When to Add Mushrooms to Your Daily Supplement Routine

Mushroom supplements are all the rage, with so many different types of mushrooms to choose from, all with their own specialized health benefits. From immune system support to mood regulation, enhancing cognitive function, or increasing energy, these superfoods have something for everyone! However, these proposed benefits bring up an important question: When is the best time of day to take specific mushroom supplements?

Some people swear by taking certain mushroom extracts in the morning to kickstart their day, while others prefer an afternoon boost or a calming evening dose. Perhaps the timing is the key to unlocking their full potential. So whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, understanding how medicinal mushrooms interact with your body throughout the day can make all the difference in achieving your health and wellness goals.

Does timing really matter?

Just like any other dietary supplement, the timing of when you take functional mushrooms can impact their effectiveness. Technically, the most important part of taking mushroom supplements is consistency.

On average, it takes about two to four weeks of regular use to actually start seeing any sustained benefits. Mushrooms contain several bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, beta-glucans, triterpenes, and antioxidants that take time to accumulate in the body and produce noticeable effects.

Additionally, it takes a while for the body to adjust and enhance certain functions in response to the consistent presence of these beneficial compounds. Integrating mushroom supplements into your daily routine can improve your overall well-being in the long run instead of simply giving you quick-fix results.

Yet, to maximize their benefits, it’s best to take mushroom supplements at specific times of the day based on their unique properties and desired effects.

For instance, some mushrooms have more energizing effects, making them a great addition to your morning flow. In contrast, some mushrooms are best taken at night due to their relaxation qualities and calming effects.

By syncing the specified qualities of mushrooms to your body’s natural rhythms, you can optimize their benefits and ensure you’re getting the most out of your supplement regimen.

Lion’s mane mushrooms

The lion’s mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has been hailed for its effects on cognitive function and brain health due to the presence of specialized compounds called hericenone and erinacine.

Regular use of lion’s mane has been found to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that is essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons, therefore making it a great supplement for enhancing mental clarity, concentration, and memory. Because of this, it’s best to take your lion’s mane in the morning or early midday for sustained mental clarity.

Starting your day with lion’s mane can help you maximize its cognitive benefits when you need them the most. Many users report that taking it in the morning helps improve their focus and productivity throughout the day. Adding this brain-boosting mushroom to your morning routine might be just the push you need to get you through life’s daily challenges

Turkey tail mushrooms

Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are renowned for their potent immune-supporting qualities. Since turkey tail is so abundant in antioxidants and polysaccharides like PSK and PSP, it can help strengthen the body’s natural defenses and support overall immune system function (1). Turkey tail also contains prebiotic fibers that feed beneficial gut bacteria, which is essential for overall immune and gastrointestinal health.

Taking turkey tail supplements in the morning can best prep your immune system for the day ahead, providing you with the boost you need for whatever sicknesses or pathogens come your way. This mushroom could be especially helpful during cold and flu season or in times of intense stress when the immune system is most compromised.

Cordyceps mushrooms

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) is the perfect functional mushroom for those looking to boost energy levels, enhance athletic performance, and improve stamina.

This is because it contains adenosine, a precursor to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells. Studies have found that cordyceps mushrooms can improve endurance and athletic performance while also supporting post-workout recovery.

If you want to feel a bit more pep in your step during a long day, cordyceps is a great supplement to begin your mornings with. Or, you could make cordyceps a part of your pre-workout routine to maximize your performance at the gym.

Chaga mushrooms

Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) are one of the highest naturally occurring forms of antioxidants in the world. Antioxidants are important because they help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals.

Too many free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which has been linked to various chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Chaga is also rich in betulinic acid, which possesses anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and potential anti-cancer properties. So, if you want to give your body an extra fighting chance at beating an illness, incorporating chaga into your day-to-day might be a good call.

Chaga can be taken in the morning or afternoon, depending on your preference. Some say chaga promotes relaxation, but it won’t make you exceptionally drowsy, so if you’d rather take it in the morning to start your day off on a healthy note, go for it! Since chaga has a rich and earthy flavor, it makes an excellent coffee alternative without the jitters.

Reishi mushrooms

The reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the cornerstones of traditional Chinese medicine, as it has been for decades. And not without good reason! Absolutely brimming with health benefits, it has been deemed “the mushroom of immortality.” Reishi is known to boost immune function, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being (2).

As an adaptogen, reishi can help the body adapt to stress by regulating how the adrenal glands respond to stressors. With this comes more mental clarity and feelings of calmness. Reishi has also been found to promote better sleep by increasing the total sleeping time and non-rapid eye movements.

This makes reishi an excellent mushroom to take at night. Many people take reishi to wind down after a long day and feel more relaxed before bed. If you struggle with falling or staying asleep, reishi could be a natural solution to help you get more rest.

What about mushroom blends?

If you want to take advantage of all the various mushroom types but rather do so all in one go, mushroom blends like Sacred 7 can be a convenient option. These blends are curated to provide a range of benefits in one single product.

Mushroom blends can be taken at any time of the day so long as you remain on a consistent schedule. The most important factor is regularity, as it takes time for the mushrooms to start working their magic.

Regardless of when you decide to take your blend, try to stick to the same time every day, as this will help you maintain a routine and ensure that you’re reaping the benefits of mushrooms on a consistent basis.

Incorporating functional mushrooms into your everyday routine

No matter when you decide to take your mushroom supplements, there’s no need to complicate it. Functional mushrooms come in several convenient forms, like mushroom powders, mushroom tinctures, and mushroom capsules. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to reaping the benefits of mushrooms, so find a form that works best for you and stick with it.

There’s no need to take mushroom supplements on an empty stomach. In fact, mushrooms are best taken with food to avoid any gastrointestinal discomfort.

Mix your supplements into your morning cup of joe, blend them into smoothies, or add them to your favorite recipes if that makes the process even more enjoyable for you. Just make sure you consider their effects and how they flow into your daily routine to determine the best time to take them.

As with all supplements, please seek medical advice from a healthcare professional if you are taking any medications or have a medical condition that could interact with the mushrooms you’re taking. It’s always better to be safe and ensure that you are taking the right combination of supplements for your specific health needs.

References

1. Saleh, Mohammad H., Iran Rashedi, and Armand Keating. 2017. “Immunomodulatory Properties of Coriolus Versicolor: The Role of Polysaccharopeptide.” Frontiers in Immunology 8 (September). https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01087.

2. Wachtel-Galor, Sissi, John Yuen, John A. Buswell, and Iris F. F. Benzie. 2011. “Ganoderma Lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom.” Edited by Iris F. F. Benzie and Sissi Wachtel-Galor. PubMed. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. 2011. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22593926/.