Lion’s Mane Fights Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury is a disruption in the brain’s normal function caused by external trauma like a blow, bump or jolt to the head. Individuals that have suffered from TBI also have a higher risk of dementia.
Hericium Erinaceus’s ability to prevent neurodegenerative processes has been demonstrated in a 2021 study done on animals with TBI.
Are Lions Mane Mushrooms Edible
Yes, lion’s mane mushrooms are fully edible. You can eat them raw, cooked, dried, or go for lions mane tinctures or capsules. Alternatively, you can make lion’s mane tea if you want the benefits of this amazing mushroom without the seafood-like taste. Or opt for a fortified food, such as our mushroom granola, for all the lion’s mane benefits in one bowl of cereal.
A Quick Story About Dementia
UPDATE: please see our Lions Mane powder buying guide here.
I remember two things about my great grandma Martha. I remember her sitting in a chair at our lake cottage, and and I remember going to visit her at a nursing home with my brother and aunt. My great-grandma ate mushed up banana and didnt have a clue who my brother or I were, or even who my aunt was.
My 3 year old brain struggled grabbing on to why she seemed so confused. I remember thinking, why is she asking who we are? and, why does she keep looking around like shes lost? The crushing sadness that no doubt haunted my aunt and mother skipped right by me. What pre-kindergartner would understand that? Dementia and Alzheimers rob us of one of the best things that life brings cherished time connecting with loved ones. Did you know that Alzheimers disease caused over 120,000 deaths in the US in 2017? It ranked as the 5th-leading cause of death in 2017 according to a government study.
Is anything sweeter than sharing warm, lucid moments with those you love? Does anything fill you up as much as looking into the eyes of a loved one and feeling warmth spread through you as they return your gaze? Seeing a person you knew fade away into confusion and a fog can break the strongest hearts among us.
Would you do it?
How much is an extra day with that person worth? One dollar? Ten? A hundred? A thousand?Let me tell you about a study that may offer some help.
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Lions Mane Mushroom Side Effects
Although no human studies have examined the side effects of lion’s mane mushrooms yet, they appear to be completely safe. However, you may experience an adverse effect in the form of digestive issues if you consume too much lions mane at once. Therefore, it’s best to start slow and talk to a healthcare professional if you notice any digestive discomfort.
How Do Lions Mane Mushrooms Improve Dementia And Alzheimers Symptoms
The brains of Alzheimer and dementia patients show notable abnormalities in their cholinergic neurons. Nerve Growth Factor is a protein that acts on cholinergic neurons and promotes their survival. Delivering NGF in medicines proves difficult because the NGF protein cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Lions Mane mushrooms contain compounds that promote NGF synthesis. Put simply, this means:
- Compounds in Lions Mane mushroom promote the production of Nerve Growth Factor proteins
- NGF proteins help cholinergic neurons survive and differentiate in the brain
- Increasing healthy cholinergic neurons in the brain increases cognitive function and reduces the symptoms of Alzheimers and dementia
The study results prove that Lions Mane mushroom is useful for treating and preventing dementia.
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How Long Did The Study Last
The study lasted 22 weeks, broken down into three phases:
- Phase 1: First 2 weeks the researchers performed preliminary examination of the study participants
- Phase 2: Next 16 weeks the study participants took either the placebo or lions mane mushroom powder
- Phase 3: Last 4 weeks the researchers performed follow-up observations
Lion’s Mane Fights High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure has been implicated as a possible contributor to dementia occurring later in life. A research study conducted in 2021 by The Lancet Neurology showed the connection between high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease.
An article published in 2019 by the National Institute on Aging showed scientific evidence that controlling high blood pressure reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, a research study conducted in 2017 and looking at evidence from more than 27 years further proved that Alzheimer’s disease and high blood pressure have a deep connection.
