The approaching holiday season can be a time of joy and connection for many, but it can also bring a lot of added stress and anxiety when it comes to meeting the demands of family obligations, short deadlines, and taxed immune systems. Natural adaptogens, including functional mushrooms, can help the body manage stress during these difficult times—whether they are physical, emotional, or environmental. Herbalists will often utilize herbs such as rhodiola, eleuthero, ashwagandha, and holy basil to support the body’s stress response. Functional mushrooms such as reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and chaga have also been used to support the body during stressful times. Adaptogens can promote a healthy nervous system, support energy levels, encourage emotional well-being and restful sleep, and provide antioxidant support when used regularly. 

What Stress Does to the Body

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a central component of the body’s stress response system. This system is activated when faced with a stressor—physical or emotional—and prepares for a “fight or flight” response by releasing the stress hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands. This hormone supports the body by helping manage energy levels, blood pressure, and other functions during times of occasional stress so that we can effectively address (fight) and escape (flight) the stressor. Since we aren’t running from lions anymore, the stress that we encounter in our daily lives generally comes from modern demands from work, family, and day-to-day life. But our nervous system doesn’t necessarily know the difference between a life-threatening lion and an email from our boss or an overdue bill. 

Our body undergoes daily stress from the environment as well. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that are naturally generated during everyday metabolism or external sources such as UV radiation and environmental pollution or toxins. When the body has more free radicals than it can neutralize with antioxidants, oxidative stress can occur, leading to the potential for cellular damage that causes aging and dysfunction. 

Once the stress has passed, the HPA axis helps the body return to its normal state. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress has become a part of everyday life, the body doesn’t have a chance to return to normal, leading to adrenal fatigue and burnout. Stress management, avoiding environmental toxins, along with the help of natural adaptogens, can help the body repair and return to normal in between stressful states. 

Over time, stress in the body and mind can have detrimental effects. Whether it is emotional, physical, or environmental, prolonged stress can disrupt the body’s natural balance and affect every other part of the body’s operating systems. This disruption may lead to issues such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, mood swings, or even a weakened immune system. 

What is an ADAPTOGEN? 

Adaptogens are natural substances that may help support the body’s ability to adapt to occasional physical or emotional stress. Functional mushrooms are thought to promote balance and help the body maintain equilibrium, promote resilience to:

• Support for Cortisol Levels: Regular use of adaptogens is believed to promote the body’s natural ability to handle occasional stress which supports overall resilience and balance. Prolonged cortisol levels can lead to issues like weight gain, fatigue, and mood swings.
• Energy Support: Adaptogens help maintain a healthy balance of energy which promotes sustained focus and stamina to prevent burnout.
• Boosts Resilience: Enhances long-term resilience and overall well-being. 
• Supports Mental Clarity and Focus: Helps sustain cognitive function and mental performance during periods of stress. 
• Provides Antioxidant Support: Helps neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and supporting cellular health.
• Promotes Emotional Well-Being: Supports a calm and balanced mood, reducing the impact of stress on emotional health.

Which Mushrooms are Adaptogens?

While most edible mushrooms can promote overall health when consumed regularly, and a healthy body can more easily overcome daily stress and promote resiliency there are a few functional mushrooms that are considered adaptogenic. The following mushrooms may help promote a more balanced cortisol response when used regularly:

• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Reishi supports the body’s ability to regulate a healthy stress response, boost immune function, promote relaxation, and may help balance mood and foster emotional resilience.
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris): Known to promote healthy energy levels, support endurance, and help the body recover from physical exertion or occasional fatigue, cordyceps is a traditionally used mushroomi to contribute to overall vitality and well-being.
• Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): As an adaptogen, lion’s mane helps the body maintain balance during times of stress and supports cognitive function, including memory and focus. This mushroom also promotes a healthy nervous system, contributing to overall mental clarity.
• Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Chaga is traditionally used to promote overall well-being by supporting healthy immune function and providing antioxidant support. Chaga helps the body maintain energy levels and resilience, particularly during times of physical or environmental stress. 

Benefits of Adaptogens for a Stress-Free Season

The best way to experience the benefits of adaptogens is to incorporate them into your daily routine, whether that is as a mushroom tincture added to your daily beverage or smoothie, or any of the culinary adaptogenic mushrooms like lion’s mane cooked for a savory meal. 

While the holiday season brings unique challenges, it is also an opportunity to nourish your body and mind so that you can nourish others and enjoy your time with family and friends. By supporting your boy’s natural response to stress, boosting your immune system, and promoting overall resilience, adaptogens can help you not only survive—but thrive—during this time of year. Whether you’re juggling holiday shopping, family gatherings, or end-of-the-year work deadlines, these powerful mushrooms can help you stay balanced and energized through it all.