Should You Take Lion’s Mane Mushroom With Food? (Pros & Cons)

Lion’s Mane mushrooms, used in traditional medicine in Asia, are a type of functional mushroom that have gained popularity for their incredible health benefits. From supporting brain health, gut health, and immunity to offering powerful cognitive benefits , it’s no wonder so many people are adding them to their daily routine with high quality Lion’s Mane products and Lion's Mane recipes.

But when it comes to taking Lion’s Mane with or without food, which is better? The answer is, you can take Lion’s Mane both with or without food. Taking Lion’s Mane on an empty stomach may increase bioavailability, while taking it with food may help to avoid some unwanted side effects, although allergic reactions are rare.

Because Lion’s Mane is also a natural nootropic, some people find they experience faster mental clarity when taking it without food.

This guide breaks down the pros and cons of both approaches, so you can decide what works best for you. Let’s jump in:

• Taking Lion’s Mane with food can improve digestion and absorption of fat-soluble compounds, while reducing stomach discomfort.

• On an empty stomach, Lion’s Mane may absorb faster but could cause mild irritation for some users.

• Consistency is more important than timing—choose the method that works best for your body.

The way you take Lion’s Mane can impact how your body absorbs its beneficial compounds. Lion's Mane mushrooms contain bioactive compounds like beta-glucans, hericenones and erinacines, which support brain function and overall wellness. These compounds are often concentrated in the fruiting body of the mushroom.

Many people debate about when to take Lion's Mane, whether to take lion's mane with or without food, and whether you can take lion's mane before bed. The truth is: There's no one best way to take lion's mane as long as you take it consistently.

Some of the potential benefits of lion’s mane mushroom supplements, when taken correctly, include:

• Nootropic Benefits

  • Lion’s Mane shows promise in improving cognitive function, especially in aging populations.

  • Animal studies demonstrate positive effects on memory and object recognition.

  • Human trials indicate cognitive improvement in older adults , potentially aiding in preventing cognitive decline from neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
    
    

• Nervous System Repair

  • Lion’s Mane extract may promote nerve growth and accelerate nervous system healing, partly by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF) production.

  • Studies on rats suggest Lion’s Mane enhances nervous system repair, potentially improving overall cognition and processing speed.
    
    

• Antioxidant Benefits

  • Lion’s Mane exhibits potent antioxidant activity, potentially protecting against age-related cognitive decline and tissue damage.

  • Lion's Mane contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation, benefiting conditions like brain fog and fatigue.
    
    

• Improving Gut Health

  • Lion’s Mane mushrooms may promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, crucial for immune function and neurotransmitter production.

  • Enhanced gut health may have a positive impact on both physical and mental well-being over time.
    
    

• Mood Support

  • Animal studies suggest Lion’s Mane may reduce depressive behaviors and improve blood markers associated with depression.

  • Limited human evidence suggests potential mood improvements, including better sleep quality and reduced symptoms of anxiety in women.

Some people find it more effective on an empty stomach, while others prefer taking it with food to avoid potential side effects. Individual results can vary depending on metabolism and sensitivity. 

So, how do you decide? Let’s dive into the pros and cons.

• Improved Digestion : Consuming Lion’s Mane with a meal can support smoother digestion, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.

• Better Nutrient Absorption : Fat-soluble compounds in Lion’s Mane may absorb more effectively when paired with a meal containing healthy fats.

• Reduced Risk of Side Effects: If you experience nausea or upset stomach, taking it with food may minimize these issues. These mushrooms may cause mild discomfort for some.

• Masks Flavour: Taking Lion's Mane with food can help mask its natural earthy flavour, which some people may find unpleasant.

• Slower Absorption: Food can slow down the absorption of some nutrients, meaning it may take longer to feel the effects of Lion’s Mane.

• Inconvenience: If you’re not eating a meal, you may have to plan your dose around mealtime.

• Faster Absorption: On an empty stomach, your body absorbs Lion’s Mane compounds more quickly, delivering faster results.

• Convenience: You can take it anytime without worrying about pairing it with a meal.

• Possible Stomach Discomfort: Some people may experience nausea or mild irritation when taking Lion’s Mane on an empty stomach.