However, Lion’s mane organic mushroom powder is revered for its blood pressure-lowering effects.Lion’s mane helps with weight lossobesity is one of the leading causes of high blood pressure. Earlier, we noted that Lion’s mane fights diabetesdiabetes is another precursor for high blood pressure.
Beyond fighting amyloid plaques to help with blood pressure control, Lion’s mane prevents memory loss and improves the brain health of people with or without Alzheimer’s disease.
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How Does Lions Mane Work In The Brain
Lions Mane boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
NGF is required by your brain to keep neurons strong and healthy. When various neurological disorders occur, your brain is unable to produce its own internal source of NGF.
In a study done in Kuala Lumpur in 2013, scientists showed that Lions Mane extract induced NGF synthesis and promoted neurite outgrowth.
A study by researchers in Japan worked with 30 women. The female subjects had been complaining about menopause, depression, sleep quality and other issues.
The women randomly received Lions Mane-laced cookies or a placebo for 4 weeks. The researchers found that Lions Mane has the possibility to reduce depression and anxiety, and these results suggest a different mechanism from NGF-enhancing action of H. erinaceus.
Best Type Of Lions Mane To Buy
Lions Mane Mushroom as a nootropic supplement is usually offered as an extract. In powdered form, or in a capsule.
Lions Mane Mushroom can be found in some of higher quality pre-formulated nootropic stacks. For example, Mind Lab Pro® contains 11 brain enhancing nootropic compounds including Lions Mane with the full fruit spectrum including hericenones and erinacines.
I recommend Mind Lab Pro® because it addresses all aspects of anxiety resistance, memory and cognitive enhancement, stabilizes mood, brain repair, and maintenance.
This premium nootropic stack is designed to affect neurotransmitters, cognitive energy, brain waves, neuroprotection, and regeneration. See my Mind Lab Pro review for a detailed report.
When choosing a Lions Mane supplement, theres debate over the best form of extraction to achieve the mushrooms full medicinal benefit. Some say your best option is a hot water extraction. Another says alcohol extraction. Another claims both are necessary.
But when it comes to mushrooms, saying that one is more potent than another is just too simplified to be true. This is as much an art as it is science.
Much more important is choosing a supplement that includes the mycelium of Lions Mane Mushroom. In this mushroom, the fruiting body does not contain erinacines which is the compound that boosts Nerve Growth Factor .
Types of Lions Mane available:
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Supposed Health Benefits Of The Lions Mane Mushrooms
In recent times, the Lions Mane mushrooms have come out with interesting results in some supposed animal studies as being able to reduce the symptoms of various neurological diseases. However, no extensive medical research has been conducted on human subjects. One should thus take the claims with caution.
According to these rumours, the Lions Mane mushrooms work well against dementia, Alzheimers disease and even Parkinsons disease. Many of these diseases are age-related.
If true, then Lions Mane mushrooms should be further studied to help us ascertain what its exact functions are in preventing the deterioration of human cognitive and neurological functions.
Other claims also include the Lions Mane mushrooms ability to help with anxiety and depression. I am against taking drugs for mental health, simply because this can easily descend into an addiction. If the Lions Mane mushrooms do work, then it should be tested for non-addiction and zero toxicity.
The good thing is there has so far not been any report of side-effects of the consumption of Lions Mane mushrooms.
If you are consider the test the health benefits of Lions Mane mushrooms, then you should eat it as part of your diet, as prescribed by Chinese medicinal cuisines principles, rather than to pop pills.
Lion’s Mane Precautions And Interactions
Avoid using lion’s mane mushroom products if you’re pregnant. Not enough research has been done to determine if any dosage is safe during pregnancy.
If you take diabetes medications, be aware that Lion’s mane mushroom can lower your blood glucose levels too much. Keep a close eye on your readings.
Likewise, taking lion’s mane along with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs can cause blood clotting difficulties that can result in bleeding or bruising.
Some people are allergic to lion’s mane. Seek medical help immediately if you notice throat swelling, breathing trouble, or other signs and symptoms after taking lion’s mane.
