We're all looking for natural ways to boost our brains and energy. Lion's Mane mushrooms have emerged as a potent ally for this quest. Backed by modern science and revered for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, this functional mushroom is gaining global recognition. Stay Wyld Organics became a company after our founder successfully treated a concussion.
But when is the best time to take Lion's Mane?
This question often arises among those eager to incorporate this powerful supplement into their daily routines. The answer, however, isn't one-size-fits-all, as the optimal timing can be influenced by various factors, including the desired benefits and individual responses.
These might include your lifestyle, the time you get up in the morning, your work schedule, and your health goals. Whether you're an active professional, a diligent student, or a busy mom, the timing can make a difference.
Read on to learn more; we're here to empower you with knowledge so you can make informed decisions and harness the full potential of Lion's Mane mushrooms for your life, focus, energy, and overall well-being.
Understanding Lion's Mane and Its Benefits
Lion's Mane, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, is a unique mushroom species. It's characterized by its shaggy, white appearance, resembling a lion's mane. But the reason why people love Lion's Mane is that this functional mushroom is packed with bioactive compounds.
Scientific testing supports these compounds, which are found in the mycelium and fruiting body of Lion's Mane. Both hericenones and erinacines are believed to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF plays a crucial role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons, making Lion's Mane a potent brain booster.
But the benefits of Lion's Mane extend beyond your brain. This mushroom is also known for its potential energy-boosting and stress-reducing properties.
Here's a quick rundown of the key benefits of Lion's Mane:
- Cognitive support: Enhances memory, focus, and mental clarity.
- Energy boost: Provides a natural, non-stimulant energy lift.
- Stress relief: Helps manage stress through its adaptogenic properties.
- Immune support: Strengthens the immune system.
- Brain Protection: Supports brain health and may offer neuroprotective benefits.
Lion's Mane for Energy: Beyond the Morning Coffee
People call Lion's Mane a natural energy booster. Unlike caffeine, Lion's Mane provides a smooth, sustained energy lift, which can lead to jitters and energy crashes.
This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a natural, non-stimulant energy boost. Whether you're an active professional needing to power through a busy day, a student studying for exams, or a busy mom juggling multiple tasks, Lion's Mane may help.
And the best part? The energy boost from Lion's Mane comes without the side effects often associated with stimulants: no jitters, no crashes, just natural, sustained energy.
Lion's Mane and Stress: A Natural Ally for Busy Lives
Stress is a common challenge in today's fast-paced world. Lion's Mane can help. This mushroom is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body manage stress more effectively.
By supporting the body's natural stress response, Lion's Mane can help you stay calm and focused, even in challenging situations. This makes it a valuable ally for anyone leading a busy life, from professionals and students to busy moms.
So, whether you're dealing with work pressures, academic stress, or parenting challenges, Lion's Mane can provide natural, effective stress relief.
But When is the Best Time to Take Lion's Mane: Morning, Noon, or Night?
Unfortunately, the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. The optimal timing for taking Lion's Mane can vary depending on your needs and lifestyle. Remember, these are just guidelines. The best time for you to take Lion's Mane may differ based on your personal schedule, lifestyle, and health goals.
** We like taking it in the morning and the early afternoon because we love to take Reishi in the evenings to help us wind down.
Morning Intake: Kickstart Your Day with Mental Clarity
Embrace this remarkable mushroom's cognitive and energy-boosting properties to kickstart your day effectively.
Taking Lion's Mane in the morning can support cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity throughout the day. Its bioactive compounds, such as hericenones and erinacines, promote nerve growth factor synthesis, enhancing brain function and protecting against cognitive decline (Spelman et al., 2017; Friedman, 2015).
Additionally, Lion's Mane provides a gentle energy boost, improving alertness and reducing fatigue (Jiang et al., 2022). Starting your day with Lion's Mane sets the stage for productivity, mental clarity, and focus.
Afternoon Doses: Sustaining Focus for the Long Haul
If you find your focus waning as the day progresses, an afternoon dose of Lion's Mane might be just what you need. This mushroom's cognitive-enhancing properties can help sustain your focus and productivity throughout the day.
Whether working on a challenging project, studying for an exam, or managing a busy household, Lion's Mane can help you stay on top of your game.
** We like taking LST in the afternoon when our energies wane. LST is a natural energy drink with Yerba Mate and Lion’s Mane Mushroom. It doesn’t have any sugar but has a lot of taste.
Evening Intake:
Sleep and Relaxation: Some individuals report that taking Lion's Mane in the evening promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality. The mushroom's anti-inflammatory properties might contribute to a calming effect, aiding better sleep (Spelman et al., 2017).
