The Best Mushroom Supplements for Boosting Brain Health
Mushrooms have been used for centuries in Eastern medicine to treat a wide range of health conditions. Modern research has confirmed many species contain powerful compounds that can enhance brain function and protect against cognitive decline.
Adding supplements with lion's mane, cordyceps or reishi mushrooms into your health regimen can sharpen focus, uplift mood, improve memory and support nervous system health.
Understanding the Benefits
Mushrooms contain complex carbohydrates known as beta glucans plus a wealth of antioxidants. Together these active substances reduce inflammation, remove free radicals and balance gut bacteria associated with brain issues.
Some compounds like erinacines and hericenones found in lions mane actually stimulate the production of nerve growth factor. This keeps neurons in the brain and nervous system healthy and prevents die off.
1. Lions Mane
True to its name, lion's mane features long, cascading tendrils resembling a furry lions mane. It has long been used in Asia to boost cognitive function and alleviate neurological disorders.
Modern research verifies significant mental health benefits from taking lions mane mushroom supplements including:
Enhanced Memory
Bioactive compounds in lions mane like amycenone and hericenones regenerate neurons and stimulate nerve growth factor. This directly improves transmission of messages between brain cells which sustains short-term memory, concentration and recall.
Reduced Anxiety and Depression
A study in menopausal women found lions mane supplements significantly reduced irritability, anxiety and other emotional symptoms after just 4 weeks. Other trials confirm anti-depressive effects equal to prescription medication.
Neuroprotection
The amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that slowly destroy neurons leading to Alzheimers and dementia are suppressed by bioactives in lion's mane. It also reduces inflammation and oxidative damage linked to Parkinson's disease.
2. Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a rare mushroom used for anti-aging benefits. As a supplement, it mainly supports energy levels, endurance and athletic performance. But research shows it also boosts mood, focus and protection against brain degeneration.
Specific brain health benefits from cordyceps mushroom supplements include:
Boosts Dopamine
Cordyceps contains cordycepin and other compounds that mimic dopamine production in the brain. Dopamine helps regulate motivation, pleasure, mood, memory and focus. Supplementing helps lift depression, sustain attention and prevent dopamine depletion.
Fights Oxidative Stress
Accumulation of oxidative free radicals causes neurons to dysfunction and die off faster. The antioxidants in cordyceps supplements prevent this oxidative damage to stall development of neurodegenerative diseases.
3. Reishi
Used for over 2,000 years in Chinese medicine, reishi mushrooms are adaptogens that balance, regulate and strengthen body systems against disease. For the brain, reishi improves circulation, protects neurons and balances neurotransmitter levels.
Sharpens Focus
Reishi contains complex carbohydrates called beta-glucans that reduce inflammation and free radicals while stimulating immune function in the brain. This helps concentrate nutrients in the brain to sharpen focus.
Calms Anxious Thoughts
The triterpenoid ganoderic acids found abundantly in reishi mushrooms influence GABA neurotransmitter receptors in the brain similarly to anti-anxiety drugs. It also protects neurons and nerve pathways.
Enhances Memory Retention
Research confirms reishi supplementation significantly improves non-verbal and visual memory in subjects compared to placebo. Other studies show it protects against plaque buildup and reduces symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Finding Quality Mushroom Supplements
When shopping for mushroom supplements to benefit your brain it's essential to find high quality products. Check for the following:
Organic
Mushrooms easily absorb toxins and heavy metals from their environment. Choosing organic helps avoid contamination issues.
Extract Powder
Powdered hot water or dual extracts of the mushroom fruiting body concentrate the most beneficial compounds over typically less effective tinctures or capsules.
Lab Tested
Reputable third party testing verifies purity, safety and amounts of active ingredients listed on labels not always present in real world products.
Blend
Getting a blend featuring several complementary mushroom species maximizes brain health benefits. Lion's mane, cordyceps, reishi and others each offer unique advantages.
Recommended Usage and Dosage
Most mushroom supplement labels provide serving guidelines based on the extract strength. However, research on brain boosting benefits used dosages of:
- Lion's Mane Extract: 1000-3000mg daily
- Cordyceps Extract: 500-1000mg daily
- Reishi Extract: 1800-5400mg daily
Try starting on the lower dosage range for several weeks monitoring effects. Scale up gradually as needed while staying within recommended limits. Pair with a vitamin B complex for increased absorption.
Safety Considerations
When sourced well, mushroom supplements are non-toxic with minimal side effects reported in research trials. However, some people may experience digestive upset, skin reactions, drowsiness or restlessness from stimulant species like cordyceps.
Avoid cordyceps, reishi and others that modulate immune function if taking immunosuppressant medications. Those on blood thinners should consult a doctor since some mushrooms also slow clotting. Check for medication interactions before starting.
While quite safe for most, pregnant or nursing women should first confirm suitability with their physician since data during these life stages is limited.
Finally, get high quality organic mushroom supplements from reputable brands. Lower grade products with contamination risk health consequences with extended use.
FAQs
What mushrooms are best for brain health?
The top mushrooms for cognitive benefits are lion's mane to stimulate nerve growth, cordyceps for mood and focus, and reishi for calming anxiety and sharpening memory.
How do mushrooms improve brain function?
Compounds like beta glucans reduce inflammation linked to brain disorders while others regenerate neurons, balance neurotransmitters, and strengthen neural pathways for better function.
When should you take mushroom supplements?
Most mushroom supplements are taken daily long-term for cumulative brain benefits. Try dosages of 1000-3000mg of lion’s mane, 500-100mg cordyceps and 1800-5400mg reishi.
Are mushroom supplements safe?
High quality organic mushroom supplements are non-toxic for most people, but some reactions can occur. Avoid with immunosuppressants or blood thinners and check for interactions with medications.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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