As a web developer and student who works long hours, I can testify the importance of staying focused and energized throughout the day. At first, I was overloading myself with coffee every day and it only increased my brain fog. That's why I've turned to medicinal mushrooms – specifically Lion's Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Reishi, and Turkey Tail – to help me power through my workdays with ease. Since I’ve been taking these products I’ve felt like I’m unstoppable. In this blog post, I will review what makes these mushrooms so special and how they can benefit your everyday life.
What are Medicinal Mushrooms?
Medicinal mushrooms, also known as functional mushrooms, are a type of fungi that have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine to help overall health and wellness. These mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, proteins, and peptides, which have been shown to provide a range of health benefits and nerve improvement. If you take these mushrooms you will notice a boost in energy, no more brain fog, reduced digestion issues and overall you just feel unstoppable. The best thing about some of these mushrooms is that they not only help you function faster for some time but they help train your mind to stay in go mode.
The Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms:
- Improved Cognitive Function: Lion's Mane mushroom is known for its ability to stimulate the growth of nerve tissue and protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Lion’s mane helps you focus and clears all of the brain fog that supplements like coffee make worse when you’re problem-solving.
- Enhanced Energy Levels: Cordyceps mushroom is known for its ability to increase energy levels and enhance endurance, making it a popular choice among athletes. My team of web developers all take cordyceps especially in our morning routine to help us stay energized throughout the day.
- Help wih sleep: If you have problems with falling asleep I’d recommend searching up Reishi mushrooms right away. It is known for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels making it a lot easier to sleep. Coming from someone whose mind races at a million miles a minute every time I try to go to sleep, I’d recommend Reishi. (I use the Reishi extract from Life Cykel)
- Immune System Support: Shiitake mushroom contains beta-glucans, which have been shown to stimulate the immune system and increase its ability to fight off infections. Turkey Tail mushroom is known for its antimicrobial properties, making it a great choice for boosting the immune system.
- Anti-Aging Benefits: Many medicinal mushrooms contain antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One of the best mushrooms for this is Turkey Tail which also improves hair and nail growth. I personally don’t take this one but I know its popular amongst hairdressers and women.
- Digestive Health: Many medicinal mushrooms, such as Chaga and Reishi, have been shown to promote digestive health by reducing inflammation and improving gut health. I and my friends who have realized how much heavy metals are in American food have started taking Chaga as it clears all of the heavy metals from your body.
How to use Medicinal Mushrooms?
There are several ways to incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your daily routine, including:
- Capsules or Tablets: Many companies offer capsules or tablets made from medicinal mushrooms that can be easily taken at any time of the day.
- Tea: Medicinal mushrooms can be added to hot water to create a soothing tea that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. (I add shiitake to my ginger tea)
- Coffee: For those who prefer a caffeinated beverage, many companies offer mushroom-infused coffee that can provide a boost of energy without the jitters that regular coffee gives. I switched to mushrooms because I was looking for a coffee alternative.
- Extracts: Some companies like Life Cykel create mushroom extracts using alcohol and other substances. I prefer extracts because I can add them to any food or drink.
Best Mushroom Brands to Check Out:
As a web developer and student, I've been looking for the best natural supplements to take to help with my focus and energy. At first, I drank a lot of coffee, but now I have switched to brands like:
- Life Cykel (Australia): Life Cykel offers a range of mushroom extracts made from 100% organic and non-GMO ingredients. Their products are available in capsules, gummies, sprays, and extracts. I love the extracts from them as it easy to measure your dosages.
- Ryze Coffee (USA): Ryze Coffee offers a range of mushroom-infused coffee that is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Their products are available in several flavors like matcha, hot cocoa, and coffee and can be purchased online or even in some retail stores. I recommend this for any coffee lovers
- Mud Wtr (Canada): Mud Wtr offers a range of mushroom-based supplements that are made from high-quality, organic ingredients. Their products are available in several formats, including capsules, powder, and gummies, or they're mostly known for their coffee.
- Everyday Dose (USA): Everyday Dose offers a range of medicinal mushroom products, including capsules, teas, and tinctures. Their products are made from organic and non-GMO ingredients and are available for purchase online or in select retail stores.
Why use Mushrooms?
As a web developer and student who was working 2 jobs, taking 6 classes, and starting up 2 companies all at the same time, I can attest to the benefits of incorporating medicinal mushrooms into my daily routine. Not only do they help me stay focused and energized throughout the entire day, but they also provide a range of health benefits that can improve overall wellness. If you're looking for a coffee alternative, it is because mushrooms do everything that coffee can not. Whether you're looking for a boost of energy or improved cognitive function, medicinal mushrooms are worth considering as part of your daily supplement routine.