In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of cognitive boosters and their potential to revolutionize academic success. As the back-to-school season approaches, students and learners of all ages seek effective ways to enhance their focus, improve learning abilities, and unlock their full intellectual potential. In this article, we will explore the remarkable benefits of mushroom supplements in boosting cognitive function, offering a natural and promising alternative to traditional study aids.
Nature has long held secrets that can empower us, and functional mushrooms are no exception. With their diverse array of bioactive compounds and unique nutritional profiles, mushrooms have captured the attention of researchers and health enthusiasts alike. Recent studies have shed light on their incredible potential to improve memory, enhance attention span, and promote mental clarity. Whether you're a student preparing for exams, a professor or teacher seeking sharper focus at work, or simply someone eager to unlock their mental potential, mushroom supplements offer an intriguing avenue for achieving your goals.
In the fast-paced world of education, stress and burnout have become all too familiar companions for both teachers and students. The demands of the modern educational system, coupled with societal pressures and high expectations, have created an environment that can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being.
For teachers, the responsibility of shaping young minds, managing classrooms, and meeting curriculum requirements can be overwhelming. The constant juggling act between lesson planning, grading, and extracurricular activities often leaves educators feeling stretched thin and emotionally drained. Similarly, students face their own set of challenges, including academic pressures, social dynamics, and the ever-increasing need to excel in a competitive environment. The combination of long hours of studying, looming deadlines, and the fear of failure can lead to heightened stress levels and even burnout. It is crucial to address these issues head-on and seek effective strategies to support the mental health and well-being of both teachers and students.
By fostering a culture of self-care, providing resources for student and teacher burnout, teacher stress relief, teacher stress support, etc. we can create a more nurturing educational environment that enables teachers and students to thrive.
The Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), renowned for its exceptional stress-reducing properties, has long been held in high esteem as a potential weapon against burnout. Recent scientific research has shed light on the intricate mechanisms that underlie Reishi's ability to modulate stress.
At the core of Reishi's stress-modulating effects are its bioactive compounds, particularly ganoderic acids, a type of triterpenes. These compounds have exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties [1], making them key players in the quest for stress relief. By interacting with various signaling pathways in the body, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis, which serves as a central hub in the stress response [2], Reishi aids in regulating cortisol levels and restoring the delicate balance of the stress response system [3]. Moreover, Reishi boasts potent antioxidant activity, acting as a safeguard against oxidative stress-induced damage to cells and tissues [4]. Furthermore, Reishi's adaptogenic mushroom qualities work in harmony with the body, promoting homeostasis and bolstering its adaptive capacity to withstand stress [5]. This multifaceted approach equips Reishi mushroom for stress with the exceptional ability to counteract stress and its detrimental effects.
The Benefits of Lion's Mane Mushroom
Much like Reishi, Lion’s Mane mushroom is classified as a functional mushroom; a term used to describe a group of mushrooms that offer more than just nutritional value. Functional mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane, possess unique bioactive compounds that can positively impact human health and well-being.
These mushrooms are often sought after for their potential medicinal properties, as they are believed to support various bodily systems and functions. Lion’s mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is most commonly associated with improving cognition, brain fog, supporting brain health, and preventing against development of neurodegenerative diseases.
An enlightening study completed on mice unraveled the profound impact of supplementing with standardized extracts of two key components derived from Lion's Mane, namely hericenones and erinacine, on neurogenesis within the hippocampal and cerebellar regions of the brain [6]. While the cerebellar region of the brain is mainly concerned with motor functions, it is the hippocampus that has a major role in learning and memory. Lion's Mane showcases a remarkable ability to stimulate the growth of nervous tissue, also known as neurogenesis, specifically within the hippocampus, suggesting that this mechanism serves as the foundation for its memory-enhancing capabilities [6].
Mushrooms for ADHD
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a relatively common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a significant number of students and teachers in school settings. Students with ADHD often exhibit a range of signs and symptoms that can significantly impact their academic performance and overall school experience. These symptoms can create challenges in the classroom, affecting students' ability to concentrate, follow instructions, complete assignments, and interact effectively with peers.
An interesting finding seen in those with ADHD is decreased levels of BDNF [7]. BDNF is brain-derived neurotrophic factor and is expressed in the brain cortex and hippocampus [7]. It regulates two circuits within the brain that modulate attention, thoughts, emotions, social behaviour, motor control, and are implicated in ADHD symptomology [7]. Constituents extracted from the fruiting body of Lion’s Mane have been shown to increase levels of BDNF in the brain, along with other neurotrophic factors, that may improve the signs and symptoms seen in ADHD [8].
