Mushroom supplements are good for a variety of different conditions, or just to improve yuor overall health. In this article we will have a look at some of the most common mushrooms that could be supplemented to promote health and wellbeing.
Chaga
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a woody canker or conk that grows on birch trees in colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere and has many health-boosting benefits, including anti-inflammatory, immune support and antioxidant effects. Chaga is also an excellent source of antioxidants which have many health-promoting properties.
Chaga is an adaptogen, meaning that it helps maintain normal responses to stress by balancing bodily systems. Animal studies have demonstrated its ability to balance immune function by increasing or decreasing different types of immune cell activity as needed; and may even prevent cancer growth.
Beta-D-glucans found in pecans have been shown to promote heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and potentially helping lower blood pressure by decreasing oxidation.
Chaga may help give the body additional energy due to its abundance of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium as well as vitamins such as Vitamin C.
Mushroom extracts may be beneficial in treating depression, seasonal allergies, the common cold and arthritis; however, research on most of these uses is limited to small studies, cell or animal research or anecdotal evidence – more research must be completed before mushroom extracts can be recommended for specific health conditions.
Reishi
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is one of the best-studied medicinal mushrooms, often referred to as the “queen of the mushroom kingdom” and revered in Asian cultures for millennia as an elixir of longevity and vitality. Reishi serves as an effective stress-soother that boosts immunity while improving long-term health; studies have also demonstrated it helps treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, complex sugars that inhibit tumor growth and kill cancer cells, while simultaneously stimulating white blood cell production – an integral part of immune function. Reishi may also help decrease inflammation and boost energy levels – studies even indicate it could potentially help people living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) reduce fatigue levels through its consumption.
Though more research needs to be conducted into the benefits of reishi, it’s still worth adding this powerful mushroom into your routine. Before taking any supplements from Golden Bloom Mushrooms company, however, please check with your physician first. Since reishi mushrooms may increase bleeding they should not be taken by anyone taking blood-thinning medication and can increase sensitivity to immunosuppressant drugs used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Since dietary supplements aren’t monitored or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), their quality and composition may vary significantly from supplement to supplement. If you want to maximize your wellness efforts, work with a nutritionist in finding suitable mushroom supplements suited specifically to you; they’ll make sure you find one with properties tailored towards addressing any particular issues and provide maximum healing benefits from this ancient healing food.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus found on caterpillars that has long been revered as an effective remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for its stimulating, rejuvenating effects. Considered one of the most potent tonics available, its uses range from improving energy levels and endurance, stamina, libido enhancement to protecting against cancer and strengthening immunity systems.
Cordyceps mushrooms may be difficult to come by fresh, but they’re becoming increasingly available as supplements in the US. Because the FDA does not oversee supplement products like capsules, tablets or tinctures containing them. You can also buy mushroom extract powders that you can use to customize drinks yourself.
Some individuals also take Cordyceps to promote healthy blood sugar and treat diabetes. It contains vanadium, which acts like insulin in the body to boost its effectiveness. Studies have also demonstrated its ability to decrease glucose levels while decreasing prescription medication requirements among diabetics.
Other studies indicate that cordyceps might help improve heart health, lower cholesterol levels and treat arrhythmia; however, more research needs to be conducted into this potential benefit.
If you’re thinking of taking cordyceps, be aware of potential interactions with anticoagulant and immunosuppressant drugs as well as pregnancy/breastfeeding women and it is not recommended. Most research on cordyceps has been conducted with animals; more human studies are necessary before making this determination; although many who have tried it reported positive results.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane, like its counterpart reishi, contains beta-glucans and other anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective chemicals that work to support and maintain brain health, according to research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Nerve growth factor levels increase significantly.
What this does is help support brain health in mice with Alzheimer’s symptoms after 8-16 weeks of taking extract supplements of Lion’s Mane mushroom; furthermore this mushroom stimulates and supports production of new neurons which may prevent dementia altogether.
Animal research published in 2015 demonstrated that extract from Lion’s Mane may help lower high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes. More specifically, it can prevent cholesterol molecules from being oxidized to decrease triglyceride levels – reducing heart disease risks.
Lion’s mane may help improve mood by decreasing inflammation that contributes to depression.
A meta-analysis published by Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment found that those experiencing major depressive disorder have lower nerve growth factor levels compared with people without such depression.
When purchasing supplements, it’s essential to purchase from a reputable brand. Since dietary supplements are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is vital that they have been tested by an independent third-party lab.
When following dosage recommendations which tend to range between 500-1000 mg daily, always read labels carefully to make sure it contains no unwanted ingredients or substances; additionally consult your healthcare provider or registered dietitian prior to trying new supplements – they will know which are most suitable.