Mushrooms And Blood Work: What You Need To Know

Magic mushrooms, or shrooms, are a hallucinogenic fungus that contains the psychedelic compound psilocybin. They are often ingested for recreational purposes, but they have also been the subject of research for their potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health conditions. While they are not routinely tested for in standard drug tests, they can be detected in specialized tests designed to identify hallucinogens. The duration of psilocybin in the body depends on various factors, including dosage, potency, and individual factors such as metabolism and kidney function. The compound is typically eliminated from the body within 15 hours, but traces may be detectable for up to a week in some individuals. Aside from their hallucinogenic effects, mushrooms have gained attention for their potential health benefits, including their ability to lower the risk of cancer, reduce cholesterol levels, and provide cardioprotective effects.

How mushroom extracts affect blood coagulation

Mushroom extracts have been studied for their potential effects on human platelet function and blood coagulation parameters. In vitro screening of eight edible mushroom species revealed that some mushroom extracts may exhibit antiplatelet and anticoagulant activities. However, it is important to note that the effects of mushroom extracts on blood coagulation are complex and not yet fully understood.

One study investigated the effects of hot water extracts from eight commonly cultivated edible mushroom species, including Agaricus bisporus, Auricularia auricularia-judae, Coprinus comatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus eryngii, and Pleurotus ostreatus. These mushroom extracts were chosen because hot water extraction more closely reflects how mushrooms are typically consumed. The study assessed the effects of these extracts on platelet aggregation induced by adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid (AA), as well as their impact on prothrombin time and the international normalized ratio (INR), which are measures of blood coagulation.

The results of the study showed that A. auricularia-judae and P. eryngii extracts exhibited the most promising antiplatelet effects, with a high rate of inhibition of ADP-induced and AA-induced aggregation. G. lucidum extract also demonstrated a dual effect on platelet aggregation, but it was cytotoxic to platelets and leukocytes. P. ostreatus extract had an additive effect on AA-induced platelet aggregation. However, none of the mushroom extracts significantly altered the monitored coagulation parameters (prothrombin time, prothrombin ratio, and INR).

The potential cardioprotective benefits of mushroom extracts have been suggested, particularly for A. auricularia-judae and P. eryngii, due to their ability to control platelet aggregation. However, further research, especially on a clinical level, is needed to confirm these potential benefits and fully understand the effects of mushroom extracts on blood coagulation.

Factors influencing how long mushrooms stay in the body

The length of time mushrooms stay in a person's system depends on various factors, which can be categorized into factors that are within an individual's control and factors that are beyond an individual's control.

Factors that are within an individual's control include the dosage, potency, and type of mushrooms consumed, as well as the preparation method and whether they are consumed with food or on an empty stomach. A higher dosage may remain in the body for longer as it takes more time to break down. More potent mushrooms may have more active compounds, causing them to last longer in the body. The type of mushroom also matters, as each variety has its own composition that may affect how long it stays in the body. The method of preparation, such as consuming dried mushrooms or drinking them in tea, can also impact their potency and subsequent excretion time. Consuming mushrooms with other foods or on an empty stomach may also affect the time it takes for them to leave the body.

Factors beyond an individual's control include their body composition, metabolism, age, and personal tolerance level. An individual's body composition, including their weight and body mass, can influence how quickly the compounds are eliminated from the body. People with faster metabolisms may eliminate psilocybin more quickly than those with slower metabolisms. Age can also impact metabolism, with younger individuals potentially metabolizing compounds more rapidly. Additionally, taking compounds regularly or in larger doses can increase the time it takes for them to leave the system, as the body may develop a higher tolerance level.

Other factors that can influence the detection of mushrooms in drug tests include the time between ingestion and testing, the type of drug test used, and the presence of other substances. The sooner a drug test is performed after ingesting mushrooms, the higher the chances of detection. Urine, blood, and saliva tests typically detect mushrooms within 24 hours, while hair follicle tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days or longer but are less common due to their cost. Additionally, consuming alcohol or other substances alongside mushrooms could affect how they are processed by the body and impact the results of a drug test.

