Incorporating Mushroom and CBD Supplements into a Wellness Routine
Today, more than ever before, our health and well-being are an important concern and something most people are aware of and want to improve. Current research suggests that modern people are generally less healthy than in the past, despite having a longer life expectancy, as our less active lifestyles and poorer diets lead to increased rates of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Our sedentary behavior and increased screen time leave us less active and more stressed than in the past, and the shift in our diets from home-cooked meals to processed and fast foods only exacerbates the problem, contributing to health issues and heart disease.
Natural botanicals are a great way to get some goodness back into your daily routine. Functional mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat a variety of ailments, and are believed to support the immune system, reduce inflammation and help lower blood pressure, improve brain function and gut health, and help with energy and stress levels.
CBD is a cannabinoid chemical that is derived from the cannabis plant, and has been shown to play a major role in supporting our endocannabinoid system - a biological system in our bodies that regulates and controls many of our most important bodily functions, such as; learning and memory, pain and temperature control, emotional processing, inflammatory and immune responses, eating and sleep patterns. There are ongoing advancements in understanding the complexities of this system, as it was only discovered in the late 1980s as researchers were studying the effects of THC from cannabis (the chemical in the plant that is psychoactive and causes a "high"). It is believed that by combining CBD with functional mushrooms, they work together to amplify the positive effects they have on our bodies and help reduce inflammation and stress and improve our body's ability to ward off illness.
Medicinal Or Magical?
Cannabis and magic mushrooms can conjure up all sorts of stories and theories about "highs" and "trips” and have tainted the idea of natural medicines like CBD and medicinal mushrooms. But thanks to modern research we are now understanding the numerous health benefits that can be gained by taking these supplements, without any of the "highs" or psychedelic experiences.
Both CBD and functional mushrooms are considered to be nootropic - meaning they are thought to improve cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, and learning. Also known as adaptogens in herbal medicine, such substances (of which a well-known example is ginseng), help your body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue and overall wellbeing. The term mushroom stacking refers to a concept where taking different supplements together will create a combined and improved impact.
Popular types of medicinal mushrooms such as Lion's Mane, Chaga, Cordyceps and Reishi are all packed full of varying combinations and concentrations of powerful antioxidants and nutrients, and they offer different health benefits. By combining more than one variety, i.e. mushroom stacking, you can benefit from the different health benefits and properties these magical (but not magic) mushrooms can offer. When using CBD alongside these mushroom stacks, their overall effects may be enhanced.
How Adaptogenic Mushrooms and CBD Work Together
Both CBD and adaptogenic mushrooms share many similar properties, and when combined together, the effects can be amplified:
- CBD can alleviate stress and anxiety symptoms, functional mushrooms improve your body's response to stress by stimulating key stress influencer responses.
- CBD can regulate and reduce blood pressure, improving overall health, mushrooms can temporarily reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol.
- CBD has immune-boosting properties, while mushrooms offer anti-inflammatory effects.
- CBD can improve your mood and emotions by increasing dopamine and serotonin (the happy hormones), mushrooms improve how your body responds to stresses, making you feel happier and more relaxed.
Incorporating CBD And Adaptogenic Mushrooms into Your Wellbeing Routine
It is easy to incorporate fantastic fungi into your routine as many of these mushrooms are becoming more and more widely available. Some varieties such as Shitake or Lion's Mane mushrooms are tender enough to be cooked and eaten in place of culinary mushrooms and will enhance dishes not only in flavor but in powerful health benefits too.
Functional mushrooms can be bought as powders and mixed into food or drink, or in the form of gummies such as mushroom CBD gummies, that can be taken as a treat or snack. If you are breast feeding, mushroom gummies are generally not recommended as there is little scientific research into their effects on your baby. If you are wondering if you can take mushroom supplements while pregnant, then as with any supplement, it is always advisable to check with your doctor first. Some medicinal mushrooms can interact with medications like blood thinners, anti-depressants, and chemotherapy drugs, and more research is needed to assess their safety on your fetus if you think you may be pregnant.
The combination of functional mushrooms and CBD may help enhance each other's benefits by boosting immunity and motivation, and reducing stress and anxiety, and to get the full benefit of these wonderful natural supplements, it is important to be consistent and take them regularly. Blended capsules, gummies or tinctures are great ways to incorporate them into your daily routine to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Products like full spectrum CBD tincture offer a versatile option, allowing for easy absorption and enhanced effects when combined with functional mushrooms. Always make sure you buy top quality, organic products from reputable suppliers like HempLucid, who can advise you on the most suitable supplements for you.
It is never too late to start your journey towards a happier, healthier you, and it's never been more important to do so. By incorporating medicinal mushrooms and CBD into your wellness routine, the combination of this powerful synergy can help to boost your immune system, improve focus or reduce stress. There is a mushroom stack out there for you, so check out what's on offer, and what your health needs include, and begin improving your health and wellbeing today!
