Mushroom Mania 🍄: hot trends in the world of fungi🚀

☕ Mushroom Coffee: The New Brew on the Block

In recent years, a trend has mushroomed (pun very much intended) that's challenging our morning cuppa joe. Mushroom coffee, an unexpected combination that's quickly gained traction, is now a multibillion-dollar industry.

Some interesting shroom coffee facts:

• Global industry valued at USD 2.71 billion in 2022

• Growing at over 5%/yr

• The Instagram ads probably annoy you

So, why are people switching their traditional cup of java for this fungal brew? It's all about the potential health benefits. Mushrooms like Lion's Mane, Chaga, and Reishi are renowned for their medicinal properties, with potential benefits ranging from improved cognitive function to enhanced immunity. And as we do in capitalism, people have recognized the demand and seem to be printing cash with it.

Does it taste like a cup of earthy soil, you might ask? Somewhat. The taste profile is somewhat similar to traditional coffee – rich, full-bodied, but with a hint of earthy undertone. Or at least that’s what they want you to believe. It has that natural grittiness that I candidly don’t love.

Now, is mushroom coffee going to replace traditional coffee? Well, it's unlikely to dethrone the real stuff. But, it's certainly providing a unique, alternative for those looking to mix up their morning ritual.

To me, it seems like a bit of a hype cycle. I for one am totally addicted to coffee. But for a good reason. It’s amazing. While I’m sure the taste of mushroom coffee is palatable, vs a regular coffee, I’m curious how big the industry can get.

But with that being said, I never thought people would be drinking oat milk latte’s yet here we are. How do you even milk an oat tiddy? We may never know.

One tangible benefit I can say for certain is that you’re actually better off not drinking coffee every single day. You should take some breaks every now and then. And if there’s sometime you could enjoy while you take a few days off the joe, I could see myself potentially copping some. Even if there’s no physiological downsides to drinking coffee every day, going cold-turkey for a few days gives your body the chance to feel the rush of caffeine again.

Other Fungi-Trends🍄: New Science of Psychedelics

Back in 2018, Michael Pollan, gave an interview with TIME Magazine to explore the world of psilocybin. It feels like this was around the time we started hearing more about companies (ex. MindMed) looking to help treat the human mind with psychedelic drugs.

Pollan begins with an arresting personal account, painting vivid pictures of his experiences with LSD and Psilocybin mushrooms. He masterfully intertwines his narrative with an exploration of the historic and scientific context, tracing the rich tapestry of psychedelics from the 1960s counterculture to their re-emergence in modern medical research.

Notably, he emphasizes that psychedelics do not simply numb or mask our perceptions, but rather amplify them. This hyper-sensory state often leads to a profound sense of interconnectedness and expanded consciousness. It's this unique characteristic that fuels research into their potential therapeutic benefits.

From helping to alleviate end-of-life anxiety in cancer patients to mitigating crippling symptoms of depression and PTSD, these substances are revealing their potency in a clinical context. Yet, Pollan cautions us against viewing them as panaceas. He cites evidence that points towards the necessity of a guided experience to mitigate the risk of traumatic reactions and the importance of integrating these experiences into daily life post-trip.

This isn’t a direct quote but I think the general message was that you should merely be stumbling balls, not full on tripping - in order to receive the best “treatment”.

Equally fascinating is his discussion around the concept of 'ego dissolution'. This is where the boundaries of self blur into the wider universe, fostering a sense of oneness. The significance? Well, this phenomenon has the potential to bring about lasting positive personality changes, particularly an increase in openness and a deep sense of connectedness. No wonder hippies are so chill.

Lastly, Pollan takes us on a philosophical detour, examining the broader societal implications of these substances. As these potent tools force us to confront our deeply ingrained societal norms and our understanding of consciousness, they may well have the potential to shift our collective mindset.

But amidst the rising tide of psychedelic enthusiasm, Pollan sends a sobering reminder: These substances are no light fare. They are potent tools that require respect, preparation, and careful navigation.

There’s an epidemic of substance abuse and over prescription of pharmaceuticals in the world today. I think if you’re someone suffering from addiction or the multitude of other mental health issues people are faced with - you should at the very least consult someone and DYOR.

This interview got me thinking a lot about the science of how it actually works which we’ll get into.

Psychedelics: How they work to rewire your 🧠

The roots of Psilocybin use trace back to ancient cultures where it was often used in spiritual and healing rituals. Now, modern science is catching up. According to daddy Huberman, Psilocybin can potentially "rewire" our brain. In his podcast episode, How Psilocybin Can Rewire Our Brain, he outlines the current research that points to its significant impact on neuroplasticity, leading to lasting changes in brain function.

But, as with all substances, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Huberman also highlights the potential risks, including psychological dependency and exacerbating pre-existing mental health conditions.

Daddy Hubz hosts Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, a professor of neurology and psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Carhart-Harris is a luminary in the field of psychedelic research, focusing on how these substances restructure neural circuitry in the brain to enable new ideas and forms of learning.

Dr. Carhart-Harris and his lab team have pioneered research into psilocybin, delving into how this substance triggers neural shifts that foster novel forms of learning. His lab is also credited with various clinical trials, some showing that suitable doses of psilocybin can ease major depression in over 67% of individuals.

As with everything he puts out - it’s long and they cover a lot. But I’m mostly interested in how it works - let’s learn some shit:

Earlier I mentioned neuroplasticity. This is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Psychedelics are believed to disrupt the normal functioning of the brain's serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A receptor subtype. This disruption leads to a hyperconnected brain state where different brain regions that do not usually communicate become linked. This might be responsible for the unique and profound experiences during a psychedelic trip.

What the heck does that mean? Imagine your brain is like a big city with lots of different neighborhoods. Normally, each neighborhood does its own thing and they don't talk to each other much. This is kind of like how different parts of your brain work - they each have their own job.

Now, imagine if suddenly all the neighborhoods started having big parties and invited everyone from all over the city. There's a lot more talking and sharing going on between places that don't usually chat.

Kind of like how when you read Natty Lyfe and you start getting jacked and handsome.

This is what psychedelics do to your brain. They're like the invitation to the party that makes different parts of your brain start talking and connecting in ways they normally don't. This can lead to interesting and unusual thoughts and feelings, like the strange and amazing things you aren’t used to seeing.

The rewiring of the brain may help form new connections that outlast the effects of the drug. Some studies have suggested that this could potentially help people with mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD by providing them with a new perspective or way of thinking about their experiences.

Some researchers believe that these substances may "reset" the brain in a way that's helpful for people with mental health conditions. However, the scientific understanding of how psychedelics work in the brain and their potential therapeutic effects is still evolving.