Poisonous Mushrooms: What Not To Eat

While mushrooms are commonly consumed by vegans and non-vegans, some people choose to avoid eating them. For instance, a song titled Don't Eat the Mushrooms by Flying Tadpole (Tim Fatchen) cautions listeners against consuming mushrooms found in the woods, as some might be poisonous. Similarly, a blog post by Jennifer's Kitchen details the writer's personal reasons for abstaining from mushrooms, including a belief that mushroom spores can create new life forms in the human body, potentially causing warts and moles. In addition to these concerns, some individuals find the idea of consuming fungi unappealing due to their closer relation to animals than plants in terms of cellular structure and function.

Tiredness and fatigue

If you are feeling tired, it could be due to stress, a lack of sleep, a poor diet, or other lifestyle factors. If you are experiencing fatigue, which is an overwhelming tiredness that isn't relieved by rest, this could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is a condition with extreme tiredness as its main symptom.

If you are concerned about your tiredness or fatigue, consult a medical professional. A GP may refer you to a specialist if they cannot determine the cause. You may need tests, such as blood tests to check for anaemia, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism.

There are some self-help tips you can try to fight tiredness and improve your energy levels. Firstly, ensure you are getting enough sleep. Caffeine can disrupt your sleep rhythms, so it is best to avoid it in the evening. Alcohol can also interfere with your sleep, so it is recommended to cut down on your intake and have several alcohol-free days each week.

Secondly, introduce relaxing activities into your daily routine to reduce stress. Counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might also help with tiredness caused by stress, anxiety, or low mood. Regular exercise can also make you feel less tired in the long run, so aim to incorporate physical activity into your routine, even if it is just a 15-minute walk.

Finally, eating regular meals and healthy snacks every 3 to 4 hours can help maintain your energy levels throughout the day. If you are overweight, losing weight can also help reduce tiredness, as carrying excess weight can be exhausting and puts strain on your heart.

Digestive issues

Mushrooms are a tasty treat and a great ingredient, but they can cause digestive issues for some people. They are not considered a common food allergy, but some individuals can experience allergic reactions, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cramping, abdominal pain, and bloating. These symptoms can be mistaken for mushroom poisoning, but they can also be caused by edible mushrooms that are old, undercooked, or consumed in large quantities.

Mushrooms contain chitin, a substance that humans cannot digest without help from bacteria or protozoa. They also contain mannitol and trehalose, two carbohydrates that are difficult to digest. The cell walls of mushrooms are thick, so thorough chewing is required to absorb the protein and facilitate digestion. Lectins, another component of mushrooms, can cause gastric upset, but they are deactivated by heat.

Some mushrooms, such as Coprinus, should not be consumed with alcohol, as they contain coprine, which interferes with how the body processes alcohol and can cause illness. Morels, while generally safe, can also cause adverse reactions, and some individuals have allergies or intolerances to them.

To avoid digestive issues, it is recommended to cook mushrooms properly, avoid consuming large quantities, and be cautious when trying new types of mushrooms. If you suspect a mushroom allergy, consult a doctor and consider seeing an allergist for testing.

Skin allergies

Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and some people may develop skin allergies to them. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by mushrooms is known as mycopathologia. Symptoms of this allergy include reddening, swelling, and itching at the sites of contact with the mushroom. Similar cases have been reported from North America, Europe, and Russia, involving Agaricus, Boletus, Lactarius, Paxillus, Ramaria, and Suillus species.

In addition to skin allergies, some people may also experience digestive issues when consuming mushrooms. One source suggests that mushroom spores can enter the human body and create warts and moles. This is because mushroom spores can cross with bacteria and create new life forms in the body.

Shiitake dermatitis, also known as flagellate erythema and toxicodermia, is a distinctive rash that can occur following the ingestion of raw or undercooked shiitake mushrooms. It is characterised by pruritic, erythematous, linear streaks that resemble whiplash marks. This rash typically appears 24 hours after ingestion, but onset can occur within a few hours or up to 5 days later. It most often affects the trunk but may also impact the limbs, neck, and head. The rash usually resolves within a few weeks.