The effect of mushroom consumption on blood pressure

Mushrooms are a flavourful addition to meals with several health benefits. They are naturally low in sodium, cholesterol, fat, calories, and contain many nutrients. Research has shown that regular mushroom consumption may help lower the risk of cancer and improve overall health.

Mushrooms are a rich source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They also contain polysaccharides, their most abundant carbohydrate, which stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. The presence of selenium in mushrooms helps the body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage. Cremini or portabella mushrooms are especially beneficial in this regard.

Vitamin D, found in maitake mushrooms, assists with cell growth, boosts immune function, and reduces inflammation. Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA.

Mushrooms are also being studied for their potential effects on blood coagulation and platelet function, which could have implications for cardiovascular health. Additionally, mushrooms are being researched for their impact on cholesterol levels, with shiitake mushrooms showing promising results.

Mushrooms are also being studied for their potential effects on blood pressure. Sodium is known to cause the body to retain excess fluid, leading to increased blood pressure. Since mushrooms are low in sodium, incorporating them into meals can help maintain flavour while reducing sodium intake. For example, substituting half of the meat in a traditional ground beef recipe with mushrooms can reduce sodium intake by 25%.

While the focus of this discussion is on the positive effects of mushrooms, it is important to note that certain types of mushrooms, known as "shrooms," can contain hallucinogenic compounds like psilocybin. These mushrooms are not the focus of this discussion, which is centered on the more common culinary varieties and their impact on blood pressure.

In conclusion, mushrooms offer a wide range of health benefits, including a potential positive impact on blood pressure due to their low sodium content. Their rich supply of antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients also contributes to their reputation as a nutritious food choice.

The detection of mushrooms in blood tests

Starting with hallucinogenic mushrooms, or shrooms, it is worth noting that they are not routinely tested for in standard drug tests, whether in workplace settings or elsewhere. Common drug tests do not typically screen for the compounds found in shrooms, such as psilocybin and psilocin. This is because these compounds are metabolized and excreted from the body relatively quickly, usually within 5 to 15 hours, depending on various factors. These factors include the dosage, potency, type of mushroom, personal tolerance, preparation method, and individual factors such as metabolism, age, and body composition and kidney function. While specialized tests can detect shrooms, they are costly and not commonly used.

On the other hand, edible mushrooms have been studied for their potential health benefits and positive effects on blood work. For example, certain edible mushroom species contain compounds that may affect platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. Specifically, A. auricula-judae and P. eryngii have shown potential for dual control of platelet aggregation induced by ADP and AA. Additionally, mushrooms are a source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that can prevent or slow cellular damage. They also contain vitamin B6, which helps the body form red blood cells, and vitamin D, which assists with cell growth and boosts immune function. Furthermore, mushrooms are naturally low in sodium, helping to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

In conclusion, the detection of mushrooms in blood work depends on the type of mushroom and the specific compounds being tested for. Hallucinogenic mushrooms, or shrooms, are not commonly detected in standard blood tests due to their rapid metabolism, while edible mushrooms may be studied for their positive effects on various blood-related health markers.

The influence of mushroom polysaccharides on gut bacteria

Mushrooms are an important source of natural bioactive ingredients, including polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. Polysaccharides are the main active ingredients in mushrooms, and they have been shown to have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, and other biological activities.

The gut microbiome is a complex biological community that deeply affects various aspects of human health, including dietary intake, disease progression, drug metabolism, and immune system regulation. Edible mushroom polysaccharides (EMPs) are bioactive fibers that possess a range of beneficial properties, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. EMPs are resistant to human digestive enzymes and serve as a crucial source of energy for the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Research has shown that EMPs can positively impact human health by modulating the composition of the gut microbiome, promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and increasing the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestine. For example, Lentinan, a polysaccharide found in certain mushrooms, has been shown to increase the levels of phylum Actinobacteria while decreasing the levels of phylum Proteobacteria and Epsilonbacteraeota, which can help alleviate intestinal microbiota disorder.

Furthermore, the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and type of glycosidic bond of mushroom polysaccharides can influence their effects on the gut microbiome. While the precise mechanisms by which EMPs affect microbial growth are still unclear, studies have demonstrated their potential to improve health conditions by regulating the composition of the gut microbiome.

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