Laura Smith
Functional mushrooms are all the rage in health food stores, but do they work? Functional medicine advocates believe in their health benefits, but there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims. Mushrooms are said to alleviate a wide range of ailments, from heart health and type 2 diabetes to allergies and cancers. They are also believed to possess adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage external stressors like sickness and fatigue. While some studies have shown promising results, most research has been conducted on animals or in cell cultures, with limited human trials. The few human studies conducted have small sample sizes and lack placebo control groups, making the benefits unclear. Furthermore, the best dosage and scheduling for each mushroom type are unknown, and potential side effects remain unexplored. As a result, it is essential to exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before consuming functional mushroom products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Forms | Pill, powder, coffee alternative, whole food, tinctures, teas, capsules, supplements |
| Benefits | Boosting cognitive function, supporting immune function, reducing stress, anti-cancer activity, reducing blood sugar, preventing infection, improving kidney function, improving sex drive |
| Side effects | Gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, headache |
| Precautions | Consult a doctor or a registered dietitian before adding supplements to your routine, look for third-party tested supplements with the USP or NFS seal, do not consume instead of seeking help from your healthcare provider |
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What You'll Learn
- Functional mushrooms are available in pill, powder, coffee, and whole food form
- They are said to help with pain, inflammation, sleep, and anxiety
- They may also boost your immune system, lower blood sugar, and prevent infection
- They are not well studied in humans, so the best dosage and schedule is unknown
- They are also called adaptogens, helping the body adjust to external stressors
Functional mushrooms are available in pill, powder, coffee, and whole food form
Functional mushrooms are available in a variety of forms, including pills, powders, teas, coffees, and whole foods. The most common way they are sold is dried and ground into a powder or as an extract sold as a supplement. They can also be found in everyday products like coffee and baked goods.
When it comes to choosing a form, it's important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of each. For example, consuming the whole mushroom may provide more benefits than taking a supplement because the fibres are broken down when the mushroom is processed into pill form. Additionally, the form you choose may depend on your personal preferences and convenience.
If you're interested in trying functional mushrooms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a registered dietitian, to make informed decisions and ensure that it is safe for you. It's also recommended to opt for functional mushrooms produced in the US and organic products to reduce the risk of contaminants.
It's worth noting that while functional mushrooms have been linked to various health benefits, such as improving immune function, boosting cognitive function, and reducing stress, the research is still limited, especially in humans. Most of the studies have been conducted in animal models or have small sample sizes, so more comprehensive human research is needed to fully understand the effects of functional mushrooms.
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They are said to help with pain, inflammation, sleep, and anxiety
Functional mushrooms are said to have a wide range of health benefits, including reducing pain and inflammation, improving sleep, and reducing anxiety. Mushrooms are full of nutrients, compounds, and antioxidants that can have positive effects on the body.
One of the most well-known functional mushrooms is lion's mane, which has been studied for its potential to increase the production of certain proteins that improve brain function. A 2020 human study found that lion's mane supplements helped with Alzheimer's disease. Other potential benefits of lion's mane include minimizing inflammation in GI disease and positively affecting gut bacteria.
Reishi mushrooms are another popular type of functional mushroom. They are believed to support the function of the adrenal glands, which secrete cortisol, a hormone that helps the body respond to stress. Studies have shown that reishi may help protect against stress-induced anxiety and exercise-induced damage to muscle cells. Reishi has also been used to enhance the immune system, improve sleep, and reduce fatigue. However, it is important to note that optimal doses of reishi mushroom have not been set, and side effects may include an increased risk of bleeding and allergic reactions.
Cordyceps is another type of mushroom that has been studied for its potential health benefits. It is known to reduce inflammation and pain levels. A 2020 review found that cordycepin, a major nutrient in cordyceps, has protective effects against inflammatory injuries in various diseases, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and hepatitis.
While functional mushrooms have gained attention for their potential health benefits, it is important to note that human studies are limited, and the FDA does not evaluate functional mushroom products for safety or efficacy. If you are considering taking functional mushroom products, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to check for interactions with other medications and review your medical history.
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They may also boost your immune system, lower blood sugar, and prevent infection
Functional mushrooms are rich in fibre, protein, and other essential nutrients, and some varieties contain compounds with medicinal properties. They are often sold as supplements in pill, powder, or coffee alternative forms, but they can also be cooked and added to dishes.
Some functional mushrooms have been found to positively impact the body's immune system, lower blood sugar, and prevent infection. For example, Reishi mushrooms are labelled as adaptogens, or substances that positively impact the body's stress response. They are also known for their calming properties, which are attributed to the compound triterpene. Reishi also contains beta-glucans, which are beneficial polysaccharides that help prevent infection and stimulate crucial immune functions.
