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Mushrooms 101: Your Complete Guide to Adaptogenic Mushrooms

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Mushrooms 101: Your Complete Guide to Adaptogenic Mushrooms

With adaptogenic mushrooms, there are a ton of daily benefits your body could be getting with highly effective, and wallet-friendly solutions today.

For most people, the world of beneficial fungi is largely untapped. While you might know certain mushrooms have beneficial properties as superfoods, most don't know just how beneficial mushrooms can be.

Case in point, adaptogenic mushrooms could change your daily productivity fast, improve your body wellness, and even elevate your focus to complete tasks faster. 

Yet, many users are still not aware of why a mushroom with adaptogenic properties would be so valuable. Luckily, our team at Troomy has compiled the real impact of adaptogenic mushrooms, their benefits, how they are used, and what sets them apart as nootropic solutions for your daily routine today.

What are Adaptogenic Mushrooms - Lion's Mane Mushroom - Troomy Nootropics in Whittier, CA

What Are Adaptogenic Mushrooms?

The name alone is a mouthful.

Simply put, adaptogenic mushrooms are certain types of mushrooms that have properties linked to body, mind, and overall health support. In terms of health and wellness supplements, the word "adaptogenic" is used to describe a nutrient or substance that supports the body during periods of stress. In short, adaptogens help the body "adapt" when you are physically or mentally stressed, so biological processes remain stable or in a state of homeostasis despite the stress.

Situations Adaptogenic Mushrooms Could Be Useful In

For example, when you are emotionally stressed, cortisol production goes up, and this can have negative consequences for some people. However, adaptogenic mushrooms may work to reduce those cortisol levels and lower the risks of the negative consequences that come along with heightened cortisol levels. The ways adaptogens work can vary, but most influence the parts of the brain that mediate how the body responds to stress. Over time, this may strengthen stress-response systems and help the body recover quicker after periods of stress. 

Adaptogenic vs Medicinal Mushrooms - What's the Difference?

 A long list of mushrooms offer beneficial properties, but not every mushroom can be classified as adaptogenic. Therefore, adaptogenic mushrooms should not be confused with medicinal mushrooms, even though some mushrooms can be both medicinal and adaptogenic. Medicinal mushrooms offer therapeutic benefits, such as stimulating the immune system or deterring inflammation.

To be categorized as a mushroom that has adaptogenic properties, the fungi must be non-toxic at normal consumption levels, help the human body cope with stress, and support homeostasis. A mushroom can offer medicinal value but offer no level of stress support, which would mean it is not adaptogenic. 

Are Adaptogenic Mushrooms Legal? Red Reishi and Other Mushrooms in a Lab - From Troomy Nootropics in Whittier, CA

Are Adaptogenic Mushrooms Legal?

Adaptogenic mushrooms are not the same thing as hallucinogenic or "magic" mushrooms. These fungi do not have any influence on your perception or mind, so they cannot cause intoxication on any level. Therefore, adaptogenic mushrooms are not illegal, and most can be purchased over the counter in supplement form. You may even find a few adaptogenic mushroom varieties sold fresh at health food and grocery stores. 

Types of Adaptogenic Mushrooms 

There are a handful of specific mushrooms that fit the criteria to be classified as adaptogenic. Even though there could potentially be several others, the following three are the most well-studied and well-established as adaptogens. Take a look. 

Red Reishi Mushroom - Adaptogenic Mushrooms with Troomy Nootropics in Whittier, CA

Reishi

One of the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms is they may help stabilize cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands, but Reishi mushrooms may support these glands and change stress responses for the better. For a stressful, tiring day, you can calm your mind and find bliss in your mental space with a Reishi-based supplement.

In 2020, a breakthrough animal study revealed that rodents experienced less inflammation in the brain with stress-induced oxygen changes with Reishi mushrooms. This was reported to help protect the rodents against memory impairments and potential nerve damage. Additionally, Reishi combined with Cordyceps has been shown to protect athletes from stress damage during cycling overtraining

Lion's Mane Mushroom- Adaptogenic Mushrooms - Troomy Nootropics in Whittier, CA

Lion's Mane

Lion's Mane mushrooms are reported to possibly have adaptogenic properties. Animal studies have shown that this mushroom may offer benefits to neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain after stress. The compounds in Lion's Mane may also help support the brain by modulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a role in depression and stress. However, more human studies are necessary to make definitive claims.  

Cordyceps Mushrooms - Troomy Nootropics in Whittier, CA - Cordyceps Boosters

Cordyceps

Cordyceps are usually recognized for their medicinal properties, which is understandable because this mushroom offers so many impressive benefits. For example, this mushroom may help stabilize blood sugar levels and support the heart.

