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“I look at them [mushrooms] like light switches, turning on, and activating our body.”

Danielle Broida

Mar 25, 2020

EFR 299: The Unbelievable Health Benefits of Functional Mushrooms and Superfoods with Danielle Broida

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Have you ever wished you could switch to a healthier lifestyle but don't know where to start? Every day, we encounter stress and other health hazards affecting our overall well-being. Stress, poor sleep, weight loss, weight gain, and even the possibility of chronic disease are the most common concerns.

We consider switching to healthier food alternatives, but it’s easier said than done. In this episode, registered herbalist Danielle Broida shares her expertise in functional mushrooms and other superfoods which you can try as better alternatives. She discusses their benefits and how you can easily integrate them into your daily routine.

Tune in to know how you can live healthier with functional mushrooms!

Follow Danielle @danielleryanbroida

Follow Chase @chase_chewning

Ever Forward Radio is made possible by our proud partners! Shop using the link/code below to save you money and to further support the show - THANK YOU! 

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

  1. Learn about functional mushrooms and their benefits.

  2. Listen to more stories from people whose lifestyles changed after learning about these superfoods.

  3. Discover healthier options and practical tips on how you can seamlessly adopt these superfoods in your everyday routine.

Resources

Episode Highlights

Danielle on Functional Mushrooms

  • Some people are still not familiar with functional mushrooms and their advantages. However, it is one of the most valuable aspects of natural medicine. 

  • She felt like not much credit and research is given to mushrooms despite their use in traditional Chinese medicine.

  • People approach Danielle to find alternatives that the medical field and even other alternative practitioners can’t give. 

  • Her clients range from people with chronic illnesses to those who want to optimize their own wellness.

  • Mushrooms can be taken every day and in the long term. Their main functions include prevention, building, and nourishing—a ground up approach to wellness. 

Adaptogens

  • In natural medicine, categories are based on their action or function. Functional mushrooms belong to the category of adaptogens. 

  • Nervines support the nervous system for functions like deep sleep or sedation. Carminatives, on the other hand, support digestive functions.

  • Know more about the three significant markers used to identify an adaptogen in the full episode.

The Effects are Different for Everybody 

  • Mushrooms respond to what our bodies need, which is why the response is different for everyone.

  • For Danielle, what really sets natural medicine apart is not only how it's different for everyone but also how it makes her curious to learn more. 

  • If people who have the same symptoms take the same herb, the effect would still be different.

  • You can see the difference between the holistic approach and western medicine. When you go to the doctor, you have a prescribed medication with the exact dosage and how long you should take it. However, natural medicine allows you to take the prerogative by listening to your body. 

Listen to Your Body

  • Following the natural approach of taking superfoods like mushrooms allows you to listen more to your body.

  • No one knows your body better than you.

  • Tuning in to your body is similar to how fungi connect things in their environment. 

  • Fungi are connectors. They are connecting over 90% of plants on Earth with the mycelium web under the soil. 

  • Fungi connect life and death as the grand decomposers of the world.

Functional Mushrooms and Their Applications

  • There are many applications of functional mushrooms. Four Sigmatic developed products based on these superfoods to make them easier to ingest. 

  • Four Sigmatic makes use of chaga, lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps in their products.

  • It’s hard for people to suddenly start a new habit.

  • It might be helpful to incorporate the application of mushrooms in our daily routines. We can take them with our coffee, tea, or any other drink.

Chaga

  • Chaga is a functional mushroom parasitic to birch trees.

  • It's essential to get it directly from the birch tree. Doing so ensures it retains its antioxidant properties.

  • You can take it with coffee, which lowers its acidity, thus preventing you from having a stomachache.

  • It also serves as an immunomodulator, which helps you balance your immune system.

  • According to Danielle, it is helpful for when she travels to several places, which makes her vulnerable to viruses.

Lion’s Mane 

  • This functional mushroom is popular for its moniker, "lion's mane for the brain."

