Latest news with #adaptogens
National Post
20-05-2025
- Health
- National Post
What are adaptogens? Top blends for stress, focus and more
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content For centuries, humans have turned to nature for healing, and one of the wise allies we can lean on is adaptogens — earthy, often bitter botanicals with balancing powers that help us adapt, recalibrate and rise above stress, both emotional and physical. Article content When we experience a stressful event, consuming adaptogens can help our bodies return to a state of balance known as homeostasis. These plants and herbs, such as ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea and schisandra are also believed to improve overall energy, vitality, athletic performance and strengthen the immune system. Article content Article content This isn't new-age fluff. It's basic biology. It's the kind of ancient partnership that reminds us we're not machines that need fixing — we're ecosystems that, like nature, require tending. Article content All adaptogens help the body resist the effects of stress, but each offers unique support based on your specific needs. Article content Article content For mental clarity, focus and energy: Lion's mane and chaga are top contenders — both are revered mushrooms rich in antioxidants and neuro-protective compounds. You'll often find them in instant coffee blends, coffee creamers or daily drink mixes. Article content
Medical News Today
14-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Mushroom coffee benefits: What science says about this trending brew
'Mushroom coffee' refers to a blend of traditional coffee and medicinal mushroom extracts like lion's mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps. Potential health benefits include increased energy, mental focus, and stress reduction. Several brands of mushroom coffee have gained popularity for their claimed health benefits. Mushroom coffee uses certain medicinal mushrooms known for their adaptogenic properties. 'Adaptogenic' refers to a natural substance—usually an herb, mushroom, or plant—that helps the body adapt to stress without overstimulating or disrupting normal function. Adaptogens are believed to: increase resistance to physical, emotional, or environmental stress support energy and stamina help regulate cortisol and other stress hormones promote overall well-being and resilience Mushroom coffee often contains less caffeine than regular coffee, potentially reducing jitters and improving sleep quality. This article discusses the claimed and potential benefits of mushroom coffee and whether there is evidence to support them. Valeriia Sviridova/500px/Stocksy Mushroom coffee often contains a mushroom called lion's mane ( Hericium erinaceus ). Lion's mane contains compounds such as hericenones and erinacines that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), essential for brain health. A small study from 2023 looked at whether lion's mane could help with thinking and mood in 41 healthy adults between 18 and 45 years of age. After taking one dose, participants completed a cognitive task faster, which means lion's mane may have increased their thinking abilities. After 28 days, participants also reported feeling less stressed, although the difference wasn't strong enough to be significant. The study was small, so more research is needed, but the results are promising. A 2024 analysis also found that lion's mane helped boost cognition and energy in older adults. Cordyceps mushrooms may enhance people's oxygen usage and increase cellular energy (ATP production), potentially improving energy levels and reducing fatigue. This may also aid endurance and recovery in exercise. A 2021 study published in Frontiers found that cordyceps were effective in combating fatigue and weakness. However, the researchers stated that they need to study cordyceps more to identify the most effective components, understand how they work together, and confirm their safety. Chaga mushrooms ( Inonotus obliquus ) are rich in beta-glucans, compounds known to support the immune system. These compounds activate immune cells, enhancing the body's defense mechanisms. A 2023 review found that chaga has multiple benefits for the immune system and systemic health, including potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. Although studies have shown potential benefits of chaga, and it is considered safe, researchers need to perform more studies to fully understand how it works. Reishi mushrooms are known for their adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress. Adaptogens may regulate cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, promoting relaxation and emotional balance. Reishi mushrooms are generally considered safe, but researchers need to study their use more to understand potential side effects. Many of the mushrooms included in mushroom coffee contain antioxidants like polyphenols and beta-glucans, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. These include chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane. Manufacturers of mushroom coffee often include another adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha, which has potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha contains compounds called withanolides, which have been associated with these effects. Mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee, which may benefit individuals sensitive to caffeine and improve sleep quality. Additionally, the adaptogenic