Have you had your Daily Dose of Mushrooms?

No, not magic mushrooms!

I first came across medicinal mushrooms about 5 years ago. I had no clue what they were, but they claimed to solve a lot of my health issues. All of this was solved without the symptoms and contraindications of other over-the-counter medicines.

For the last 6 years, I was working as a Personal Trainer. I was the epitome of good health! Or at least, that’s what my clients thought. Being the face of health and wellness always made me quite self-conscious. I constantly thought about my appearance, physically and mentally. The job required me to be “on.” This meant I had to be positive, encouraging, energetic, strong, and able to demonstrate any exercise as necessary. Wouldn’t you want all this and more from a trainer?

I was run-down, as I can imagine many trainers are after years of putting their clients first. Eventually, it began to negatively affect my sessions with clients. I was tired, had trouble focusing, I was sick all the time, I made poor food and workout choices due to lack of sleep, and I was unable to perform my job at 100%. I needed to change something. It turns out that the catalyst to all of this change came from medicinal mushrooms.

Mushrooms were the change I needed

I know that is a pretty bold statement. How could mushrooms be the answer to all my problems? Different types of functional mushrooms can be used to help support the immune system in varying ways. They’re even being looked at as a natural compound for future cancer treatment. Some examples of mushrooms used for vitality and immune support are Chaga, Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Shiitake.

What can mushrooms do?

All sorts of different mushrooms have all sorts of different effects. It is definitely worth it to take your time researching to find exactly what you need.

One of the most common mushrooms out there is shiitake. Shiitake mushrooms have tons of benefits and can be taken as a supplement or eaten – and they’re super delicious.

“Several compounds in shiitake help lower cholesterol and may reduce your risk of heart disease.” – Healthline

For focus, creativity, and productivity, Lion’s Mane is the choice for you.

“The primary benefits of a lion’s mane mushrooms are their ability to stimulate brain function, boost the immune system, and help to regulate blood sugar levels, among many others.” – Organic Facts

If you want a workout booster but have already had too much caffeine for the day, reach for Cordyceps. This mushroom will enhance your stamina and endurance.

“Taking cordyceps mushrooms can be particularly helpful for those with active lifestyles who want to push their exercise routine to a new level. Having more energy and delayed fatigue will allow you to reach those activity goals!” – Further Food

If you want the opposite of all that and you just want to relax, go for Reishi. This mushroom works well for occasional stress and a night of restful sleep. 

What if I don’t like mushrooms?

Companies are making medicinal mushrooms as tasty and easily ingestible as possible. This means that you can find it in basically any form. They can come in powder form that can be mixed into soups, smoothies, or teas. You can add it to some milk and cacao and make your own mushroom hot chocolate. Furthermore, It can be made sweet or savory, and they all have a different flavor. Many people even harvest these mushrooms and eat them grilled or on top of a salad. They even come in capsules, like this one, if the thought of eating them grosses you out. The possibilities are endless!

None of this is to say that there are no side effects to consuming these mushrooms. These mushrooms are not to be taken instead of your prescribed medicine. Always speak to a medical professional before starting a new supplement regimen. Do your research and find a company you trust. They should be testing each and every batch of their product for heavy metals, allergens, bad bacteria, yeasts, molds, mycotoxins, and pesticides before they arrive in your hands.