  • They are usually called "think mushrooms."

  • People drink coffee because they need caffeine to keep them going. However, drinking coffee can build up your tolerance.

  • Taking your coffee with lion's mane, on the other hand, could still get you the caffeine you need but with additional medicinal benefits from the mushroom. 

  • Although adaptogens have different effects for everyone, they all share the same function of supporting our stress response.

Three Main Parts of the Mushroom 

  • Mycelium is the underground root system.

  • The fruiting body is the part above ground. 

  • The spores are essentially the mushroom seeds.

  • All parts of the mushroom are used for medicinal purposes.

  • Among them, the full fruiting body is the most used for its medicinal benefits. 

Reishi 

  • Reishi is known as the “queen of mushrooms.” It has been used the longest and has the oldest history, primarily in traditional Chinese medicine.

  • It is responsible for over 500 different functions, making it incredibly diverse.

  • Reishi is a "chill mushroom," which makes you feel relaxed and supports your nervous system,

  • It is best taken after a long day of work and whenever you want to be stress-free. 

Shiitake 

  • Aside from being an ingredient in many dishes, shiitake can also be used in drinks and other refreshments.

  • Shiitake is one of the ingredients of Four Sigmatic's Golden Latte mix, which contains other superfoods such as turmeric, ginger, coconut milk, and black pepper. 

  • The golden latte is also proudly vegan since it comes from plant-based products.

  • It is a “beautify product” because it helps the liver in detoxifying the body.

  • When you support liver function, the most immediate physical manifestation is clearing your skin.

Cordyceps 

  • Cordyceps are mushrooms that help oxygenate our system, providing energy without the caffeine.

  • You can take it on its own or mixed in with a stimulant.

  • Cordyceps are naturally found 13,000 feet over the Himalayan Mountains.

  • According to Danielle, it is helpful for her clients with asthma.

  • It is beneficial for people who are recovering from extraneous physical activities.

Improving Your Health with Four Sigmatic

  • Four Sigmatic’s name comes from identifying the most elite foods in the world after mapping them out in a statistical map.

  • These superfoods are four sigmas (standard deviations) above average food. 

  • Coffee, cacao, reishi, chaga, ginger, turmeric, lion’s mane, and cordyceps are some of the superfoods that Four Sigmatic products are based on.

  • Danielle advises consuming functional mushrooms and other superfoods is best done when incorporated into your daily routine.

  • Four Sigmatic’s goal is to come up with a better option for you every step of the way.

5 Powerful Quotes from This Episode

  1. “I look at them [mushrooms] like light switches, turning on, and activating our body.”

  2. “There's never a closed-door with natural medicine because it's almost like matchmaking.”

  3. “Listen to your body because this is going to be the best messaging system to let us know what's going on.”

  4. “Without fungi would be living under 1520 feet of debris across the whole planet.”

  5. “Being ever forward is starting with zone zeros that you can actually give, that you can actually overflow, that you can actually show up. But it starts here, and it starts investing in you. It's building from the ground up.”

About the Guest

Danielle Ryan Broida is an instructor for mycology and a national educator in Four Sigmatic, one of the leading brands for organic food alternatives. She is a registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild (AHG) and a certified holistic nutritionist. She also has her own private functional mushroom-based practice.

You can reach Danielle through her email at danielle@foursigmatic.com or via Instagram. To see more of Four Sigmatic’s content and products, visit their website.

Enjoy The Podcast?  

If it’s a resounding yes, feel free to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast.

Think we’re a 5-star podcast? If you do, we'd love to see your review. Help us reach more people and cater to our audience better.

Do you want to share your thoughts on superfoods? Join the EF Nation private Facebook group! Connect and engage with other listeners and expand upon this episode at https://www.facebook.com/everforwardradio.

Learn how to podcst! Learn more about starting your own podcast in Chase's “Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Podcasting” at OperationPodcast.com.