Maximize Focus and Learning: The Power of Mushroom Supplements for Academic Success
Mushroom supplements offer a versatile range of options for consumption, allowing individuals to incorporate them into their daily routines in various ways. One common form of mushroom supplements is capsules, providing a convenient and easily measurable dosage. Capsules are ideal for those seeking a quick and hassle-free method of ingestion.
Alternatively, mushroom supplements are also available in powder form, which offers flexibility in terms of dosage and allows for creative culinary applications. Adding mushroom supplements to meals such as soups, stir-fries, or smoothies can be a delightful and nutritious way to incorporate these functional fungi into your diet. For those looking to enjoy a morning boost, mushroom coffee has gained popularity as a unique and flavorful way to reap the benefits of mushrooms while savoring a warm cup of coffee. The best mushroom coffee blends typically combine mushroom extracts with regular coffee, offering a well-rounded and invigorating beverage for those early mornings before class.
Where Can You Find Top-Quality Mushroom Supplements for Purchase?
When exploring the wide market of medicinal mushrooms, it becomes crucial to exercise caution and be mindful of the ingredients present in the products you purchase. One important aspect to consider is whether a mushroom product includes grain products, which should be clearly listed under "other ingredients." Additionally, certain terms on the label like "full spectrum," "mycelial biomass," or "extracellular compounds" indicate that the product is derived from the grain substrate on which the mushrooms were grown, possibly including the primordia and fruiting body, all combined and often not in extract form.
While some companies may promote "full spectrum" as a desirable feature, it's important to understand that this actually means the product is diluted, requiring higher consumption for comparable benefits to a product containing 100% fruiting body extracts.
At Eversio Wellness, we exclusively offer mushroom extracts made from 100% fruiting body sources. We prioritize transparency by providing our consumers with Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each product. These COAs serve as scientific confirmation, assuring consumers of the accurate percentages of beneficial constituents present in our products, as determined through rigorous lab testing. Additionally, the COAs also encompass tests for heavy metal and microbial contents, ensuring that you receive the highest quality mushroom supplements available. With Eversio Wellness, you can trust that our commitment to transparency and quality empowers you to make informed choices for your well-being.
We hope you have found this article informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below!
Related Articles
Want to learn more about mushrooms for brain health & ADHD? Check out these related blogs.
- Mushrooms for ADHD
- Fungi for Brain Fog
- Medicinal Mushrooms for Depression
- 5 Adaptogenic Mushrooms and Their Amazing Health Benefits
By Silvana Jakupovic — BSc and 4th Year Student of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM-Boucher)
References:
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[2] Lai CS, Yu MS, Yuen WH, et al. The neuroprotective effects of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides against oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci. 2014;15(5):7495-7510. doi:10.3390/ijms15057495
[3] Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4(4):CD007731. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007731.pub3
[4] Lin ZB. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immuno-modulation by Ganoderma lucidum. J Pharmacol Sci. 2005;99(2):144-153. doi:10.1254/jphs.crj05014x
[5] Wachtel-Galor S, Tomlinson B, Benzie IFF. Ganoderma lucidum ("Lingzhi"), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study. Br J Nutr. 2004;91(2):263-269. doi:10.1079/BJN20041083
[6] Ratto D, Corana F, Mannucci B, Priori EC, Cobelli F, Roda E, Ferrari B, Occhinegro A, Di Iorio C, De Luca F, Cesaroni V, Girometta C, Bottone MG, Savino E, Kawagishi H, Rossi P. Hericium erinaceus Improves Recognition Memory and Induces Hippocampal and Cerebellar Neurogenesis in Frail Mice during Aging. Nutrients. 2019 Mar 27;11(4):715. doi: 10.3390/nu11040715. PMID: 30934760; PMCID: PMC6521003.
[7] Galvez-Contreras AY, Campos-Ordonez T, Gonzalez-Castaneda RE, Gonzalez-Perez O. Alterations of Growth Factors in Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2017 Jul 13;8:126. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00126. PMID: 28751869; PMCID: PMC5507945.
[8] Ryu SH, Hong SM, Khan Z, Lee SK, Vishwanath M, Turk A, Yeon SW, Jo YH, Lee DH, Lee JK, Hwang BY, Jung JK, Kim SY, Lee MK. Neurotrophic isoindolinones from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2021 Jan 1;31:127714. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127714. Epub 2020 Nov 25. PMID: 33246107.
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