Magic mushrooms aren’t that fun to eat, but they can make you feel great. But should you take mushrooms before eating? Or after? And how long does it take to kick in?
There’s a lot of conflicting information online regarding whether taking mushrooms before or after food will help you get high faster. Some say it takes about an hour, while others claim it only takes minutes. Consuming magic mushrooms safely involves understanding proper dosing and individual factors such as body weight and prior psychedelic use, which can influence the experience.
We’ve tried both approaches and found that a little pre-mushroom snacking reduces nausea. It gives a nice boost without making you tired or feeling sick. However, we recommend waiting a few hours if it’s dinner because waiting until your body has digested your meal makes sense. Additionally, consuming shrooms on an empty or full stomach can affect digestion processes and individual body responses, so it’s important to understand these factors.
If you’re interested in trying mushrooms, read on. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about taking magic mushrooms on an empty stomach to improve your mushroom trip.
Key Takeaways:
- Consuming shrooms on an empty stomach speeds up absorption and onset time.
- A light pre-mushroom snack can reduce nausea and enhance the experience.
- Shroom tea and lemon tek are ways to mask the flavour and improve absorption.
- Eating before shrooms may slow the onset of effects and reduce the trip’s intensity or duration.
- If you do eat, choose light, easily digestible foods before taking shrooms
- Chitin in mushrooms is believed to cause nausea.
- Find what works best for you when it comes to eating and taking shrooms.
Magic mushrooms can also be taken in small doses to reduce vomiting. The most effective way to prepare for a shroom trip is to plan how you will do it. Having a great psychedelic experience depends on many factors, but having some food earlier in the day and letting it digest can help prevent food and gastrointestinal problems throughout this psychedelic journey.
Magic mushrooms can also make for a good meal and can effectively satiate your stomach for a bit. You can also keep some light snacks handy for the duration of your travel; it’s usually 4-5 hours long, so you might get peckish.
Understanding Magic Mushrooms
Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, have been a part of human culture for centuries. These fascinating fungi are renowned for their psychoactive properties, which have been used in various medicinal and spiritual practices. But what exactly are these mushrooms, and how do they work their magic?
What are Psilocybin Mushrooms?
Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly referred to as magic mushrooms, are a type of fungi that contain the psychoactive compound psilocybin. This compound is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects that these mushrooms are famous for. Historically, psilocybin mushrooms have been used in religious and healing rituals by indigenous cultures around the world. Despite their long history of use, they are classified as a Schedule I substance in the United States, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. However, recent research is beginning to challenge this classification, as studies explore their potential therapeutic benefits.
How Do Psilocybin Mushrooms Work?
When you consume psilocybin mushrooms, the psilocybin is converted into psilocin, the active compound that induces the psychedelic effects. Psilocin works by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction alters your perception, mood, and thought processes, leading to the characteristic hallucinogenic experience. The effects can vary widely depending on the dose, your individual tolerance, and the environment in which you take them. Some people report profound spiritual experiences, while others may simply enjoy the altered state of consciousness.
Psilocybin mushrooms on an empty stomach
Faster Absorption
Magic mushrooms can be absorbed more easily on an empty stomach. This is because there are no competing substances in the stomach to interfere with the absorption of a drug such as psilocybin. However, it is important to note that consuming psilocybin shrooms requires caution due to the potential risks and the need for safe consumption practices.
This is how it works;
The psilocybin is absorbed through the lining of the stomach and small intestine; after this, the psilocybin is quickly converted into psilocin, its active form, by the enzyme alkaline phosphatase in the liver.
The now metabolized Psilocin acts on the serotonin receptors in the brain involved in hallucinations. It changes perception, feelings and cognitive abilities. Faster absorption of the active chemicals in shrooms can lead to increased effects with more consistency.
Based on personal stories and body chemistry, it makes sense that eating psilocybin mushrooms on an empty stomach would provide a faster onset time.
Masking the Flavour Without Eating
Dried mushrooms can be hard to eat, so eating something with shrooms is nice to mask the flavour.
