As a devout coffee drinker for more than ten years, I have found that trying to start my day without my morning java is a real challenge. However, I also struggle with significant morning anxiety, which means I am constantly looking for ways to wake up without relying on coffee in the hopes of managing my anxiety better. That’s where mushroom energy drinks come in. Packed with ingredients like whole coffee fruit extract, lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps, these beverages are gaining popularity for their ability to boost energy and focus with less caffeine.
There are numerous brands of mushroom energy drinks available on the market, with some coming in premixed cans and others in powder form that can be mixed with water or another preferred beverage. When the brand Roots Focus reached out to me with samples, I decided it was time to experiment with skipping my morning coffee and opted to try a Roots Focus review. In addition to my own research on mushrooms, I consulted with Carla Fabian, RD, a registered dietitian in Wisconsin, and Zarya Rubin, MD, a functional medicine physician and burnout expert, to learn more about the benefits of the ingredients in Roots Focus.
My decision to make the switch from coffee was primarily driven by my struggle with anxiety and my therapist’s suggestion to reduce my caffeine intake. Roots Focus energy drink made it easier to cut back, as it contains only 60 milligrams of caffeine, significantly less than what I would normally consume in a cup of coffee. Besides caffeine, Roots Focus also contains ingredients like Alpha GPC, which is a form of choline, and mushrooms such as lion’s mane, reishi, and cordyceps, all of which are believed to offer various benefits for mood, energy, and concentration.
Each of the functional ingredients in Roots Focus offers unique benefits. For example, Alpha GPC increases the release of acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory, muscle contraction, and mental acuity. Coffeeberry whole coffee fruit extract helps to increase the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which may enhance memory and learning. Lion’s mane may boost the production of nerve growth factor, aiding in memory, learning, and anxiety management. Cordyceps has anti-inflammatory properties and may increase ATP production, providing energy to muscles. Reishi is high in beta-glucans, which support immune health and overall wellness.
While I was eager to try functional mushrooms for their potential benefits, I also wanted to be aware of any potential risks. According to Dr. Rubin, mushrooms may cause allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, rash, dry mouth, and may impact blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and bleeding tendencies. Individuals with low blood pressure, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, autoimmune conditions, or those taking medications for autoimmune disorders should use caution or avoid mushrooms. Lion’s mane should be taken earlier in the day to avoid interfering with sleep. Additionally, mushrooms have not been studied extensively in children or pregnant/breastfeeding individuals.
My experience with Roots Focus mushroom energy drink powder was positive. I tried all four flavors—Fruit Punch, Blackberry Lavender Lemonade, Spicy Pineapple, and Strawberry Watermelon—and found them to be pleasantly sweet. The Spicy Pineapple and Strawberry Watermelon were my favorites, offering unique and refreshing flavors. Although the drinking experience differed from my usual hot black coffee, I found the mushroom energy drink to be a great alternative for those who enjoy iced beverages. Morning routine remained consistent with a smoothie followed by the energy drink mixed with water.
In conclusion, my week-long experiment with mushroom energy drinks was a success. Roots Focus provided a viable alternative to my morning coffee routine and offered a range of benefits that supported my energy and focus throughout the day. The unique blend of functional ingredients in Roots Focus made it a valuable addition to my morning routine, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to reduce their caffeine intake while still enjoying a flavorful and energizing beverage.
