Hearing the potential benefits and effects that functional mushrooms have offered people from around the world is exciting. Supplementing with these mushrooms, wanting to experience these benefits for yourself can often leave you waiting in anticipation for them to take effect. Several factors need to be considered when figuring out how long it will take for the mushrooms to “kick in,” such as your age, the mushroom type, dosage and your individual physiology. Today lets explore how long it takes for functional mushrooms to take effect.
Understanding Functional Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms are primarily used for their potential medicinal properties and rich vitamin and mineral profile. The most commonly used functional mushrooms include Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail, among others. Each type of mushroom has its own set of health benefits, often linked to adaptogenic properties (helping the body manage stress) or nootropic effects (supporting cognitive function) among many other properties.
Absorption and Metabolism of Mushrooms
When you consume functional mushrooms, the body needs time to break down and metabolize the bioactive compounds they contain. These compounds, such as polysaccharides (beta-glucans) and triterpenoids, are responsible for the mushrooms’ therapeutic effects. However, these compounds can be somewhat difficult for the human body to absorb directly, which is why many functional mushroom products are processed into powders, capsules, or extracts to increase bioavailability.
The time it takes for functional mushrooms to take effect largely depends on how quickly your digestive system absorbs these active compounds. Additionally, factors like whether the mushroom is consumed in a raw form or as an extract (which is often more concentrated) can influence how long it takes for you to feel the effects.
Type of Mushroom and Its Effects
Lion’s Mane
One of the most well-known functional mushrooms, Lion’s Mane, is often used for cognitive support. Its primary active compounds, hericenones and erinacines, are believed to stimulate the growth of nerve cells and improve brain function. However, Lion’s Mane’s effects are usually subtle, and users often report that it takes a few days to a couple of weeks to notice significant cognitive improvements, such as better focus, clearer thinking, and reduced brain fog.
When consuming Lion’s Mane in a powdered or capsule form, some users report feeling a mild mental boost within a few hours of ingestion, but its long-term effects are often more noticeable. If you’re using it to support memory or to help with neurodegenerative conditions, it’s recommended to take it consistently for a few weeks to experience its full benefits.
Reishi
Reishi is often regarded as the “Queen of Mushrooms” due to its adaptogenic properties. It’s commonly used for stress reduction, immune support, and improving sleep quality. While some people may feel more relaxed within an hour of taking Reishi, its full effects usually take longer to manifest. Most users begin to experience the calming, stress-reducing effects of Reishi after about 1-2 weeks of regular use. It is often recommended to take Reishi consistently for at least 30 days to notice its impact on overall well-being, particularly for managing chronic stress or sleep issues.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps, known for boosting energy and enhancing athletic performance, can provide more immediate effects. For example, athletes and those involved in intense physical activities often report feeling more energetic and focused within an hour or so of taking Cordyceps. The mushroom is known to improve oxygen utilization and stamina, making it a popular supplement for physical endurance. However, regular use is still important to experience its full effects, particularly for sustained energy and improved athletic performance over time.
Form of Consumption
The form in which you consume functional mushrooms also plays a significant role in how quickly you feel the effects. Mushrooms in their whole, dried form tend to have a slower onset time for most people, as they must be broken down by the digestive system. Powders and capsules, which often contain concentrated extracts, are more bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb them more quickly. Therefore, you may feel the effects of functional mushrooms faster when you consume them in these more processed forms.
For instance, a person consuming Lion’s Mane powder in a smoothie might feel some cognitive clarity within a couple of hours, whereas someone consuming the same mushroom in its whole dried form may take longer to feel a noticeable change.
Tinctures, another popular form of functional mushrooms, are alcohol-based extracts that can be absorbed quickly by the body, leading to more immediate effects. These are particularly useful for people seeking to manage symptoms like anxiety or fatigue throughout the day.
Individual Factors
There are several individual factors that can influence how long it takes for functional mushrooms to take effect. Age, body weight, metabolism, and overall health can all play a role in how quickly your body absorbs and reacts to these mushrooms. People with faster metabolisms might feel the effects sooner, while those with slower metabolisms may need a little more time to notice changes. It’s also important to consider whether or not you are taking functional mushrooms with food, as this can also impact absorption rates.
Additionally, some people may be more sensitive to the compounds found in functional mushrooms, leading to faster or more pronounced effects, while others may need to take higher doses or more time to feel any impact at all.
Consistency is Key
It’s essential to remember that the effects of functional mushrooms are cumulative. In order to experience the full spectrum of benefits, consistency is key. For instance, taking Lion’s Mane for one or two days may not give you the mental clarity or focus you’re seeking, but after a couple of weeks of regular use, the effects will likely become more noticeable.
For chronic issues like fatigue, memory problems, or immune system support, it may take a month or more of daily use to feel meaningful results. Functional mushrooms are not quick fixes, they’re more about long term wellness support. If you are interested in adding functional mushrooms to your diet, make sure to check out our selection here.