It’s impossible to fathom the stress and pressure that mothers face in their daily lives. They are constantly on the move, juggling multiple tasks at once. Moreover, when they find a moment’s peace, they fret about imaginary chores they might have forgotten, things that might come up in the future, or projects to plan.
Working moms with young children work 14 hours a day. Additionally, records at the US Department of Labor show that 7 out of 10 American mothers with children aged 18 or younger participate in the workforce.
The report reveals just how demanding a mother’s role can be. Moms are the backbone of the family, and finding the right nutritional powerhouse can be a game-changer.
Mushrooms have emerged as the miracle solution that nourishes the body and mind, converting multitasking busy moms into supermoms.
Join us on a delectable journey to discuss the best mushrooms for modern-day busy moms.
Common Challenges Faced by Modern Moms
It’s been nearly a century since the success of the Suffragette Movement. Since then, women have taken on more responsibilities, along with enjoying a few freedoms today. In addition to caring for their families, most women are working full-time and contributing to the economy. A significant percentage of the female population engages in charity and social work alongside their responsibilities at home and in the office.
The resilience, commitment, and kindness that busy moms possess indeed make them both the fairer and the stronger sex. However, this doesn’t change the fact that their superhuman efforts are negatively impacting their physical and mental health.
Here are the common health issues faced by busy moms:
Stress and Anxiety: Most busy moms don’t have a minute to relax. As the stat mentioned above shows, most moms are busy for 14 hours a day, almost the entire waking hours. The demands of personal and professional life can be tedious and exhausting, leading to extreme stress and anxiety. Psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression can further affect their work routine at home and in the office.
Sleep Deprivation and Poor Sleep Quality: Sleep is the biggest casualty of stress and anxiety. Most busy moms barely get the necessary 7-8 hours of sleep daily. A data brief released a couple of years ago by the US Center for Disease Control revealed that more women take sleeping pills regularly than men.
Additionally, stress affects sleep quality in two ways. Firstly, stress impacts how long it takes a person to fall asleep. Secondly, stress and anxiety increase the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which results in sleep fragmentation and poor sleep quality.
Nutrition Deficiency: While mothers work hard to nourish and protect their families, they seldom take care of their health and well-being. They work around the clock, leaving them little time to consume nutritious food.
Nutrition deficiency is the cause of many health issues that busy moms currently face. Without sufficient vitamins, proteins, minerals, carbs, and healthy fats, women face issues such as low energy levels, muscle loss, hair loss, dizziness, headaches, brain fog, poor sleep, chronic aches, and anemia.
Decreased Immunity: Busy moms don’t eat adequate nutritious food, they don’t have enough free time to exercise, they don’t have time to relax, and are constantly facing mental and environmental stressors. All these can impair the immune system, affecting the system’s ability to mount an effective defense against invading pathogens. Moreover, these stressors can have the opposite effect as well, triggering and causing the immune system to overreact.
Best Mushrooms for Busy Moms
The recent surge in interest in mushrooms can encourage busy moms to experiment. We understand you may lack time for research and experimentation is not advisable. So we have found the best mushrooms that are most beneficial to busy moms. Incorporating these mushrooms into your daily routine will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Shiitake for Immune System Support
Also known for its rich taste, shiitake is a versatile mushroom widely used for its powerful nutrients and compounds. It’s the go-to mushroom for busy moms for its incredible immune system support and its ability to improve heart health.
Packed with polysaccharides, these mushrooms boost the body’s immune markers and reduce levels of inflammation.1 Animal studies also show that taking these mushrooms can partially reverse age-related immune function decline.2
Shiitake is also rich in compounds such as beta-glucans, sterols, and eritadenine. Individually and together, these compounds break down cholesterol and inhibit the absorption of bad LDL cholesterol from digested food.3 Through these actions, shiitake reduces cardiovascular risks and helps improve heart health.
Lion’s Mane for Cognitive Function and Stress Management
Most men can hardly remember where they misplaced their car keys. We consider this normal. That said, the demands on a mother’s memory and other cognitive functions are immense and relentless.
Busy moms manage multiple tasks at once, make split-second decisions, execute everything flawlessly, and repeat everything day after day.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom is the ideal cognition support that busy moms need. The nutrients and compounds (erinacines and hericenones) in this mushroom help stimulate the growth of brain cells.
These compounds boost cognitive function by preventing oxidative stress from damaging the brain cells.4 The neuroprotective properties of Lion’s Mane enhance mental clarity, improve focus, and encourage better decision-making.
