Boost Your Brain Function with Mushrooms

How Do Mushrooms Affect the Brain?

Mushrooms effect on brain have been researched for years. Mushrooms contain compounds like psilocybin and psilocin that can activate serotonin receptors and impact the brain functions and cognition. Studies have shown that psilocybin mushrooms are associated with decreased activity in the default mode network of brain which is involved in self-reflection and social cognition.

More specifically, psilocybin from magic mushrooms activates serotonin receptors in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which can lead to alterations in perception, cognition, and self awareness. Researchers found that psilocybin causesego dissolution, emotional and cognitive changes by decreasing the connection within default mode network.

In addition to psychoactive compounds, mushrooms also contain compounds such as erinacines and hericenones that can stimulate the growth of nerve cell connections. A study on rats shows that erinacines may help boost cognition and protect neurons in the hippocampus, a key area of the brain involved in learning and memory. Preliminary research suggests that lion’s mane mushrooms, which contain erinacines and hericenones, could potentially provide cognitive benefits in humans as well.

The Brain-Boosting Compounds in Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain several compounds that may boost brain health and cognition:

Psilocybin and Psilocin

Psilocybin and psilocin are the main psychoactive compounds found in psychedelic mushrooms that can activate serotonin receptors in the brain. Once psilocybin enters the body, it breaks down into psilocin, which is responsible for altering perception and mental processes. Specifically, psilocin activates serotonin 2A receptors in the prefrontal cortex, leading to changes in cognition, perception, and self-awareness [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_2A_receptor%7CSerotonin 2A Receptor].

A study conducted by researchers at John Hopkins University found that psilocybin from magic mushrooms causes ego dissolution and alters emotional responses by decreasing connectivity within the default mode network of the brain. The default mode network is involved in self-reflection and social understanding. Decreased activity in this network leads to broad changes in cognition and perception.

Erinacines and Hericenones

• Erinacines and hericenones are compounds found in lion’s mane and other mushrooms that can stimulate the growth of nerve cell connections in the brain. Studies on rats show that erinacines may help boost cognition and protect neurons in the hippocampus, a key region involved in learning and memory.
• A study published in Neuroscience found that oral administration of erinacines increased expression of nerve growth factor in the brain. Nerve growth factor is important for the growth, differentiation, and survival of neurons.
• Preliminary research suggests that lion’s mane mushrooms, which contain erinacines and hericenones, could potentially provide cognitive benefits in humans as well, such as:
• Improved memory
• Enhanced cognitive abilities
• Nerve regeneration and protection
• Delayed onset of age-related cognitive decline

There is still more research needed, but initial studies on the brain-boosting effects of mushrooms show promising results. Mushrooms appear to contain active compounds that can stimulate neural connections, enhance memory, boost cognition, and promote brain plasticity. While some varieties like reishi and lion’s mane can be consumed in normal dosages, psilocybin mushrooms should only be taken under medical guidance and supervision.

The Benefits of Mushrooms for Brain Health

Mushrooms, especially certain varieties, may help boost brain health and cognition in several ways:

Slowing Age-Related Mental Decline and Promoting Brain Plasticity

• Mushrooms like lion’s mane contain compounds such as erinacines and hericenones that can stimulate the growth of neural connections in the brain. By promoting neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, lion’s mane may help slow age-related mental decline and support cognitive abilities as we age.
• A study on older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that supplementing with lion’s mane for 16 weeks led to modest improvements in cognitive function, including better recognition memory and mental flexibility [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synaptic_plasticity%7CSynaptic Plasticity].
• Lion’s mane may also boost the production of nerve growth factor in the brain, which is important for the development and health of neurons. Maintaining healthy levels of nerve growth factor may support brain plasticity and offset some age-related cognitive decline.

Enhancing Memory and Cognitive Performance

• Studies show that lion’s mane may enhance performance on cognitive tasks that require visual processing, reasoning and judgment, memory and orientation. Lion’s mane was found to reduce reaction times and improve mental calculations, attention, and memory in some groups.
• A study on healthy older adults found that supplementing with lion’s mane for 4 weeks led to significant improvements in the delayed recall span task, which measures working memory and concentration. Participants were able to recall increasing numbers of items over longer time delays.
• Other research found that lion’s mane may protect against cognitive impairment caused by beta-amyloid plaques, which accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Lion’s mane blocked the formation of plaques and reduced inflammation in a study on rats. This shows potential for supporting cognitive health and slowing degenerative brain disorders.

Improving Mood and Reducing Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

• Psilocybin mushrooms contain compounds like psilocybin and psilocin that activate serotonin receptors and may have antidepressant effects. Psilocybin produces changes in mood, perception, and cognition that can provide new insights and relieve symptoms.
• Clinical trials found that single doses of psilocybin led to rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in many patients. Over 60 to 80% of patients experienced positive mood changes and decreased depression symptoms for 3 to 6 months following treatment.
• Psilocybin may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by enhancing emotional empathy, increasing optimism and openness, and dampening activity in areas of the brain involved in self-referential thinking. This points to new avenues for treatment-resistant cases. However, psilocybin should only be administered under medical supervision due to safety risks and psychological effects.

In summary, mushrooms show promising potential for supporting brain health and promoting cognitive function. Lion’s mane in particular may help boost memory, slow age-related mental decline, and enhance general cognitive abilities. Meanwhile, psilocybin mushrooms could provide new treatments for mood and anxiety disorders, although more research is still needed. When consumed properly and under guidance, mushrooms appear to offer significant benefits for both the brain and the mind.

