The Best Time to Take Mushroom Gummies for Maximum Benefits
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'll 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.
The Best Time to Take Cordyceps
The Cordyceps mushroom is linked to improved energy levels and stamina, so taking it at the start of your day may help you feel more alert and energized to tackle your to-do list.
Researchers have also identified compounds in Cordyceps that positively influence the creation of ATP (aka cellular fuel), blood flow, and oxygen use during physical activity. That means Cordyceps potentially helps your body produce more energy and provide muscles with the nutrients and oxygen they need to power through high-intensity exercise.[1][2]
If you're seeking daily energy support, try taking Cordyceps with breakfast or your morning latte. If your goal is better endurance and performance in the gym, try it as a pre-workout, about 30 minutes to 1 hour before exercise.
The 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.
The 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 our Mushroom Gummy Bundle. For full spectrum support, it includes our full line of mushroom gummies, including Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, and Reishi.
References
- Geng P, Siu KC, Wang Z, Wu JY. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:9648496. doi: 10.1155/2017/9648496.
- Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. J Diet Suppl. 2017;14(1):42-53. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386.
- Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Malek SN. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30. PMID: 24266378.
- Chiu C-H, Chyau C-C, Chen C-C, Lee L-Y, Chen W-P, Liu J-L, Lin W-H, Mong M-C. Erinacine International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(2):341. doi:10.3390/ijms19020341.
- Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9.
- Cui X, Cui S, Zhang J, Wang Z, Yu B, Sheng Z, Zhang X, Zhang Y. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2012;139(3):796-800. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.12.020.
- Yao C, Wang Z, Jiang H, Yan R, Huang Q, Wang Y, Xie H, Zou Y, Yu Y, Lv L. Scientific Reports. 2021;11:13660. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-92913-6.