What are Adaptogenic Mushrooms?
Introduction
There’s a new kind of mushroom on the block, and it goes by the name of “adaptogenic.” This type of mushroom has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and only recently have scientists begun to understand its unique properties. Adaptogenic mushrooms are able to adapt to different environments and help the body cope with stress. They have a long list of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety, boosting energy levels and helping to fight inflammation.
So why should you care about adaptogenic mushrooms? Well, as the name suggests, these mushrooms can help your body to adapt to stressors, both big and small. This is extremely important in our fast-paced world, where stress is part and parcel of life. By reducing the amount of stress your body experiences, adaptogenic mushrooms can help you to feel better both mentally and physically. Additionally, these mushrooms are anti-inflammatory, meaning they can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is a key factor in preventing and managing chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and cancer.
Adaptogenic mushrooms are becoming an increasingly popular supplement, and for good reason. If you’re looking for a way to improve your health and reduce the amount of stress in your life, adaptogenic mushrooms may be the answer. Check with your doctor to see if they’re right for you.
The oldest documented usage of mushrooms for medical purposes may be seen in a 7000-year-old cave artwork depicting a shaman dancing among a field of mushrooms discovered in Algeria. Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine practitioners have been employing mushrooms in their procedures for thousands of years, there are 23 different species that have been traditionally used for health benefits ranging from cancer treatment to improve immune function, according to 3000-year-old Indian literature.
The former Soviet Union began investigating the mental and physical effects of herbal medicines on its air and submarine personnel during World War II. Adaptogens were given their name by Russian scientist Israel Brekhman two decades later, based on the premise that when the body is stressed, it either goes into fight, flight, fatigue or adaptation mode.
The earliest evidence of human interaction with mushrooms dates back over 10,000 years when people began using them for food and medicine. Ancient Egyptians used mushrooms for immortality, while ancient Greeks used them as an aphrodisiac.
A mushroom, as you may know, is a fungus' fruiting body, which generates spores to aid the fungus' reproduction. However, not all mushrooms are the same.
You've probably heard of magic mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms, for example. These are mushrooms that contain hallucinogenic ingredients that can affect your perspective when you consume.
Functional mushrooms don't have the same mind-bending properties as their psychedelic cousins, but they do have some pretty incredible body and mind benefits.
Incredible image created by - Jimmy Figs
Adaptogens have been shown to improve heart health, fight viruses, promote healing, fight asthma, fight allergies, balance sugar levels, raise energy levels, reduce stress levels, combat cancer, help calm PMS, limit cravings, sharpen focus, reduced anxiety, boost workout intensity, fight free radicals, lower cholesterol, strengthen sexual performance, regenerate brain tissue, increase cognitive function, fight depression, boost memory, stimulate immune function and reduce excess fat.
These mushrooms are unique in the sense that they are adaptable to different environments and help the body to cope with stress. They have a long list of potential health benefits and are a great addition to any diet. If you are looking for a way to improve your health, consider adding adaptogenic mushrooms to your diet.
These mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants and polysaccharides, which are believed to help improve overall health.
Adaptogenic mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are now making a comeback as a natural way to improve health.
Some of the most well-known adaptogenic mushrooms include reishi, cordyceps, chaga, turkey tail and lion’s mane. All of these mushrooms offer a range of health benefits, they are all rich sources of antioxidants and polysaccharides, which are believed to improve overall health.
Homeostasis
It's hard to discuss adaptogens without mentioning homeostasis, which is just another name for balance. Despite pressures and changes from the outside world, every living creature on the earth is continually fighting to preserve a stable internal state. On a cellular level, we're all trying to hold our crap together right now, and we've always been doing so. Adaptogens, on the other hand, aren't trying to read your brain, instead they're attempting to rebalance your body or attain homeostasis.
Adaptogens' "middle path" is what distinguishes them from stimulants and other short treatments. Cordyceps mushroom energy, for example, does not induce a crash and burn as caffeine or sugar does. The beauty of adaptogens is that, like a thermostat that goes off once an appropriate temperature is reached, they only give our bodies what they need to get back into equilibrium. Adaptogens, like exercise, prepare our bodies to deal with stress when it arises, preventing the weariness that normally follows. And, much like with exercise, everyday long-term usage is suggested to get the advantages.
proof
Adaptogens have been studied in humans for thousands of years, with the adaptogen Rhodiola being used to cure headaches as early as 77 AD. While more recent long-term scientific investigations are needed, it was determined that adaptogens are "related with the control of homeostasis through interaction with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the modulation of major mediators of the stress response." While research hasn't determined exactly what it's doing, we do know it interacts with the HPA axis and appears to affect homeostasis. Adaptogens have also been proven in other research on animals and isolated neuronal cells to have anti-fatigue and antidepressive properties, as well as the ability to raise mental capacity and improve concentration.
