Lion’s mane has been used by Chinese herbalists for centuries due to its ability to keep the immune system healthy and aid in proper digestion. However, there are so many other benefits that this mushroom can offer you when you take it as a supplement. One of the main reasons many people decide to include lion’s mane in their daily routine is because of its powerful nootropic properties and amazing effects it can have on the brain. Let’s delve a little deeper into what exactly lion’s mane mushroom does to the brain:
- Nootropic effects
- Enhanced cognitive abilities
- Ease anxiety and lift your mood
- Heal the brain after injury
Lion’s Mane Effects on the Brain as a Nootropic
Lion’s mane mushroom can a boost to your brain
Nootropics are substances that are designed to enhance brain performance, improve focus, and even assist in better memory and recognition. Everyone wants to stay as sharp as they can, and one way to help your brain perform at its optimal level is by including a dose of lion’s mane supplement with your daily lifestyle. By taking this supplement you just might find yourself experiencing a greater sense of clarity with your everyday activities, as well as enjoying a boost in memory. For people with no cognitive impairment, adding a lion’s mane supplement will ensure that you’re keeping your brain operating at peak performance.
While lion’s mane has shown to increase the overall cognitive abilities of people, there are also some interesting effects on the brains of those that might be suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI). As we age, the brain is simply not as capable of growing and supporting new neural connections as easily as it can when we are younger, resulting in age-related cognitive decline. One study researched the effects in seniors who experienced MCI, but had not yet been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Those in the study were given three grams of dried lion’s mane mushroom powder for 16 weeks. At the end of the study, scientists found that the cognitive functional ability of the seniors had increased and there were no detrimental side effects.
Even people who already are showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s may be able to benefit from lion’s mane. This supplement has been shown to break up the beta amyloid plaques that occur and increase over time when dementia or Alzheimer’s is present in the brain. At the same time can also improve memory function by promoting new nerve growth and facilitating the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This can help with the memory and learning areas of the brain.
Important cognitive benefits of lion’s mane on the brain:
- Makes you focused, sharper, and promotes brain clarity.
- Increases overall cognitive function.
- Promotes nerve growth.
- Can help those people with MCI or dementia begin to repair their memory.
Lion’s Mane Can Help Lower Anxiety and Reduce Depression Symptoms
Lion’s mane supplements can also help relieve anxiety and improve overall mood
If you’re looking for a supplement that can also help out with problems with anxiety and depression, then lion’s mane might be a good choice for you. There are many causes of depression-- and every case is different-- but one suggested cause is that inflammation might be a contributing factor. Lion’s mane contains amycenone which is an anti-inflammatory that one study proved helped reduce inflammation in mice, and in human trials, had reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is great news for anyone who wants to try a natural supplement to treat their anxiety symptoms and improve their mood.
Lion’s mane is helpful in promoting the growth of nerves in the brain and generating brain cells, especially in the hippocampus, which is the center of memory processing and emotional responses. By promoting growth and connections in this area of the brain, lion’s mane could help alleviate anxious thoughts and depressive behavior.
Key takeaways:
- Lion’s mane may help reduce inflammation in the brain and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Lion’s mane mushroom supplements can also promote growth of nerves in the brain, improving the functionality of the hippocampus
Lion’s Mane and Nervous System Injuries
Lion’s mane may be able to help speed up recovery to this essential system
We now know that lion’s mane can help stimulate nerve growth, which is especially critical if you’ve experienced a brain or spinal injury, or had a stroke. The results of an injury to the nervous system can be debilitating and it can take years to fully recover, if it is possible at all. When lion’s mane was given to rats with nervous system damage in one study, they showed a reduction in the time it took for their recovery. In another study, rats that suffered strokes were given lion’s mane doses and had a significant reduction of brain inflammation and a decrease in their overall injuries as a result of the stroke. While no studies have been done yet in humans, lion’s mane ability to decrease inflammation and promote cell growth is promising.
Key takeaways:
- Lion’s mane can promote nerve and cell growth in the brain.
- It’s anti-inflammatory properties could help with nervous system injuries and strokes.
Lion’s mane has a number of beneficial effects on the brain. As a nootropic it can help you stay focused and clear, as well as increase your memory and boost cognitive functions. It may also disperse harmful plaques and promote new nerve growth in the brains of those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. The anti-inflammatory properties of this mushroom can help reduce some symptoms of depression, and have shown to reduce recovery time from nervous system injuries.
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