simplifying the jargon behind better living
General
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are designed to supplement the diet by providing additional nutrients or substances that may not be consumed in sufficient quantities through food to support overall health and well-being.
Potency
Potency refers to the strength or effectiveness of a supplement in producing its intended effects. It is often measured by the amount of standardized active ingredients present.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability measures the extent to which a supplement's nutrients can be absorbed and utilized by the body's cells and tissues
Adaptogen
An adaptogen is a natural substance (plant or mushroom) that helps the body adapt to and resist the stresses of its environment. They work by regulating the nervous and endocrine systems, thereby helping to maintain homeostasis (body balance).
Nootropics
Substances that may enhance cognitive function, memory, creativity, or motivation.
Functional Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms refer to a group of mushrooms that are used for their potential health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Polysaccharides
A polysaccharide is a complex carbohydrate In mushrooms like reishi and lion's mane, these polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, are known for their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-supporting benefits, promoting overall health and well-being.
The polysaccharide content is important to ensure you're getting the full spectrum of health benefits associated with functional mushrooms.
Dual-Extraction
A method of preparing mushroom supplements that involves both alcohol extraction (to capture the fat-soluble compounds) and hot water extraction (to extract the water-soluble compounds), maximizing the bioavailability of beneficial compounds.
Fruiting Body
Fruiting bodies typically contain a broader range of bioactive compounds compared to mycelium. These compounds include beta-glucans, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and other beneficial substances that contribute to the health-promoting properties of mushrooms..
Historically, medicinal mushrooms have been consumed for their health benefits in their whole, fruiting body form
Mycellium
The root-like structure of fungi, often grown on a substrate in controlled conditions. Mycelium is essential for mushroom growth and can be used in supplements, although there is debate about its efficacy compared to the fruiting body.
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)
A protein that plays a key role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells. Certain compounds found in Lion's Mane mushrooms, such as hericenones and erinacines, may stimulate the production of NGF, potentially promoting nerve regeneration and cognitive function.
Nootropics
Substances that may enhance cognitive function, memory, creativity, or motivation.
Saffron
This spice derived from the crocus sativus flower, has garnered attention in supplementation due to its rich content of bioactive compounds like crocins and safranal.
Safranal
Safranal is a bioactive compound found in saffron, known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Safranal is valued for its potential to improve mood, support cognitive function, and promote mental well-being. It is believed to help reduce stress, enhance memory, and contribute to emotional balance.
Crocins
Crocines are bioactive compounds found in saffron. They are believed to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve memory, and protect against oxidative stress.
Neurotransmitter
Chemical messengers in the brain that transmit signals between neurons (nerve cells), influencing various physiological processes including mood, sleep, appetite, and cognition.
Mental Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community"
Resilience
The ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, trauma, or stress. Resilient individuals can maintain a sense of well-being and function effectively despite facing challenges or setbacks.
Homeostasis
The body's ability to maintain internal stability and balance despite external changes. Homeostasis involves regulating various physiological processes, such as body temperature, blood pressure, and hormone levels, to keep conditions within a narrow range.
Stress
Stress is a natural physiological and psychological response to challenges or demands in life, triggering a 'fight or flight' reaction that prepares the body to cope with perceived threats. While a certain level of stress is normal and even beneficial, as it can motivate individuals, modern societies often experience an excessive and chronic level of stress.This chronic exposure to stressors can overwhelm the body's coping mechanisms and lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (such as sweating, tension, and increased pulse)
Fight or Flight
The "fight or flight" response, also known as the acute stress response, is a natural physiological reaction that occurs in response to perceived threats or dangers. When faced with a stressful or threatening situation, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering a cascade of physiological changes designed to prepare the individual to either confront the threat (fight) or flee from it (flight).
During the fight or flight response, several changes occur in the body, including:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure to pump more oxygen-rich blood to muscles.
- Dilation of airways to enhance oxygen intake.
- Release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to provide a burst of energy.
- Heightened alertness and increased focus on the perceived threat.
- Suppression of non-essential bodily functions such as digestion and immune response.
While it can be beneficial in acute situations, chronic activation of the fight or flight response, such as in response to chronic stress, can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health.