Lion's Mane Archives - Amazing Health Advances

GREAT NEWS for Better Emotional Health, Quality Sleep and Brain Function

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 08:00:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on into its third year, it’s clear that the government-implemented draconian COVID measures have taken a toll on national mental health. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people suffering from sad and anxious thoughts and feelings rose dramatically. The sleeping habits of Americans appear to have suffered, as well. In a recent study, researchers observed that “sleep has changed dramatically” during the COVID-19 pandemic, with COVID symptoms sometimes leading to psychological disturbances, including anxious thoughts. Many herbalists and integrative physicians believe that a fuzzy-looking Asian mushroom may help relieve occasional sleeplessness. Lion’s mane mushroom – botanically known as Hericium erinaceous – may help you relax and calm emotions, support better brain function, and improve your quality of sleep. But does it work? Let’s see what early research suggests. Naturally IMPROVE Your Sleep to Greatly Enhance Your Overall Wellbeing Sleep disruption is now considered a major public health issue – and researchers are sounding the alarm. In a new study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, the scientists pointed out that this condition can increase mortality by an alarming ten-fold if the interruptions lead to less than six hours of sleep a night. The team theorized that erinacines – natural substances present in lion’s mane mushrooms – can soothe anxious thoughts and help promote restorative, uninterrupted sleep by modulating brain pathways. Studies have previously shown that lion’s mane can improve the functioning of the hippocampus, which is involved with emotional responses. Although more research on humans is needed, one small clinical trial of women with poor sleep quality and sad and anxious feelings showed that lion’s mane extracts improved their symptoms. Is This “Brain Food?” Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Support the Growth of Neurons Lion’s mane mushrooms contain organic compounds known as hericenones and erinacines – potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that can scavenge the harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress. In addition, they help to synthesize important nerve growth proteins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factors. Scientists say this allows lion’s mane mushrooms to slow the death of neurons and even stimulate neuronal growth, possibly helping to avoid cognitive breakdown. Furthermore, in animal studies, extracts from lion’s mane reduced signs of aging while helping to prevent the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques. Lion’s mane mushrooms may also help with cognitive issues, word recall, memory, and organization. An older – but still influential – Japanese study published in Phytotherapy Research showed that four months of supplementation with 3 grams a day of lion’s mane mushrooms improved cognitive function in 50 to 80 years olds. (However, the positive effects lasted only so long as patients took the supplement.) Noting no adverse reactions, the team deemed the mushroom intervention “effective” in improving mild cognitive impairment. Finally, in a controlled trial published in Biomedical Research in 2019, 12 weeks of supplementation with lion’s mane caused significantly improved cognitive function – as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination. If you experience occasional, minor bouts of mental fatigue, “brain fog,” and impaired concentration (and honestly, who doesn’t?), natural health experts advise lion’s mane mushrooms to support clear, focused thinking. Help Improve Your Digestive System, Immunity and Blood Circulation But that isn’t all. Due to their ability to support nerve regeneration, lion’s mane mushrooms are being investigated for their use to help speed recovery from strokes. In addition, they promote efficient digestion, protect the stomach lining and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut (the location of 80 percent of the immune system). In animal studies, lion’s mane mushrooms have lowered high triglycerides, decreased inflammation, and slowed weight gain, thereby supporting healthy heart function. Finally, a mushroom extract known as hericenone B reduces the rate of blood clotting and promotes healthy circulation. “Mellow Out” with Lion’s Mane While lion’s mane mushrooms can be eaten raw, most enthusiasts prefer them cooked, as the taste can be somewhat bitter. Also called yamabushitake and pom-pom mushrooms, lion’s mane mushrooms have a delicate, briny flavor reminiscent of crab or lobster. Sautee them in grass-fed butter or ghee and use them to elevate stir-fries, accent seafood dishes, and enhance soups, stews, omelets, and casseroles. Here’s a “pro tip:” For best results, cook these mushrooms until the outer layer is crispy. You can also find lion’s mane mushrooms as a supplement in capsules, tablets, powders, and tinctures. Naturally, check first with your integrative doctor before supplementing. With their shaggy, yarn-like texture, lion’s mane mushrooms may appear a little off-putting – at first. But don’t let their odd appearance discourage you. These beneficial fungi can be a soothing, calming addition to your healthy diet. Sources for this article include: CDC.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov MedicalNewsToday.com Healthline.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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The Best Supplements for Your Brain According to Leading Functional Medicine Practitioner

