Top 3 Mushrooms for Anxiety
and Depression
Mushrooms have long been known to have a calming effect on the body and mind, and they are now being studied as a potential treatment for anxiety and depression. Medicinal mushrooms are gaining popularity for their ability to reduce stress, improve mood, and help regulate mood-related hormones.
Clinical trials have shown us that incorporating fungi into our diet may be an effective way to help regulate our emotions and have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the brain and improve overall mental health. Studies suggest that the compounds in some mushrooms may even help to regulate the brain’s neurotransmitters which ultimately provides relief from those suffering from a variety of mood disorders.
Best Mushrooms for Anxiety and Depression
The top three mushrooms for anxiety and depression are reishi, lion's mane, and cordyceps. All three have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are known to balance hormones, reduce stress, reduce inflammation, stabilize mood and improve mental clarity. Here are the top 3 mushrooms for anxiety and depression where studies show a reduction in symptoms.
1. Lion's Mane
Lion's mane has been found to be a potential natural remedy for depression and anxiety with active compounds shown to reduce the symptoms of both disorders, as well as improve overall cognitive functioning. The active compounds of lion's mane helps in the formation and maintenance of new neurons which is important in controlling mood. Lion's mane has also been found to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and reduce stress, all of which are important factors in alleviating anxiety and depression. One study found a reduction of depression and anxiety in participants after a 4 week intake of lion's mane, and another clinical study demonstrated that lion's mane significantly alleviated depressive disorder indicating that it could be a complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of depression.
2. Reishi
The mushroom reishi is gaining popularity for its potential abiIlity to help people manage their anxiety and depression. Reishi mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and have been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed that the polysaccharides and triterpenes present in reishi mushrooms are responsible for its anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Studies have shown that reishi can reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance cognitive function and boost mood. One study found that reishi had antidepressant-like effects and also showed a reduction in stress-induced anxiety.
Reishi can help protect the body from inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety. They also may help regulate serotonin and dopamine, two hormones that can affect mood, along with contain bioactive compounds that can help reduce stress and anxiety. These compounds help to increase relaxation, reduce fatigue, and improve sleep, all of which can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
3. Cordyceps
Cordyceps makes the list for mushrooms for anxiety and depression and like lion's mane and reishi, has also been used for centuries to help with mental health. It is known to be a powerful adaptogen to help the body more effectively cope with stress and help manage emotions. Furthermore, cordyceps is a great source of antioxidants that can help protect us from disease and improve overall health. Antioxidants can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and improve overall mental health. Studies have found that cordyceps can help regulate mood, reduce stress, and boost energy levels. It can also benefit cognitive health, improve sleep, and enhance mental clarity. One study in particular found that cordyceps helped with the regulation of stress and was a complementary treatment for depression.
Conclusion: Can mushrooms help with anxiety and depression?
While there is still much more research to be done, many studies suggest that mushrooms have potential as an alternative treatment for anxiety and depression. The active compounds found in mushrooms have shown promise in providing relief for those who suffer from these conditions and the potential benefits of mushrooms for anxiety and depression should not be overlooked.
Mushrooms are increasingly being studied for their potential to help people with mental health concerns. Clinical trials have found positive outcomes as to the effectiveness of mushrooms to include reducing stress, improving mood and the overall treatment of anxiety and depression.
Lion's mane, reishi and cordyceps are 3 mushrooms that stand out as having a positive impact on one's overall mental health and well being. The easiest way to make sure that you incorporate these three mushroom powerhouses into your diet each and every day is through a properly dosed supplement.
Discover all the benefits of mushrooms with the MD multivitamin, a balanced bioactive blend of 9 mushrooms and 9 vitamins: agarikon, chaga, reishi, lion's mane, turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, oyster, cordyceps - all added to your everyday multivitamin.
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