Why I Don’t Always Think Big When It Comes to My Health
Sometimes it’s not the big changes we make but the everyday small things we do that really add up in improving our health. Like this one ...
Almost every day I make myself a special coffee that’s just for me. No, there’s no Bailey’s involved.
The rest of my family also enjoy my special coffee, just not as often as me.
We know that coffee is controversial. We worry about pesticides and other chemicals ending up in our coffee. The effects of too much coffee on our adrenal glands. Those concerns are real.
But I, like most people, still want to enjoy a good cup of coffee. Good coffee reminds me of what my Oma used to make. And the delicious and aromatic cup made by a café owner during a trip to Italy with my daughter.
So I decided that if there are certain foods or drinks (like coffee) I’m going to consume that are questionable for my health, I’m going to try and see if I can make it a little better for me. See if I can add something that tips the balance in a healthy way at least a little. That way I enjoy my coffee and don’t worry near as much about any ill effects from it.
Why is my morning coffee special? Because I add a rounded teaspoon of mushroom powder. Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushroom powders, specifically.
Most people have heard of mushrooms as food. Medicinal mushrooms are a different conversation. No these are not psychedelics either.
Reishi mushrooms have been studied for their effects on immune function, stress response, and inflammation. Reishi mushroom powder helps buffer the acidity of the coffee, which makes it a little easier on the body. It’s been referred to as the ‘Medicine of Kings’.
About a third of my blend is Lion’s Mane. The name alone sounds majestic. This one has been studied for its supportive effects on brain health and cognitive function. Specifically the growth of new neurons (brain cells). It has also been shown to protect the myelin sheath (the covering surrounding the nerve fibres). This matters, especially as we get older.
Anything small that I can add into my routine like this just makes me feel like I’m in charge of my health.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be something.
Do you have a special ingredient you add to your food or drinks as part of your own self-care?
Talk soon,
Debbie
One note: if you’re on medication or managing a health condition, it’s worth checking with your health practitioner before adding medicinal mushrooms to your routine. Nothing in this article is intended as medical advice.