AHA Publisher — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 08:00:42 +0000

Dr. Will Cole via Dr. Caroline Leaf – We can’t overlook the importance of keeping our brain healthy. With mild problems like mild brain fog on one end, to anxiety and depression in the middle, and severe diseases like Alzheimer’s on the other – the spectrum of brain health problems can make daily life a struggle. In my telehealth functional medicine clinic, I see these problems a lot more often than one might expect. In fact, the research confirms brain problems are on the rise with autism, dementia, and anxiety and depression rates continuing to climb. So, the question is, how can we prevent these problems before they occur? And if you are currently struggling with one of these problems, how can you alleviate symptoms? While I believe that our diet is foundational, sometimes we need a little extra help. And that’s where supplements come in. These are the supplements I turn to the most often to help optimize brain health and function. 1. Probiotics Your gut and brain are inextricably linked through what is known as the gut-brain axis – what affects one can affect the other. For example Occludin and Zonulin are two proteins that govern gut permeability as well as the permeability of your blood-brain barrier. In my clinic, it’s not uncommon that I have a patient come in looking for help with depression or brain fog and have further diagnostic testing reveal that they also have leaky gut syndrome. It just goes to show that digestive problems can still be a factor even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms. A probiotic with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium is a good choice to rebalance your microbiome and start healing any gut dysfunction. 2. Lion’s Mane This adaptogenic mushroom has potent neuroprotective properties, that help enhance mental clarity and boost cognitive function. Lion’s mane contains nerve growth factors that work to protect and regenerate brain tissue with studies finding that those who supplemented with lion’s mane had higher cognitive function compared to those who didn’t. 3. St. John’s Wort This herb is recommended by doctors more often in Germany than antidepressants like Prozac. While long-term studies have shown its ability to stabilize mood more research needs to be done to better determine just how effective it is. 4. Omega-3 Fish Oil Your brain is 60 percent fat, so it only makes sense that not getting enough fat in your diet can contribute to brain problems. You can only deprive your brain of it’s building blocks for so long before it starts to show. Healthy fats can be found in a variety of foods including wild-caught seafood however, some people may find it difficult to get enough from food alone. If this is the case for you, you might want to consider an omega-3 fish oil supplement. Although omega fats can be found in plant sources such as flax, it’s not as bioavailable because it has to be converted into DHA or EPA by the body before it is usable. I suggest either fish oil supplement from krill, salmon, or sardines. An ideal dosage is 2250mg EPA / 750 mg DHA per day. 5. CoQ10 CoQ10 stands for coenzyme Q10 and is found in each cell of the body, specifically the energy center of the cell – the mitochondria. If your brain’s cells are depleted of this nutrient, chances are it isn’t going to function optimally. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that in 18 people with depression, 400 to 800 mg/day of CoQ10 for a month decreased the severity of depression symptoms and significantly improved symptoms of fatigue, sadness, and brain fog. 6. Vitamin D Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to poor memory and brain fog. Sunshine is the most bioavailable source of this nutrient but it’s not always possible to spend enough time in the sun, especially if you live in a place with dark, cloudy winters. Thankfully, certain foods such as salmon and tuna are rich in vitamin D. And if you pair them with fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K2 to increase the bioavailability of vitamin D. When looking for supplements, be sure to research brands and look for transparency in their sourcing and avoid any unnecessary additives. So, give your brain a boost, and add in one or more of these supplements to your routine! As always, I don’t recommend trying to supplement your way out of a poor diet. Food comes first. Moreover, you can amplify the brain boosting benefits of food as medicine and these supplements with flexible intermittent fasting. This is something I explore in detail in my new book Intuitive Fasting. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Leaf click here.

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