Mushroom Varieties That Enhance Brain Function

Certain mushroom varieties contain compounds that may be especially beneficial for brain health and cognition:

Lion’s Mane Mushroom

• Lion’s mane mushrooms contain compounds such as erinacines and hericenones that can stimulate the growth of nerve cell connections in the brain. Lion’s mane may help boost cognition, enhance memory, and slow age-related mental decline.
• A study on older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that supplementing with lion’s mane for 16 weeks led to modest improvements in cognitive function, including better recognition memory and mental flexibility [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recognition_memory%7CRecognition Memory]. Lion’s mane shows potential for supporting cognitive health as we age.
• Lion’s mane may also boost the production of nerve growth factor in the brain, which is important for developing and maintaining healthy neurons. Maintaining optimal levels of nerve growth factor may help enhance brain plasticity and protect cognition.
• Lion’s mane can be consumed as a supplement, or used to make tea, tinctures, and broths. It has an umami flavor and is considered a delicacy in parts of Asia and Europe.

Reishi Mushroom

• Reishi mushrooms are considered an adaptogen, meaning they help balance hormones and reduce the effects of stress. Reishi contains compounds that may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as ganoderic acid.
• Reishi can help balance neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood and stress levels. In studies on mice, reishi reduced levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone, and altered levels of serotonin and noradrenaline. This shows potential for helping regulate mood and ease anxiety in humans as well.
• Reishi is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to calm the mind, reduce anxiety and irritability, and insomni. While more research is still needed, initial studies suggest reishi may have anxiolytic and mood-boosting effects.
• Reishi mushrooms can be found in capsule, tincture, and powdered forms. Reishi also makes a coffee-like tea beverage that some people use as a coffee substitute for its adaptogenic benefits.

Psilocybin Mushrooms

• Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as “magic mushrooms”, contain compounds such as psilocybin and psilocin that can alter mood, perception, and cognition. Psilocybin produces an psychedelic experience by activating serotonin 2A receptors in the brain [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_receptor%7CSerotonin Receptor].
• Psilocybin shows promising results for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Clinical trials found that single doses of psilocybin led to rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in many patients.
• Psilocybin may also enhance emotional empathy, increase optimism and openness, and reduce activity in areas of the brain involved in self-referential thinking. This suggests new mechanisms for alleviating treatment-resistant depression and anxiety.
• However, psilocybin also has risks and side effects, like frightening hallucinations. Psilocybin should only be administered under medical supervision and guidance. Recreational use of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in many countries and can be unsafe.

In summary, lion’s mane, reishi, and psilocybin mushrooms show potential for supporting brain health and enhancing cognitive function. However, psilocybin in particular should only be used under medical supervision due to safety concerns. When consumed properly, mushrooms may help boost memory, reduce anxiety and depression, slow age-related mental decline, and promote general well-being.

Using Mushrooms to Improve Cognitive Performance

Here are some tips for using mushrooms to boost cognitive ability and overall brain function:

Add Lion’s Mane Mushroom to Your Diet

• Lion’s mane mushrooms contain compounds such as erinacines and hericenones that may help boost cognition, enhance memory, and slow age-related mental decline.
• Lion’s mane can be consumed in various forms, including:
• Dried or powdered in capsules
• Brewed as a tea
• Added to coffee, broths, and other foods
• A typical dosage for cognitive benefits is 1-3 grams of dried lion’s mane mushroom or 1000-3000 mg of extract taken 2-3 times per day. Low doses are considered safe for long term use, but you should always follow the instructions on your specific product.
• Lion’s mane supplementation may need to be continued for at least 4-6 weeks to experience maximum cognitive benefits, as compounds build up in your system over time. Ongoing use can continue to support brain health and mental performance.

Microdose Psilocybin Mushrooms under Guidance

• Microdosing involves taking extremely low, sub-psychoactive doses of psilocybin mushrooms, around 0.1-0.3 grams. At these levels, psilocybin will not produce a psychedelic experience but may still enhance cognition, creativity, and connectivity. Some potential benefits of microdosing include:
• Improved focus and concentration
• Enhanced problem-solving skills and divergent thinking [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divergent_thinking%7CDivergent Thinking]
• Elevated mood and reduced symptoms of anxiety or depression
• However, psilocybin can interact negatively with some medications and medical conditions. You should never microdose psilocybin mushrooms without consulting a doctor first. Guidance from a medical professional can help ensure proper dosage and safety.

Try Reishi Mushroom Coffee or Tea

• Reishi mushrooms are considered an adaptogen that can help regulate stress hormones, improve mood, and boost immunity. Reishi contains compounds that may act as natural anxiolytics and antidepressants.
• Reishi mushroom coffee and tea are popular ways to experience the benefits of reishi. The reishi powder or extract is simply added to coffee beans or tea leaves, imparting an earthy, slightly bitter flavor.
• A standard dosage for reishi coffee or tea is around 2-4 grams of dried reishi mushroom or 1000-2000 mg of extract 2-3 times per day. Start with a lower dose and increase gradually to find what works best for you.
• Reishi mushroom coffee and tea may provide an energizing yet calming effect, reducing symptoms of anxiety, irritability and restlessness while also focusing attention and concentration. However, check with your doctor first before using any reishi product, especially if you are on medications. Reishi can potentially interact negatively with some prescription drugs.

In summary, lion’s mane, reishi, and microdoses of psilocybin show promise for supporting cognitive performance and overall brain health. When used properly and under guidance, mushrooms may enhance concentration and focus, boost problem-solving skills, elevate mood, decrease anxiety and depression, and slow age-related decline. Mushrooms are powerful supplements that should be treated with care, but they may also provide life-changing benefits for both mind and brain.