Nevertheless, Cordyceps is also an adaptogenic mushroom, even though human studies are limited. Studies have shown Cordyceps combined with other herbs helped protect athletes during overstraining periods and seemed to help with fatigue during high-altitude training in men.  It’s a natural energy booster that can help you with sustained physical activity, so its uses can go beyond sports and training.

Chaga Mushrooms for Boosting Daily Function - Troomy Nootropics in Whittier, CA

Chaga

Native to the cooler regions of Asia, Europe, and North America, Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a large, black fungus that grows on primarily birch trees.

Packed with a wide range of antioxidants and vitamins, including B-Complex Vitamins, Vitamin D, Fiber, Copper, and Zinc, Chaga is believed to be rich in medicinal properties.

Due to high antioxidant levels, chaga has shown to help reduce inflammation cholesterol, and sugar levels, while supporting overall health functions.

Turkey Tail Mushrooms - Adaptogenic Mushrooms for Boosting Performance - Troomy Nootropics

Turkey Tail

Recognized for its striking assortment of colors, Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a fungus that has been used for centuries to help alleviate various conditions. Packed with antioxidants, Turkey Tail has shown to be a powerful immune booster while also enhancing gut health.

Are Adaptogenic Mushrooms Safe?

For mushrooms to be classified as adaptogenic, they should have a good safety profile. ReishiCordyceps, and Lion's Mane have generally good tolerability and safety profiles when they are taken in the form of a supplement. 

Nevertheless, it should be noted that certain people may experience side effects like headaches or nausea or have sensitivities to consider. And, people with certain medical conditions should not use adaptogenic mushrooms without talking to their doctor. For example, people with a bleeding disorder, who are pregnant, or who are taking blood pressure medications may need to discuss their desire to take adaptogenic mushrooms with a healthcare provider first.  

Allergies to certain fungi are also something to consider, especially if you have experienced mushroom allergies in the past. While the topic is not well-examined, there have been a few documented cases of people having an allergic reaction to Lion's Mane, for instance. 

Troomy Adaptogenic Mushroom Gummies - Mushrooms for Boosting Daily Performance

 

How to Use Adaptogenic Mushrooms in Your Wellness Plans 

Adaptogenic mushroom supplements are the easiest way to make sure you are getting these valuable fungi in your life regularly. Most people don't have access to the actual mushrooms, and some are not all that palatable. Mushroom supplements make it convenient and simple to ingest the adaptogenic nutrients daily and reap the proposed benefits. 

Something to keep in mind, you will find a lot of mushroom blends that deliver both adaptogenic mushrooms and medicinal mushrooms in one supplement. Or, you may find products made with multiple types of only adaptogenic mushrooms. Both types of products are fine and may enhance the overall effects. 

Also, always look for adaptogenic mushroom supplements from a well-trusted supplier to further ensure you are taking a safe product. Some companies offer products that don't live up to quality standards or do not contain enough grams of the actual mushroom to make a difference. Further, products made with low-quality mushroom extracts are more likely to lead to undesirable side effects or negative experiences. 

Adaptogenic Mushrooms Support Your Mind and Body 

In the end, the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms are clear. If you are frequently dealing with a lot of physical or emotional stress, these valuable fungi may be an easy way to give yourself some much-needed support. Just be sure to look for a quality-made mushroom supplement from a reputable brand to experience the full wellness support you are looking to get. 

Elevate Your Wellness Routine and Find Your "True Me" with Troomy Mushroom Gummies

At Troomy, we offer organic blends of adaptogenic mushrooms in fruity, flavorful gummy flavors. Our mission is to reshape your daily routine and help you find your "True Me" together with the help of gummies crafted for a variety of different benefits:

Explore our full selection of premium mushroom gummies at Troomy.com and find your "True Me" today!

Alex Heining

About the Author

Alex Heining is a major supporter and activist of mushroom-powered wellness, and has been a leader on our Troomy Nootropics team since day one. As a graduate from the University of Oregon and marketer in the Los Angeles area, he constantly aims to increase activity and acquire more knowledge on ever-changing innovations in the fungi industry today.

Over our first year as a company, he’s combined his efforts with our top blending strategists to inform the Troomy community on developments in mushroom-powered wellness, while developing delicious, functionally-powerful gummies for daily use. Whether he’s in the weightroom, studying new extraction methods, or working on some new songs, he’ll always be ready to talk your ear off about different ways you can find your “True Me” with Troomy.

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