228 From Kitchen to Clinic: The Healing Power of Medicinal and Culinary Mushrooms with Dr. Anna Sitkoff — Growing Older Living Younger: About longevity, wellness, healthspan,

In this episode, Dr. Gillian Lockitch welcomes Dr. Anna Sitkoff for a fascinating discussion on medicinal mushrooms and their role in promoting healthy aging. Listeners will learn how mushrooms support brain function, mood, cortisol balance, immune health, and longevity. From shiitake and oyster mushrooms to reishi and lion's mane, Anna explains the science behind these ancient remedies and shares practical tips for integrating culinary and medicinal mushrooms into your daily routine.

Dr. Anna Sitkoff is a licensed naturopathic doctor and medicinal mushroom expert with over a decade of experience blending clinical practice with hands-on laboratory research. She is the co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Lucidum Medicinals, where she formulates evidence-based mushroom supplements designed to support immune, lung, and nervous system health. Internationally recognized for her expertise in functional medicine, women's health, and herbalism, Dr. Sitkoff is passionate about empowering patients and practitioners with natural, science-based therapies and recipes that fit into everyday life.

Episode Timeline

00:00 – Guest introduction and welcome to the podcast
05:24 – Anna's early influences, family health challenges, and discovery of medicinal mushrooms
08:29 – Journey through naturopathic school, laboratory cancer research, and starting her mushroom supplement company
12:29 – What defines a mushroom, the role of mycelium, and why substrate matters for bioactive compounds
17:00 – Culinary vs. medicinal mushrooms: oyster, shiitake, maitake, and the common white mushroom
19:52 – Ergothioneine and its neuroprotective role in aging and mitochondrial health
25:10 – Reishi : the "mushroom of immortality," immune benefits, and bone broth extractions
30:08 – Lion's Mane, nerve growth factor, BDNF, mood, memory, and cognitive protection
34:09 – Practical tips for daily mushroom use: cooking, extracts, powders, and broths
35:40 – W