Social anxiety is a more prevalent condition than many people realize. In this article, we discuss natural non-prescription mushroom supplements that may help you to better cope with this issue. Read on to learn more about the best mushrooms for social anxiety.
An estimated 40 million adults across the U.S. suffer from anxiety disorders. This number continues to increase as technology becomes more and more available in our lives. The constant text, email, and social media alerts that come with modern technology and smart devices are among the many reasons that anxiety numbers continue to surge.
Now, more research is being done to help the growing number of those who struggle with this condition. The answer science has found: the medicinal use of mushrooms for social anxiety.
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Anxiety has always been around, but the recent surge in anxiety points to this becoming a modern problem. Before the modern era, natural medicines were used to help those suffering from mental disorders. Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years and across the world for their medicinal properties.
Mushrooms such as Reishi have been active in Chinese and Japanese health practices due to their health benefits and ability to increase lifespan. It wasn’t until recently that scientific research provided evidence about how mushrooms can benefit our health.
Mushrooms For Social Anxiety: Supplements That Can Help is an original (MushroomMaestro) article.
History of medicinal mushrooms
Ancient history is full of alchemists and physicians who studied the medicinal effects of mushrooms. While the research now shows concrete evidence of anticancer and antioxidant properties, mushrooms have been a cornerstone of traditional medicine. Studies show that mushrooms can:
- Decrease the risk of cancer
- Lower sodium intake
- Lower cholesterol
- Promote brain health
- Be a source of vitamin D
- Be beneficial to a healthier gut
- Support the immune system
Mushrooms continue to be an important part of Chinese culture. While “Made In China” usually carries a negative stigma, when it comes to mushrooms, it is a label of quality. China grows over 90% of the world’s mushrooms. This focus on mushrooms has led China to have dedicated research institutes for mushrooms and more mushroom scientists than any other country in the world.
It is for these reasons that Real Mushrooms works closely with Chinese manufacturers when it comes to providing consumers with quality mushroom products.
Even though mushrooms weren’t used in American cooking until the late 19th century, mushrooms have exploded in popularity. The shiitake mushroom was first cultivated between 1000 and 1100 A.D. in China for its culinary and health properties. Now the shiitake mushroom is the second most-farmed mushroom, with the USA importing $63.3M worth in 2021. As more research continues into mushrooms, science has begun to unravel the mystery behind mushrooms and how we can use mushrooms for social anxiety and other health conditions.
Lion’s Mane and the promotion of brain health
One of the causes of anxiety is our emotional responses. The hippocampus region of our brain is the area that deals with how we process memories and our emotional responses. Therefore, understanding how we can take control of our emotions has become an important part of anxiety treatment.
The Lion’s Mane mushroom helps regenerate brain cells within the hippocampus. These brain cells are the same brain cells that help us deal with emotional responses. For this reason, Lion’s Mane is considered one of the best mushrooms for social anxiety. In one study, mice given Lion’s Mane mushrooms showed a decline in anxiety and depression symptoms.
Tremella for anxiety-related fatigue
Fatigue and exhaustion are common problems shared by those suffering from anxiety. Mushrooms have historically been used in teas to help refresh the mind and body. Some of the most common tea treatments that use mushrooms for social anxiety and fatigue include:
- Chaga
- Reishi
- Shiitake
While these are the most popular mushrooms for fatigue, research is expanding to see what other mushrooms and fungi can help users stay alert without the damaging chemicals used in modern fatigue medications.
The tremella fungus is often used to detoxify the liver and prevent cancers and tumors. However, new research shows that tremella can also help cure fatigue, and one study suggests that tremella can increase the amount of energy the body can store. While the study was conducted on mice, it was able to provide scientific evidence that tremella can be expanded for use as a health food.
The Reishi and mushrooms for social anxiety
When it comes to mental health, Reishi mushroom is becoming more and more popular. The Reishi belongs to the genus Ganoderma of which there are 219 other species. The phenols and flavonoids present within the Ganoderma genus are being proven as a source of antianxiety effects and could be used in new treatments.
