Biohacking Your Summer with Adaptogenic Mushrooms

Is biohacking just another TikTok trend - or is there actually something to it?

You’ve probably seen it pop up online: cold plunges, red light masks, mushroom coffee, people tracking their sleep like it’s a competitive sport. At first glance, it might look like just another wellness fad. But behind the buzz, biohacking is built on something much deeper - science, self-awareness, and a desire to feel like your best self, naturally.

And guess what? You don't need a cryotherapy chamber or a lab in your garage to get started. 

This summer, one of the most effective (and surprisingly simple) ways to elevate your energy, focus, and performance is through something ancient and powerful: adaptogenic mushrooms. 

Whether you’re in your 30s juggling career and family, in your 40s navigating stress and sleep, or in your 50s and 60s focused on longevity and clarity - this guide is your go-to for biohacking your way to a better summer. Let’s dig in! 

Focus: Biohacking

Biohacking is the intentional use of lifestyle, nutrition, and supplementation strategies to upgrade the mind and body. Think of biohacking as the art of helping your body help itself. It can be as high-tech as using wearables and smart rings, or as natural as adjusting your diet and optimising your circadian rhythm. 

The goal? Increased control over your biology, leading to greater output, resilience, and wellbeing - using smart, natural tools - like nutrition, movement, light rest and mushrooms to optimise your performance!

What are the three main areas of Biohacking? 

All forms of biohacking center on three interconnected domains:

1. Cognitive Performance: Enhancing mental sharpness, memory, and focus.

2. Physical Optimisation: Improving endurance, strength, recovery, and vitality.

3. Energy & Stress Resilience: Boosting sustainable energy while reducing stress overload. 

Adaptogenic mushrooms support all three - without over-reliance on caffeine, synthetic nootropics, or energy drinks.

Biohacking for Men: Energy, Drive & Hormonal Support

For men in their 30s and beyond, biohacking isn’t just about building muscle or productivity - it’s about maintaining drive, focus, and longevity. As testosterone naturally declines, energy levels can dip, recovery slows, and stress tolerance may weaken.

Cordyceps militaris has shown impressive effects in enhancing ATP production at the cellular level, directly supporting stamina and libido. In a 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, older adults supplementing with Cordyceps exhibited significant improvements in oxygen uptake and exercise performance - key indicators of vitality.

Lion’s Mane is another essential ally, helping maintain cognitive sharpness and preventing age-related memory decline by stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF). A Japanese study found individuals aged 50-80 showed marked cognitive improvement after 16 weeks of supplementation. 

Finally, Reishi supports deeper sleep, immune modulation, and may regulate testosterone metabolism - all crucial for male hormone balance and recovery. In stressful summer months, Reishi can help men stay calm, energised, and hormonally aligned. 

Biohacking for Women: Hormonal Harmony, Mood & Radiance

For women, the biohacking journey often includes managing the shifting terrain of perimenopause and menopause, emotional resilience, skin health, and immunity - all while staying mentally sharp and physically active.

Reishi mushroom is a standout for women seeking hormonal and adrenal balance. Known for its adaptogenic properties, Reishi supports the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, helping reduce cortisol and smooth out mood fluctuations. In Phytotherapy Research, Reishi was shown to significantly improve fatigue and reduce anxiety - two common symptoms of hormone transition. 

For glowing skin and antioxidant support, Chaga reigns supreme. Rich superoxide dismutase (SOD) and melanin precursors, Chaga reduces oxidative stress and may enhance collagen synthesis. This makes it ideal for women concerned about skin health during sun-exposed summer days.

Women experiencing mental fog or mood shifts also benefit from Lion’s Mane, thanks to its neurodegenerative effects. Emerging evidence suggests that Lion’s Mane may reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly in menopausal populations.

What Mushroom Supplements to take for Biohacking?

When choosing a mushroom supplement, quality is key. Look for products made from or containing:

• Fruiting body only (not mycelium or grain)

• Dual extraction methods (to access both water and alcohol soluble compounds)

• Guaranteed beta-glucan content

• Make sure you read the ingredients label. Most powders and gummies use sugars, sweeteners and palm oil. 