Maitake mushrooms also contain beta-glucans, which stimulate the immune system and increase the production of natural killer cells. These polysaccharides may support cellular immunity to help prevent illness and infections. Additionally, Maitake has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK), which stimulates the immune system. PSK is so effective that it is an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan, and it has been shown to improve the survival rate of people with leukaemia.
Lion's mane is another type of mushroom that is packed with antioxidants and strengthens the immune system. It is unique because it fosters the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor (NGF) and myelin, which are crucial to brain health.
While these mushrooms have been found to have immune-boosting, infection-preventing, and blood sugar-lowering properties, it is important to note that most of the research supporting these claims has been conducted on animals, and more human research is needed. Additionally, consuming functional mushrooms in their whole food form is likely to provide more benefits than taking them as supplements.
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They are not well studied in humans, so the best dosage and schedule is unknown
Functional mushrooms are available in a variety of forms, including powders, teas, supplements, and even coffee and baked goods. They are often sold as a way to improve health and alleviate various ailments. However, it is important to note that functional mushrooms have not been extensively studied in humans, and as a result, the optimal dosage and schedule for consumption is unknown.
While there are numerous claimed benefits of functional mushrooms, most of the supporting research has been conducted in animal models or cell cultures. For example, lion's mane has been shown in rodent studies to have potential benefits for cognitive function and stress reduction. Similarly, reishi has a long history of medicinal use in Asian countries and is believed to boost the immune system and improve sleep, but many of these claims are based on extrapolations from cell cultures or animal studies.
In terms of human studies, the sample sizes tend to be small, and there is a lack of confirmatory follow-up work. For instance, a review of seven randomised controlled trials examining the effects of PSK, an extract of turkey tail, found that the benefits were unclear due to the small number of participants and the lack of placebo control groups. While some studies have shown positive results, such as improved immune system function and reduced side effects of cancer treatments, more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and schedule for functional mushrooms in humans.
It is worth noting that consuming functional mushrooms in their whole food form may provide more benefits than taking them as a supplement. This is because the prebiotic fibres found in whole mushrooms can be broken down when they are processed into supplements. Additionally, the lack of regulation in the supplement industry may lead to concerns about contamination and toxicity. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding functional mushrooms or any other supplements to your routine.
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They are also called adaptogens, helping the body adjust to external stressors
Functional mushrooms are substances that are believed to help the body adjust to external stressors like sickness or fatigue. They are also called adaptogens.
Adaptogenic mushrooms may help reduce the effects of stress. Research has shown that certain types of mushrooms, such as lion's mane, cordyceps, and reishi, may have adaptogenic properties. For example, lion's mane extract has been found to reverse stress-related changes to neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, in rodent studies. It may also reduce levels of inflammatory markers that increase in response to stress, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).
Reishi, or Ganoderma lucidum, is another well-known adaptogenic mushroom with a long history of medicinal use in Asian countries. It has been studied for multiple purposes, including its potential to boost the immune system, lower blood sugar in people with diabetes, and prevent infection.
While these initial findings are promising, it is important to note that research on the adaptogenic effects of mushrooms is still in its early stages, particularly for human studies. Scientists need to conduct more well-designed studies to fully understand the effects of adaptogenic mushrooms on the stress response in humans.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that consuming functional mushrooms in their whole food form, such as cooking with them, is likely to provide more benefits than taking them as supplements. This is because the fibres in mushrooms can break down when processed into pill form.
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Frequently asked questions
Functional mushrooms are believed by advocates of functional medicine to have properties beyond their nutritional makeup that can be beneficial to health. They are also sometimes called adaptogens, which are substances that help the body adjust to external stressors like sickness or fatigue.
Some of the supposed health benefits of functional mushrooms include improved immune system function, reduced blood sugar in people with diabetes, and anti-cancer activity. They are also believed to help with pain, inflammation, and sleep.
There are very few studies of functional mushrooms in humans, so while they seem well tolerated for the most part, there may be some side effects that aren’t yet known. Reishi mushrooms, for example, may cause dizziness and headaches.
Functional mushrooms can be consumed in pill, powder, coffee, or whole food form. Cooking with mushrooms is a great way to add flavour and nutrition to your dish.
While functional mushrooms are generally considered safe, they are not regulated by the FDA, so caution is advised when purchasing supplements due to the risk of contamination and toxicity. It is recommended to consult a doctor or dietitian before adding functional mushrooms to your routine.
