Mushroom Consumption: Creatinine Levels Increase Or Decrease?

While some mushrooms are known to be beneficial for kidney health, certain types of mushrooms can also cause acute renal failure and kidney injury. Consuming wild mushrooms, in particular, has resulted in a significant number of poisonings, with some cases requiring intensive care treatment. On the other hand, mushrooms like shiitake, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane have been associated with improved kidney function and are often recommended for those with kidney issues due to their low potassium content. Studies have shown that these mushrooms can positively impact kidney health, improve renal function, and lower serum creatinine levels.

Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms reduce serum creatinine

Mushrooms have been recognized in various cultures and modern scientific studies for their potential health benefits, including kidney health. Certain types of mushrooms, when incorporated into the diet, may offer kidney health benefits.

Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi, are best known for their immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and kidney-protective properties. They have been associated with improved kidney function and the health of blood vessels. A 2021 study published in Nutrients found that Reishi reduces kidney inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, which plays a significant role in kidney damage. Reishi has also been found to reduce proteinuria and nephrosis by making the kidneys less permeable and improving their capacity to filter toxins.

Cordyceps mushrooms, also known as Cordyceps sinensis, have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries as a kidney tonic, especially for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD). They are known to enhance kidney filtration, reduce inflammation, and improve energy levels. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Cordyceps reduces serum creatinine levels and proteinuria, which are key markers of kidney function decline. Another study in 2014 on Cordyceps Sinensis showed potential in managing kidney disease by improving renal function and lowering serum creatinine.

Combining Cordyceps and Reishi provides comprehensive kidney support, targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, and energy levels. While these mushrooms show promising results in supporting kidney health, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary regimen, especially if you have pre-existing kidney conditions.

Lion's Mane mushroom powder may reduce creatinine levels

Mushrooms have been recognized in various cultures and modern scientific studies for their potential health benefits, including kidney health. Some mushrooms, such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane, possess properties beneficial to kidney health, such as supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and providing essential nutrients.

Lion's Mane mushroom, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a type of mushroom that grows on the trunks of dead hardwood trees, such as oak. It has a long history of use in traditional East Asian medicine for various conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and stomach problems. While there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support all of these traditional uses, studies suggest that Lion's Mane mushroom may indeed have therapeutic benefits.

Lion's Mane mushroom powder, made from fresh mushrooms, is a convenient way to incorporate the fungus into one's diet. It can be mixed into hot water, tea, coffee, smoothies, or other beverages. It can also be added to soups, stews, or gravies. When consumed, Lion's Mane mushroom may offer kidney-protective effects by reducing the rise in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) levels, as seen in a 2017 study. Additionally, the extract of this mushroom has been shown to reduce pathological damage to the kidneys.

While the potential benefits of Lion's Mane mushroom powder for kidney health are promising, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet, especially if you have pre-existing kidney conditions or are taking any medications. Furthermore, while Lion's Mane mushroom powder is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, some mild side effects, such as stomach discomfort, may occur in certain individuals.

Shiitake mushrooms are low in potassium

Mushrooms have been recognised for their potential health benefits, including positive impacts on kidney health. While mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane have been specifically linked to kidney health, Shiitake mushrooms are also beneficial for kidney health due to their low potassium content.

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are a savoury ingredient popular in Asian cuisine. They are high in fibre and low in calories, fat, and protein. They are an excellent source of vitamin B, zinc, and vitamin D. They also contain selenium, copper, manganese, and several other B vitamins.

People with kidney problems need to monitor their potassium intake. This is because the kidneys regulate potassium levels in the body. Shiitake mushrooms are lower in potassium than white button and portobello mushrooms, making them an ideal food for those with kidney issues.

In addition to their low potassium content, Shiitake mushrooms have other benefits for kidney health. They are a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the kidneys from oxidative damage. They also contain eritadenine, a compound that reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, and beta-glucans, which reduce inflammation and prevent the intestines from absorbing cholesterol.

Mushroom poisoning can cause acute renal failure

While some mushrooms are known to have positive effects on kidney health, certain species of mushrooms can be toxic and cause mushroom poisoning, which can lead to acute renal failure. Mushroom poisoning is a significant concern, with an estimated 100 out of 100,000 or more species of mushrooms worldwide being toxic. From 1999 to 2016 in the United States, there were 133,700 cases of mushroom exposure reported, and mushroom poisoning occurs annually in Korea.

Mushroom poisoning can result in severe health issues, including acute kidney injury and elevated transaminases. The clinical presentation of mushroom poisoning typically starts with digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed by other symptoms like headache, anorexia, and chills within 24 to 36 hours of ingestion. Renal failure can occur 2 to 20 days after ingestion, progressing towards terminal chronic kidney disease.

Orellanine syndrome, caused by Cortinarius mushrooms found in Europe, Australia, and Japan, is one example of mushroom poisoning that can lead to acute renal failure. These mushrooms inhibit protein synthesis and generate free oxygen radicals, resulting in tubulo-interstitial nephritis. Another syndrome associated with mushroom poisoning and renal failure is Amanita nephrotoxic syndrome, characterized by early gastrointestinal symptoms, mild hepatitis, and severe acute kidney injury with acute interstitial nephritis.

The specific type of mushroom ingested is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment for mushroom poisoning. While some cases of mushroom poisoning can result in end-stage chronic renal failure, others may be reversible with proper medical attention. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate medical help if mushroom poisoning is suspected, and individuals should be cautious when consuming wild mushrooms to prevent poisoning and potential renal failure.

Mushroom toxins can cause kidney failure

While mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane, and Shiitake are known to have beneficial impacts on kidney health, certain wild mushrooms can cause acute kidney injury and even failure. Mushroom poisoning is classified into two large groups based on whether the time elapsed from intake to symptom occurrence is shorter or longer than 6 hours. Poisonings caused by the Amanita and Cortinarius genera belong to the latter group (2-21 days). Species from the genus Cortinarius contain two types of toxins, cortinarins and orellanines, which show a high renal tropism, inhibiting protein synthesis in tubular cells.

A case study reported a couple presenting at the emergency department with severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting occurring 10 hours after eating mushrooms they had picked and cooked. Both patients presented with acute kidney failure, which was complicated for the husband by metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia. The husband's condition worsened, and he presented with chronic end-stage kidney failure requiring chronic dialysis.

Another case study reported the first case of acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to confirmed ingestion of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms. A 15-year-old male developed symptomatic AKI 36 hours post-ingestion of the mushrooms and was admitted to the hospital with hypertension, nausea, and abdominal pain. His creatinine levels were at 450 mmol/L. However, outpatient follow-up confirmed a complete resolution of his renal function.

Amatoxin syndrome is the most common intoxication resulting from mushroom poisoning. Amatoxins are thermostable, so cooking or freezing does not alter their toxicity. Clinical presentation typically starts 6 to 12 hours after mushroom ingestion, with cholera-like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. After 48 hours or more, severe hepatic failure and kidney failure ensue. Patients with kidney failure due to fungal toxin ingestion can present with leukocyturia (50%), hematuria (45.2%), and proteinuria (30.6%). Diagnosis is confirmed by finding the toxin in body fluids or tissues.

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