Gutsy Talks
Welcome to Gutsy Talks—the space for real, unfiltered conversations about healing your gut, calming your mind, and learning to love food again. Whether you're just starting your gut health journey or you’ve been on this path for a while, I’m here to share insights and honest, ah-ha moments that can help transform your health.
Join me, Rachel Larsson (she/her), your host, naturopath and nutritionist, as I chat with top health experts and thought leaders from around the world. Together, we’ll dive into the latest in holistic and scientific approaches to gut health and explore the deep connections between your gut and overall well-being. No fluff, just real talk on what it truly takes to feel empowered, healthier, and more in tune with your body.
Gutsy Talks
Episode 30: Medicinal Mushrooms Explained: Gut, Brain & Immune Health with Dr Anna Sitkoff
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Medicinal mushrooms are everywhere right now, but what do they actually do, how do they work in the body, and how do you know what’s worth taking?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Anna Sitkoff, a naturopathic doctor, author, and Chief Science Officer & Co-Founder of Lucidum Medicinals. Dr Anna is a leading expert in medicinal mushrooms and is passionate about making the science behind them practical, evidence-based, and easy to apply in everyday life.
As a clinician, Dr Anna supports patients using an integrative approach that combines nutrition, botanicals, medicinal mushrooms, and lifestyle strategies. In this conversation, we break down the real benefits of medicinal mushrooms, particularly for gut health, brain function, nervous system support, and immune balance, while cutting through the hype and misinformation.
If you’ve been curious about medicinal mushrooms but unsure where to start (or what to trust), this episode will give you clarity and confidence.
In this episode, we chat about:
- What qualifies a mushroom as “medicinal”
- The difference between medicinal, culinary, and psychedelic mushrooms
- How Lion’s Mane supports the nervous system and cognition
- The science behind nerve regeneration and brain health
- Lesser-known mushrooms for mood, focus, and resilience
- How medicinal mushrooms interact with the gut microbiome
- Using mushrooms in gut-related conditions
- Reishi vs Chaga — key differences and when to use each
- Immune stimulation vs immune modulation
- What to look for in a high-quality mushroom supplement
- Common dosage mistakes and self-prescribing pitfalls
- Contraindications and when extra care is needed
- Common myths about medicinal mushrooms
- Dr Anna’s #1 tip for getting started safely
Rachel’s (she/her) details: Ready To Take Your Next Step To Support Your Gut?
Follow Rachel on Instagram HERE
Watch the FREE Masterclass 'How To Overcome Bloating and IBS Naturally' HERE
Check out the range of FREE gut health resources HERE
Work with Rachel HERE
Connect with Dr. Anna (she/her)
Connect with Dr. Anna on Instagram
Visit the Lucidum Medicinals Website
Disclaimer: The information provided on Gutsy Talks is for education and informational purposes only. It is not provided nor intended to substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event you have questions or concerns about your health.