I’ve had a long-standing fascination with adaptogens, and mushrooms are no exception.
This episode explores how mushrooms work, the best uses of different species, and the health benefits associated with each.
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About Mason
Dr. Mason Bresett, ND studied human movement and then naturopathic medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM). His career has focused on sports medicine, chronic illness, immune disorders, HIV, and mental health. Mason worked on the St. Francis Herb Farm, which inspired a deep dive into herbal medicine where he later led research studies and taught at the BINM herb club. While immersed in herbal medicine research, Mason found himself gravitating toward adaptogenic botanicals. He has a general family naturopathic practice in Sarnia, Ontario called The Health Creation Lab. Mason’s patients benefit from medicinal mushrooms, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, nutrition, and mind-body medicine. Mason leads the Real Mushrooms Practitioners education group, where he provides medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, herbalists, pharmacists, and chiropractors with the latest research.
Top things you’ll learn from Mason
- Mason’s breakfast for steady energy and a stable appetite
- Why botanical medicine leads nicely to adaptogens and medicinal mushrooms in particular
- The key characteristics of adaptogenic compounds
- Examples of highly effective adaptogens
- Saponins
- Beta-glucans
- Ashwagandha
- Ginseng (several types)
- Rhodiola
- Actoprotectants — a new class of synthethic adaptogens
- Top clinically used mushrooms
- Reishi
- Cordyceps
- Chaga
- Turkey Tail
- Licorice — a forgotten adaptogen for the gut and to re-establish healthy cortisol rhythm
- Why we both prefer whole-foods derived supplements
- For overall benefits, turmeric beats curcumin
- Mushrooms have a rich history of use across virtually every culture
- Mushrooms improve gut health (70 percent of the immune system resides in the gut)
- How mushrooms “inform” the immune system to better perform its duties
- The best mushrooms for physical and mental performance
- Coryceps
- Lion’s Mane
- Ergothioneine
- Tremella
- Reishi
- How mushrooms help build resiliency
- The two best mushrooms for recovery, regeneration, and growth
- Some basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- The benefits of the major mushrooms (Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Coryceps)
- The pros and cons of supplementing with extracts versus eating fresh
- Ideal dosages of both fresh and extracted mushrooms
- How pharma often mimmics the mechanisms of action of mushrooms
- Penicillin
- Tamiflu
- Statins
- Whether you should buy pills or powder
Resources mentioned
- Book: Medicine Walk
- Books: anything by Martin Prechtel
- Gear: Real Mushrooms Extracts (use code URBAN to save 10%) and read my review here
Connect with Mason
This podcast is brought to you by
Nick Urban is a Biohacker, Data Scientist, Athlete, Founder of Outliyr, and the Host of the Mind Body Peak Performance Podcast. He is a Certified CHEK Practitioner, a Personal Trainer, and a Performance Health Coach. Nick is driven by curiosity which has led him to study ancient medical systems (Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hermetic Principles, German New Medicine, etc), and modern science.
Music by Luke Hall
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Another interesting and informative show. Looking forward to the next!