This podcast is available on Apple and Spotify. You may also connect with me through Instagram or my website. Thank you for listening!

Read More

EFR 299: The Unbelievable Health Benefits of Functional Mushrooms and Superfoods with Danielle Broida

Have you ever wished you could switch to a healthier lifestyle but don't know where to start? Every day, we encounter stress and other health hazards affecting our overall well-being. Stress, poor sleep, weight loss, weight gain, and even the possibility of chronic disease are the most common concerns.

We consider switching to healthier food alternatives, but it’s easier said than done. In this episode, registered herbalist Danielle Broida shares her expertise in functional mushrooms and other superfoods which you can try as better alternatives. She discusses their benefits and how you can easily integrate them into your daily routine.

Tune in to know how you can live healthier with functional mushrooms!

Follow Danielle @danielleryanbroida

Follow Chase @chase_chewning

Ever Forward Radio is made possible by our proud partners! Shop using the link/code below to save you money and to further support the show - THANK YOU! 

Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

  1. Learn about functional mushrooms and their benefits.

  2. Listen to more stories from people whose lifestyles changed after learning about these superfoods.

  3. Discover healthier options and practical tips on how you can seamlessly adopt these superfoods in your everyday routine.

Resources

Episode Highlights

Danielle on Functional Mushrooms

  • Some people are still not familiar with functional mushrooms and their advantages. However, it is one of the most valuable aspects of natural medicine. 

  • She felt like not much credit and research is given to mushrooms despite their use in traditional Chinese medicine.

  • People approach Danielle to find alternatives that the medical field and even other alternative practitioners can’t give. 

  • Her clients range from people with chronic illnesses to those who want to optimize their own wellness.

  • Mushrooms can be taken every day and in the long term. Their main functions include prevention, building, and nourishing—a ground up approach to wellness. 

Adaptogens

  • In natural medicine, categories are based on their action or function. Functional mushrooms belong to the category of adaptogens. 

  • Nervines support the nervous system for functions like deep sleep or sedation. Carminatives, on the other hand, support digestive functions.

  • Know more about the three significant markers used to identify an adaptogen in the full episode.

The Effects are Different for Everybody 

  • Mushrooms respond to what our bodies need, which is why the response is different for everyone.

  • For Danielle, what really sets natural medicine apart is not only how it's different for everyone but also how it makes her curious to learn more. 

  • If people who have the same symptoms take the same herb, the effect would still be different.

  • You can see the difference between the holistic approach and western medicine. When you go to the doctor, you have a prescribed medication with the exact dosage and how long you should take it. However, natural medicine allows you to take the prerogative by listening to your body. 

Listen to Your Body

  • Following the natural approach of taking superfoods like mushrooms allows you to listen more to your body.

  • No one knows your body better than you.

  • Tuning in to your body is similar to how fungi connect things in their environment. 

  • Fungi are connectors. They are connecting over 90% of plants on Earth with the mycelium web under the soil. 

  • Fungi connect life and death as the grand decomposers of the world.

Functional Mushrooms and Their Applications

  • There are many applications of functional mushrooms. Four Sigmatic developed products based on these superfoods to make them easier to ingest. 

  • Four Sigmatic makes use of chaga, lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps in their products.

  • It’s hard for people to suddenly start a new habit.

  • It might be helpful to incorporate the application of mushrooms in our daily routines. We can take them with our coffee, tea, or any other drink.

Chaga

  • Chaga is a functional mushroom parasitic to birch trees.

  • It's essential to get it directly from the birch tree. Doing so ensures it retains its antioxidant properties.

  • You can take it with coffee, which lowers its acidity, thus preventing you from having a stomachache.

  • It also serves as an immunomodulator, which helps you balance your immune system.

  • According to Danielle, it is helpful for when she travels to several places, which makes her vulnerable to viruses.

Lion’s Mane 

  • This functional mushroom is popular for its moniker, "lion's mane for the brain."

  • They are usually called "think mushrooms."

