Your neurons can become younger.

Your gut can reshape itself in five days.

Your immune system can learn to fight cancer.

This isn't theory. It's mycology.

And it's about to change how you think about what your body can do.

This week on Live Well Be Well, I sit down with Dr. Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela, a pioneering mycologist and oncologist who’s spent 26 years unlocking the therapeutic power of mushrooms. From Lion’s Mane and Reishi to Cordyceps, she’s led clinical trials across cancer, autism, neurodegenerative disease, and fertility, quietly reshaping how we think about prevention, healing, and the intelligence of nature.

In this episode, we explore:

• The real science behind Lion's Mane: neuroplasticity, contains GABA, and why your neurons can actually become younger

• Why Lion's Mane may support brain health, gut health, autism, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's treatment

• How Reishi could help reduce stress and anxiety, and modulate neurotransmitters like GABA

• The real science behind putting mushrooms in your coffee (yes, it's more than a trend!)

• What Cordyceps does for energy, fertility, and performance, and how mushrooms support both male and female reproductive health

• Breakthrough research on mushrooms in integrative oncology, including their effects on the gut microbiome and immune system

• The gut-brain axis: how mushrooms can reshape your microbiome in 5 days and support conditions from autism to cancer

• The supplement quality crisis: why only 25% of products contain what they claim and how to find trustworthy brands

  
  

Whether you're curious about adding Lion's Mane to your morning coffee, wondering if Reishi could actually help your anxiety, or want to understand how mushrooms are being used alongside chemotherapy in clinical trials, this conversation will change how you think about what's possible. The question isn't whether mushrooms work. The science is undeniable. Now it's about finding the right approach for you.

Love,

Sarah Ann 💛

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This episode is sponsored by Spatone – the No.1 iron-rich water supplement.

This is a product I genuinely believe in — one I’ve used personally and recommended in the clinic for years. Spatone is a natural iron-rich water that’s incredibly gentle on the stomach. No harsh tablets, no digestive upset — just one naturally sourced ingredient that works.

If you’re looking for iron support that actually feels good to take, this is the one I trust. You can pick up Spatone at Boots: Spatone Apple Daily Iron Shots + Vitamin C 28 Sachets - Boots

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This episode is also sponsored by London Nootropics, the best-in-class adaptogenic coffee I trust. Made with Hifas da Terra mushroom extracts, it supports focus, calm, and energy, and helps you stay sharp throughout the day.

Enjoy 20% off with code LIVEWELLBEWELL at londonnootropics.com

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If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

Dr. William Li: 5 Must-Eat Foods to Fight Cancer⁠

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHWHT2cJNkE

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Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

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Highlights:

Intro (00:00)

Lion’s Mane: Neuroplasticity and Brain Health Benefits (02:35)

Lion’s Mane: Neuroprotection for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (09:56)

The Importance of Consistency for Long-Term Benefits (14:51)

How Lion's Mane and Reishi in Coffee Boost Focus and Calm (17:06)

Cordyceps: The Performance-Boosting Mushroom for Energy (22:05)

Can Cordyceps Improve Fertility and Sperm Quality? (26:00)

Mushrooms in Cancer Treatment: Immune & Gut Health Support (32:37)

How to Navigate Mushroom Quality (42:07)

Final Takeaways: The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms (47:27)

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