While feelings of tiredness are nothing new, this deluxe version is said to stem from a combination of the rising cost of living, the pandemic, environmental concerns, and geopolitical instability, not to mention that social media habit many of us are unable to kick.
However, there are things we can do to give ourselves an energy boost (and we’re not talking about a Red Bull here!) ‘Energy’ has many different meanings. It can be how awake and alert we feel. The focus and stamina we can exert. The fuel and enjoyment we get from food. Our mental clarity and creativity. Social stimulation… the list goes on.
Mushrooms are a Source of Natural Energy
This means there are many different angles from which to approach your energy-boosting, hyper fatigue fighting journey. One of them is via what you put in your body. Mushrooms promise a natural and sustainable source of energy, and are classed as a ‘functional food’. This means that they are not only nutritious and healthy, but could also have therapeutic properties.
These properties include being a source of energy, in more ways than one. While mushrooms do not give you that zap of energy that an espresso does for example, they provide a more holistic, longer-term boost. That morning coffee certainly wakes us up, but the effects peak rapidly and decrease over time. This can lead us to consuming more and more caffeine to sustain the rush, or searching for a similar boost, such as sugary, unhealthy snacks. Mushrooms present an alternative to this cycle.
How Do Mushrooms Give You Energy?
The food and drinks we consume are what provides us with the majority of energy our bodies need. What you get up to, your habits, and lifestyle requirements all affect what types of energy you need individually. Mushrooms contain high levels of complex carbohydrates, and many species are considered high-protein. Complex carbohydrates take longer to metabolize than simple sugars, so release energy steadily over time. Polysaccharides (which mushrooms are rich in) are carbohydrates that specifically fight fatigue, and, their bounty of vitamin B12 helps our bodies convert food into energy.
Mushrooms are also classed as adaptogens in part due to the beta-glucans found in their cell walls. Adaptogens are a class of foodstuff that are said to bring our body back to equilibrium and balance after exposure to stressors. This benefits us by reducing fatigue, improving immunity, and helping us to recover faster. Their anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce stress.
In some animal studies and early experiments certain adaptogenic mushrooms, such as lion’s mane, have been found to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain.
Though research like this is still in relative infancy (mushrooms have been overlooked in Western medicine for a shockingly long time), more studies are coming to the fore with promising findings. There is certainly a long history of mushrooms being used medicinally for centuries by various cultures, notably in East Asian healing traditions, proving them more than worth further investigation.
How to Consume Mushrooms for Energy
If you are planning to consume medicinal mushrooms regularly, finding the most convenient method is key. Although eating them provides energy as food (and is delicious!), to get the most medicinal energy from mushrooms many people take a supplement, powder or tincture. These last far, far longer than fresh mushrooms, and for those with busy schedules, it means that they do not have to cook to reap the rewards. Additionally, they provide consistency and a build-up of benefits over time — mushroom energy is a slow-burn — meaning that building a routine is essential.
Using ‘Synergy’ to Harness Energy
Mushrooms are, individually, a source of energy. However, a key thing to consider before you begin your journey is ‘synergy’. Synergy is a concept popular in natural medicine and herbalism that refers to the chorus of effects that can be achieved when different mushrooms, herbs, or plants are taken together. Combining different mushrooms can enhance their effects. The entourage of qualities they provide magnify the results you would get from one mushroom or mushroom supplement alone. This is why formulas or supplements that contain a blend of mushrooms are popular. However, there are benefits to buying individual supplement and combining them too — that way you can experiment and perfect your own blend.
Mushrooms Target Different Systems of the Body
In 2017, a team of scholars from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University published a review that explored the potential anti-fatigue properties of certain mushrooms. They communicated that mushrooms target five major systems in the body with their energizing effects. These were the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the muscular system, the hormonal system, and the antioxidant system.
The cardiovascular system: mushrooms enhance blood circulation and glucose regulation as well as liver efficiency.
The immune system: mushrooms stimulate immune cells and the proteins (cytokines) in the body that trigger immune response.
The muscular system: mushrooms increase muscle and liver glycogen storage capacity and reduce lactic acid in the blood. This can help with muscle fatigue and combat that burn you feel in your muscles while exercising.
The hormonal system: mushrooms can stabilize testosterone levels, which provides a more sustained feeling of energy.
The antioxidant system: mushrooms stimulate enzymes and fight the negative effects of free radicals and stressors.
Targeting these five areas, mushrooms enhance the proper function of the different systems in our bodies. This maintains balance and combats fatigue, leading to an increase of energy over time.
The Best Mushrooms for Energy
Cordyceps
Cordyceps (specifically cordyceps militaris) has been found to offer benefits to the heart and respiratory system. By increasing blood to the brain, organs and extremities cordyceps provide an energy boost as well as increased aerobic capacity. This is further enhanced by their ability to help our bodies use oxygen more efficiently — which increases endurance and stamina. A study from 2010 found that after 12 weeks of taking a cordyceps formula, exercise performance was increased in older adults. Additionally, there are many anecdotal legends of the prowess of cordyceps: for example, at the 1993 Chinese National Games, a group of female athletes attributed their smashing of nine world records to regular consumption of the fungi.
Psilocybe Mushroom
Microdosing psilocybe mushrooms and truffles is said to increase energy levels, mental clarity, and focus. Although providing negligible nutritional energy, psilocybe mushrooms and truffles, such as the psilocybe cubensis, stimulate creative thought and good mood. This in turn enhances our day-to-day experience.
Microdosing
Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms or truffles has gained recognition for its potential to boost energy levels, mental clarity, and focus. Athletes have reported that psilocybin, from psilocybe mushrooms, can increase their stamina and get them into the ‘flow state’, while mothers with young children have found psilocybin microdoses help them find the energy to still be good parents after a long day. (For everything you need to know about microdosing psilocybe mushrooms check out our handy guide.)
Resihi
This mushroom, used for centuries in Asian cultures, is known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’. Early studies have found that the therapeutic values of reishi are significant, including the promotion of energy. Reishi increases antioxidant activity and therefore protects against oxidative stress.
In 2018, a review was published that suggested reishi may aid the regeneration of neurons in the brain, and is neuroprotective too. This makes ideal for reducing mental fatigue.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane has a glowing credit of being not just adaptogenic, but also a natural nootropic.
Studies have found that lion’s mane may help improve the way our bodies metabolize energy, delay physical tiredness, and increase stamina.
Other research has suggested that the bioactive components in lion’s mane such as flavonoids, phenols and ascorbic acid can improve cognition, as well as support learning, memory, and mood. It also increases blood flow to the central nervous system which improves our ability to focus.
Chaga
The chaga mushroom has some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any mushroom. Its growing popularity has found it moonlighting in teas, lattes and more, acting as a caffeine-less coffee substitute. Research suggests that chaga promotes the glucose uptake of cells, stimulating the energy pathways in the body.
It’s important to remember that energy is a complex interplay of various factors. Psilocybin, along with other natural health supplements, supports your body’s inherent energy systems rather than providing artificial stimulation like caffeine. It’s a holistic approach that contributes to improved energy levels and all round well-being.
All of these mushrooms, as well as more information about how they work, can be found online at
So there you have it! By incorporating mushrooms into your life you could banish that so-called ‘hyper fatigue’ before it even begins!
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