What Are the Best Mushrooms to Lower Cortisol Levels?
Mushrooms and Cortisol Levels
One of the most significant benefits associated with functional mushrooms is their ability to reduce stress by regulating cortisol levels.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex in response to stress. It increases blood pressure and glucose levels, enabling us to respond when faced with stressful situations. However, excess cortisol can be extremely harmful, leading to numerous health risks and conditions. This can include increased abdominal weight gain, hypertension, and heart disease, precisely where functional mushrooms come into play.
Several different species of mushrooms, including the reishi mushroom, have been shown to regulate cortisol levels and reduce stress. This is excellent news for those constantly stressed out and looking for natural ways to restore optimal balance and mental clarity.
Here is all you need to know about reishi mushrooms and what they can do for you.
What are Reishi Mushrooms?
Reishi mushrooms originate from East Asia and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are often referred to as “the king of mushrooms”.
Modern findings suggest that reishi mushrooms can lower inflammation and promote the release of natural killer cells which aid in the removal of various types of mutated cells. This makes the reishi mushroom ideal for supporting overall health and reducing the risk of developing certain health conditions.
Using Reishi in your routine
When consumed as part of a daily routine, reishi mushrooms can promote better health by:
- Activating cytotoxic receptors (Nkg2d/Ncr)
- Inhibiting cell proliferation
- Suppressing vascular endothelial growth factor
- Increasing plasma antioxidant capacity
- Enhancing immune response
- Converting excess testosterone to dihydrotestosterone
Because they work as an “immune modulator,” reishi mushrooms can help restore hormonal balance, bring the body back to homeostasis, and regulate the activity of the immune system.
What Are the Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms?
- Inflammation
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Liver disease
- Food allergies
- Digestive problems
- Skin disorders
- Some viruses
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sleep disorders