properties of certain mushrooms may promote relaxation. In particular, reishi may help reduce stress and prepare the body for better sleep. Research has also shown that ashwagandha may be effective for insomnia. There are a few things to consider before trying mushroom coffee for its potential health benefits. Limited studies have been conducted into the long-term effects of the adaptogenic mushrooms and herbs present in mushroom coffee, and researchers do not know how they interact with each other. More research is also needed to understand how they may react with other medications and in people with different health conditions. It is advisable to consult a doctor before trying mushroom coffee, as some of its ingredients and properties may interfere with pre-existing health conditions or medications. For example, chaga mushrooms contain high levels of oxalates, which can be problematic for individuals with kidney conditions. Mushroom coffee offers a unique blend of traditional coffee and medicinal mushrooms, potentially providing cognitive, immune, and energy benefits. While preliminary studies are promising, more human research is needed to fully understand its effects. As with any supplement, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating mushroom coffee into a routine. Nutrition / Diet Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Adaptogens (2024). Ashwagandha. (2023). Cha S, et al. (2024). A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespan. Das G, et al. (2021). Cordyceps spp.: A review on its immune-stimulatory and other biological potentials. Docherty S, et al. (2023). The acute and chronic effects of lion's mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive function, stress and mood in young adults: A double-blind, parallel groups, pilot study. Fordjour E, et al. (2023). Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential. Lee S, et al. (2020). Development of endstage renal disease after long-term ingestion of chaga mushroom: Case report and review of literature. Li K, et al. (2024). The anti-fatigue and sleep-aiding effects vary significantly among different recipes containing Ganoderma lucidum extracts. Tóth-Mészáros A, et al. (2023). The effect of adaptogenic plants on stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Stop making this handwashing mistake, eat shrimp and use the Pomodoro technique to clean up — plus 8 more tips to improve your health
Hello Yahoo Life readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I am here to share the best health and wellness tips from around the internet. This week, Kerry Justich spoke to American track and field Olympian Gabby Thomas, who spilled her wellness routine. This includes drinking coffee, which Thomas says is 'one of the first things I do every morning.' The athlete may not be ditching coffee anytime soon, but plenty of people are, whether that's due to caffeine jitters or digestive woes. The good news? There are some excellent coffee alternatives on the market. This week, I explored whether beanless brews and coffee blends — some of which are made with mushrooms or upcycled ingredients like date pits — are a good solution for when you're craving a pick-me-up that isn't a traditional cup of joe. While experts say there's no reason to ditch coffee if your body responds well to it, you could get some perks by sipping on these beverages, such as a brain boost from adaptogens like reishi. Take a peek at the local weather forecast and, if so inclined, peruse your horoscope to see what the stars have in store. Then check out what small steps you can take to make the week ahead great. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases just released its State of Handwashing report, which revealed that 48% of Americans are not washing their hands at key times. But some may not be aware of what those times even are. For example, while most Americans sudsed up after going to the bathroom and handling food (phew!), the NFID says that we should also be washing our hands after visiting food-centric places — like a grocery store, restaurant or coffee shop — as well as the doctor's office, pharmacy or hospital. These places have the potential to be particularly germy, and those germs can go from your hands into your mouth, eyes or nose and get you sick. An easy habit to stick with? Wash your hands every time you come home, and make sure you're doing it the right way: Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, making sure to get under your fingernails. Don't forget to properly dry your hands too; wet hands spread germs more easily. May 10 is National Shrimp Day, but there are a lot of reasons to eat this crustacean year-round. One big benefit of shrimp is that it's very low in calories while also being high in protein — a three-ounce serving has about 20 grams of protein. Plus, it also contains minerals like potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Want to get the best-tasting shrimp? While it may make dinner take a little longer to prepare due to the de-shelling process, buying shrimp that are still in their shells will deepen that umami flavor. It's already May, and you still haven't gotten around to spring cleaning? It's time to stop procrastinating. Yes, organizing your closets and filing 6 months' worth of random paperwork can feel overwhelming, but Apartment Therapy has a handy hack: Try cleaning with the Pomodoro technique, a method in which you work in focused 25-minute intervals followed by five-minute breaks. The goal? Staying motivated while also breaking down big tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. Your house will get clean and you won't lose your mind in the process — a win-win! Weird … but kind of genius? A writer at Salon found that her smoothies tasted even better when she started using roasted fruit. Think roasting peaches with honey and cinnamon, or creating an apple pie-inspired smoothie by baking apples, storing them in the fridge overnight and then blending them with rolled oats in the a.m. It's a great way to make a morning smoothie way more exciting with new flavors. The latest fitness craze on social media? People doing 100 kettlebell swings a day. You don't need to do that many reps to enjoy the benefits of this exercise, however. 