While science comes out with new medications for social anxiety, these drugs often come with negative side effects that are absent from their natural counterparts. These side effects can be an increase in fatigue, weight gain, nausea, blurry vision, and even increased agitation. Then there are also the large financial costs for these prescriptions, whereas natural mushrooms for social anxiety are only a fraction of the price.
Reishi stands out among the mushrooms for social anxiety treatments because of the vitamins and minerals found within it. These vitamins and minerals are:
- B1
- B2
- B6
- Β-carotene
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Iron
Vitamin B6, in particular, is important for combatting the effects of anxiety as it is a necessary ingredient in the production of serotonin. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for our happiness, whereas a lack of B6 could result in depression.
This capacity to promote natural serotonin production is one of the reasons Reishi treatments are being studied. However, those who take mushroom treatments must take 100% organic mushroom formulas, like the ones offered by Real Mushrooms, to avoid the complications of hidden chemicals mixing with other prescriptions and harming health.
The mushrooms used by Real Mushrooms have been perfected for over 40 years and can be taken as a capsule or a blend of mushroom powders that can be mixed into your morning tea or coffee.
Mushrooms For Social Anxiety: Supplements That Can Help is (MushroomMaestro) report.
How to consume Reishi mushrooms for social anxiety
There are several ways that you can get mental and physical health benefits from mushrooms. One of the simplest ways is by taking them as a capsule. These pills contain a powdered form of mushroom so you can ingest them quickly with a glass of water.
However, the dosage may differ from brand to brand. For instance, the Reishi mushroom capsules offered by Om are recommended to be taken 3 per day. Meanwhile, Real Mushrooms’ Reishi capsules only require 2 capsules per day.
For those who enjoy cooking, Reishi mushroom powder could be your next favorite ingredient. Reishi mushroom powder can be added to your meals, tea, coffee, smoothie, or any protein shake you may drink before or after your workout.
Real Mushrooms verifies their Reishi mushroom powder quality with third parties so you trust that you are getting the necessary fibers and compounds that go with a healthy lifestyle. It is also safe for pets to consume so they can also enjoy a healthier lifestyle alongside you.
Outside of social anxiety, Reishi mushrooms also have other benefits. Since these mushrooms also have anti-aging qualities, they are beginning to be used in lotions and other beauty products. Mind Naturals uses Reishi in their cream to help hydrate your skin and repair sun damage.
When looking to add mushrooms to your routine, the importance of shopping for quality mushrooms cannot be understated. Look for brands that are open about where they source their mushrooms and any other active ingredients in them.
Real Mushrooms is dedicated to the education of consumers, and the goal for Skye Chilton, founder of Real Mushrooms, is for consumers to demand better quality when it comes to mushrooms. According to Chilton, “We’re doing all kinds of quality control measures to show just how clean and pure the product is… Is it organic? Is it extracted? Is it using the mushrooms? Is it using mycelium?” Chilton’s hope is to give consumers the tools they need to discern for themselves which mushrooms are good.
The future of medicinal mushrooms goes beyond mushrooms for social anxiety
Science continues to discover new things about the benefits of mushrooms. However, findings today already suggest that a diet that includes mushrooms can lead to improved mental health. Those who suffer from fatigue, social anxiety, and even depression stand to benefit from the medicinal use of mushrooms. While you should consult your doctor before taking mushrooms for social anxiety, it’s safe to say that the link between medicine and mushrooms will continue to grow stronger.
Further Reading:
The American Journal of Psychiatry: Two Decades of Anxiety Neuroimaging Research: New Insights and a Look to the Future
Trends in Food Science & Technology: Modulation of Neuroinflammatory Pathways by Medicinal Mushrooms, with Particular Relevance to Alzheimer’s Disease
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Reishi Mushroom
Important Note: The information contained in this article (Mushrooms For Social Anxiety: Supplements That Can Help) is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
