Today's world is stressful, and many people reflect this through experiencing varying levels of anxiety. Statistics on anxiety differ. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from anxiety never reach out for help, so the generally accepted 3 to 7 percent statistic may be very conservative indeed. Some experts estimate anxiety and mental health issues as affecting up to 30 percent of people at some time in their lives. Whatever the final statistics may be, psychiatrists and healthcare professionals recognise anxiety as being the most common psychological challenge that people experience. Since most would prefer not to immediately turn to prescription drugs, you may start looking for a natural treatment alternative. With functional mushrooms grabbing headlines around the world, you might be wondering if you can use mushrooms to help manage mild anxiety symptoms. How Mushrooms May Help For Anxiety There have been a number of studies and trials on the use of microdoses of psychedelic mushrooms for anxiety. However, it has been noted that there’s a ceiling effect with improvements following a single lifetime use. More importantly, they’re illegal in most countries. Reishi, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Shiitake and Maitake, all of which are non-psychedelic mushroom extract supplements, could be helpful according to some sources. It’s certainly true that many people who use them report feeling calmer and more focused. The so-called “adaptogenic” mushrooms, which include the species we just mentioned, are widely believed by Eastern medicine to contain natural ingredients that help to foster mental clarity and may combat stress. However, these properties have not been recognised by Western evidence-based medicine yet. Interestingly, achieving a good balance of the mineral potassium could play a role in helping to manage anxiety - but it’s a double-edged sword. If your potassium levels are very low, anxiety may be among your deficiency symptoms. But, if they’re too high, potassium may cause anxiety symptoms. Functional mushrooms are quite high in potassium, so this is worth bearing in mind when adding new mushroom supplements to your daily routine. Nutrition and Anxiety When it comes to nutrition, the potential benefits of functional mushrooms are clear. We already know that a healthy, balanced diet helps to keep our bodies functioning well. Less well-known, but generally accepted, is the idea that poor nutrition may aggravate stress and anxiety. It certainly makes sense that physical health and vitality can benefit mental wellbeing. Proteins, B-Vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates have all come under the spotlight as nutrients that can help our bodies, especially during stressful times. Functional mushrooms, known for their nutritional value and often used as supplements, are rich in these essential nutrients and can be an easy and convenient way to address these nutritional imbalances. Levels of the stress hormone Cortisol may also be reduced by antioxidants. Oxidative stress is known to elevate levels of Cortisol, and antioxidants are known to go some way to combating oxidative stress. With functional mushrooms being a proven rich source of antioxidants through their Beta-Glucan content, it’s possible that they will help to regulate the negative effects of people experiencing oxidative stress with the corresponding elevation of Cortisol. Using Mushroom Supplements If you’re living with anxiety, mushrooms might help to strengthen your wellbeing thanks to their nutritional value. Using natural nutritional supplements and herbs means giving them time to start working, and that could mean taking them for as long as a month before you experience any noticeable benefits. Many people see this as an advantage - instead of subjecting yourself to sudden, “shock” changes, they believe that natural products and good nutrition help to gradually restore the body's natural balance and resilience over time. Can mushroom supplements help those living with anxiety? Apart from their known nutritional benefits, many people who use functional mushrooms report feeling calmer and more relaxed and so you might want to add them to your daily supplementation. If so, choose high quality Maitake, Reishi, and Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements from a trustworthy source and use them as indicated for several weeks. For those experiencing mild anxiety, it’s worth taking some small steps. Boost your nutrition and antioxidant intake (mushroom supplements may help), plan to get plenty of stress-busting exercise, and try calming your mind through regular meditation. None of these is a “magic bullet,” but all of them could contribute to a healthier and happier you. As with all supplements, including everyday vitamins, check with your doctor if you are already on medication, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If all goes well, continue to use functional mushrooms for at least a month so that you can track how they work with your body, before deciding whether you are noticing any positive effects. Looking for a natural solution to feeling frazzled? Introducing NEW RELAX 15,000mg Maitake Mushroom Supplement Capsules from Grass & Co. When mind and body need a break, RELAX blends the finest quality, pure organic Maitake mushroom extract with added adaptogens Ashwagandha + Magnesium in one convenient vegan capsule. The unique mushroom and adaptogen formulation is enhanced with Vitamin B6 to support psychological function and help relax your mind. Grass & Co. and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. The information and products presented on this site are not intended for medical use nor do they make any medical claims. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programmes. More about functional mushrooms