'Most of us spend a lot of time sitting — on our phones, at our computers, in our cars — which makes the front of our body super-tight and pulls us into that rounded, hunchback position,' personal trainer Nico Gonzalez tells Yahoo Life. 'When done correctly, kettlebell swings really activate the muscles along your spine, the backs of your arms and the backs of your legs, which helps bring your posture upright. So, it's actually a really great corrective exercise.' Research says that working out with kettlebells can improve your grip and muscle strength overall, as well as lower inflammation. This week, make your gym workout all about kettlebells with this five-move kettlebell plan. I recently hit up an infrared sauna on my longevity treatment journey and was so glad I did; there's nothing more relaxing than getting a good sweat in. But there's science behind the sweat too: Regularly using a sauna has been shown to reduce joint and muscle stiffness, improve your immune system and enhance sleep. Plus, spending time in a sauna has also been linked to a better mood. I, for one, am never happier. Try sitting in a sauna for 15 to 20 minutes, Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino, a primary care physician at tells Women's Health. If you feel dizzy or sick, step out. "Sauna use should feel like a supportive ritual, not a challenge to power through,' Tolentino explains. "The key is to listen to your body — it should feel nourishing, not punishing." Gossiping has an admittedly bad reputation. But there's actually some good that can come from talking about others. 'Human connection through shared information and communication is core to who we are and connects us to each other,' Thea Gallagher, director of wellness programs at NYU Langone Health, tells Fox News. 'We might feel closer to someone when we know they are confiding in us with information and vice versa.' And gossiping can also build empathy. For example, if you get wind that someone else is dealing with something (divorce, a sick parent, etc.) you can relate to, you may feel more connected to that person and be even more likely to open up to them in the future. The key to making sure gossip never becomes malicious or catty is to ensure it's coming from a place of curiosity, rather than to harm someone's reputation through the spread of mean-spirited comments. May 11 is National Foam Rolling Day, which should be your reminder to break out your roller after an intense exercise session. Foam rolling is a practice in which you use a foam cylinder (or sometimes even something spherical, like a hard rubber ball) to apply pressure to sore or tight muscles. This targets fascia, aka the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. It helps increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility, making it an excellent way to aid in recovery, not to mention prevent injury next time you work out. Need help getting started? Try these two easy exercises from Men's Fitness. And make sure to skip foam rolling your neck, joint areas or anywhere that you're already injured; you could do more harm than good. In the mood to try a new tea? Try dandelion tea — especially if you deal with digestive discomfort. Dandelion tea can help relieve bloating, which can potentially come from eating a high-sodium diet, thanks to its natural diuretic properties, helping to flush excess fluid from the body. But that's not the only reason to try this herbal tea: Dandelion tea is packed with antioxidants, including beta-carotene, in addition to being a good source of vitamin A. You may have seen the 'okra water' trend making its rounds on TikTok, with some claiming that this drink — which is made by soaking sliced raw okra pods overnight and straining out the solids — helps with blood sugar control. While there haven't been studies confirming this, there is still a good reason to eat okra, which is packed with fiber, minerals and antioxidants. It's specifically a great source of magnesium and folate, which support muscle and heart health. Try pickling it, using shorter pods and patting them dry before brining to avoid a slimy texture. Resistance training is so important for maintaining muscle mass and bone health. This week, change things up by picking up a medicine ball. Training with a medicine ball helps build 'explosive power, increases body strength, increases speed and provides more versatile movement in different planes,' fitness coach Tatiana Lampa tells Women's Health. You can slam a medicine ball, toss it or twist with it beyond what you could do with a traditional weight. Plus, the shape and feel of a medicine ball means it mimics real-world activities — like, say, lifting a toddler or carrying a bag of groceries — which helps build functional strength.
