ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is common. Perhaps more so today, as we understand it more and recognise it more easily. In fact, 1 in 9 adults have been officially diagnosed with this neurodevelopmental disorder in the UK.
This is a disorder though, that can be confusing for a lot of people, including the individual who has misunderstood or even masked their own ADHD symptoms. Over 2.25 million people in the UK alone have ADHD, but haven't been diagnosed.
So first things first: if you think you may have ADHD, you must speak with your GP about it. That diagnosis could make all the difference to how you feel and cope with the challenges that come with having ADHD.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, then it's likely you've heard about Lion's Mane mushrooms, and the benefits they may have in alleviating some of the classic ADHD symptoms.
Here, we look into all considerations for supplementing with Lion's Mane mushroom for ADHD.
What Is ADHD and What Are The Symptoms?
ADHD is a disorder in our neurodevelopment, where our brains develop and behave differently in certain regions (by scientific standards, we're talking anterior cingulate cortex, the basal ganglia, and the prefrontal cortex).
As such, ADHD often displays as certain patterned characteristics. They aren't the same for everyone, but typical symptoms of ADHD include:
Interrupted Focus
You struggle to stay focused on what you're doing or thinking, and distractions are easily found. Instructions can be challenging, and to others you may appear forgetful or disorganised (even if that messy desk makes sense to you).
Hyper Behaviour
This isn't necessarily all the time, but you may often appear and feel restless and fidgety, talk excessively, and move erratically.
Impulsive
You make snap decisions without really thinking about the detail. Waiting your turn feels uncomfortable, and you may find yourself interrupting people when they talk, or finishing their sentences.
Difficulty Controlling Emotions
If you find it difficult to control emotions, such as getting very upset and angry or even have aggressive outbursts, then this is known as emotional dysregulation - and although it's not officially noted as a symptom of ADHD, it's a characteristic often considered with an ADHD diagnosis.
These symptoms are not easy to live with. It can impact your job, career, studies, relationships and social circles. On a day-to-day level, it makes everything harder for you to manage and organise. Clinical studies have even reported that the consequences of ADHD can impact health and life expectancy.
So it's very important you seek professional guidance from your GP before and after an ADHD diagnosis.
How Does Lions Mane Mushroom Help ADHD?
Medication can play a very important role in not curing, but managing ADHD - something you and your GP will discuss. You'll possibly be prescribed medication, and it's important you follow your GP's instructions.
Lion's Mane mushroom is very different. It's a natural remedy praised by many people with ADHD, for its ability to naturally alleviate the symptoms and improve other areas such as focus and concentration.
This mushroom - posh name Hericium erinaceus - has been used for centuries in East Asian medicine, and recently we're learning more and more about how it works, and why it's so effective.
W now know that Lion's Mane has erinacines and hericenones in it, which are powerful compounds that encourage the rates of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and NGF (Nerve Growth Factor), which are natural substances. They:
- promote brain cell growth;
- enhance neuronal communication;
- and protect against neuronal damage.
This means that Lion's Mane actively creates an environment that positively impacts brain function, which directly and indirectly helps iron out those ADHD symptoms that cause sufferers so much disruption in everyday life.
Lion's Mane Benefits For ADHD
Improved Cognitive Function
When supplementing with Lion's Mane, you should see an improvement in your ability to focus, and the duration you can hold your attention. You'll have more mental energy.
Studies in 2023 showed participants demonstrated significant improvements in their processing speed and attention span, after supplementing with Lion's Mane for 4 weeks. Even studies on single doses showed big improvements just 48 hours later.
We don't have any research directly focused on ADHD yet; but with focus, attention, and mental energy so positively managed by Lion's Mane, it's no wonder it falls under the spotlight for those of us who suffer with it.
Mood-Boosting Properties
Lion's Mane is able to stimulate NGF (nerve-growth factor), which is a type of protein that helps our nerve cells (called neurons) survive, thrive, and function - including the neurons in the part of the brain that regulates our mood. It can also help with how we respond to stress.
Stress was shown to reduce in a trial when the participants supplemented with Lion's Mane for 28 days. As well as lifting our mood and reducing stress levels (or how we respond to stress), there are also a number of studies that indicate Lion's Mane can lift low feelings, including depression and anxiety.
As we've seen, these are all symptoms experienced with ADHD.
Neuroprotective Benefits
Because this type of mushroom has anti-inflammatory properties, neuroinflammation - which is linked to ADHD and mood disorders - can be reduced, which helps our brains regulate our emotions in a more balanced neurochemical environment.
