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My Story: Dr. Ardigò tells his story
BY DR. WALTER ARDIGÒ
Longevity from within: how Reishi, Cordyceps and Agaricus blazei support youth, energy and long-term health
In recent years, research into longevity, energy and fitness has radically transformed anti-aging. Today, we know that staying young isn't simply about reducing wrinkles or maintaining radiant skin but rather involves maintaining the efficiency of the biological systems that keep the body energetic, strong, and stress-resistant day after day.
Blood circulation, cellular oxygenation, mitochondrial function, liver health, antioxidant systems, and inflammation control: these mechanisms determine how quickly we age... or stay young.
In my medical and personal journey, I have learned that when these systems work in harmony, the body not only ages more slowly, but also maintains energy, alertness, and physical performance over time.
Medicinal Mushrooms stand out as being some of the most studied and effective natural tools for supporting long term health. Their extraordinary biochemical richness and ability to act simultaneously on multiple processes make them among the most complete active ingredients for those who wish to protect their health, increase daily energy, and support active longevity.
In particular, the three Medicinal Mushrooms Reishi, Cordyceps and Agaricus key components in health and anti-aging protocols.
Active longevity: walking the Rota Vicentina at 69
When we talk about longevity, we often think of it as an abstract concept. I believe, however, that true biological youth is extremely tangible: it's the ability to move with pleasure, breathe well, recover energy, and maintain physical strength and mental alertness over time.
This conviction was strengthened when, in the spring of 2025, at the age of 69, I walked the Rota Vicentina with my wife who is the same age as me. Days of walking, differences in altitude, and daily kilometers tackled at a steady pace.
No extreme performance, no forcing: simply a body that responded, recovered and adapted.
We hiked towards southern Portugal, along the cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic. To the left, sand dunes, low vegetation and forests; to the right, the infinite ocean and its powerful waves crashing against the rocks in a constant thunder: the power of nature, vital energy, and impetuous forces.
It was a solitary journey, far from traffic, which gave us incredible views and a feeling of ancestral strength.
This experience was practical confirmation of what I have been observing for years: longevity and natural energy are not a matter of genetic luck, but of properly supported physiology.
Anti-aging means keeping the body efficient
From a medical perspective, aging is not an enemy to be fought, but a natural process to be slowed by supporting the key systems involved in keeping the body energetic and youthful: circulation, cellular energy production, detoxification, defense against oxidative stress, and control of inflammation.
The Medicinal Mushrooms Reishi, Cordyceps and Agaricus are some of the most effective natural tools for acting on these mechanisms in a profound and physiological way, because they communicate directly with the body's regulatory systems.
Reishi and its longevity benefits: efficient circulation and deep tissue nourishment
Reishi is traditionally known as the Medicinal Mushroom of Longevity. In my approach, I use it primarily for its anti-inflammatory (cortisone-like), antioxidant, and cardiovascular support properties.
It is an excellent cardiotonic and, thanks to its adenosine content, exerts a mild vasodilation, essential for maintaining good blood perfusion and correct oxygenation of the body (Rajasekaran, 2012; Sudheesh, 2009; Chen, 1995; Yan, 2013; Berne, 1980; Wu, 2010). Furthermore, its anxiolytic action helps protect blood vessels from the effects of stress.
When blood flows better, tissues receive more oxygen and nutrients and eliminate toxins more quickly. This affects not only the surface of the skin, but also the deeper organs and tissues.
While walking, good cardiovascular function allows for more efficient energy distribution, which translates into stronger muscles, greater stamina, and faster recovery times.
Reishi's triterpenes, thanks to their cortisone-like action, also help reduce chronic low-grade inflammation, one of the main accelerants of aging. At the same time, Reishi stimulates endogenous antioxidant defenses, protecting cells, tissues and organs from oxidative damage, which is the cause of numerous diseases.
The result is a more resilient organism, capable of maintaining well-being, vitality and health over time: these are the main longevity benefits offered by Reishi.
Cordyceps: vital energy, oxygenation and young mitochondria
If I had to indicate an excellent remedy to support true energy, I would say, without hesitation, Cordyceps.
Its action starts in the mitochondria, where ATP is produced. This is the main source of cellular energy, the "fuel" that makes the entire body work.
Thanks to its active ingredients, in particular cordycepin and adenosine, Cordyceps improves the efficiency of the Krebs cycle, optimizes oxygen use and increases energy production, making the body stronger and more efficient.
It's not a nervous or stimulating energy, but a stable and profound metabolic force, because it comes from an increased availability of oxygen. With each breath, those who use Cordyceps increase blood oxygenation by 4.8% and work strength by 8.3% (Yi, 2004).
During prolonged activities such as walking the Rota Vicentina, this difference is evident: breathing remains regular, fatigue arrives later, and recovery is quicker.
From an anti-aging perspective, supporting mitochondria means addressing the root cause of cellular aging, increasing energy and overall well-being.
Agaricus blazei: efficient liver and protection from oxidative aging
There is no true longevity without an efficient liver.
Agaricus blazei is one of the Medicinal Mushrooms I use most often to support deep detoxification and protection from oxidative stress.
The liver is the master regulator of metabolism, hormones, and the elimination of toxins and free radicals. When it functions optimally, the body's aging process is significantly slowed.
Agaricus increases liver strength and function: on the one hand, it supports detoxification processes, on the other, it exerts a powerful antioxidant action, essential for protecting cells from free radicals produced internally or those from the environment, such as pollutants and UV radiation.
Why Medicinal Mushrooms make a difference in longevity and natural energy
What makes the Medicinal Mushrooms Reishi, Cordyceps and Agaricus so valuable is not a single effect, but their ability to act in an integrated way on blood circulation, oxygenation, energy production, liver detoxification, counteracting oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as supporting physical and mental resilience.
This is why I consider them essential not only in anti-aging protocols, but also for those who want to stay active, sporty, and strong as they age.
Walking for 11 days, covering approximately 200 km at 69 years old, is not just a physical feat: it is a tangible indicator of excellent health.
Conclusion: staying young means staying functional and healthy
True longevity is not just living longer, but living better: with natural energy, alertness, and freedom of movement.
The Medicinal Mushrooms Reishi, Cordyceps, and Agaricus represent natural, refined, and physiological tools to support the body on this path.
They don't promise miracles. They offer something more reliable: real support for the mechanisms that keep the body young, healthy, and active over time.
It's the approach I've been pursuing for years in my clinical practice and in my daily life. And it's the same approach that has allowed me, along with my wife, to walk, breathe, and fully enjoy my body even at 69.
It's not "anti-aging”.
It's lasting health.