The easiest way to take shrooms on an empty stomach and mask the flavour is to use mushroom tea. This method not only improves the taste but also reduces stomach discomfort from chitin. You can add a bit of lemon juice to the hot water in the tea for the taste and provide a more intense trip.
Another way to enjoy your shrooms while getting a few calories is magic mushroom edibles. The sugar and flavour in psilocybin gummies can provide a boost, or psilocybin chocolate includes the benefits of chocolate we love.
If you want to eat shrooms dry, you can also try lemon juice concentrate or lemon tek – this helps to break down the psilocybin into psilocin, so your digestive system doesn’t have to do it.
Role of the Digestive System
The digestive system plays a pivotal role in how psilocybin mushrooms affect you. When you consume these mushrooms, the psilocybin is broken down in the stomach and small intestine. Here, it is converted into psilocin, which is then metabolized by the liver.
Once metabolized, psilocin enters the bloodstream and makes its way to the brain, where it exerts its psychoactive effects. The efficiency of your digestive system in breaking down psilocybin can significantly influence how quickly and intensely you feel the effects. This is why consuming magic mushrooms on an empty stomach often leads to a faster onset and more intense experience.
Do Shrooms kick in faster on empty stomachs?
Generally, yes, shrooms kick in faster on a somewhat empty stomach. Therefore, fasting several hours after you eat the magical mushrooms could be recommended. This leaves a clean slate for your stomach and intestines, letting your body digest all the food you ate recently so that it’s possible to digest mushrooms faster once you have eaten them.
If you have nothing in the stomach, there will not be any other mechanism aside from breaking down the magic underlying the mushroom. This can help with onset time and the quality and consistency of the effects.
When eating magic mushrooms, the sensory perceptions and emotional impacts during a trip can be profound. The ‘set & setting’ concept is crucial, as internal states and external environments significantly influence the psychedelic experience. Considerations for both mood and environment prior to consuming magic mushrooms are essential.
However, because mushrooms can be hard on our stomachs, you may avoid unpleasant symptoms and nausea with consumption such as shroom tea or lemon tek. Shroom tea can provide a stomach-calming liquid with the mushrooms, whereas the Lemon Tek can assist your digestive system in breaking down psilocybin.
Sometimes, you can drink tea, kombucha or other foods under 500 calories to keep your stomach at ease.
Can you eat before shrooms?
You can eat before taking magic mushrooms. Consuming magic mushrooms safely involves eating a light meal or snack a few hours beforehand to help minimize nausea and provide a better overall experience. However, it’s important to note that consuming shrooms on a full stomach may slow the onset of their effects.
In case of doubt, you may be better advised to be careful and eat before using shrooms. It also prevents unpleasant surprises. In addition, after eating the mushrooms, some people react differently. This may reduce your experience but also helps avoid vomiting and stomachaches.
Should I eat before going on a trip?
You should eat hours before your trip and digest the food. Otherwise, lightly snack before and have snacks if you get hungry.
What matters is what works for you. Some find eating mushrooms with something in their stomach easier, while others find that eating nothing beforehand helps improve the intensity. There is no correct or false way to answer this because of personal preferences.
If you’re worried, you can incorporate some foods from our list below when consuming the magic mushrooms.
What to eat before shrooms:
When planning to eat before taking shrooms, it is important to consider whether you have an empty or full stomach and choose easily digestible and light foods that won’t cause discomfort during your trip. Some good options include:
Fresh fruits – Fruits like oranges, bananas, apples, and berries are easily digestible and provide a natural energy source without weighing you down.
Vegetables – Lightly steamed or raw vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers can be a good choice, as they are easy on the stomach.
Whole grains – Opt for easily digestible whole grains like quinoa or brown rice, but avoid consuming large portions as they may cause bloating or discomfort.
Nuts and seeds – Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds are good sources of healthy fats and proteins that can provide sustained energy without being too heavy on the stomach.
Yogurt or smoothies – A small serving of yogurt or a fruit smoothie can be a light and nutritious choice before consuming shrooms.
