Stress is such a prevalent word in our cultural vocabulary. Perhaps even more so now, as many of us here confront employment struggles, worry about the future, and the isolation of a busy life.
Anxiety and stress are widespread problems in today's fast-paced society. With the rising pressures of daily life, it is critical to discover natural solutions to these obstacles. One such remedy can be found in the potent effects of medicinal mushrooms.
In this blog post, we'll look at the best mushrooms for stress reduction, discussing their distinct qualities and how they can help you achieve a balanced and calmer state of mind.
Shedding Light On The Stress Epidemic
Who doesn't feel anxious these days? Our world has changed dramatically, and we are always racing around trying to fit everything in, glued to our smartphones, and sacrificing valuable sleep. When our bodies are constantly stressed and anxious due to our work, lifestyle, food habits, and the environment we live in, it can impact our health and well-being.
Stress causes our sympathetic nervous system to channel energy toward survival mode, which is beneficial if we are in a dangerous scenario but harmful if we respond to ongoing job, social, or day-to-day living pressures.
In stressful situations, our bodies respond by releasing stress hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol, which impact cell regulation and can trigger a chain of events such as cellular aging acceleration, digestive system depression, and sleep cycle disruption, to name a few.
Stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Some examples of physical stressors include:
- Illness.
- Lack of sleep.
- Injury.
- Strenuous exercise or physical work.
- Nutritional deficiencies.
Mental stressors include the following:
- Work, school, or family obligations.
- Divorce, financial loss, the death of a loved one, or natural calamities.
- Internal conflicts such as anxiety, pessimism, and perfectionism.
- Depression and anxiety.
Of course, stress will always be present in some form or another, so we must learn to manage it and optimize our response to it. Yoga, meditation, nutrient-rich foods, and time outside in nature can all help us rebalance. But, for us, adaptogens, specifically medicinal mushrooms, play a vital function when stress and worry have penetrated deep within our systems.
But, how are mushrooms good for stress? Let’s explore below.
Unveiling The Calming Properties Of Mushrooms
Medicinal mushroom supplements have long been utilized for their health-boosting properties; they strengthen immune function and contain adaptogenic qualities that help the body manage and adapt to stress.
Mushroom powders are also high in B vitamins, which are anti-stress vitamins that help the neurological system work properly. Mushroom supplements include various compounds, which means they provide distinct health benefits.
Adaptogens are plants that have adaptive attributes, which means they respond and adapt well to severe conditions in nature and help humans in the same manner. Adaptogens improve our energy levels, hormonal health, and immune system by balancing, restoring, and protecting the body.
Key Mushrooms For Stress Relief
-
Reishi
We can't talk about the best mushrooms for stress without mentioning Reishi. The 'mushroom of immortality' and spirit nourisher, Reishi mushroom is respected for fostering a sense of serenity while strengthening immunity and supporting the body's intrinsic ability to deal with stress.
-
Lion’s Mane
Next up on our list of mushrooms for stress relief is Hericium erinaceus. Lion's mane mushroom has been dubbed "nature's nutrient for neurons," its possible effects on the brain make it a genuinely fascinating stress mushroom.
-
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is another adaptogen that might help you deal with stress. Chronic disease can be caused by stress. Cordyceps inhibits this stress reaction while also assisting your body in fighting weariness and utilizing oxygen more effectively for increased energy levels.
-
Chaga
Chaga mushroom contains significant levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which neutralizes free radical damage caused by our environment, as well as our diet and lifestyle choices. Chaga has benefits for helping the body cope with daily stress and protecting it from harm and disease.
Continue reading to learn about the science behind the top medicinal mushrooms humans turn to when stress and anxiety strike.
The Science Behind Mushroom Stress Relief
The ability of Lion's mane mushroom to support healthy brain states by boosting(1) nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been examined. BDNF, in particular, promotes brain plasticity, which aids brain cells in remaining robust in the face of stress or aging.
Our mood is one of the most evident indicators of our stress level. A 4-week trial(2) of Lion's mane mushroom on 30 women suffering from depression and anxiety was conducted. At the end of the trial, the test group participants reported an overall improvement in mood, depression, and sleep quality, as well as lower scores on various measures such as palpitations, frustration, irritation, and anxiety.
Recent research has linked healthy ATP levels and cellular energy to stress and anxiety management and prevention. Cordyceps is a powerful energy booster that aids in producing the chemical adenosine triphosphate (ATP)(3).
Exploring Mushroom-Based Stress Relief Products
Mushrooms are available in various forms, including powders, pills, and liquids. Mushroom powder is ideal for people who dislike the texture of natural mushrooms but wish to include them in their diet. Cooking with adaptogenic mushroom powder is an excellent method to supplement your diet with additional nutrients.
Pills are an excellent choice for someone on the go. If you like to power up your morning coffee or tea, liquids such as tinctures are your best friend.
Incorporating Mushrooms Into Your Daily Routine
You may cook with Lion's mane mushrooms by adding them to dinners, stir-fries, and soups. You may even steep the dried mushroom in boiling water to make mushroom tea.
Consider incorporating a scoop of 100% Cordyceps or Reishi mushroom powder into your morning smoothie, yogurt, or cereal.
Are you pressed for time? Instead, take a few 100% mushroom powder capsules. Or combine Reishi's stress-relieving properties with other mushrooms and the adaptogenic herb ashwagandha. Pour a packet into hot milk (dairy or plant-based) for a soothing way to end the day.
FAQs About Mushrooms For Stress
Are Mushrooms Good For Your Mental Health?
Neurotrophic elements associated with brain health have been found in edible mushrooms such as Lion's mane. They also act as anti-inflammatory drugs, which are known to help ease depressive symptoms.
How Long Does It Take To Experience The Stress-Relieving Effects Of Mushrooms?
Mushrooms take about two weeks to build into your system. Therefore, the stress-relieving effects of functional fungi take some time to show up.
How Do I Determine The Right Dosage Or Serving Size Of Mushrooms For Stress Relief?
To accelerate the beneficial adaptogenic effects, experts recommend taking 2000 mg of capsules or two teaspoons of mushroom powder daily for the first three weeks. After that, you can cut your daily dose in half for maintenance.
Key Takeaway
Our lives can be physically and mentally stressful due to the demands of a busy job, the responsibility of caring for family, and the challenges that arise in friendship. There is some good news: by using mushrooms for stress, ancient healing wisdom can help you manage the modern epidemic of stress.
You can harness the power of these potent mushrooms to reduce anxiety symptoms and support overall mental health by incorporating Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps into your daily routine. Consider adding these great mushrooms to your wellness arsenal to experience their stress-relieving benefits.
References
- Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia, (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266378/
- Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake, (2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180/
- Enhancement of ATP generation capacity, antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory activities by Chinese Yang and Yin tonifying herbs, (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1847515/
Let Us Know Your Comments