With harmful free radicals neutralised by the antioxidant compounds found in Lion's Mane, ADHD symptoms can be less severe.
It's Easy To Take
You can find Lion's Mane mushrooms in all kinds of forms. Matcha powders like Matcha Flow are a perfect way to routinely supplement with it on a daily basis, and it's important you do so daily to experience the full benefits of it.
Also check the amount of it in a supplement. A number of them will have around 500mg - this is a minimum benchmark. Matcha Flow has a very generous dose of 800mg pure fruiting body of Lion's Mane (fruiting body is where all the nutritional value is, so this is very good).
If you don't love matcha (which also offers lots of helpful ingredients that could benefit most of us), then you can get Lion's Mane in capsule form, or within nootropics.
The most important thing is that it works for you, on a daily basis. That way you're more likely to stick to supplementing with it, and that's how you'll experience all the best advantages it can offer.
Other Lion's Mane Benefits
We've seen how this rather miraculous fungi can help with ADHD symptoms. But it has also shown potential in helping:
- Protect against dementia
- Accelerate recovery from nervous system injuries
- Protect the digestive tract from ulcers
- Reduce risk of heart disease
- Manage symptoms of diabetes
- Fight cancer
- Boosts the immune system
Dosage
As always, I recommend you speak with your GP about your own medical history, concerns surrounding ADHD if you haven't yet had a diagnosis, and any medications, in case Lion's Mane is deemed unsuitable for you.
If you're good to go, then anything from around 500mg a day will benefit you, and safely. It's not recommended you take more than 3000mg of Lion's Mane a day, which is a whopping amount! If you've never supplemented with it before, I certainly wouldn't go this high on dosage straight away.
Consider what the Lion's Mane is blended into as well. For example, you get 800mg of it in Matcha Flow, which is a very generous amount; but if you thought higher would be better, remember it's not just the mushrooms in this particular blend - there are a number of other very helpful ingredients, including high-grade ceremonial matcha, that are all working towards the same positive results.
Safety and Side Effects
Generally, Lion's Mane mushroom is considered safe for most of us, when we're supplementing with it sensibly and at the recommended dosage. Typically, it's unlikely you'll have any adverse reactions to it. But having said that, everyone is different - we all have our unique tolerances and grumbles.
If you're allergic to mushrooms, then obviously it's not advisable you supplement with one - your body isn't going to like it, no matter how wonderful this mushroom is.
There are a number of conditions and medications that may not be compatible with a mushroom supplementation. So if you have any medical conditions or take any medications, you must check with your GP first, and avoid Lion's Mane if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
How Long Does It Take To See Results With Lion's Mane For ADHD?
Supplementing with Lion's Mane is always more beneficial if you stick with it, consistently. After around two, or up to four weeks, you'll likely really notice the difference and see the best results from it. It's why we often see improvements in focus compound over time when drinking Matcha Flow - as it has 800mg of Lion's Mane Mushroom in each serving.
You may experience improvements straight after use; but if you didn't, stick with it, and stay consistent. We're all different, and improvements may be more gradual for some of us with ADHD.
Also take into account the dosage and quality of the supplement you've bought; the better quality, the better results.
Summary
Besides a long history of positive use spanning centuries, the supportive clinical studies for Lion's Mane are stacking up.
I'm a huge advocate of getting to the root cause of problems; if you think you may have ADHD, then speak with a professional about it. Book that appointment with a GP.
A diagnosis alone could make all the difference to your understanding of how and why you behave or react in certain situations. And with that knowledge, outcomes become clearer in how you can live a more balanced life.
Lion's Mane Mushroom could be an incredible addition to your routine, and has been for so many people. How wonderful would it be to feel more productive and energised, with a clearer focus and more balanced mind?
The evidence is building in support of this incredible natural remedy. For the many of us with ADHD, it's proving its worth as a valuable gem of a supplement. As always, speak with your GP, especially if you're yet to get a diagnosis.
Sources:
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/life-expectancy-and-years-of-life-lost-for-adults-with-diagnosed-adhd-in-the-uk-matched-cohort-study/30B8B109DF2BB33CC51F72FD1C953739
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/
- https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2023/12/01/Mushrooms-for-the-mind-Research-concludes-Lion-s-Mane-improves-cognitive-performance-and-reduces-stress/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323400
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38004235/
