Mental HealthMushrooms for Mental Health – The Science Behind it for Beginners

Mushrooms – also known as shroomies, tweezes or hongos — are having a moment. Psilocybin mushrooms used in small clinical trials have dramatically reduced depression symptoms among those who failed to respond to traditional antidepressant medication.

Due to safety considerations (psilocybin is illegal and requires a waiver), trials for this substance must take place under carefully controlled environments and with experienced professionals present who can monitor patients for any side effects, such as scary hallucinations or anxiety.

1. Adaptogens

Adaptogens are plant-based herbs (like ashwagandha, reishi, chaga cordyceps and lion’s mane) packed with complex compounds that work to assist your body’s adaptation or mediating to physical or psychological stress by interacting with its cellular systems and mediating your response to it. As such, adaptogens have long been touted as antidepressants, as well as improving memory retention, relieving fatigue levels and supporting overall healthy inflammation levels in the body.

It is unclear exactly how adaptogens work, but one theory suggests they may help normalize certain stress hormones like cortisol by engaging with our main stress response center – the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis – according to one 2020 study involving rats given cordyceps and poria experienced significantly less depression and anxiety when exposed to mild stressors than rats given just the control group.

These herbs have long been utilized as part of Eastern medicine and were even employed by pilots during World War II to reduce fatigue. Nowadays they’re popular in Goop wellness world and recommended by celebrities such as Gweneth Paltrow; before purchasing any of these superherbs (typically sold as supplements), always consult a medical professional first, especially if you suffer from other medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, COPD or any other chronic illnesses.

Adaptogens have another key advantage over traditional medications: They increase your resistance and tolerance of stress, likely as these herbs balance neurotransmitters – chemical messengers which regulate emotions – more effectively than before. When taking adaptogens, as with any herbal supplement, it’s crucial to follow the dosage recommendations on their label.

If you’re new to adaptogens, consider starting off slowly before increasing to your recommended amount or speaking with your healthcare provider about safe dosage levels for any current medications you take. When purchasing pills form adaptogens ensured by third-party certification bodies such as NSF International that ensure quality and purity; caffeine could further intensify their stress-fighting effects.

2. Serotonin

Serotonin is one of the key neurotransmitters influencing mental health. Also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (www.mountsinai.org/5-hydroxytryptophan-5-htp), this monoamine can be found throughout the central nervous system (CNS), where it influences mood, cognition, appetite, sleep, blood pressure, digestion, bone health and sexual desire. Serotonin also influences other neurotransmitters like melatonin and norepinephrine levels in our bodies.

Studies suggest that depression and anxiety may be related to lower levels of serotonin neurotransmitter; this theory is known as the serotonin hypothesis. Yet more research needs to be completed in order to establish exactly how serotonin functions within your brain and body.

Neurotransmission occurs when presynaptic neurons produce serotonin and release it into the gap between nerve cells – known as a synaptic cleft – between nerve cells. From here, it travels along neuron pathways until reaching postsynaptic neurons where it binds receptors or is taken back up by their respective transporter; should either malfunction, you could experience various forms of mental health conditions including depression.

3. Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant produced naturally in your body and also available as a dietary supplement. It protects cells by inhibiting their oxidation – protecting proteins, fats and carbohydrates against damage caused by oxygen – as well as strengthening immunity against infections like covid-19. Studies have also demonstrated its effects in slowing Parkinson’s progression while increasing memory in mice; additionally it has shown promising results fighting oxidation while reducing inflammation among HIV positive individuals.

Researchers continue to explore the effects of mushrooms and glutathione on Alzheimer’s and other brain conditions. According to official Edible Alchemy, recent research revealed that those who consume at least two servings (about one cup) per week of mushrooms — roughly equivalent to eating two servings of mushrooms per week — had a 50% decreased risk of mild cognitive impairment – an early precursor to Alzheimer’s. Researchers suspect the antioxidants in mushrooms (particularly ergothioneine) prevent amyloid protein plaque buildup that contributes to dementia.

Studies have also demonstrated that people living with schizophrenia tend to have lower levels of glutathione. Supplementing with N-acetyl cysteine, an amino acid precursor of glutathione, was shown to increase those levels. Glutathione may help detoxify, relieve allergy symptoms and improve digestion as well as give more energy, better skin tone and stronger hair and nails – among many other advantages.

4. Vitamin D

Mushrooms are naturally high in vitamin D, an effective mood enhancer. Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for mental health disorders in those living far from the equator with limited sun exposure; vitamin D helps alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms by balancing circadian rhythms and helping the body adapt to stress better.

Studies have revealed that mushroom extracts can significantly boost levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain – two essential neurotransmitters important to proper nerve functioning. Studies also indicate that mushrooms could also potentially improve mood by improving communication among neurons.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom may help improve both your mood and cognitive function. This mushroom contains compounds known as hericenones and erinacines which may improve brain health by decreasing the risk of mental decline associated with aging, as well as stimulating nerve cell growth while alleviating any oxidative stress accumulated on your mind.