One of the more interesting varieties of adaptogenic mushrooms is Cordyceps. In recent years, it has received considerable attention because of its potential to support athletic performance.
These mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine for quite a while but are becoming more popular among athletes looking for natural methods to increase stamina and energy levels.
We’ll explain everything you need to know about Cordyceps for athletic performance and how you can incorporate this functional mushroom into your routine for potential stamina and energy support.
What Are Cordyceps?
Cordyceps are a genus of parasitic fungi known to grow mostly on insect larvae. The best-known species is Cordyceps sinensis, which has been used in traditional medicine to heal fatigue and low energy, among other human illnesses for centuries.
Recently, the species of Cordyceps militaris has been widely propagated to be a popular alternative, seeing that it is available and shares similar benefits.
Cordyceps has been consumed for thousands of years, most notably by the Tibetans and Chinese.
Traditionally, Sherpas who attempt high altitudes have used this fungus against fatigue and to increase stamina in times when there is little oxygen. In the 1990s, Chinese athletes were headlines around the world for breaking record performance, and many claimed this was due to Cordyceps use.
Now, you can find Cordyceps in the form of gummies, capsules, and more.
How Cordyceps Support Stamina
There are numerous active constituents in cordyceps mushrooms that might contribute to their potential to support athletic performance. Here’s a rundown of how they work:
Improved Oxygen Utilization
One of the primary advantages of Cordyceps is that they may help with oxygen absorption in the body. This becomes important for athletes because better utilization of oxygen translates into better endurance at the gym.
It has been reported that supplementation with Cordyceps can support VO2 max, a measure of the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during heavy exercise.
Improved Energy Production
It is believed that cordyceps extract may assist with ATP production at the cellular level. ATP is a highly energetic molecule that occurs in all life forms and serves as the primary energy carrier inside cells.
Elevating levels of ATP through Cordyceps extract may give you that extra support to perform more energetically without fatigue during workouts.
Managing Fatigue
The athletes who go for hard training sessions or events usually complain about fatigue. Cordyceps may alleviate this by supporting processes that reduce lactic acid, which tends to build up in the blood after a lot of heavy exercise. A decrease in lactic acid would provide a longer duration for more efficient training and quicker recovery.
Benefits of Cordyceps for Athletes
There are several potential benefits of adding Cordyceps into your daily routine.
Increased Endurance
With improved oxygen utilization and energy production, athletes may find they can sustain longer training sessions without feeling exhausted.
Faster Recovery
Post-exercise recovery is crucial for athletes. Cordyceps may help manage muscle soreness and speed up recovery time by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Improved Respiratory Activity
For endurance athletes, the ability to breathe effectively is very essential. Cordyceps may help support lung function and promote oxygen uptake, which may help youperform well in an aerobic activity.
How to Apply Cordyceps in Your Life
If you want to try Cordyceps for yourself to support your athletic performance, here’s how you can use them practically:
1. Take the Right Form
Cordyceps are available as capsules, powders, and teas. Capsules are convenient and easy to take, while powders can be added to smoothies or shakes.
2. Timing Matters
Cordyceps should be consumed around 30 minutes ahead of your workout or training. It’s thought that during this time, their energy-supporting properties are intensified.
3. Combine with Other Supplements
Cordyceps can also be combined with other dietary supplements, such as vitamins B6 and B12 and CoQ10, for additional benefits based on their connection with energy production and recovery. That being said, we always recommend you consult with your physician before combining any dietary supplements.
Side Effects
While Cordyceps are largely safe for most people, potential side effects could include:
- Digestive Problems: Mild stomach upset is possible in some individuals.
- Allergic Reactions: If you are allergic to mushrooms or fungi, use of Cordyceps should be avoided.
- Medication Interaction: Consult with your doctor if you’re taking medications or have any other health problems.
Try Cordyceps For Athletic Performance
From increased stamina to quicker exercise recoveries, Cordyceps for athletic performance may be a valuable addition to your training regimen.
Try incorporating Cordyceps into your daily routine to tap into new levels of endurance and achieve your fitness goals.