In the quest for athletic excellence, runners are always on the lookout for that elusive edge. This summer, I embarked on a journey to explore the potential of adaptogenic mushrooms, a natural remedy that has been gaining traction in the running community. My goal was simple: to find a way to reduce fatigue and enhance recovery, and I was willing to give adaptogenic mushrooms a try. After all, who wouldn't want a little extra boost during their summer runs?
The Science Behind Adaptogenic Mushrooms
Adaptogenic mushrooms are fascinating compounds found in plants and fungi that have the potential to impact our body's response to stress, anxiety, and fatigue. According to the Cleveland Clinic, these mushrooms influence the body's stress-response systems, and three mushrooms have been identified as potentially having adaptogenic effects: cordyceps, lion's mane, and reishi. Cordyceps, in particular, has been linked to increased energy production in muscles, while lion's mane contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that aid in muscle recovery. Reishi, on the other hand, has polysaccharides that may help decrease fatigue and shorten recovery times.
My Month-Long Experiment
I spent the month of June experimenting with various adaptogenic mushroom supplements, and here's what I found. I settled on four products: two cordyceps and two reishi supplements. However, I quickly learned that the supplement industry is messy, with varying extraction methods, concentrations, and mushroom parts used, making apples-to-apples comparisons difficult.
Fungies Cordyceps Mushroom Gummies
I took Fungies cordyceps mushroom gummies every morning for the second half of the month, regardless of whether I was running. I noticed an increase in my energy levels from the start, feeling more alert during early-morning weekday runs and skipping my afternoon coffee on several days. While it's hard to attribute the energy boost solely to the mushrooms, I kept taking them and plan to continue for the rest of the summer.
365 by Whole Foods Market Cordyceps Mushroom Capsules
The 365 by Whole Foods Market cordyceps mushroom capsules promised energy and stamina support, but I noticed much less dramatic results. I tested them for the first half of the month but abandoned them after several days of minimal energy increase. The effects seemed less potent compared to the Fungies gummies, possibly due to differences in extraction methods or mushroom parts used.
Real Mushrooms Reishi Mushroom Capsules
Real Mushrooms reishi mushroom capsules claimed to support various aspects of health, including restful sleep and immune resilience. I took them before bed on running days and noticed less soreness, better energy levels, and consistently higher sleep scores the following morning. While it's challenging to attribute these improvements solely to the capsules, I've been convinced enough to continue taking them after long, hard days.
Gaia Herbs Reishi Mushroom Capsules
Gaia Herbs reishi mushroom capsules promised overall support for health resilience during stressful times. However, I didn't notice a real difference in any aspect of my training or health, neither positive nor negative. As a result, I'm not sure these capsules are worth seeking out.
The Science Behind Adaptogenic Mushrooms and Running
By the end of June, my watch-estimated VO₂ max had ticked upward, and I was finishing double-digit long runs in New York's heat feeling less wiped out than expected. While I can't say for certain whether the mushrooms were the sole reason for these improvements, they coincided with the month I was taking them. Registered dietitian and food scientist Jennifer Pallian shared her insights, noting that the current research is encouraging, particularly for cordyceps and reishi.
According to Pallian, cordyceps may offer the strongest performance benefits, with studies suggesting it can improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise by increasing VO₂ max and time to exhaustion. Reishi, on the other hand, has been linked to lower levels of blood lactate and other markers associated with exercise stress, aiding in quicker recovery between hard efforts.
However, Pallian cautions against treating adaptogenic mushrooms as a magic bullet. She emphasizes that these supplements should be viewed as one potential tool within a broader training and nutrition strategy rather than a shortcut to performance gains. I largely agree with Pallian, recognizing that adaptogenic mushrooms can't replace smart training, good nutrition, or sleep, but they have made my summer running feel a little less punishing.
Conclusion
Adaptogenic mushrooms are not a magic bullet, but they have the potential to offer meaningful benefits for some athletes, particularly endurance runners. While the research is still limited, the current findings are encouraging, especially for cordyceps and reishi. These mushrooms may not replace traditional training and nutrition strategies, but they can provide a natural boost to enhance recovery and overall performance. So, if you're a runner looking for a little extra edge, adaptogenic mushrooms might be worth exploring, but don't expect a miracle. Instead, embrace the natural boost and enjoy the little less punishing summer runs!
