Maitake may also help lower cholesterol and regulate glucose levels.
Because of its effect on neurogenesis, Lion’s Mane may improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Cordyceps can improve oxygenation, making it an ideal mushroom for those long-haul COVID patients struggling with shortness of breath.
If you are dealing with a severe health problem, reading an article is no substitute for consulting with a medical professional. But consider asking about the naturopathic benefits of medicinal mushrooms at your next visit.
Take Your Mushrooms Daily
When it comes to feeling your best, there is no “magic bullet.” But the adaptogenic benefits of medicinal mushrooms are genuine: When taken daily in the proper forms and amounts, mushrooms can have an enormous impact on your overall wellness. What’s more, medicinal mushrooms have been utilized for thousands of years and heavily researched in more recent times.
For a safe, effective alternative to pharmaceuticals or addictive supplements, explore the world of mushrooms.