Medicinal Mushrooms For Brain Health
One of the most scientifically backed substances for powering brain health is mushrooms! Medicinal mushrooms have been extensively researched for their effects on the processes of the brain including mental wellbeing and cognitive performance. These mushrooms act as antioxidants to reduce neuroinflammation, protect neurons from damage, and enhance overall brain function.
LION’S MANE MUSHROOMS
Many studies have displayed Lion’s Mane’s ability to act as a neuroprotectant. Cellular stress in the brain is lowered, plaque formation decreases lowering the effects and possibly the chances of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia. It has also been seen to improve anxiety and depression.
Lion’s Mane contains 2 diterpenoid compounds responsible for these powerful neuroprotective benefits. These compounds are erinacines and hericenones.
NGF (nerve growth factor) is stimulated by Lion’s Mane. NGF promotes growth of neurons. Low NGF has been linked to synaptic degeneration, amyloid-beta plaque formation, and neural diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease. Increased levels of NGF improve concentration and memory.
REISHI MUSHROOMS
Reishi mushrooms have been found to help calm an overactive nervous system, support adrenals, reduce stress and anxiety, and lower inflammation. Neuro stress is a key factor for driving neuroinflammation and disruptions in neurotransmitters.
Reishi is a powerful adaptogenic mushroom that helps regulate stress responses with its polysaccharide compounds through the HPA axis (hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal). Reishi mushrooms can help balance cortisol release.
Cortisol is our hormone that powers the fight-or-flight response. Cortisol is a normal part of our physiology and should be released every morning to a certain level. However, chronically high cortisol levels, with release throughout the day, can result in chronic high levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and fatigue.
Reishi’s ability to regulate cortisol release can also help improve lack of sleep and sleep quality. Brain health is linked very closely to the restorative effects sleep has on the brain and whole body. Lack of sleep leads to a lack of good cognition.
CHAGA MUSHROOMS
Chaga mushrooms are highly antioxidative. They rank 6.5 times higher on the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) scale than acai berries. Chaga is extremely neuroprotective against neural diseases. It is highly anti-inflammatory and upregulates the Nrf2 pathway – one of the body’s main anti-inflammatory pathways.
Chaga mushrooms have been observed to help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol).
Chaga’s anti-inflammatory effects also help support healthy blood pressure along with reducing the formation of plaque within blood vessels.
These mushrooms also act along the HPA axis to lower stress responses.
WELL THEORY’S ENERGY BRAIN BOOSTER
Dr. Meredith Warner’s Energy Brain Booster is formulated with a powerful adaptogenic mix of mushrooms including Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps. Whether you need a boost at work, at home, or before a workout, our Energy Brain Booster is a great addition to your daily routine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.
She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.
At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:
- Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
- Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
- Fill the gaps in our daily diets
- Manage pain associated with inflammation