After an extended training session, it is very common to feel tired and have aching muscles. Long periods of exercise are good for both your physical and mental well-being, but your body needs time to rest and repair itself after a period of temporary pain caused by hard training. That’s why we wanted to outline the best mushroom for pain.
Functional mushrooms can aid the recovery process and aid in pain relief in the body following exercise. Read on for details about the top four mushrooms to reduce pain, improve endurance, and ease recovery.
Our List of Best Mushrooms for Pain
1. Antrodia Camphorata
Antrodia camphorata, a native of Taiwan, has been used traditionally for promoting energy and liver health. Because it has a significant antioxidant content, antrodia camphorata can aid in the fight against post-exertional oxidative stress. It has also been shown to aid in fatigue following hard training, making it an excellent choice for post-workout supplements.
2. Reishi
Reishi is a powerful mushroom traditionally used for assisting in fatigue, increasing lifespan, and supporting the immune system. Studies have shown reishi increases the beneficial activities of the immune system, helps regulate blood sugar levels, packs in lots of antioxidants, and shows potent antiviral and antibacterial activities. These broad-ranging benefits may contribute to improved health in general, but it is reishi’s antioxidant components that make it particularly valuable in recovering from physical exertion. Long-term exercise can cause oxidative stress due to the body’s own free radicals, but antioxidant-rich foods and supplements can help combat the detrimental effects of oxidative stress.
3. Cordyceps
Cordyceps mushrooms have a long history of being used by Chinese and Tibetans for improving respiratory health, as well as increasing energy and endurance in those living in higher elevations. This reputation is supported by recent studies showing cordycep’s has a positive impact on the body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently. This mushroom enhances athletic performance by increasing oxygen availability to the body.
Cordyceps also has pain relief qualities. While short-term inflammation is a normal consequence of heavy training, chronic inflammation is detrimental to the body. Cordyceps may be helpful for managing inflammation and returning your body back to normal faster after exercise.
Learn more: Best mushroom for lungs
4. King Trumpet Mushroom and Antioxidants
King trumpet mushrooms are packed with antioxidants, particularly the essential nutrients ergothioneine and selenium. These mushrooms have been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss, while also having a positive impact on bone health.
It is a known fact that regular exercise helps to keep your weight in check as well as building stronger bones and muscles. Using the king trumpet mushroom to supplement an exercise routine may help maintain these benefits, as well as help recover from oxidative stress, providing essential antioxidants.
How to Add The Best Mushrooms for Pain to Your Diet or Supplement Routine
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that functional mushrooms promote general well-being, as well as helping the recovery process from hard physical training. But when is the best time to consume mushrooms after a workout to maximize recovery? Muscle pain and soreness typically hits a maximum 24-72 hours after the period of exertion, so consider using mushrooms immediately following your workouts for help supporting your recovery process.
Learn more: Best mushroom for sleep
We outlined brands that offer individual powdered mushrooms, should you wish to consume either cordyceps or reishi on their own. For even greater benefits checkout the different blends which blends king-trumpet, cordyceps, reishi, and anthrodia camphorata into one potent fungus goodness.
Simply scoop out and mix powder into your juice, water, or your post-workout snack. Do not have the time to stir the powder into your food or drinks. Try the handy capsules instead, and keep your body recovering after hard workouts.
