
Article at a Glance
● The benefits of functional mushrooms may be magnified when taken at certain times or paired with certain activities.
● Cordyceps has an energizing effect and helps your body perform during exercise, making it a good option for a pre-workout.
● Lion’s Mane, linked to brain health benefits, is an excellent choice to start your day to support focus and cognition.
● Reishi may be a natural fit to end your day since the compounds in this mushroom help your body manage stress, which may make it easier to fall asleep and get better sleep. Functional mushrooms are adaptogens, loosely defined means they help your mind and body adapt to various stressors and demands. The adaptogenic qualities of functional mushrooms make them an excellent tool to support your daily activities.
Whether you could use a boost of energy to get you to the gym, need help focusing on school or work, or need a way to quiet your mind and calm your body to prepare for sleep, there is a functional mushroom for you.
Timing of Mushroom Supplements
For maximum benefit, functional mushrooms should be taken consistently. You will have the most success remembering to take your functional mushroom supplements when you pair them with an already-established daily routine, such as your morning coffee or brushing your teeth before bed.
If you’re wondering about the timing of mushroom supplements, the type of mushroom and health benefits you’re looking for will guide you to the best time of day.
Best Time to Take Lion’s Mane
Bioactive compounds in Lion’s Mane support cognitive function and mental alertness.
Researchers have observed a positive effect on two important brain proteins, nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), with Lion’s Mane supplementation. These proteins help your brain make new cells and strengthen existing neurons for better focus and memory. [3][4]
Because of its role in cognitive health, Lion’s Mane is another great mushroom to take at the beginning of your day to help you feel mentally alert and ready to concentrate on your work.
Best Time to Take Reishi
Reishi mushrooms are most commonly used for supporting rest and relaxation. Researchers have identified bioactive compounds unique to Reishi that can positively influence sleep.
Reishi’s relaxing effect can help calm your body and mind in preparation for sleep. Getting better sleep will further support your body’s stress response and energy levels. [5][6][7]
Try taking Reishi in the evening for about 1 to 2 hours before sleeping for relaxation and sleep support. If you have a bedtime routine, such as meditating or reading, that’s an excellent time to take Reishi to help you transition from the demands of the day to a time of quiet and stillness.
Mushroom Supplement Daily Routine
Functional mushrooms can be consumed at any time of day, though their effects may be magnified when timed with certain activities.
For example, Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane are known for supporting cognitive health and energy, respectively, which means they may be most beneficial when taken at the start of your day. Reishi is associated with calmness and may support a restful sleep when taken at the end of your day.
If you’re interested in using all three mushrooms throughout the day, consider Fungies ® functional mushroom gummies.
Fungies packs all the health benefits of functional mushrooms into gelatin-free, gluten-free, non- GMO, and vegan-friendly gummies that taste just like fruit snacks! Check out their Mushroom Gummy Bundle, which includes their entire line of mushroom gummies – Lion’s Mane gummies for brain health, Cordyceps gummies for energy, and Reishi gummies for relaxation and immune support.
References
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Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor &
Francis; 2011. Chapter 9.
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