The compounds in Lion’s Mane have a profound impact on stress management and overall mental well-being. According to a study, Lion’s Mane stimulates brain cell growth, improving the functioning of the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for memories and emotional response.5,6
In another mice-model study, researchers found that the anti-inflammatory action of the mushroom greatly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.7
Cordyceps for Endurance and Energy
We often hear busy moms complain about the lack of time. For them, 24 hours per day isn’t enough. Because of all the multitasking, busy moms suffer from a perpetual state of fatigue.
Cordyceps can provide relief through a variety of pathways. Cordyceps are well-known to decrease fatigue and enhance stamina and endurance. These mushrooms boost energy by supporting the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Additionally, they boost energy reserves by improving oxygen utilization.8,9
Stress, anxiety, and depression can drain physical energy and rob the ability to focus on a task. The adaptogenic properties in Cordyceps reduce stress, resulting in better focus and enhanced mental clarity.
Cordyceps are also known for their phytoestrogen properties, which help optimize the functioning of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. By optimizing these hormones, Cordyceps improves sexual health, the immune system, weight management, and bone and skin health in women.10
Maitake as a Nutritional Powerhouse
Maitake contains a wide variety of nutrients, including vitamins B and C, potassium, copper, fiber, and highly beneficial antioxidants. The mushroom plays a crucial role in food metabolism, ensuring a sustained supply of oxygen, nutrients, and energy to tissues and muscles.
The mushroom’s ability to increase energy-boosting fatty acids also results in controlling bad cholesterol, ensuring a healthier vascular system and heart.11
Busy moms in their 50s have to contend with pre-menopause and its debilitating symptoms. In addition to their existing burden, busy mothers experience mood swings, headaches, insomnia, poor sleep quality, and trouble concentrating.
The active compounds in Maitake can help bring hormonal balance in women. The use of Maitake helps manage menopause and PCOS, both caused by hormonal imbalance, more particularly estrogen.
Reishi for Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Well-being
Referred to as the Queen of Mushrooms, Reishi can help busy moms effectively navigate the challenges of daily life. The compounds in Reishi can promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and fight chronic inflammation.
Studies show that Reishi has immunomodulatory properties. The mushroom can stimulate the production of white blood cells and also alter inflammatory pathways to improve the immune response.12
Studies show Reishi also holds promise in reducing fatigue and mood changes in people, particularly in those suffering from cancer.13 Administration of Reishi in those suffering from neurasthenia resulted in less irritability, headaches, dizziness, pains, and aches.14
Stressed out Moms Microdosing Mushrooms: A Reality
Busy moms, burdened with the responsibilities of family life, need effective coping mechanisms. Some join support groups, others find solace in religion, and some engage in activities like yoga, pickleball, or similar pursuits.
In the United States and Canada, an increasing number of stressed-out moms are turning to psychedelic mushrooms.
A working mom with a 19-year-old son with special needs shares her perspective, “I consider psilocybin mushrooms a reliable refuge, where I can find respite whenever I’m overwhelmed by the reality that surrounds me.”
She is not alone. In the north and south of Niagara, busy mothers are the fastest-growing users of psychedelic mushrooms. Several studies exploring the potential benefits of psilocybin mushrooms have reported favorable results, indicating that magic mushrooms can be life-changing.
Psilocybin, found in these mushrooms, may help treat trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression. Renowned publications such as the New England Journal of Medicine and Scientific American have reported recent studies that place psilocybin on par with an SSRI in treating depression.15
Many users of magic mushrooms have reported eye-opening and life-changing results. Contrary to misconceptions, after taking psychedelic mushrooms, you won’t see flowers singing and donkeys flying.
Busy moms who take psilocybin under expert supervision report improvements in mood, reduced stress, and diminished anxiety. For them, micro-dosing on psilocybin reduces agitation, a sense of chaos, and eliminates constant restlessness.
In large cities and towns in the US, many busy moms have joined support groups to learn about and understand micro-dosing. The micro-dosing regimen involves taking only a fraction of the standard dose of a psychedelic substance.
For example, if the standard dose of dried psilocybin mushrooms is 200mg, the user is prescribed just one-tenth of 200mg. The user takes this micro-dose once every 3-4 days or once a week, depending on her need, tolerance, and the recommendation of a doctor or expert. Micro-dosing helps improve mood and mental outlook without inducing severe hallucinations or an out-of-the-world experience.
Scientists Recognize Advantages but Advocate Prudent Approach
Magic mushrooms can be a blessing for busy moms who tirelessly care for their families day in and day out. However, desiring too much of a good thing can also be detrimental to your health.
I know many people on both sides—some undergoing treatment with psilocybin mushrooms and others administering these treatments. Frankly, there is a constant urge among users to exceed the recommended dosage.
Several countries, including the United States, have banned many psychoactive substances, including psilocybin mushrooms, through legislation. The results of limited trials on psilocybin and growing public support have compelled federal and local authorities to loosen their grip on the sale and possession of magic mushrooms.