Mushrooms are like any other supplement: they're not regulated by the FDA. What this means is that many companies will claim to use specific types of mushrooms without actually using them, or they'll use much lower concentrations than advertised. Some companies will even use mycelium instead of actual mushroom fruiting bodies in their products!
Mycelium is the "roots" of a fungus and is often used by mushroom farmers to grow more mushrooms in their crops. But because it doesn't contain the same nutrients found in mature mushrooms, it's not nearly as effective for medicinal purposes.
The most important thing to look for when choosing a mushroom supplement is a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This is a third-party test that verifies the purity, potency and safety of the product you're about to consume. And since many brands still don't offer this kind of testing on their products, it's important to ask for it before buying anything.*
Here’s a closer look at some of these unique fungi
Is a fungus that has been examined for its ability to lessen the negative effects of stress on the body. It was discovered that consuming 600 mg- 1000 mg of Cordyceps per day for two weeks improved stress response and tiredness levels, making it useful for asthmatics and athletes alike. Cordyceps is a great pre-workout supplement.
Lion's mane extract has been demonstrated in studies to help correct stress-related alterations in neurotransmitters including dopamine and serotonin, a bioprotein that is important for the maintenance, health and regeneration of brain neurons. It aids in the prevention of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as improving memory, creativity, attention and mental clarity.
The "mushroom of immortality," reishi mushrooms (also known as lingzhi), are recognized for their tremendous adaptogenic effects on the mind and body. Reishi tea, which is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory chemicals, has been used as an immunological and lifespan tonic for thousands of years. These fungi, which are known to be immune boosters, contain chemicals that aid in the promotion of many of the cells involved in immune system activity. They're also great for your sleep since they've been found to improve the quality and amount of deep, slow-wave sleep. This mushroom has also been shown in studies to assist diabetics to drop blood sugar and reduce fat accumulation.
Chaga mushrooms are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help your body combat inflammation and neutralize free radicals. Chaga is an adaptogen that helps to regulate the immune system. It has been found in studies to help fight viral infections, delay heart muscle aging and maybe even prevent and cure cancer.
PSP and PSK, two strong polysaccharides compounds found in turkey tail mushrooms, are now being researched for their impact on enhancing immune function in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This mushroom has been demonstrated to have anti-cancer properties in studies on lung, gastrointestinal and breast cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms also contain prebiotics, which aids with gut healing.
CONCLUSION
The potential health benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms are numerous. They have been used in medicine for centuries and their ability to help the body cope with stress is unmatched by any other type of mushroom. If you’re looking for a natural way to manage anxiety, boost energy levels, or reduce inflammation-related symptoms then these types of mushrooms may be just what you need.
One of the main benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms is their ability to fight inflammation. Inflammation can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain, redness, swelling and heat. It’s believed that chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases, so managing it is essential for good health. Adaptogenic mushrooms can help to do just that.
Another benefit of adaptogenic mushrooms is their ability to reduce anxiety. Anxiety is a common problem that can cause a lot of distress in people’s lives. It can be accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, including chest pain, rapid heart rate, and dizziness. Adaptogenic mushrooms have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels, which can make a big difference in people’s lives.
Finally, adaptogenic mushrooms are great for boosting energy levels. If you’re feeling tired and run down, then these mushrooms may be just what you need. They can help to increase energy and vitality, allowing you to feel more alert and focused.
So, if you’re looking for a natural way to manage anxiety, reduce inflammation, or boost your energy levels, then adaptogenic mushrooms may be the perfect choice for you. With their long list of potential health benefits, it’s definitely worth giving them a try.
Many people in the modern world don’t have time to take care of themselves, which means they need a little help. Adaptogenic mushrooms are one solution that can offer many health benefits without any side effects.
It is important to know that adaptogenic mushrooms are not a new discovery, but they are becoming more popular because of all of the potential health benefits that they offer. If you are looking for an easy way to improve your health, then adaptogenic mushrooms might be the right solution for you.
Adaptogenic mushrooms are a powerful force that should not be overlooked. With their ability, they can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
THE REALITY
The science on mushrooms for therapeutic purposes isn't great–it turns out that proprietary-hungry pharmaceutical corporations have little reason to spend money investigating something that can literally grow in shit–but there are a few standout ‘shrooms that have endured the test of time, few mentioned above.
OUR OPINION
While the opportunity for indulging in the magical kind has passed, we're only getting started with the medicinal. Keep an eye out to see if we transform into superhumans or return to stumbling over our own feet.