Mike Shouhed of Los Angeles is the owner of Au Santé, a CBD and mushroom line. In the following article, Mike Shouhed discusses the health benefits of micro-dosing, and the science behind it.
Microdosing mushrooms is the unconventional yet all-natural wellness trend filling people with intrigue and suspicion. The internet is full of searchers asking if "magic mushrooms" are safe and beneficial. Scientists are also exploring whether we have something to gain from the trip.
The point of this trend is not about the psychedelic experience or "getting high." Rather, it's about seeking improved mental health, enhanced creativity and focus, or relief from physical pain through minute doses of mushrooms that contain psilocybin.
The burgeoning interest is propelled by anecdotal reports and emerging research suggesting potential health benefits, even though the practice remains shrouded in legal complexities. Below, a discussion of micro-dosing, its scientific underpinnings, and its potential health benefits. Are mushrooms the secret ingredient to unlocking your full potential?
Mike Shouhed Explains the Science Behind it
There is no definitive amount of psilocybin that constitutes microdosing, but researchers who track the anecdotal evidence of the patients and subjects who indulge report that microdoses of mushrooms range from one-fifth to one-twentieth of a recreational dose.
Mike Shouhed says that by taking such a small dose, the goal is to tap into the benefits of the psychedelic substance without the overwhelming experience or aftereffects.
Mushrooms with psilocybin affect the body and the mind because this compound gets converted to psilocin in the body. Psilocin has a structure similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is associated with mood, appetite, and sleep. Psilocin can even bind to serotonin receptors and alter brain activity patterns, which would explain the reported cognitive effects of microdosing.
Studies
Mike Shouhed notes that studies have found that people who microdose report better measures of well-being. However, these rely predominantly on self-reporting, and subjects often take unknown doses (and dosing regimens). These shortcomings mean the results have inherent limitations. But the largely anecdotal evidence has encouraged researchers to seek new ways to legalize and fund microdosing trials in order to try and treat a variety of physical and mental illnesses.
Mike Shouhed, Real Estate explains that with increasing acceptance and legalization efforts, new studies are already on the way. But as of now, randomized control trials—the gold standard in clinical research—are hard to conduct due to legal and funding challenges.
The Cognitive Health Benefits of Microdosing
Microdosers often report increased feelings of well-being, reduced symptoms of depression, and a decrease in anxiety. In terms of cognitive functioning, some individuals have reported an enhancement of creativity, improved mood and focus, heightened problem-solving abilities, and feelings of calm and peace.
In some therapeutic settings, psilocybin has shown promise in treating a
variety of extremely challenging mental health disorders, like treatment-resistant depression and end-of-life psychological distress.
Mind on Mushrooms
Mike Shouhed of Los Angeles says that the use of mushrooms containing psilocybin to expand the mind is perhaps the most exciting possibility for wellness enthusiasts. In addition to helping promote connections between different parts of the brain that may help treat PTSD and addition, psilocybin can lead to other changes in thought patterns and behaviors.
The enhanced creativity that some microdosers report may also indicate that unique connections are being made in the brain. This could help make the case for neuroplasticity.
Many users note that "magic mushrooms" can help them meditate by helping them focus, reduce judgment, and increase their sense of awareness and openness. This could potentially lead to significant personal growth. You can
try mushroom gummies from some online retailers.
The Physical Health Benefits of Microdosing
Mike Shouhed of Los Angeles also notes that in addition to its mental health benefits, anecdotal reports and preliminary research also suggest microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms might also provide physical health benefits, possibly serving as a
treatment for stubborn, chronic conditions.
For instance, some users have reported relief from chronic pain conditions, while others have said microdosing gave them improved energy levels and a better immune response. Studies have also found that microdosers reported improvements in migraines and cluster headaches.
There is even increasing interest in the potential role of psilocybin in the treatment of neurological disorders. Research at Johns Hopkins University and NYU Langone Health are exploring
psilocybin as a treatment for disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. However, these studies primarily use full doses rather than microdoses.
The Potential Risks of Microdosing
Mike Shouhed of Los Angeles explains that despite the potential benefits, it's important to be aware that there may be risks—both medical and legal—of microdosing psilocybin. Of course, the unregulated use of these substances can result in taking mushrooms of unknown purity and potency, which could potentially be dangerous.
In many parts of the world, the U.S. included, psilocybin is still classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law, meaning its use and possession are illegal.
Summary
Microdosing psilocybin is gaining traction in wellness circles and showing promise in some preliminary research studies for mental and physical health as well as overall wellbeing. However, it's essential to balance the potential benefits with the legal implications and potential risks and to continue to push for robust, rigorous studies.
