Breathwork or yoga isn’t the only way that you can manage stress and nourish your nervous system.  The foods you eat have a BIG impact on your ability to adapt to stress and your physical and mental health.  

One of my absolute favorite staples in my diet is mushrooms.  

When it comes to stress, mushrooms work their magic through a combination of factors:

1. Adaptogenic Properties: Some mushrooms, such as reishi, cordyceps, and lion’s mane, are classified as adaptogens. Adaptogens help your body adapt to stress by regulating the release of stress hormones and promoting a balanced response to external pressures. In simpler terms, they help your body maintain a state of calm and equilibrium.
2. Boosting Immunity: Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Thankfully, mushrooms contain potent antioxidants, such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, that support and strengthen your immune system, keeping you healthy and resilient.
3. Mood Enhancement: Mushrooms also have mood-enhancing properties. Compounds found in certain mushrooms, like psilocybin, can positively influence brain chemistry, promoting a sense of relaxation, improved mood, and reduced anxiety.

Here are some easy ways to incorporate more mushrooms into your daily life, even if you don’t like how they taste. 

1. Sip on Mushroom and Adaptogen Teas: Start your day with a soothing cup of mushroom tea or an adaptogenic blend. Look for teas containing mushrooms like reishi, which can promote relaxation, or lion’s mane, known for supporting mental clarity. These teas are readily available in health food stores and can provide a calming ritual to help you face the day. I love Teeccino’s Tea Sampler Packs which have yummy flavors and are great for a midday warm drink instead of coffee. 
2. Add Mushrooms to Your Meals: They tend to have a meatier composition, so add them to pasta sauces, chili, and pizza toppings, or even use them in tacos or fajitas.  There are so many varieties to try, get creative, and have some fun! Here is a compilation of some AMAZING mushroom recipes from Minimalist Baker. Click here for recipes
3. Use Mushroom Powder, Elixirs, or Supplements: If you don’t like the taste of mushrooms, there are mild powders that can easily be added to smoothies or capsules that you can take with your daily vitamin stack.   I’m a fan of Om Master Blend capsules. 

While, yes, Mushrooms and adaptogens offer a natural and holistic approach to combatting stress and nourishing your nervous system, I would always recommend talking to your doctor before adding any new supplements, but for me, they have been such a great addition to my life, and I wanted to share it with you! 

By incorporating these wonderful allies into your daily life through teas, meals, and elixirs, you can embark on a transformative journey toward greater well-being and resilience.