What Happens to Your Body When You Take Mushroom Supplements

Recently, the popularity of mushroom supplements has skyrocketed. Derived from mushrooms such as reishi, maitake, and lion’s mane, these supplements are praised for their health benefits. Now, people are turning to them for a variety of reasons, from boosting immune health to reducing stress to improving mental clarity and focus.

If you have any questions about what happens to your body when you take mushroom supplements and whether they are safe, we have the answers. So if you can use a little fungal magic, keep reading to discover what these supplements can do for you.

What are mushroom supplements?

Mushroom supplements are concentrated versions of different types of medicinal mushrooms. However, these are not the mushrooms you commonly find in supermarkets. Typically available in powder, capsule, and tincture form, these supplements are derived from mushroom varieties such as reishi, maitake, and lion’s mane. And each brings its own set of benefits.

Potential benefits of mushroom supplements

The health benefits of mushroom supplements vary depending on the type and dosage taken. Here’s what they can do for your health:

May help manage stress

Reishi mushrooms have been a cornerstone of traditional medicine for centuries, especially in Asian cultures. Its main health benefit is its profound ability to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Reishi mushrooms boast adaptogenic properties, allowing the body to better cope with and adapt to various stressors. The active compounds found in Ganoderma, such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides, help regulate the body’s stress response by regulating the production of the stress hormone cortisol.,

May support your immune health

If you’re taking mushroom supplements that include maitake, you may have luck during cold and flu season. Why? Maitake mushrooms (also known as chicken of the forest) are rich in a unique immune-supporting fiber called beta-glucan. In the body, beta-glucan strengthens the function of various disease-fighting immune cells by defending against pathogens and infections.

May improve brain function and mental concentration

Taking mushroom supplements containing lion’s mane can support cognitive health and help you focus more clearly. Lion’s mane mushrooms contain brain-strengthening bioactive compounds such as herisenone and erinacin. These have been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factors, which are important for the growth, maintenance, and survival of brain cells. NGF is also essential for learning and memory, so lion’s mane supplements may help improve concentration.

Potential risks and precautions

Although mushroom supplements have many potential health benefits, it is essential to be aware of the possible risks. First and foremost, people who are allergic to fungi should be careful as these supplements can cause allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, and respiratory problems. Additionally, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing medical conditions should consult their health care provider before starting any new supplements to avoid side effects.

Although these supplements may be helpful for adults, they are not suitable for children. “I generally do not recommend mushroom supplements for children under the age of seven, because their immune systems are still developing and functional mushrooms will interact with their immune function,” he says. Masu. Daniel Ryan Dawson, RH; He is a registered herbalist and Director of Education and Innovation at Four Sigmatic. She also says that reishi mushrooms can lower blood pressure and should be avoided when taking blood pressure medications.

It is also important to source mushroom supplements from reputable manufacturers to ensure quality and safety. Some products may contain contaminants or may not meet their claimed efficacy and may be ineffective or lead to potentially harmful consequences. It’s also important to stick to the recommended dosage, as overdosing on mushroom supplements can cause digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach.

What to look for in a mushroom supplement

When choosing a mushroom supplement, look for one that doesn’t contain fillers, additives, or unnecessary binders. These can dilute the effectiveness of the supplement and cause unwanted side effects.

You can also look for supplements that are USDA Organic certified and have third-party lab testing done by organizations like NSF. “Mushrooms are bioaccumulators, which means they have a great ability to absorb what they grow,” Dawson says. “This means they can pick up things like heavy metals from the substrate and accumulate them.”

conclusion

Mushroom supplements can be a beneficial addition to your wellness routine, offering a variety of health benefits including reduced stress, enhanced immune function, cognitive performance, and mental clarity. However, it is important to use it responsibly and adhere to recommended dosages. Of course, it’s best to consult your health care provider before starting any new supplements, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. Although not everyone will experience the same effects, incorporating mushroom supplements into a balanced, healthy lifestyle can be a natural way to boost health for many people.