Also Check: What Age Group Does Dementia Affect
Lions Mane Mushroom Research Into Boosting Mood & Concentration
Lions mane mushrooms may also boost brain function in a different way by making us feel good. In a small clinical study, 15 post-menopausal women who consumed lions mane baked into cookies reported being in a better mood relative to women who didnt eat the cookies. The lions mane cookie group also showed a clear improvement in their ability to concentrate.
In fact, Asian Buddhist monks have been reported to consume lions mane tea before meditation to enhance their powers of concentration.
Given that lions mane can protect brain cells can this mushroom potentially be used to treat people with age-related neurological conditions and help maintain their mental agility, mood, and concentration with age?The answer to both these questions seems to be a resounding yes.
According to Paul Stamets, author and advocate of medicinal mushrooms, lions mane may be the first smart mushroom known to man. Safe and edible with clear benefits for our brains physiology and function, this powerful fungus will no doubt make the news for its powerful anti-aging properties in the near future.
How Long Does It Take For Lions Mane To Work
Like most medicinal mushrooms, lion’s mane doesn’t start working right away. You’ll need to take it consistently for about two weeks before you start noticing its effects. Of course, the longer you take lion’s mane, the more notable benefits you can expect, so stick with it for at least a month, even if you aren’t noticing any changes just yet.
Also Check: What Does Alzheimer’s Disease Affect
When To Take Lions Mane
Since the many benefits of lion’s mane include its ability to boost your ability to focus, it’s best to take the mushroom in the morning or early afternoon. Taking it before you start your workday is the best course of action, especially if what you’re working on is mentally taxing. You can take the mushroom later, as well, but avoid taking it in the evenings, as it can make you restless.
Boosts The Immune System
A strong immune system protects the body from bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing pathogens.
On the other hand, a weak immune system puts the body at a higher risk of developing infectious diseases.
Animal research shows that lions mane mushroom can boost immunity by increasing the activity of the intestinal immune system, which protects the body from pathogens that enter the gut through the mouth or nose .
These effects may partly be due to beneficial changes in gut bacteria that stimulate the immune system .
One study even found that supplementing with lions mane extract daily nearly quadrupled the lifespan of mice injected with a lethal dose of salmonella bacteria .
The immune-boosting effects of lions mane mushrooms are very promising, but this area of research is still developing.
Summary
Lions mane mushrooms have been shown to have immune-boosting effects in rodents, but much more research is needed.
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Lions Mane Mushroom: Brain Protector
Mushrooms have been revered for centuries within many traditional societies as nutritional powerhouses as well as for their beneficial properties. Hericium erinaceus, also known as lions mane mushroom or hedgehog mushroom, is an edible fungus with a long history of usage in traditional Chinese medicine . Indeed, east Asian legends state that consuming lions mane can confer nerves of steel and the memory of a lion.
Globular-shaped, with cascading teeth-like spines from which white spores emerge, lions mane mushrooms are also known as sheeps head and bears head in various cultures, while the Japanese know it as yamabushitake.
This nutritious mushroom is 20% protein and is considered by food aficionados to be a gourmet dish when prepared properly, with a chewy texture and taste similar to popular seafoods such as lobster and shrimp.Lions mane has recently been the topic of many medical studies and has been shown to help restore and maintain the health and growth of brain cells.
Furthermore, lions mane mushrooms are chockfull of potent compounds which have been credited with many beneficial properties.
Indeed, modern research shows that these mushrooms can even help boost the activity of the immune system against certain types of cancers.
The Role Of Lions Mane Mushrooms In Chinese Medicinal Cuisine
Lions Mane mushrooms are called Houtougu in Chinese, and have long been considered both a delicacy and a medicinal ingredient in Chinese cuisines.
Due to the difficulties of harvesting, though it is a common mushroom species, the Lions Mane mushroom ranks one of the four delicacies in Chinese cuisine, with bear paw , sea cucumber and shark fin .
