The mushroom market is booming, and varieties such as lion's mane are becoming more popular than ever. More and more women, including supermodel and actress Gisele Bündchen are looking to lion’s mane for a more holistic way to alleviate their menopausal symptoms.
Gisele, 43, who was a Victoria’s Secret model and has two kids with American football star Tom Brady, told her Instagram followers that she has been taking lion’s mane for a while, and has found that it really helps her focus and boosts her energy and loves taking the vegan capsules by Gaia Herbs
And the experts rate it too. Menopause often brings a lot of uncomfortable changes such as hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbances, but emerging research suggests that lion’s mane mushrooms can offer relief from these symptoms.
© Manny Hernandez"Lion's mane is packed with compounds that support brain health and mental clarity,” explains Rhysa Phommachanh, healthcare expert at Landys chemist. “Consuming the mushroom as a daily supplement can be beneficial for menopausal women, as it may help alleviate symptoms such as mood swings and brain fog. Its neuroprotective properties also support mental health by promoting nerve growth and enhancing cognitive function."
Lion's mane in menopause
One of the most significant and debilitating challenges during menopause is the cognitive decline that some women experience. Memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and brain fog are common complaints. But studies have shown that lion's mane mushrooms can help alleviate these symptoms and improve memory.
Menopausal women often face mood swings and anxiety too, and another great side effect of taking lion’s mane is its anxiety-reducing and antidepressant effects which also been proven in studies.
Lion's mane for sleep
Sleep disturbances are another common issue during menopause. Insomnia, night sweats, and restless sleep can significantly impact quality of life. Lion's Mane helps to improve sleep due to its calming effects on the nervous system.
EXPLAINED: Why can't I sleep during menopause? The real reason
How to take lion's mane
So what’s the best way to take lion's mane? "Lion's mane can be taken in many different ways, depending on personal preference," explains Rhysa. “It is available in pill or capsule form, and many people prefer capsules to avoid tasting the mushroom and the need to measure the correct dosage.”
© Bowonpat SakaewExperts advise to consider your symptoms before deciding the time of day to take your lion's mane supplement. For example, if you experience brain fog, take it in the morning to take advantage of its cognitive and energy-boosting effects throughout the day. To help a disturbed sleep, taking it in the evening would be more beneficial.
Experts agree that for menopausal women the most noticeable benefit of taking lion’s mane is an improvement in cognitive function and mood stability. In studies, women have reported better focus as well as a reduction in anxiety and sleep disturbances. Lion’s mane has beneficial effects on nerve growth factors and neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, and can help alleviate symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and anxiety.
Introducing HELLO!'s Second Act
© GettyHELLO! wanted to create a space dedicated to sharing incredible stories from midlife; somewhere you can find inspiring stories of like-minded women, living their best life beyond 45.
Enter, Second Act...
For too long, we were expected to fade into the background when we hit 45, but we're here to reframe your Second Act as a celebratory, exciting new chapter with endless possibilities ahead.
From women who embarked on new careers in their fifties, to those who travelled the world alone after their children left home, to women who finally felt confident when they reached their forties, Second Act is devoted to celebrating the incredible stories of midlife, and we'd love to have you along for the journey - because being part of a community makes everything more enjoyable.
