Paul Stamets Stack: what you need to know
Paul Stamets is a world-renowned American mycologist, author and champion of medicinal mushrooms. During the last years he developed a new microdosing formula. According to him, the combination of psilocybin (the active ingredient in microdosing truffles), niacin (vitamin B3) and the functional mushroom Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) has a positive and lasting effect on the brain. Niacin (vitamin B3) ensures an extra good absorption of the active substances. He calls this stacking of the different substances the 'Stamets Stack'.
This package contains everything you need to get started right away with your own stacking experience!
What is the dosage for the Stamets Stack?
- Lion's Mane drops: 10 to 30 drops per microdose day
- Microdosing XP Truffles: 0.5 to 1 serving per microdose day (1 serving = 1gram)
- Flush Niacin B3: 0.25 to 0,50 tablets per microdose day
Time of intake:
- Lion's Mane extract and Microdosing XP truffles should preferably be taken in the morning (between 8 and 10 am) on an empty stomach or after a light breakfast.
- Do not take niacin (vitamin B3) in the morning on an empty stomach. Take it after a light breakfast.
- Do not take Lion's Mane extract in combination with carbonated drinks.
Option 1: Stacking' Lion's Mane protocol
A microdosing protocol or routine is the schedule which you follow while microdosing. For the Stamets Stack, we recommend following this protocol:
- DAY 1 to 4: Stacking (microdosing days)
- DAY 5 to 7: Rest (no ingestion)
- DAY 1 - 4: Stacking (microdosing days)
- DAY 5 to 7: Rest (no ingestion)
- Repeat for up to 1 month
- Reset: 2 to 4 weeks rest in between cycles
Note: During the rest days you can continue taking the Lion's Mane extract.
Option 2: Microdosing Institute Protocol
In consultation with James Fadiman, who has been advising the Microdosing Institute coaching team since 2017, Microdosing Institute protocol has now become a recognised method that the Microdosing coaching team has been recommending with great success for over two years now. The 'Every other Day' Protocol is a derivative of the well-known Fadiman Protocol, where you microdose once every three days. James Fadiman has developed this protocol especially as a research protocol, where the third day is a 'rest and reflection day'. This is important to experience the difference with a Microdosing day, this is your baseline.
- DAY 1: Microdosing day
- DAY 2: Transition day
- DAY 3: Microdosing day
- DAY 4: Transition Day
- CYCLE: 4 to 8 weeks
- RESET PERIOD: 2 to 4 weeks of rest
Niacin: Interaction, contraindications and safety
- Hypersensitivity to vitamin B3
- Liver diseases
- Ulcer of the stomach and/or duodenum
- Gout
- Alcoholism
- Very low blood pressure
- Reduced renal function
Interaction
Antibiotics, oral contraceptives, isoniazid and alcohol may adversely affect the vitamin B3 status. Taking extra vitamin B3 may then be desirable.
Niacin inhibits the breakdown of anticonvulsants such as primidone, phenobarbital and carbamazepine, increasing the risk of overdose and toxicity of these drugs.
A high intake (more than 500 mg) of niacin should be avoided in case of impaired liver function, gall bladder disease, asthma, gout, cardiac arrhythmia, inflammatory bowel disease, migraine, active peptic ulcer and when using blood pressure lowering drugs.
Niacin in high doses (more than 500 mg) can influence the blood glucose metabolism. Diabetics should be aware of this.
Safety
Niacin promotes insulin resistance and reduces glucose tolerance in a dose-dependent manner. In non-diabetics, the blood glucose level usually remains within the normal range; in diabetics it is advisable to take a maximum dose of 1.5 g niacin per day (at this dose, the effect on the blood glucose level is minimal).
Niacin in doses above 50 mg may cause a 'niacin flush' with reddening of the face, arms and chest (sometimes with slight swelling of the skin) and a burning, stinging and/or itching sensation and sometimes headache. These symptoms usually last from 30 minutes to an hour. This reaction can be severe, but is harmless and transient. It is not an allergic reaction. This flush can be limited by gradually increasing the dose and combining niacin with a vitamin B complex and vitamin C.
Niacin is a supraphysiological dose that reduces the excretion of uric acid, which may increase the risk of hyperuricemia and gout.
A dose of niacin above 3 grams per day may be toxic to the liver (increased liver function tests, jaundice) and cause gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite, flatulence, diarrhoea, peptic ulcer).
Niacin may aggravate an allergic reaction by stimulating the release of histamine.
A dose of niacin from 1000 mg per day can significantly increase homocysteine levels; giving vitamin B6 in addition to niacin prevents an increase in homocysteine levels.
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