Emily Johnson
Mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years in Eastern medicine and are now becoming more popular in Western cultures as a health supplement. They are a good source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Some mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, and king oyster, have higher amounts of ergothioneine. Turkey tail mushrooms, in particular, have been studied for their potential health benefits, including their ability to strengthen the immune system and act as an adjunct to chemotherapy. However, mushroom supplements may not be suitable for everyone, as they can interact with certain medications, especially blood thinners, diabetes medication, and immunosuppressants. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any mushroom supplements, including MT Community Mushroom supplements, to ensure they are safe for your individual needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom supplement brand | MT Community |
| Mushroom type | Reishi, Turkey Tail |
| Blood-thinning properties | May interact with blood thinners and slow down blood clotting |
| Side effects | May cause allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell count, liver problems, flu-like symptoms, constipation |
| Precautions | Consult a doctor if taking blood thinners, diabetes medication, immunosuppressants, or chemotherapy drugs; not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding |
| Health benefits | May lower cancer risk, improve immune system, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, reduce sodium intake |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Turkey tail mushroom may have blood-thinning properties
- Reishi mushroom may increase bleeding risk in people with low platelet counts
- Mushrooms can lower sodium intake, helping to keep blood pressure low
- Mushrooms may stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria
- Medicinal mushrooms can be used as adjuncts to chemotherapy
Turkey tail mushroom may have blood-thinning properties
Turkey tail mushrooms have been consumed for centuries for their potential health benefits. They were mentioned in traditional Chinese medicine over 2,000 years ago and have been studied by the Japanese for their ability to strengthen the immune system and support chemotherapy. Turkey tail mushrooms are considered safe to consume for extended periods, except for those with a mushroom allergy.
However, some people have experienced minor side effects, such as flu symptoms or constipation. Turkey tail mushroom supplements may also have blood-thinning properties and slow down blood clotting in people with bleeding disorders. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, it is important to consult your doctor before consuming turkey tail mushrooms. This is because the mushroom may affect blood sugar levels and could interact with diabetes medication, causing blood sugar to drop too low.
In addition, the PSP in turkey tail mushrooms can alter how well cyclophosphamide works as a chemotherapy drug. It is important to monitor any potential interactions with cancer drugs and consult your oncologist. Turkey tail mushrooms are not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation, and those with known allergies to other mushroom species should exercise caution.
While functional mushrooms are generally safe, some interactions have been documented, particularly at higher doses. It is always advisable to consult your healthcare provider before incorporating mushroom supplements into your diet, especially if you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions.
Mushroom Mystery: Veggie or Not?
You may want to see also
Reishi mushroom may increase bleeding risk in people with low platelet counts
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, Lingzhi, or Basidiomycetes mushroom, are a type of fungus that has been used in traditional medicine in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries for hundreds of years. They are known for their potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system, treating infections, and promoting overall health.
While Reishi mushrooms have been consumed for centuries and are generally considered safe, some potential side effects and interactions should be considered. One important precaution relates to their impact on blood clotting. Reishi mushrooms have been found to increase the risk of bleeding, especially in individuals who already have a low platelet count. This effect is attributed to their potential antiplatelet properties, which can inhibit blood clotting mechanisms.
Individuals taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, or those with bleeding disorders, should exercise caution when consuming Reishi mushrooms. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before combining Reishi mushroom supplements with blood-thinning medications to avoid any adverse interactions or an increased risk of bleeding.
Additionally, Reishi mushrooms may not be suitable for those with specific medical conditions or allergies. They can cause cytotoxicity in platelets and other cellular blood components, which could be detrimental in certain situations. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating Reishi mushrooms or any other supplement into your routine, especially if you have existing health concerns or are taking medications.
Mushrooms: Nature's Vitamin Powerhouses
You may want to see also
Mushrooms can lower sodium intake, helping to keep blood pressure low
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that is native to North America and Europe. They are known for their delicate flavour and meaty texture, and they are widely consumed for their health benefits. Mushrooms are a rich source of potassium, a nutrient that helps to regulate blood pressure by reducing the negative impact of sodium on the body and lessening tension in blood vessels.
Sodium and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. Sodium causes the body to retain excess fluid, which can increase blood pressure. Mushrooms are naturally low in sodium and can be used in recipes to reduce sodium intake, thereby helping to keep blood pressure low. For instance, a study from the Culinary Institute of America and UC Davis found that replacing half of the meat in a traditional ground beef recipe with mushrooms maintained flavour while reducing sodium intake by 25%.
In addition to their blood pressure-lowering properties, mushrooms are also a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They contain high amounts of selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6, which are essential for a healthy immune system. Vitamin B6 helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA, while vitamin D assists with cell growth and reduces inflammation.
