Emma Wilson
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to support immune health and treat infections, lung disease, cancer, and other conditions. Modern scientific research has validated the powerful immune-supportive properties of medicinal mushrooms, which are rich in beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and other compounds that have been shown to support immune health. They can help to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Examples of medicinal mushrooms that may help to support immune health include Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake, Chaga, and Cordyceps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal mushroom types | Reishi, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Agaricus blazei, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Trametes versicolor, Shiitake, Maitake, Chaga |
| Medicinal mushroom benefits | Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral |
| Medicinal mushroom nutrients | Fiber, protein, selenium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, D, and E |
| Medicinal mushroom compounds | Alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, β-glucan, triterpenes |
| Medicinal mushroom effects | Improved immune response, reduced inflammation, improved gut microbiota, improved sleep, reduced anxiety, improved brain health, improved energy |
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What You'll Learn
- Turkey tail mushrooms may improve survival rates and stimulate the immune system
- Reishi mushrooms may reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and balance the immune system
- Lion's mane may promote beneficial gut microbiota growth and regulate the immune system
- Medicinal mushrooms may positively influence the gut microbiota, improving protection against pathogens
- Mushrooms are rich in ergothioneine, an antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage
Turkey tail mushrooms may improve survival rates and stimulate the immune system
Turkey tail mushrooms, named for their colourful, fan-like shape resembling a turkey's outspread tail, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are known to contain compounds that can stimulate the immune system, such as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK). PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment in Japan, and studies have shown that it may improve survival rates for cancer patients.
Turkey tail mushrooms act as nonspecific immune modulators, meaning they can either stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way. In breast cancer patients, for example, those who took capsules of powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function after radiation therapy more quickly than those who didn't. Additionally, turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to boost the efficacy of chemotherapy, reduce its side effects, and improve survival rates.
The compounds in turkey tail mushrooms have also been found to benefit gut health. They contain fibre, which helps maintain healthy digestion, and they may promote healthy gut bacteria. A 2017 review noted that turkey tail mushrooms can alter a person's microbiome, and a 2024 review highlighted their antibacterial properties against several common pathogens.
While turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to have immune-boosting properties, it's important to note that they are not a cure-all. They should be used as a complementary treatment under a doctor's supervision and with their approval. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms and their impact on the immune system.
In summary, turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine and are now gaining attention in modern research for their potential immune-boosting and health-improving properties. While initial studies are promising, more research is needed to fully understand their effects and applications.
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Reishi mushrooms may reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and balance the immune system
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, with medicinal mushrooms being hailed as a "turbo-shot" for the immune system. One of the most popular medicinal mushrooms is the reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or lingzhi. This fungus grows in hot and humid locations in Asia and has been used in traditional medicine throughout the continent.
Reishi mushrooms are unique in their calming properties, which are attributed to the presence of the compound triterpene. They are often referred to as "nature's Xanax" and are known to reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue.
Reishi mushrooms are thought to have immune-boosting properties, which may be due to their ability to affect the genes in white blood cells. White blood cells are critical parts of the immune system, fighting against infections and cancer. Studies show that reishi mushrooms may increase the number of white blood cells in the body and improve their function. Additionally, some forms of reishi may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells, specifically managing the function of T lymphocyte cells (T cells). T cells play a crucial role in immunity and fighting against infections and cancer.
The potential immune-boosting effects of reishi mushrooms may be beneficial for cancer patients. Studies have found that reishi mushroom products helped reduce fatigue, anxiety, and depression in people with cancer. Additionally, reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, complex sugars that can slow or stop tumor growth. Lab studies have also shown that reishi mushrooms stimulate "natural killer cells," which target abnormal and cancerous cells.
While reishi mushrooms have been associated with various health benefits, it is important to note that their safety has been questioned in recent times. Some studies have reported liver problems in participants taking reishi mushroom extract, although it is challenging to determine if the mushroom itself was solely responsible for the observed liver damage. It is recommended that certain groups of people avoid consuming reishi mushrooms, including those taking medications such as anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or blood sugar medication. Additionally, reishi mushrooms may increase the risk of bleeding and could interact with high blood pressure medications. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before adding reishi mushrooms or any new supplement to your diet.
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Lion's mane may promote beneficial gut microbiota growth and regulate the immune system
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to treat infections, lung disease, cancer, and other conditions. They are known to carry a heavy dose of healing compounds and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties.
Lion's mane is one such medicinal mushroom that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting abilities. It is also known to lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, ulcers, and diabetes in animals. Lion's mane may also support gut health by modulating the gut microbiota, acting as a prebiotic.
