The Memory Mushroom
Michael Ventresca • September 22, 2019
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An area of great interest for many of us is the growing research into nootropics – the class of medicines, supplements and other substances that may improve cognitive function, including memory. Today, I’d like to discuss one of these substances, a medicinal mushroom that according to research contains bioactive substances that may protect against Alzheimer’s disease, help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety and even speed recovery from nervous system injuries.
Lion’s mane mushroom, named for its shaggy appearance, contains two special compounds that can stimulate the growth of brain cells: hericenones and erinacines. It has been shown to reduce symptoms of memory loss in mice, as well as prevent neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, which accumulate in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease 1, 2, 3. While there have been no direct studies to date on people with Alzheimer’s, a 2009 study in older adults with mild cognitive impairment
found consuming 3 grams of powdered lion’s mane mushroom daily for four months significantly improved mental functioning. The researchers noted the benefits disappeared roughly four weeks after supplementation ended.
A 2015 study found
lion’s mane mushroom extract has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in mice. While yet another study found the extract can stimulate the growth and repair of nerve cells that can help speed recovery from nervous system injuries.
When choosing a lion’s mane supplement, two brands I really like are Host Defense and our own Vital Choice brand.
Both brands offer organic lion’s mane in capsules. Host Defense also offers lion’s mane in a liquid extract, a loose powder (that’s great for smoothies) and in combination formulas that include lion’s mane with other nootropics like ginkgo and bacopa. To learn more, please stop in and see us.
This information is not intended as personal medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Have you ever eaten a meal with garlic or onions, and almost instantly had stomach upset? Does it seem like just about everything you eat causes gas, bloating or indigestion? If this sounds like you, or if you’ve been told to try a FODMAP diet, today’s article could be the missing piece to a very frustrating puzzle. I know it was for me. Most people have heard of lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity, but far fewer are familiar with fructan sensitivity. Fructans are naturally occurring carboyhydrates found in a wide variety of foods but in especially high concentrations in everything from garlic and onions, to asparagus, wheat and even watermelon. For people who have difficulty digesting fructans, these foods can cause gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and sometimes diarrhea. The frustrating part is that fructans are found in so many seemingly unrelated foods that it can feel like almost everything you eat is causing a problem. That was my experience for years. Over the years, I tried a number of digestive enzymes. While many of them helped, none of them were a perfect match for the garlic, onion and pasta found in some of my favorite Italian meals. Then I stumbled across a product called FODZYME. FODZYME contains three digestive enzymes, including fructan hydrolase, an enzyme specifically designed to help break down fructans. FODZYME is a tasteless powder that you sprinkle directly on your food just before eating. The enzymes mix with the food and begin breaking down the fructans as you chew, before they cause problems further down the digestive tract. For me, the difference has been night and day. I am finally able to enjoy foods I have avoided for years. It’s important to note, there is still some trial and error involved regarding dosage. Because the amount of fructans varies from meal to meal, I find I need to adjust how much I use. Sometimes, one scoop is plenty, other times, I’ll use two. But if garlic, onions, wheat, or other high-fructan foods consistently leave you feeling miserable, FODZYME may be just what you need to start enjoying the foods you love. To learn more, or to try FODZYME, please stop in today. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.










