Mushroom Science
What is a Headwater Performance Fuel
TM
?
Caffeine-free performance hydration powered by certified-organic mushroom fruiting-body extracts
Headwater is a precision-formulated Performance Fuel™ beverage designed to support cognitive endurance, steady energy, and recovery—naturally, without caffeine, high sugar, or artificial stimulants.
Produced in a GMP- and HACCP-compliant facility, Headwater is formulated with certified organic Lion’s Mane and Chaga fruiting-body mushroom extracts, plus plant-based nutrients.
Is Headwater backed by science?
Yes - through ingredient-level research and formulation discipline
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Formulated using well-studied functional mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane and Chaga
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Built on peer-reviewed research examining cognitive function, stress response, and antioxidant activity
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Uses fruiting-body mushroom extracts, where key bioactive compounds are concentrated
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Designed to support focus, resilience, and recovery without caffeine or stimulants
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Ingredient research and sourcing transparency available in the appendix
Headwater does not claim to treat or cure — it is designed using ingredients supported by modern nutritional and mycological research.
CHAGA SUPPORTS
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Antioxidant Powerhouse
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Immune System Booster
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Anti-Inflammatory Properties
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Cellular Repair and Regeneration
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Cellular protection & antioxidant support
LION’S MANE SUPPORTS
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Cognitive Enhancement
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Mood & stress support
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Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Stimulation
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Neuroprotective Properties
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Gut Health Support
What is a mushroom fruiting body extract and why is it important?
The fruiting body is the part of the mushroom naturally richest in the bioactive compounds people want such as:
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beta-glucans
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hericenones
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erinacines
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polyphenols
With no grain fillers or hidden starches making them easier for the body to absorb and use
Lion’s Mane: How It Supports the Brain
A. Supports NGF-related pathways (nerve growth factor)
Lion’s Mane contains compounds being studied for their ability to activate pathways associated with nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is a protein your body uses to support certain neurons—especially those involved in memory formation and learning.
Why this matters: NGF-sensitive neurons play a key role in learning and recall. Supporting NGF-related activity may help maintain healthy neuron function over time, including as you age.
B. Helps maintain synaptic plasticity (how the brain adapts)
Synaptic plasticity is your brain’s ability to strengthen and reorganize connections between neurons. This flexibility supports learning, memory, creativity, and adaptability.
Why this matters: When synaptic plasticity is supported, your brain is better able to adapt—supporting focus, problem-solving, and steady mental performance. Lion’s Mane contains compounds being studied for their role in cellular processes linked to plasticity.
C. Provides beta-glucans for immune balance
Beta-glucans are natural fibers found in the cell walls of mushrooms.
Why this matters: Your immune system has receptors that respond to beta-glucans in ways associated with balanced immune activity—supporting steadiness rather than overstimulation. Balanced immune function supports overall resilience and can help you feel consistently well day to day.
Chaga: How It Supports Cellular Protection & Recovery
A. High antioxidant activity for everyday oxidative stress
Your cells constantly face oxidative stress—the natural “wear and tear” from metabolism, exercise, and daily life. Chaga contains antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, melanin complexes, and triterpenes.
Why this matters: Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals so they create less strain on cells. This supports daily resilience, recovery, and long-term cellular health.
B. Beta-glucans that support immune balance and communication
Like Lion’s Mane, Chaga is rich in beta-glucans—natural fibers found in mushroom cell walls.
Why this matters: Beta-glucans interact with immune receptors involved in normal immune signaling, supporting balanced immune activity rather than overstimulation. That balance supports overall resilience and consistent day-to-day well-being.
C. Compounds studied for supporting stress resilience
Chaga contains bioactive compounds (including triterpenes and polyphenols) that are being studied for their role in supporting the body’s response to physical and environmental stressors.
Why this matters: Supporting healthy stress-response pathways can help you stay steady through demanding weeks—physically and mentally—without relying on stimulants.
Why Extracts Matter (Not Raw Powder)
Raw mushroom powders contain indigestible chitin - something the human body can’t break down efficiently.
Why this matters: Without proper extraction, your body cannot access many of the compounds responsible for Lion’s Mane and Chaga’s studied benefits.
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Water extraction breaks down the cell walls so beta-glucans become available.
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Dual extraction can pull alcohol-soluble compounds such as certain triterpenes.
Fruiting Body vs. Mycelium on Grain
Some mushroom products use mycelium grown on grain, which is easier and cheaper to produce.
Why this matters:
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Mycelium on grain contains far lower levels of beta-glucans.
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It often contains starch from the grain itself.
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It can dilute active compounds significantly.
Fruiting bodies — the part of the mushroom that grows above ground — contain higher concentrations of the studied active compounds. That’s why Headwater uses fruiting-body extracts only.
Ingredient Integrity: Why Every Component Is There
L-Theanine
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A naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea.
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Why it matters: L-Theanine supports calm, steady alertness by promoting alpha-wave brain activity - the same state seen in focused engagement without stress.
Vitamin C
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A well-known antioxidant.
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Why it matters: It works with Chaga’s natural antioxidant compounds to support cellular defense and recovery.
Natural Fruit Essences & Light Agave
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These ingredients are there for flavor — clean, crisp, refreshing, and designed for daily drinking.
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Why it matters: Headwater is designed to deliver the functional benefits of mushrooms while genuinely tasting delicious — bright, refreshing, and free of any mushroom flavor.
What Headwater Does Not Contain - and Why
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No caffeine: stimulation isn’t the goal — steady mental performance is.
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No artificial sweeteners: avoids irritation or chemical aftertaste.
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No preservatives or chemical additives: clean ingredients only.
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No mycelium on grain: doesn’t deliver the compounds associated with cognitive support or cellular resilience.
