There has been an alarming rise in the number of ADHD diagnoses in the UK.
And that means a similar rise in the number of prescriptions for medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dexamphetamine (Dexedrine), which are stimulants, and other non-stimulant ADHD medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera).
These medications, however, come with notoriously bad side effects including nausea, vomiting, depression and suicidal thoughts. This is even stated on the NHS website.
Which is why many people are turning to natural solutions to manage ADHD.
And that’s where mushrooms come in...
What are functional mushrooms?
Leading mycologist Paul Stamets has called mushrooms “nature’s pharmaceutical factories.
That’s because a handful of them have been found to possess unique bioactive compounds which offer various health benefits.
Known as functional mushrooms, or medicinal mushrooms, they have been used in traditional medicine (particularly in Asia) for thousands of years and have gained popularity more recently as modern science has begun to understand their therapeutic potential.
They are now used by people from all walks of life, from biohackers and alternative health practitioners to herbalists and those with health conditions, who recognise their unique medicinal properties and lack of negative side effects.
Some of the most common functional mushrooms include Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Tiger Milk (Lignosus rhinocerus), Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and Maitake (Grifola frondosa).
How can functional mushrooms treat ADHD?
There are a number of ways that functional mushrooms could be helpful in managing the symptoms of ADHD.
Here are a few examples:
- Most functional mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are complex carbohydrates that may stimulate the immune system and support overall health. In theory, beta-glucans could help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which might be beneficial for individuals with ADHD who often have compromised immune systems and increased inflammation.
- Certain functional mushrooms, like lion's mane, contain nootropic compounds that may improve cognitive function, memory, and focus. These compounds could potentially help individuals with ADHD improve their attention and concentration.
- Adaptogenic compounds found in many mushrooms may help the body adapt to stress and improve overall well-being. This could be beneficial for individuals with ADHD, who often experience heightened stress levels and anxiety.
- Some functional mushrooms contain compounds that support the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which is often imbalanced in individuals with ADHD. By supporting neurotransmitter production, these mushrooms could potentially help regulate mood and attention.
It's essential to note that the effectiveness of functional mushrooms in treating ADHD is still speculative, and more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Having said that, promising early research suggests that the therapeutic effects of some functional mushrooms may well benefit those with ADHD.
Additionally, there are numerous anecdotal reports of mushrooms helping improve ADHD symptoms. We’ve had quite a few ourselves here at Mushies.
Best mushrooms for ADHD
While there is no conclusive evidence that functional mushrooms can treat ADHD, some mushrooms have been suggested to potentially provide benefits that could be helpful in managing ADHD symptoms.
They include:
Lion's Mane
This mushroom contains compounds called erinacines, which stimulate the growth of nerve cells and improve cognitive function - including focus, memory, and overall brain health.
This is important because a number of studies have found that individuals with ADHD have a reduced number of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region of the brain involved in learning and memory.
Hericene A, in particular, has been shown to increase neuron growth and connectivity among neurons, ultimately increasing the size of growth cones, which play a crucial role in brain cells sensing their environment and establishing new connections with other neurons in the brain.
These connections between neurons allow different parts of the brain to communicate with each other, and that's what makes our brain work properly.
Research suggests that individuals with ADHD may have weaker connections between different brain regions, which could contribute to difficulties with attention and impulse control.
Tiger milk
Like lion's mane, tiger milk mushroom promotes cognitive health and has potent neuroprotective properties.
However, instead of directly stimulating Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) like lion’s mane does, the compounds in tiger milk mushroom attach to TrkA receptors, leading directly to the growth of new brain cells.
This means it may have similar effects to lion’s mane in individuals with ADHD, as they have a reduced number of new neurons in the hippocampus.
TrkA receptors are found on the surface of cells and are critical for neuronal health, synaptic plasticity, and the structural integrity of the brain.
Through these processes, they play a critical role in learning, memory, and overall cognitive function, which are often compromised in people with ADHD.
One interesting study found that when a tiger milk extract was administered alongside NGF (which is what lion’s mane increased), neuronal growth was increased compared to tiger milk on its own.
This may have implications on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD.
More research is obviously needed, but there is good evidence that both mushrooms improve brain cell survival and growth on their own.
So it makes sense that they could work even better when administered together.
Reishi
Reishi may benefit those with ADHD by preventing brain cells from dying, modulating the immune system to suppress inflammation, and inhibiting an enzyme that stops the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain.
Reishi has also been shown to reduce inflammation and support immune function.
Turkey Tail
Turkey tail is a rich source of polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, which can help modulate the immune system and support overall health.
Some studies suggest that turkey tail may also have neuroprotective properties and could potentially help regulate neurotransmitter production, which could benefit individuals with ADHD.
Are functional mushrooms safe for children?
Yes, functional mushrooms can be safely consumed by children, but it is essential to approach their use with caution.
It's advisable to start with small amounts and gradually increase the dosage as needed. This approach allows you to monitor your child's response and identify any potential allergic reactions or sensitivities.
It's also crucial to select high-quality products from reputable sources to ensure potency and purity.
Numerous parents have shared their positive experiences with our lion's mane extract, reporting successful use in helping their children with ADHD.
Parents have noticed improvements in their children's ability to concentrate, manage impulsive behavior, and stay engaged in tasks, leading to a more successful school experience.
Final thoughts
Functional mushrooms are a promising natural solution for managing ADHD symptoms.
While more research is certainly needed, early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that certain mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Tiger Milk, can provide benefits for individuals with ADHD.
At Mushies, we've seen firsthand the positive impact that functional mushrooms can have on individuals with ADHD.
If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD, consider giving functional mushrooms a shot.
You can learn more about our range of high-quality mushroom extracts here.