However, taking Lion's Mane at night may not be ideal due to its potential to enhance energy levels and cognitive stimulation. Some people found it disrupted their sleep quality when consumed at night.
How should you take your Lion’s Mane?
Capsules are a favourite!
Lion's Mane capsules offer precision and convenience. Each capsule contains a specific amount of Lion's Mane, allowing for accurate dosing. This form is perfect for busy people who need a quick and easy way to incorporate Lion's Mane into their daily routine.
Taking Lion's Mane capsules in the morning with breakfast can provide a steady release of its benefits throughout the day. This can help keep you focused and energized for your daily tasks. Plus, you'll remember taking it before your day kicks into overdrive.
Powders are fun!
Lion's Mane powders offer versatility. You can mix the powder into your morning coffee, smoothie, or even your breakfast oatmeal. This form lets you get creative and incorporate Lion's Mane into your meals or drinks.
Taking Lion's Mane powder in the morning or afternoon can provide a cognitive boost. Mixing it into your meals or drinks can make it more enjoyable.
Should I take it with food?
Yes, taking it with food can enhance its absorption and reduce the likelihood of any potential digestive discomfort (Teekachunhatean et al., 2012).
Experimentation and Consistency: Finding Your Unique Schedule
Finding the best time to take Lion's Mane may require some experimentation. Everyone's body is unique, and what works best for one person might not work well for another.
It's also important to maintain consistency in your Lion's Mane supplementation. Taking the supplement simultaneously each day ensures stable levels of the bioactive compounds in your system. This is crucial for observing the long-term benefits (Inanaga, 2014).
Continuous intake is vital for long-term neuroprotective effects, particularly for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's (Friedman, 2015).
It's important to be patient and stay committed when taking natural supplements as benefits build; many people begin to see noticeable benefits of mushrooms after a few weeks.
Quality Matters: Choosing the Right Lion's Mane Supplement
Not all Lion's Mane supplements are equal. The quality can greatly affect their effectiveness and benefits. Choose a supplement grown under strict organic protocols and processed carefully to ensure it's potent and safe. Organic and sustainable sourcing guarantees the mushrooms are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. All of Stay Wyld Organics mushrooms are certified through Pro-cert.
Lab Testing and Transparency: Ensuring Potency and Purity
Lab testing is another crucial aspect of ensuring the quality of Lion's Mane supplements. It verifies the product's potency and checks for contaminants like heavy metals or harmful bacteria. All of Stay Wyld Organics mushrooms are third-party tested.
Ask Questions!
Transparency from the manufacturer about their sourcing and testing practices is also essential. It allows you to make an informed decision about the product you're putting into your body.
When we first started taking mushroom supplements, we found it very hard to find answers about where the mushrooms were grown, so we started our own facility in Pemberton, BC.
When we started investigating mushroom gummies, we found even less transparency. Spoiler alert: Stay Wyld is developing three new Super Mushroom Gummies to add to our lineup of functional mushroom products.
We love Lion's Mane and hope you do too.
Incorporating Lion's Mane into your daily routine can boost your cognitive function, energy levels, and overall well-being naturally and sustainably. Your journey with Lion's Mane is unique, focusing on finding the optimal timing and dosage for your lifestyle and health goals. We encourage you to find a routine that works for you and stay committed. Embrace this path to natural health and enjoy its benefits. You never know where it may lead you.
Share Your Lion's Mane Journey!
We'd love to hear about your experiences with Lion's Mane. Share your stories, tips, and insights. Your journey could inspire others to embrace this powerful functional mushroom and enhance their own well-being.
Precautions and Considerations
Before starting any new supplement regimen, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider. This is especially true for functional mushrooms.
Some people may experience side effects or interactions with other medications. It's crucial to monitor your body's response and adjust dosage accordingly.
Remember, functional mushrooms are not a cure-all. They should be used as part of a balanced lifestyle, not as a substitute for healthy habits.
References
- Inanaga, K. (2014). Marked improvement of neurocognitive impairment after treatment with compounds from Hericium erinaceum: A case study of recurrent depressive disorder. ScienceDirect.
- Spelman, K., Sutherland, E., & Bagade, A. (2017). Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane (<i>Hericium erinaceus</i>). Restorative Medicine.
- Friedman, M. (2015). Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
- Jiang, X., Li, S., Feng, X., Li, L., Huang, J., Wang, D., & Wang, Q. (2022). Mushroom Polysaccharides as Potential Candidates for Alleviating Neurodegenerative Diseases. Nutrients.
Teekachunhatean, S., Sadja, S., Ampasavate, C., Chiranthanut, N., Rojanasthien, N., & Sangdee, C. (2012). Pharmacokinetics of Ganoderic Acids A and F after Oral Administration of Ling Zhi Preparation in Healthy Male Volunteers. Hindawi.