News.com.au
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Meghan shares rare personal details about her pregnancies: ‘Super woo woo'
IN LONDON Meghan has opened up about her pregnancies, revealing she consulted an ancient Indian medicine doctor and used mushrooms to help her cope. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, mother to Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 3, spoke about her experience during a conversation with Clevr Blends co-creator Hannah Mendoza on her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder. Mendoza, the daughter of advertising mogul Marc Mendoza, launched her business in 2017, using adaptogenic properties found in some plants and mushrooms to create groundbreaking new coffee products. Meghan was Clevr Blends' first investor, and admitted during the episode that mushrooms are often seen as 'a little psychedelic' and 'super woo woo'. 'I think a lot of people when they hear mushrooms, they go 'OK, she's talking about being hippie-dippy, grounded in all these things',' she said. 'If you aren't familiar with adaptogens, you can go to this place of 'Oh, it's feeling a little psychedelic and super woo-woo'.' Her husband, Prince Harry, previously revealed in his memoir and his Netflix series that he'd taken magic mushrooms – as well as cannabis and cocaine – before moving to the US in 2020. However, Meghan's experience was with a different type, not the same as hallucinogenic or 'magic' mushrooms. Adaptogens can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. Meghan went on to reveal she went to see an Ayurvedic practitioner during both of her pregnancies, which saw her focus on using 'food as medicine'. 'So there are these items and ingredients that have been part of our natural ecosystem and dietary system for a long time, whether acknowledged or not, that somehow you say mushrooms, and now people have a connotation attached to it,' she told her friend. 'But it's really just a food trend that I believe you were far ahead of in terms of saying, 'hold on, these have properties that can in some way make you feel differently in a really safe way'. 'During my pregnancies, I had an Ayurvedic doctor and so much of it was about seeing food as medicine.' Meghan also spoke candidly to Mendoza about the 'painful' times in her life, admitting that 'every day is not going to be the same' when you're running a business. 'Some days are going to be harder to show up as your best and shiniest self,' Meghan said. 'Maybe on that day, something really painful happened in your real life, but for your team, that is not how you show up. You can't.' It comes amid an intense period for Meghan and Harry, who gave an explosive half-hour interview to the BBC on Friday after losing an appeal regarding his UK security detail, which was altered after the pair stepped down as working royals.
Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Meghan tells of turning to ‘woo-woo' therapies during pregnancy
The Duchess of Sussex has described how she turned to an Ayurvedic doctor when pregnant with both Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The former actress discussed her belief in the ancient Indian tradition of alternative medicine in the latest episode of her podcast series, Confessions of a Female Founder. She also spoke of the benefits of 'adaptogens', such as the plants, roots and mushrooms used in herbal medicine, although she admitted that some people consider the approach a 'little psychedelic and super woo-woo'. Meghan has invested in Hannah Mendoza's wellness food company, Clevr Blends Her latest guest was Hannah Mendoza, the founder of Clevr Blends, an instant organic lattes company that sold powdered drinks it said were upgraded with 'adaptogens, superfoods and probiotics'. The duchess is a financial investor in the Los Angeles-based company, which