Today, numerous studies are taking place worldwide to explore the potential benefits of psilocybin mushrooms. However, legislators and health authorities maintain a cautious approach, and psilocybin mushrooms remain illegal in many states in the US.
The reaction to psychoactive substances may vary from person to person, even when taken in small doses. Psilocybin is known to induce hallucinations; therefore, such substances must be consumed under expert guidance. Experts also recommend that micro-dosing sessions occur only in a safe setting, under the guidance of trained doctors or therapists.
Experts caution against nibbling on psilocybin mushrooms or deviating from the dosage guidelines prescribed by a therapist.
Final Thoughts
Mushrooms serve as ideal companions for busy moms shouldering the responsibilities of both home and the world. They epitomize multitasking, offering stress relief, increased energy, and immune-boosting properties that work wonders for both body and mind.
In today’s world, mothers are exploring options beyond functional mushrooms to cope with the demanding challenges of modern life.
References
- Dai, Xiaoshuang, et al. “Consuming Lentinula Edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, vol. 34, no. 6, 2015, pp. 478–87, https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2014.950391.
- Xu, Xiaofei, et al. “Lentinula Edodes-Derived Polysaccharide Rejuvenates Mice in Terms of Immune Responses and Gut Microbiota.” Food & Function, vol. 6, no. 8, 2015, pp. 2653–2663, https://doi.org/10.1039/c5fo00689a.
- Guillamón, Eva, et al. “Edible Mushrooms: Role in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases.” Fitoterapia, vol. 81, no. 7, Oct. 2010, pp. 715–723, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2010.06.005.
- Kushairi, Naufal, et al. “Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Hericium Erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. Suppresses H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage and LPS-Induced Inflammation in HT22 Hippocampal Neurons and BV2 Microglia.” Antioxidants, vol. 8, no. 8, 1 Aug. 2019, p. 261, https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8080261.
- Ryu, Sun, et al. “Hericium Erinaceus Extract Reduces Anxiety and Depressive Behaviors by Promoting Hippocampal Neurogenesis in the Adult Mouse Brain.” Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 21, no. 2, 1 Feb. 2018, pp. 174–180, https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.4006.
- Brandalise, Federico, et al. “Dietary Supplementation OfHericium ErinaceusIncreases Mossy Fiber-CA3 Hippocampal Neurotransmission and Recognition Memory in Wild-Type Mice.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2017, 2017, pp. 1–13, https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3864340.
- Chiu, Chun-Hung, et al. “Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium Erinaceus Mycelium Produces Antidepressant-like Effects through Modulating BDNF/PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling in Mice.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 19, no. 2, 24 Jan. 2018, p. 341, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19020341.
- Xu, Yan-Feng. “Effect of Polysaccharide from Cordyceps Militaris (Ascomycetes) on Physical Fatigue Induced by Forced Swimming.” International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, vol. 18, no. 12, 2016, pp. 1083–1092, https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v18.i12.30.
- Nagata, Akira, et al. “Supplemental Anti-Fatigue Effects of Cordyceps Sinensis (Tochu-Kaso) Extract Powder during Three Stepwise Exercise of Human.” Japanese Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine, The Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine, 27 Sept. 2012, jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jspfsm/55/Supplement/55_S145/_article .
- Desmawati, Desmawati, and Delmi Sulastri. “A Phytoestrogens and Their Health Effect.” Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 7, no. 3, 14 Feb. 2019, pp. 495–499, https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.086
- Sato, Mayumi, et al. “Effect of Dietary Maitake (Grifola Frondosa) Mushrooms on Plasma Cholesterol and Hepatic Gene Expression in Cholesterol-Fed Mice.” Journal of Oleo Science, vol. 62, no. 12, 2013, pp. 1049–1058, https://doi.org/10.5650/jos.62.1049.
- Cheng, Chun-Huai, et al. “The Effects of Two Different Ganoderma Species (Lingzhi) on Gene Expression in Human Monocytic THP-1 Cells.” Nutrition and Cancer, vol. 62, no. 5, 2010, pp. 648–658, https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581003605516.
- Zhao, Hong, et al. “Spore Powder OfGanoderma LucidumImproves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2012, 2012, pp. 1–8, https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/809614.
- Tang, Wenbo, et al. “A Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Study of a Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharide Extract in Neurasthenia.” Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 8, no. 1, Mar. 2005, pp. 53–58, https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2005.8.53.
- Mann, J. John. “Is Psilocybin an Effective Antidepressant and What Is Its Mechanism of Action?” Cell Reports Medicine, vol. 4, no. 1, Jan. 2023, p. 100906, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100906.