Discover the power of mushroom nootropics, with this full guide on what they can do, which mushrooms are best, how to use them, and what to look out for.
Mushrooms are quite the rage at the minute. Well actually, it’s having a sharp mind that is gaining these blends more attention.
Life is fast, and pressured, and demanding. A lot is expected of us professionally and personally, with a whole load of distractions thrown in the mix. We are having to digest more info in one day than one person would’ve managed in an entire lifetime a few centuries ago. It’s no wonder our brains are struggling to keep pace.
I personally suffer with that afternoon slump. I’ve gone all out on mental motivation in the morning, but around 2ish I’m starting to flag. I can’t think as clearly, I struggle to find mental motivation, and it takes a little while to become productive again. Most mornings I need something to sharpen my mind after I wake. Especially if I’m networking and need some fluid conversations flowing.
That’s how I got into nootropics. Smart, natural supplements. Today though, I’m talking specifically about the mushroom variety. I’ll tell you all there is to know about them, and why they’re becoming much loved dietary supplements for an optimized brain.
What Are Mushroom Nootropics?
If you’re a regular here at SOMA Analytics, you’ll know we have a passion for nootropics in general. They’re natural supplements that contain a formula of ingredients that can enhance mental clarity, energy, and health.
Some call them cognitive enhancers, and they improve our focus, and also reduce stress and anxiety. I’ve been using them for a few years now on and off – NooCube and Mind Vitality Focus being my two favorites.
But mushrooms are the superfoods that have been a part of medicine for centuries, increasing in popularity more recently with scientific understanding starting to stack up. They are blends of mushrooms that have nootropic qualities, and you can take them in various ways.
They may have other ingredients thrown in too – a little caffeine, or a non-stimulant with the same kind of effect.
But the star ingredient here is the mushroom.
Just For Supporting Brain Health & Function?
People always assume that nootropics are just to make us sharper, think ‘better’ and get answers quicker.
You do get this effect, but don’t think it’s like the film Limitless. It’s not as extreme! It does make a subtle difference that you’ll see more obviously in what you’re achieving.
You’ll find you learn more easily, can store and recall information better (which is why they’re popular with students), and you have a clearer mindset on what’s in front of you, whether it’s a load of information, or a challenge or task.
But cognition isn’t the only benefit we get from these mushroom blends.
✔️ General Mood Improvement
Being in a better mood is always a good thing, and something you’ll probably experience with these edible mushrooms blended into many nootropic products.
This is mostly because they can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. You get less brain fog, and a calmer mindset that supports our mental well-being and, actually, our general health and wellness.
✔️ Reduced Stress
Lion’s mane mushroom – one of the most popular choices of mushroom in nootropics – contains compounds that may reduce stress as well as improve cognition. These compounds are hericenones and erinacines, which can stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production and promote brain cell growth.
The antioxidants in mushrooms may also help combat inflammation and oxidative stress, while increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can improve our resilience to stress.
Yes, we need more research on this to prove just how much of a direct impact mushrooms can have on our stress levels; but from my own experience, even an indirect improvement is good enough for me. If I’m getting through more work and feeling driven thanks to the lack of mental fatigue, I’m going to be in a good mood.
✔️ Gut Health
Some mushrooms have prebiotics in them, which we all know is good for a healthy gut microbiome. If you suffer with poor digestive health, this could be even more noticeable for you.
✔️ Anti-Inflammatory Effects
This kind of plays into the reduced stress benefit, but also can be really helpful if you suffer with chronic inflammation.
✔️ Nutritional Benefits
Mushrooms are rich in nutrients, so we get lots of vitamins and minerals, and also plenty of fiber (another good thing for our digestive system).
So clearly, there’s a lot to be excited about here. Nootropics have been a game-changer for me, but remember, everyone is unique. Keep in mind the importance of due diligence – make sure you research a supplement before introducing it to your personal health regimen, and seek professional advice first if you have any medical conditions.
Overall though, the benefits these mushrooms can provide are undoubtedly impressive.
Different Type Of Mushrooms
When you start browsing for supplements, you’ll come across different types of adaptogenic mushroom. But which is best? Here are some of the most commonly used mushrooms, and what you need to know about t