Soup or broth – A clear vegetable or chicken broth can be gentle on the stomach while providing some nutrition.
Crackers or rice cakes – Plain crackers or rice cakes can help settle the stomach without being overly filling.
It’s important to remember that individual experiences may vary, so listen to your body and adjust your choices based on personal preferences. Eating at least a couple of hours before taking shrooms is also a good idea to allow for proper digestion and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort during your trip.
Can I eat While on Shrooms?
What should you eat while you’re on shrooms, and will it affect the trip if you eat? These are common questions with simple answers. The foods you should eat while on shrooms are listed above for what you should eat before magic mushrooms. They are light but nutrient-dense foods that will give your body a lot of nutrition without putting too much in your belly (which might cause a heavy feeling in your gut).
Now, does eating magic mushrooms affect the trip? Based on what we know about how shrooms are digested, as long as you allow for roughly 1 hour for the shrooms to be digested and take effect, eating should not impact the effects very much, if at all. This is because the Psilocybin has already been absorbed and converted into Psilocin, which your body reacts nicely with.
Eating on shrooms is again up to personal preference, but following the guidelines will help. Eating a large pizza might slow you down, but if the psilocybin has settled in already, it’s just the regular effect of eating heavy foods (which we don’t recommend).
Do shrooms make you hungry?
Whether or not psilocybin shrooms make you hungry is a matter of individual physiology, how much you’ve eaten throughout the day, or other factors that contribute to hunger.
In our personal experience, it depends on the dose taken on whether or not the hunger pangs strike.
When microdosing, I find that I get quite hungry as it’s enjoyable and contributes nicely to feeling good; while microdosing – wait for an hour or so so the dose can have its full effect.
While macrodosing and in the thick of it, the desire to eat isn’t really top of mind. Later on in the trip, after the peak, some food might be nice to get comfortable for the come down.
So magic mushrooms themselves won’t make you hungry, but you may get hungry depending on the dose and your state of mind.
If you get hungry on shrooms, wait until your dose has taken effect, as it may sway you from eating when you felt hungry earlier once the psilocybin kicks in.
Why do magic mushrooms cause Nausea?
It is believed that chitin in mushrooms significantly affects nausea with shrooms. To understand how magic mushrooms work, it’s important to note that chitin is an organic fibre not digested by the human intestines. The human body cannot break down chitin with its enzymes; therefore, when consuming a mushroom (or other foods containing chitin), our body doesn’t absorb its entire contents.
It can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Chitin may also absorb water, causing more symptoms like cramping and pain.
How long does it take for a mushroom to get into a full stomach?
Taking psilocybin shrooms on a full stomach may reduce the effects or duration of your trip, some say to about two hours. Usually, this delay is determined by the foods eaten and how well your digestive system functions.
Eating before consuming mushrooms might reduce the trip’s intensity, and some individuals may feel they need to consume more to achieve the desired effects. However, it’s essential to be cautious and mindful of dosage to avoid potential negative consequences.
If you’d like your trip to be more effective the next time, follow our tips from this article.
Safety and Risks
While psilocybin mushrooms are generally considered safe when used responsibly, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. Understanding these can help you prepare for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Consuming psilocybin mushrooms can lead to a range of side effects, some of which can be quite unpleasant. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, which are often attributed to the chitin in the mushrooms. Other potential risks include anxiety, panic attacks, and disorientation. In rare cases, individuals may experience more severe reactions, such as psychotic episodes or dangerously high blood pressure.
To minimize these risks, it’s essential to start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to magic mushrooms. Having a trusted trip sitter—someone who remains sober and can provide support—can also make a significant difference.
Creating a safe and comfortable environment is crucial, as your surroundings can greatly influence your experience. Additionally, individuals with a history of mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, should avoid consuming psilocybin mushrooms, as they may exacerbate these conditions.
By approaching the use of psilocybin mushrooms with caution and respect, you can reduce the likelihood of negative experiences and enhance the potential for a positive, transformative journey.
