Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are fungi that are commonly consumed for their nutritional and psychedelic properties. While some varieties are eaten for their protein content and health benefits, others are ingested for their psychoactive effects, such as hallucinations and altered states of consciousness. These magic mushrooms contain the naturally occurring psychoactive compound psilocybin, which, when ingested, breaks down into psilocin, the chemical responsible for the mushrooms' mind-altering effects. The use of magic mushrooms can lead to a range of physical and psychological effects, from perceptual changes and euphoria to severe mood swings, paranoia, and anxiety. While magic mushrooms are known to provide a calming high and spiritual experience, they can also pose risks, including adverse health effects and the potential for substance use disorder if not approached with caution. Additionally, the long-term consumption of certain mushrooms may promote metabolic acidosis, which has been linked to systemic inflammation and tissue damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Long-term consumption of high-PRAL mushrooms | Promotes a subclinical low-grade metabolic acidosis state, which has been associated with systemic inflammation and tissue damage in the human body |
| Long-term consumption of low-PRAL mushrooms | Related to improved metabolic parameters and improved anaerobic exercise performance |
| Mushrooms with high PRAL values | Volvariella volvacea (41.50 mEq/100 g), Pleurotus flabellatus (35.21 mEq/100 g), and Craterellus aureus (31.02 mEq/100 g) |
| Mushrooms with alkalizing properties | Craterellus aureus (−73.92 mEq/100 g), Russula lepida (−51.94 mEq/100 g), and Heimiella retispora (−48.54 mEq/100 g) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Magic mushrooms are high in the acidifying compound psilocybin
- Psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which is psychoactive
- Psilocybin mushrooms are not very toxic and rarely lead to hospitalisation
- A 2008 study found adolescent use of psilocybin did not increase risk of drug dependence
- Psilocybin mushrooms are ranked as the illicit drug with the lowest harm
Magic mushrooms are high in the acidifying compound psilocybin
Mushrooms are a good source of protein, potassium, and other nutrients. However, they can also be a source of acid. A scientific literature review identified 37 edible mushrooms and analysed their nutrient content and potential renal acid load (PRAL). The mean PRAL score of all the mushrooms examined was -10.83 ± 28.73 mEq/100 g, with approximately 40.5% exhibiting acidifying properties (PRAL > 0 mEq/100 g).
Some mushrooms, such as "magic mushrooms", are high in the acidifying compound psilocybin. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in certain types of mushrooms that grow on nearly every continent. Also known as shrooms, these mushrooms can cause hallucinations and distort a person's senses, making them see, hear, or feel things that are not there. They can also induce heightened emotions, ranging from bliss to terror, and physical side effects such as nausea, muscle twitches, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or 5-10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours. The duration and intensity of the effects depend on various factors, including the amount taken, the person's age, unique biology, sex, personality, and history of drug use. While the use of magic mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms, a ""bad trip"" may occur, especially at high doses, leading to frightening experiences such as paranoia, loss of boundaries, and a distorted sense of self.
There is little evidence of physical or psychological dependence on magic mushrooms, but it is possible to develop a tolerance with regular use. Additionally, there are no approved therapeutic products containing psilocybin, and their production, sale, and possession are illegal in some countries, including Canada and Australia. However, there is ongoing research into psilocybin's potential therapeutic uses, particularly in treating various mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance use disorders.
Mushrooms and SIBO: Friend or Foe?
You may want to see also
Psilocybin is converted into psilocin, which is psychoactive
Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, is a naturally occurring, psychedelic drug. It is the key ingredient in magic mushrooms and is consumed for its hallucinogenic effects. Psilocybin is found in approximately 190 species of edible mushrooms that are indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. These mushrooms typically contain less than 0.5% psilocybin, along with trace amounts of psilocin, another hallucinogenic substance.
When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of magic mushrooms. Psilocin interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, causing perceptual changes such as visual and auditory hallucinations. It is approximately 1.4 times as potent as psilocybin due to the difference in molecular weight between the two compounds.
The effects of psilocybin mushrooms can vary depending on the dosage, with low doses ranging from 5 to 10 mg, intermediate or "good effect" doses at 20 mg, and high or ego-dissolution doses ranging from 30 to 40 mg. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5 to 10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last for approximately 4 to 6 hours.
While magic mushrooms are known to provide a calming high and spiritual experience, it is important to note that they can also cause negative effects such as "'bad trips', delayed headaches, and flashbacks involving previous mushroom experiences. Additionally, combining magic mushrooms with certain antidepressants can lead to high levels of serotonin in the body, resulting in serotonin syndrome.
Psychedelic Confusion: Psilocybin and LSD Similarities
You may want to see also
Psilocybin mushrooms are not very toxic and rarely lead to hospitalisation
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking, sense of time and emotions. They are known to provide a calming high and spiritual experience.
Psilocybin has a low level of toxicity, which means that it has a low potential to cause fatal events like breathing problems or a heart attack. However, there are health risks associated with taking psilocybin, especially when unsupervised and outside of a clinical setting. For example, people may do things that put themselves or others at risk of harm after taking mushrooms, such as driving dangerously or walking into traffic, as their ability to think clearly may be impaired.