The gut is often referred to as the body's "second brain" due to its influence on mood and mental health. Proper gut function is essential for nutrient absorption, toxin elimination, and the prevention of inflammation. Lion's mane has been shown to nurture the gut microbiome and combat inflammation, providing a holistic approach to gut wellness. It acts as a natural prebiotic, fuelling the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which is essential for maintaining a balanced microbiome.
Additionally, animal studies have found that lion's mane may help protect against Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative brain disease. It may also help prevent brain damage caused by beta-amyloid plaques, commonly found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's. Lion's mane contains erinacines, which have hypoglycaemic effects. These compounds may inhibit the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, reducing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which may support diabetes treatment.
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Medicinal mushrooms may positively influence the gut microbiota, improving protection against pathogens
Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat infections, lung disease, cancer, and other conditions for thousands of years. They have been central to traditional medicine throughout Asia, and recently, social media has amplified claims about their health benefits. These benefits include boosting energy and immunity, improving digestion and mood, and treating cancer.
Mushrooms are rich in carbohydrates, such as chitin, hemicellulose, β and α-glucans, mannans, xylans, and galactans, which make them excellent prebiotics. Prebiotics are food ingredients that stimulate the growth of beneficial microbiota. Mushrooms act as prebiotics to stimulate the growth of gut microbiota, conferring health benefits to the host. The gut microbiota can contribute to the onset of several metabolic dysregulations, leading to inflammation in the intestine, liver, and brain. However, a healthy gut can support overall well-being by impacting metabolism, neurological health, and immune function.
Medicinal mushrooms can promote gut health by supporting a balanced microbiome, which in turn supports the immune system. The gut-immune connection is pivotal to our well-being, as the intricate relationship between the gut and the immune system allows the latter to learn from the former to respond effectively to pathogens and maintain homeostasis. The intestinal microbiota, composed of trillions of microorganisms, can significantly influence immune function. This relationship is bidirectional, where the immune system learns from the microbiota to respond effectively to pathogens, while the microbiota educates the immune system to function optimally.
The gut microbiota also regulates energy metabolism, and its disruption can lead to immune overreactions, allergies, asthma, or autoimmune diseases. Mushrooms contain bioactive polysaccharides and essential amino acids, as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. These polysaccharides can inhibit pathogen proliferation by enhancing the growth of probiotic bacteria in the gut.
While the research on the specific mechanisms is ongoing, the potential benefits of medicinal mushrooms in positively influencing the gut microbiota and improving protection against pathogens are promising.
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Mushrooms are rich in ergothioneine, an antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage
Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They have been used medicinally for thousands of years, forming a central part of traditional medicine in Asia. In recent years, social media has amplified claims about the health benefits of mushrooms, including their ability to boost energy and immunity, improve digestion and mood, and treat cancer.
Research has shown that ergothioneine, found in mushrooms, is an antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. This amino acid is thought to be responsible for the anti-cancer properties of mushrooms, with studies showing that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. Certain varieties, such as shiitake, oyster, maitake, and king oyster, have higher amounts of ergothioneine. However, researchers have found that incorporating any variety of mushrooms into your diet will have a positive impact.
Mushrooms are also a source of many other nutrients, including fiber, protein, selenium, and potassium, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B12, C, D, and E. They possess several bioactive components, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, polyphenols, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides, such as beta-glucan, have been studied for their immune-stimulating properties, and polysaccharide-K (PSK) found in turkey tail mushrooms is an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan.
Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to positively influence the gut microbiota, improving protection against pathogens and enhancing innate and adaptive immune responses. They contain β-(1,3 and 1,6) D-glucans, known as Biological Response Modifiers (BRM), which can trigger various immune responses and act as safe immunomodulating agents. Additionally, mushrooms can stimulate cytokine production, which plays a crucial role in the immune response to cancer.
Overall, mushrooms are a rich source of ergothioneine, an antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage, and they provide a wide range of additional health benefits that contribute to their immune-boosting properties.
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Frequently asked questions
Medicinal mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, maitake, king oyster, chaga, cordyceps, lion's mane, turkey tail, and reishi are all associated with immune-boosting properties.
Mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. β-glucan, a polysaccharide commonly present in mushrooms, has been studied for its immune-stimulating and prebiotic properties. Mushrooms also contain ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage.
Mushrooms can be consumed in a variety of ways, including as a dietary supplement in powder, capsule, or liquid extract form. They can also be added to soups, stews, sauces, smoothies, teas, and desserts.