Mushrooms are also a good source of dietary fibre, which may help lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, they contain beta-glucans, a type of fibre that occurs in the cell walls of many mushroom varieties, and folate, which is especially important during pregnancy. The polysaccharides found in mushrooms act as prebiotics, stimulating the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and supporting overall health and mood.
Microdosing Mushrooms: Tolerance and Its Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mushrooms may stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria
Mushrooms are a fungus that has been consumed by humans for thousands of years. They are a valuable source of nutrition and have been used medicinally for over a thousand years. Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They are also rich in vitamin D and B6, helping to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Mushrooms are a prebiotic, meaning they can stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Polysaccharides, the most abundant carbohydrate in mushrooms, pass through the stomach unchanged and can reach the colon to encourage bacteria growth. This is in contrast to many other foods that break down in the stomach, never reaching the gut. The polysaccharides in mushrooms are non-digestible, meaning they can inhibit pathogen proliferation by enhancing the growth of probiotic bacteria in the gut. This is particularly beneficial for the gut microbiota, which can contribute to metabolic dysregulation and inflammation in the intestine, liver, and brain.
Research has shown that mushrooms can improve gut bacteria diversity and promote an environment for healthy bacteria to thrive. This is achieved through the regulation of the gut microbiota, increasing the ratio of beneficial bacteria and reducing the number of harmful bacteria. For example, the Hericium erinaceus species of mushroom maintains intestinal barrier integrity and increases the diversity and richness of gut microbiota. Lentinula edodes acts as a prebiotic, increasing the growth of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and regulating the proportion of Bacteroides/Firmicutes.
There are several edible mushrooms that are known to have a positive impact on gut health. These include Chaga, Reishi, Lion's Mane, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail. These mushrooms have been shown to reduce inflammation, improve bacterial diversity, and boost the immune system. Turkey Tail mushrooms, in particular, have been consumed for centuries and are mentioned in traditional Chinese medical texts. They are considered safe to consume for extended periods and have shown no significant negative side effects for most people. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements, especially if you are pregnant, lactating, or taking medication for other conditions.
Mushroom Overload: Are Too Many Mushrooms Bad for You?
You may want to see also
Medicinal mushrooms can be used as adjuncts to chemotherapy
Mushrooms are a fungus that has been consumed by humans for thousands of years. In recent times, they have become increasingly popular as a functional food and health supplement. Medicinal mushrooms, also known as mycomedicinals, have been used to treat infections for hundreds of years, primarily in Asia. In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments. Turkey tail mushrooms, for example, have been consumed for centuries for their potential health benefits. They were mentioned in the 16th-century Compendium of Materia Medica, a book on traditional Chinese medicine and herbology.
Today, medicinal mushrooms are also used to treat lung diseases and cancer. For more than 30 years, medicinal mushrooms have been approved as an addition to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China. In these countries, mushrooms have been used safely for extended periods, either alone or in combination with radiation or chemotherapy. In Asia, there are over 100 types of mushrooms used to treat cancer. Some of the more common ones are Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (maitake).
Mushrooms are being studied to determine how they affect the immune system and if they can stop or slow the growth of tumours or kill tumour cells. Laboratory and animal studies have tested the effects of the active ingredients in reishi mushrooms on tumours, including lung cancer. Studies suggest that the use of products made from reishi as adjuvant therapy may help strengthen the immune system in patients with lung cancer. Maitake mushrooms have also been shown to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and make it more effective. It is most effective against breast, prostate, and liver cancer. When maitake D-fraction was given to patients receiving chemotherapy for several different cancers, response rates increased from 12% to 28%.
A Cochrane review of five RCTs concluded that G. lucidum could be administered as an adjuvant to conventional treatment due to its potential to enhance tumour response and stimulate host immunity. Patients who were given G. lucidum with chemotherapy and/or radiation were 1.27 times more likely to respond than those given conventional treatment alone. However, it is important to note that medicinal mushrooms can have adverse side effects, and anyone considering taking them should consult their doctor.
Recognizing Oyster Mushrooms: A Beginner's Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
MT Community Mushroom Supplement is a blend of mushroom species including P. eryngii, G. lucidum, H. erinaceus, L. edodes, and A. auricula-judae.
MT Community Mushroom Supplement may have blood-thinning properties. Turkey tail mushroom, for example, may slow down blood clotting in people with bleeding disorders.
Some people have experienced minor side effects such as flu symptoms or constipation. If you are allergic to mushrooms, you may experience adverse side effects such as trouble breathing, throat swelling, or skin rashes.
MT Community Mushroom Supplement may interact with blood thinners, diabetes medication, and immunosuppressants. If you are taking any of these medications, consult your doctor before using the supplement.
MT Community Mushroom Supplement may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It may also reduce the risk of cancer and improve gut health by stimulating the growth of healthy bacteria.