Psilocybin typically raises blood pressure and heart rate, which may be dangerous for people with heart conditions. People may also experience side effects like agitation, confusion, vomiting or nausea, which may be severe and require medical attention. In addition, there is a risk of misidentifying mushrooms and consuming a toxic mushroom instead of one containing psilocybin.
Use of psilocybin mushrooms rarely results in life-threatening symptoms. Most patients who ingest these mushrooms exhibit only minor symptoms or no symptoms at all. Symptoms are typically mild to moderate in severity and self-limiting. However, it is important to note that combining mushrooms with certain antidepressants can result in high levels of serotonin in the body, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome.
Mushrooms: The Imperfect Fungi?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A 2008 study found adolescent use of psilocybin did not increase risk of drug dependence
Mushrooms are usually dried and eaten raw or brewed into a tea. They can also be mixed with food and drinks. Mushrooms are well-known for providing a calming high and spiritual experience. They are also known as "magic mushrooms" due to their psychedelic qualities. The most abundant psychedelic component in mushrooms is psilocybin.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms. It is broken down into psilocin in the body, which interacts with the serotonin receptors in the brain. While psilocybin can trigger dangerous side effects if not used in a controlled environment, it is not considered to be highly addictive. In fact, a 2008 study found that adolescent use of psilocybin did not increase the risk of drug dependence. This finding adds to the growing body of research supporting the use of psilocybin as a treatment for substance use disorders.
Animal and human studies indicate low abuse potential and no physical dependence on psilocybin. Major national surveys also indicate low rates of abuse, treatment-seeking, and harm associated with psilocybin use. While mushrooms can be dangerous when used in an uncontrolled or unsupervised manner, the scope of use and associated harms are relatively low compared to prototypical abused drugs.
In addition to its potential in treating substance use disorders, psilocybin is being investigated for its therapeutic benefits in a range of other health issues. For example, psilocybin has been found to provide meaningful and insightful experiences that can lead to positive behavioural changes. It also has long-lasting effects, which means people would only need to take it intermittently, reducing their risk of side effects. Overall, psilocybin shows promise as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions.
Furthermore, a recent study published in Scientific Reports found an association between past use of psilocybin and a reduced risk of opioid use disorder. The study looked at data from 214,505 US adults and found that past psilocybin use was correlated with lowered odds of developing an opioid use disorder. While this study did not provide definitive proof that psilocybin directly reduces the risk of opioid use disorder, it adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that psilocybin may be a valuable tool in the treatment of substance use disorders.
Best Way to Dry Mushrooms Using an Oven
You may want to see also
Psilocybin mushrooms are ranked as the illicit drug with the lowest harm
Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, are fungi that contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. They are classified as Schedule I substances, indicating that they have a high potential for abuse and no recognised medical value, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Psilocybin mushrooms, on the other hand, are regarded as the illicit substance with the lowest risk.
Psilocybin mushrooms are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs, which means they can affect all the senses, altering a person’s thinking, sense of time, and emotions. Psychedelics can cause a person to hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. The key ingredient in magic mushrooms is psilocybin. When psilocybin is ingested, it is converted in the body to psilocin, which is the chemical with the psychoactive properties. Psilocybin is a prodrug of psilocin, meaning that the compound itself is biologically inactive but is quickly converted by the body to psilocin. Psilocybin is transformed into psilocin by dephosphorylation mediated via phosphatase enzymes. Psilocin is chemically related to the neurotransmitter serotonin and acts as a non-selective agonist of the serotonin receptors.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a variety of effects, including euphoria, changes in perception, a distorted sense of time (via brain desynchronization), and perceived spiritual experiences. It can also cause adverse reactions such as nausea and panic attacks. Its effects depend on set and setting and one's expectations. The effects of magic mushrooms usually begin within 30 minutes when eaten, or within 5–10 minutes when taken as a soup or tea, and can last approximately four to six hours.
Psilocybin mushrooms are often eaten fresh, cooked, or brewed into a tea. They can also be mixed with food and drinks, or coated with chocolate to disguise their bitter taste. Manufacturers can also crush dried mushrooms into a powder and prepare them in capsule form. The use of magic mushrooms rarely results in any life-threatening symptoms. However, if a large amount or a strong batch of mushrooms is consumed, the person may experience disturbing hallucinations, anxiety, panic, and other adverse reactions. Additionally, there is a risk of accidental poisoning from consuming poisonous mushrooms that resemble psilocybin mushrooms.
The Magic Behind Mushroom Extracts
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Magic mushrooms are a type of mushroom that contains psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive compound. They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Mexico, and the United States. Magic mushrooms are known to provide a calming high and spiritual experience.
Mushrooms are not considered high in acid. However, long-term consumption of certain mushroom species may promote a low-grade metabolic acidosis state, which has been linked to systemic inflammation and tissue damage.
The effects of magic mushrooms typically include hallucinations, perceptual changes, and altered thinking, emotions, and sense of time. A ""bad trip"" may also occur, leading to negative experiences such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.
While magic mushrooms are not directly linked to life-threatening symptoms, they can pose serious short-term health risks. Additionally, combining magic mushrooms with certain antidepressants can result in high serotonin levels and serotonin syndrome. It is important to be cautious and informed about the potential risks before consuming any drug.
