Is Lion's Mane Safe for Long-Term Use? Safety and Benefits You Should Know
In recent years, Lion's Mane mushroom has captured the attention of health enthusiasts and supplement users thanks to its medicinal uses in ancient Chinese medicine.
This incredible fungus is making waves in the wellness community thanks to its benefits like boosted energy, boosted mood, anti-oxidant properties, and neuroprotective properties.
But, while many are now using Lion's Mane as a supplement or in cooking, it begs the question, "Is Lion's Mane safe for long-term use?" The short answer is yes, with Lion's Mane having a low potential of negative side effects.
But, there are certain ways you can get the most out of Lion's Mane whether you're using it daily for weeks, months, or even years.
Here's a breakdown of the safety of Lion's Mane, and if it's suitable for long-term use.
Evaluating Long-Term Safety of Lion's Mane
When considering any dietary supplement, safety should be a top priority. Fortunately, research indicates that Lion's Mane is generally well-tolerated, with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases giving it an "E" score for liver injury. This means that Lion's Mane is unlikely to cause injury or toxicity to the liver.
The liver is responsible for filtering and detoxifying substances in the body, making it a crucial organ for overall health. This "E" score shows that Lion's Mane is generally well-tolerated and has a very low risk of causing serious toxicity in the body.
Long-Term Use and Safety
While it's true that not causing liver injury or being toxic doesn't mean that Lion's Mane is safe for long-term use, it does indicate that the risk of negative side effects from using Lion's Mane for an extended period is low.
In fact, studies on Lion's Mane have used up to 3g, or 3,000mg, of Lion's Mane daily for up to 4 months with little negative side effects. The noticeable side effects were, on the contrary, quite positive showing improvements in mild cognitive impairment.
It's also important to note that these Lion's Mane studies have been done in settings where people take Lion's Mane safely at home. So, it's safe to assume that Lion's Mane is generally safe in larger amounts when taken at home as part of a daily supplement routine.
How Much Lion's Mane Should I Take?
Studies show that it only takes 1.8g (1,800mg) of daily Lion's Mane use to experience effects like lower stress levels. Participants used 600mg of Lion's Mane 3 times daily for 28 days.
However, how much you take will be entirely dependent on how much you can tolerate and how often you choose to take Lion's Mane. It also depends on whether you want to use Lion's Mane for the long term or simply for a daily boost.
When combined with other mushrooms, like Zen Bites Mushroom Daily Gummies that combine other adaptogenic mushrooms, like Reishi and Cordyceps, it's easy to manage your daily intake. Plus, these gummies are naturally sourced and made in licensed facilities to ensure quality and safety.
Fortunately, you don't have to use Lion's Mane daily to feel its energy-enhancing effects. The same study that examined long-term use of 28 days also found that Lion's Mane improves reflexes and cognition within the same hour it's taken!
Try our delicious & potent mushroom gummies infused with Lion's Mane!
Mitigating Negative Side Effects
While studies continue to examine the effects of Lion's Mane on the body and brain, negative side effects continue to be minimal and far and few in between. Some reported negative effects include:
- Allergic reactions
- Nausea
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Skin rash
Of these, perhaps the most common is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which includes abdominal discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea. These symptoms have been reported in less than 10% of people participating in research studies, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and are usually not severe enough to cause discontinuation.
In addition, other animal studies have shown that Lion's Mane can, in fact, protect the lining of the stomach and prevent ulcers.
Still, it's important to be aware of the signs of an allergic reaction or take proactive steps if you notice you're having a negative reaction to Lion's Mane.
Ensuring you stay safe when you first take Lion's Mane can allow you to continue long-term use without fear of harsh side effects.
Here are some tips that can help.
Ask Your Doctor for Advice
Lion's Mane is generally safe for consumption. However, it's unclear whether Lion's Mane can potentially interfere with other prescribed medications.
In addition, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or might become pregnant, it's always a good idea to ask your doctor for advice before starting any supplement, including Lion's Mane.
Your doctor can give you the rundown on whether or not you can take Lion's Mane for the long-term, or recommend holding off on it for the time being.
Start Small
When taking Lion's Mane for the first time, always start with a smaller amount and gradually increase your dosage. This allows your body to adjust to the supplement over time and makes it easier to spot any adverse reactions (should they occur).
While studies on Lion's Mane use thousands of mg daily, most supplements provide anywhere between 200-500mg per dose.
It's always best to start off with a smaller dose or take one capsule/gummy to start. You can then slowly increase your dose if you feel comfortable and don't experience any negative side effects.
Be Consistent
As with most supplements, consistency is key. Taking Lion's Mane regularly and consistently can help you reap the benefits of this powerful supplement.
This means incorporating it as part of your routine, whether that means taking it in the morning, before bed, or with a meal. Lion's Mane is also safe to use with or without food.
By being consistent with your Lion's Mane intake, you consistently expose yourself to the powerful benefits of this mushroom. Benefits like:
- Reduced depression and anxiety symptoms
- Reduced fatigue
- Better stamina and energy
- Better cognition
- Neuroprotection against cognitive decline
- Better gut health
With its antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory properties, and neuroprotective benefits, Lion's Mane can help improve your overall well-being when taken consistently.
The benefits are compounded when using Zen Bites Mushroom Extract Gummies, which combine other nootropics to give you the most out of your daily supplement.
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Whether you plan to use Lion's Mane for the long run or simply want to try it out, Zen Bites is the perfect way to incorporate this powerful supplement into your daily routine.
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