• Reduced Absorption of Fat-Soluble Compounds: Without dietary fats, your body might not fully absorb certain beneficial components.

Currently, there’s limited research comparing the effectiveness of taking Lion’s Mane with food versus without. However, general supplement guidelines suggest that fat-soluble compounds, like those in Lion’s Mane, may be better absorbed with meals.

On the other hand, some evidence suggests that taking Lion’s Mane without food may enhance absorption slightly, as one animal study found better absorption when Lion’s Mane was taken without a starchy meal. This faster absorption could help its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds work more quickly, supporting brain health and nerve repair.

Ultimately, the difference is minor. If you use a high-quality Lion’s Mane supplement, any variations in absorption won’t significantly impact its overall benefits. However, individuals prone to mild digestive discomfort may prefer to take it with food to avoid any issues.

To enhance the absorption of Lion's Mane mushroom and maximize its benefits, consider pairing it with these foods:

• Healthy Fats: Foods like avocados, nuts, and olive oil help absorb fat-soluble compounds in Lion’s Mane.
• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and limes provide vitamin C, which aids in nutrient absorption and supports brain health.
• Black Pepper: Piperine in black pepper can boost the absorption of Lion’s Mane’s active compounds.
• Green Tea: The antioxidant EGCG in green tea complements Lion’s Mane’s cognitive benefits.
• Probiotic-Rich Foods: Yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut enhance nutrient absorption and support gut health.

Pairing Lion’s Mane with these foods can help you get the most out of its brain-boosting and health-promoting properties.

Everyone’s body reacts differently. Try taking Lion’s Mane both with and without food to see which method works best for you.

If you choose to take Lion’s Mane with food, include sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, or olive oil. These can help your body absorb its fat-soluble compounds.

If you’re new to Lion’s Mane, start with a small dosage and gradually increase it. This helps your body adjust, regardless of whether you take it with or without food.

Monitor how you feel after taking Lion’s Mane. If you experience discomfort on an empty stomach, consider switching to taking it with meals.

So, should you take Lion’s Mane with or without food?

The answer depends on your body and preferences. If you want faster absorption, try taking it on an empty stomach. If you’re prone to stomach discomfort or want better absorption of fat-soluble compounds, take it with food. You also have beverage options like Lion's Mane coffee, which often combines several beneficial ingredients.

The key is consistency. Whether you take it with or without food, regular use of Lion’s Mane can support your brain, mood, and overall health.

Find what works best for you and stick with it.

If you want to take full advantage of the "functional" side of functional mushrooms, consider a mushroom super-blend like our Lucid Coffee, Chai, or Matcha powders.

It harnesses the maximum benefits of these superfood mushrooms by pairing Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, Tremella, and Lion's Mane, plus powerful nootropics, like BCAA's, L-Theanine, Alpha-GPC, and more to boost brain power and bring you back into focus. Ready to become lucid?

Yes, taking Lion’s Mane with food may enhance absorption and reduce the chance of stomach discomfort.

Avoid combining it with blood-thinning medications or other supplements without consulting your doctor, as it may increase bleeding risk. Additionally, those who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeed should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Morning or early afternoon is ideal for a cognitive boost throughout the day. Taking supplements before bed may support sleep for some.

Powders, teas, or extracts maximize bioavailability, but capsules are convenient for consistent daily use.

Daily use can promote brain health, improve focus, and enhance mood over time, with minimal side effects for most users.

Both have unique benefits: Ashwagandha supports stress relief, while Lion’s Mane boosts brain health. The better option depends on your goals.

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2. “Immunomodulatory Activities of a Fungal Protein Extracted from Hericium erinaceus through Regulating the Gut Microbiota” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5492111/

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4. “Lion's Mane, Hericium erinaceus and Tiger Milk, Lignosus rhinocerotis (Higher Basidiomycetes) Medicinal Mushrooms Stimulate Neurite Outgrowth in Dissociated Cells of Brain, Spinal Cord, and Retina: An In Vitro Study” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26853959/

5. “The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5133811/

6. “Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/

7. “Dietary Supplementation of Hericium erinaceus Increases Mossy Fiber-CA3 Hippocampal Neurotransmission and Recognition Memory in Wild-Type Mice” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5237458/