Top Recommendations:

The Science Behind the Mushrooms

Adaptogenic mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds that interact with the human body in profound ways. Here are a few compounds and their roles: 

• Ergothioneine: A rare amino acid antioxidant found abundantly in mushrooms, shown to protect mitochondria and reduce cellular ageing. It’s currently being explored as the “longevity vitamin”

• Cordycepin (from Cordyceps): A nucleoside analog that enhances ATP production and supports energy metabolism. It’s also studied for anti-inflammatory and anti-fatigue effects. 

• Hericenones and Erinacines (from Lion’s Mane): These stimulate the production of NGF, promoting neurogenesis and brain plasticity.

• Beta-glucans: Polysaccharides found in Reishi, Turkey tail, and Chaga that modulate immune response and lower LDL cholesterol alongside other profound benefits. 

• Triterpenoids (from Reishi): These bitter compounds have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and blood pressure-lowering properties.

Together, these compounds support holistic bioenhancement - from cellular level up to cognitive and emotional wellbeing. 

Your Summer Biohacking Routine

You don’t need a complex protocol to feel amazing this summer. By weaving together powerful adaptogens like mushrooms with supportive daily habits, you can create a rhythm that boosts energy, sharpens focus, and helps your body recover deeply - all while working with your natural biology. 

Morning: Energise & Focus

Start your morning with a blend of Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps. Cordyceps supports energy production and stamina, while Lion’s Mane helps clear brain fog and improve focus. Pair this with 15-30 minutes of natural sunlight shortly after waking to support your circadian rhythm and hormone balance. Ass in a fasted workout - whether it's a brisk walk, a short run, or strength training - to activate metabolism and prime your body and mind for the day ahead. \

Midday: Sustain & Protect

As your energy begins to dip, support your system with a protein-rich meal that includes antioxidant-packed foods like berries and leafy greens. Stay hydrated with electrolytes or herbal teas with a couple drops of Chaga tincture for added immune and skin support. To manage midday stress and avoid burnout, take a break for breathwork, a short mindfulness session, or even a cold shower - simple but powerful ways to regulate your nervous system and reset your focus. 

Evening: Recover & Regenerate

Wind down with Reishi extract or Turkey Tail tea to support immunity, reduce stress, and prepare your body for deep, restorative sleep. Minimise blue light exposure after sunset by limiting screens and dimming lights, which encourages melatonin production. Aim for 7 hours of quality sleep in a cool, dark room, sticking to a consistent bedtime routine to reinforce your circadian rhythm. Evening rituals like stretching, journaling, or a hot bath can help ease the transition into rest mode. 

Weekly Enhancements

To deepen your routine, incorporate practices like infrared sauna or hot yoga once or twice a week to promote detox, muscle recovery, and cardiovascular health. Intermittent fasting - such as eating within a 8-10 hour window - can help improve mitochondrial efficiency and metabolic flexibility. Lastly, take time for mindfulness activities like journaling or meditation to sharpen mental clarity, manage emotional stress, and keep you grounded through the week. 

Final Thoughts

This summer, don’t chase productivity with caffeine or crash diets. Instead, take a sustainable, science-backed approach. Adaptogenic mushrooms offer a natural solution to support your energy, brainpower, and performance - without overstimulating or burning out your system. 

Combined with lifestyle habits, they’re your ally for making you make the most out of the wonderful years we have on this planet!

References:

Mori K, et al. (2009). Improvement of cognitive function in elderly with Lion's Mane. Phytotherapy Research.
Holliday, J. & Cleaver, M. (2008). Medicinal value of Cordyceps and Cordycepin. Journal of Pharmacy Research.
Wasser, SP. (2011). Current findings in medicinal mushrooms. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms.
Song TY, et al. (2010). Ergothioneine: Mitochondrial protector. Biochemical Pharmacology.
Sanodiya, BS, et al. (2009). Reishi's pharmacological profile. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.