If you think you have a mushroom allergy, it is important to consult a physician for a proper assessment. A skin prick test is considered an accurate diagnostic method, where a small amount of mushroom protein is injected into the skin. Treatment for mushroom allergies involves the administration of antihistamines, which are used to manage allergic conditions. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that aloe vera may help ease mushroom allergy symptoms due to its natural anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties.

Not suitable for pregnant women

Pregnant women should avoid consuming wild mushrooms, especially those with unknown or uncertain identities. The risks associated with mushroom consumption during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the developing fetus. Some mushrooms contain toxins that can be harmful to pregnant women and their babies. These toxins can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, potentially leading to birth defects, miscarriage, or other complications. Even mushrooms that are generally considered safe to eat may have varying levels of toxicity, and the risks may outweigh the benefits for pregnant women.

One of the primary concerns is the presence of teratogenic substances in some mushroom species. Teratogens are agents that can disrupt the development of the embryo or fetus, increasing the risk of congenital disabilities. For example, some mushrooms contain high levels of hydrazines, which are known teratogens. Consumption of these mushrooms during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and other developmental issues in the baby.

Another concern is the potential for mushrooms to accumulate heavy metals from the environment, such as lead and mercury. These toxic metals can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus, potentially causing neurological and developmental problems. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heavy metal toxicity, and even low levels of exposure can have detrimental consequences for the baby.

In addition, some mushrooms can act as uterotonic agents, stimulating contractions of the uterus. While this may be beneficial in some cases to induce labor, uncontrolled or premature uterine contractions can lead to premature birth or miscarriage. Pregnant women should therefore refrain from consuming mushrooms with known uterotonic properties, especially during the early stages of pregnancy.

Furthermore, there is a risk of allergic reactions to mushrooms, which can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy. Allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that can affect both the mother and the fetus. Even if a pregnant woman has previously consumed mushrooms without any adverse effects, the potential for an allergic reaction still exists, and the consequences during pregnancy can be more severe.

In summary, pregnant women should exercise caution and avoid consuming wild mushrooms to prevent any potential harm to themselves and their babies. They should consult healthcare professionals or experts in mycology if they have any doubts or concerns about the safety of specific mushroom species. The risks associated with mushroom consumption during pregnancy outweigh the potential benefits, and it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Religious beliefs

While the use of hallucinogenic mushrooms is frowned upon by most organised religions, there is a growing movement among religious leaders to use psychedelics like psilocybin to deepen their faith. Some believe that the consumption of these mushrooms can facilitate mystical experiences and enhance their religious heritage.

In 2017, scientists at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore enlisted two dozen religious leaders from various denominations, including Catholic, Orthodox, and Presbyterian priests, a Zen Buddhist, and several rabbis, to participate in a study on the effects of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. The participants were given two powerful doses of psilocybin in two sessions, one month apart. They were instructed to lie down, wear eyeshades, and listen to religious music to augment their inward spiritual journey.

In Colorado, there is an underground movement of clergy who use psilocybin-laced mushrooms in their religious ceremonies. However, the use of these substances remains taboo in mainline churches.

In Hinduism, strict practitioners avoid the consumption of mushrooms, along with other foods like onions, leeks, garlic, alcohol, and coffee or tea containing caffeine. This is due to the principle of ahimsa, which recommends non-violence against all life forms. Jains, who follow one of the most rigorous forms of spiritually motivated diets, also refrain from consuming mushrooms as they believe they may harbour other life forms and are grown in unhygienic environments.

Some have also speculated that magic mushrooms could be related to religious stories, such as the forbidden fruit in the biblical story of Adam and Eve, or the body of Christ. These theories suggest that the consumption of mushrooms can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others, as well as a shift towards a more universal perspective.

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