  • People drink coffee because they need caffeine to keep them going. However, drinking coffee can build up your tolerance.

  • Taking your coffee with lion's mane, on the other hand, could still get you the caffeine you need but with additional medicinal benefits from the mushroom. 

  • Although adaptogens have different effects for everyone, they all share the same function of supporting our stress response.

Three Main Parts of the Mushroom 

  • Mycelium is the underground root system.

  • The fruiting body is the part above ground. 

  • The spores are essentially the mushroom seeds.

  • All parts of the mushroom are used for medicinal purposes.

  • Among them, the full fruiting body is the most used for its medicinal benefits. 

Reishi 

  • Reishi is known as the “queen of mushrooms.” It has been used the longest and has the oldest history, primarily in traditional Chinese medicine.

  • It is responsible for over 500 different functions, making it incredibly diverse.

  • Reishi is a "chill mushroom," which makes you feel relaxed and supports your nervous system,

  • It is best taken after a long day of work and whenever you want to be stress-free. 

Shiitake 

  • Aside from being an ingredient in many dishes, shiitake can also be used in drinks and other refreshments.

  • Shiitake is one of the ingredients of Four Sigmatic's Golden Latte mix, which contains other superfoods such as turmeric, ginger, coconut milk, and black pepper. 

  • The golden latte is also proudly vegan since it comes from plant-based products.

  • It is a “beautify product” because it helps the liver in detoxifying the body.

  • When you support liver function, the most immediate physical manifestation is clearing your skin.

Cordyceps 

  • Cordyceps are mushrooms that help oxygenate our system, providing energy without the caffeine.

  • You can take it on its own or mixed in with a stimulant.

  • Cordyceps are naturally found 13,000 feet over the Himalayan Mountains.

  • According to Danielle, it is helpful for her clients with asthma.

  • It is beneficial for people who are recovering from extraneous physical activities.

Improving Your Health with Four Sigmatic

  • Four Sigmatic’s name comes from identifying the most elite foods in the world after mapping them out in a statistical map.

  • These superfoods are four sigmas (standard deviations) above average food. 

  • Coffee, cacao, reishi, chaga, ginger, turmeric, lion’s mane, and cordyceps are some of the superfoods that Four Sigmatic products are based on.

  • Danielle advises consuming functional mushrooms and other superfoods is best done when incorporated into your daily routine.

  • Four Sigmatic’s goal is to come up with a better option for you every step of the way.

5 Powerful Quotes from This Episode

  1. “I look at them [mushrooms] like light switches, turning on, and activating our body.”

  2. “There's never a closed-door with natural medicine because it's almost like matchmaking.”

  3. “Listen to your body because this is going to be the best messaging system to let us know what's going on.”

  4. “Without fungi would be living under 1520 feet of debris across the whole planet.”

  5. “Being ever forward is starting with zone zeros that you can actually give, that you can actually overflow, that you can actually show up. But it starts here, and it starts investing in you. It's building from the ground up.”

About the Guest

Danielle Ryan Broida is an instructor for mycology and a national educator in Four Sigmatic, one of the leading brands for organic food alternatives. She is a registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild (AHG) and a certified holistic nutritionist. She also has her own private functional mushroom-based practice.

You can reach Danielle through her email at danielle@foursigmatic.com or via Instagram. To see more of Four Sigmatic’s content and products, visit their website.

Enjoy The Podcast?  

If it’s a resounding yes, feel free to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast.

Think we’re a 5-star podcast? If you do, we'd love to see your review. Help us reach more people and cater to our audience better.

Do you want to share your thoughts on superfoods? Join the EF Nation private Facebook group! Connect and engage with other listeners and expand upon this episode at https://www.facebook.com/everforwardradio.

Learn how to podcst! Learn more about starting your own podcast in Chase's “Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Podcasting” at OperationPodcast.com.

This podcast is available on Apple and Spotify. You may also connect with me through Instagram or my website. Thank you for listening!