Lions Mane mushrooms are known in Chinese medicinal cuisine as to be anti-aging, so its supposed benefits are not dissimilar to modern western claims.
The consumption of Lions Mane mushrooms however are different in Chinese medicinal cuisine. It is mostly first dried completely and sold as a dried ingredient. While most dried Chinese mushrooms such as the Shitake or Wood Ear need to be soak to dehydrate, the Lions Mane mushrooms are mostly added directly into a medicinal soup in the beginning. The idea is to break down the ingredient into the soup in order to reap its benefits, rather than to regain its physical appearance.
The most common preparation of Lions Mane mushrooms in Chinese medicinal cuisine is the soup of Lions Mane mushrooms with pork : 3 portions of dried Lions Mane mushrooms, 500g lean pork, 2 slices of fresh ginger, 1 tsp salt with 4 rice bowls of water. The combination is then double-boiled on low heat for 2 hours.
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How Does Lions Mane Feel
You may not experience the effects of supplementing with Lions Mane Mushroom immediately. But many users report with continued use of Lions Mane, a boost in mood and mental energy.
Some report it increases depth perception. And an improvement in sense of smell.
Others testify to improved , the ability to solve problems and learning. Likely due to Lions Mane ability to improve neuroplasticity.
The overall consensus is Lions Mane Mushrooms ability to lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration.
How Things Go Bad
Science once believed that the brain could not grow new brain cells. That once our brain developed during childhood, and we reached adulthood, we had all the brain cells wed ever have.
Now we know that neurons can regenerate. But that doesnt mean they will regenerate. A number of health issues can contribute to neurodegeneration.
Decrease in Nerve Growth Factor = Decrease in Long-Term Potentiation affecting long-term memory
Brain cells die and are not replaced
Neuroplasticity declines resulting in poor memory
Neurotransmitters decline resulting in anxiety, poor mood and depression
All of these age-related changes are contributing factors to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers, Parkinsons and others. And anxiety, depression and mood disorders that affect quality of life.
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Lion’s Mane Mushroom For Alzheimer’s: What The Evidence Tells Us
The blood-brain barrier helps protect your brain from certain toxins found in your blood. However, this barrier sometimes doesn’t let through compounds that may benefit your brain and the central nervous system.
However, hericenones and erinacines can cross the blood-brain barrier quite quickly, contributing to their brain health-boosting properties. Furthermore, when these bioactive compounds cross this barrier, they boost the cognitive function scale to help with visual recognition memory. This further shows that Lion’s mane offers memory benefits too.
Below, we will take a deeper look at the numerous benefits of Lion’s mane mushrooms on people dealing with Alzheimer’s disease.
Mushrooms To Prevent Dementia
Ive heard that eating mushrooms can help prevent Alzheimers. Is this too good to be true?
Andrew Weil, M.D. |April 27, 2017
It is true that a study published in January 2017 concluded that bioactive compounds found in certain mushrooms may help protect against dementia and Alzheimers disease. The study, from Malaysia, found that a number of edible and medicinal mushrooms contain unusual compounds that have beneficial effects on brain cells. They may enhance nerve growth in the brain and protect against inflammation and toxic damage that contribute to dementia and Alzheimers.
The researchers looked at the effects of 11 mushrooms, including lions mane, maitake , cordyceps, and eight other edible and medicinal species, investigating their effects on rat and mice brains. The study found that each one increased production of nerve growth factor, a molecule involved in regulating growth, maintenance, proliferation and survival of specific nerve cells in the brain.
The researchers reported that the medicinal mushroom cordyceps had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that prevented neuronal cell death and memory loss. Cordyceps is known for enhancing athletic performance and improving aerobic capacity. It is used to combat fatigue and muscle weakness, improve mental energy, increase sexual vigor, and promote healthy aging.
Andrew Weil, M.D.
Learn more: All About Mushrooms
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