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Mushroom quick facts and precautions

Benefits Of Ashwagandha

A large, white mushroom, that as it grows, has a shaggy appearance that resembles a lion’s mane. Studies have demonstrated that lion’s mane helps increase Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) levels, which protects us against degenerative brain diseases that contribute to memory loss. While lion’s mane is best known for improving memory and concentration, studies show it can reduce irritability and anxiety.  Several studies have also indicated that lion’s mane has immune-boosting benefits. Harmful pathogens enter the body through the mouth or nose as we breathe in. Lion’s mane can bolster our defenses by helping to stimulate gut bacteria to trigger the immune system. Lion’s mane mushroom might slow blood clotting. This might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding conditions. Surgery: Lion’s mane mushroom might slow blood clotting and reduce blood glucose levels.

 

REISHI

In a world filled with stress and anxiety, Reishi has become one of the most popular mushrooms to help support a state of calmness. Reishi contains a potent amount of the active compound triterpene, shown in studies to help reduce stress, improve sleep, boost mood, and mental focus. The triterpene found in Reishi has also been shown in studies to enhance immune system response by helping increase white blood cells’ activity in the form of natural killer cells that fight off infections. Reishi is known to have contraindications with pharmaceuticals such as blood thinners, chemotherapy medication, and immunosuppressants.

SHIITAKE

Shiitake mushrooms, primarily grown in Japan, are loved worldwide for their superb taste and coveted for thousands of years by those looking to boost longevity and reduce inflammation. What makes shiitake mushrooms so effective is that they are a great source of B vitamins and have antiviral and antibacterial properties. A study published in the Journal of Obesity concluded that shiitake could help reduce and prevent body weight gain and the build-up of fat. Even more, a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that shiitake can help boost immune function, improve cell function, gut immunity, and reduce inflammation. “Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Shiitake mushroom might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using shiitake mushrooms. Don’t use shiitake mushrooms if you have a blood disorder called hypereosinophilic syndrome. It might make it worse.

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail is a medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional medicine. This fungus is found on dead tree stumps and logs around the world and has a tremendous range of potential health benefits. Turkey tail is packed with antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds that may help boost immunity, support gut health, reduce inflammation, and enhance the efficacy of standard cancer treatments. Avoid taking turkey tail supplements if you:

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding: No research has been conducted on the safety of turkey tail for pregnant or breastfeeding people. 
  • Have diabetes: Turkey tail may lower blood sugar levels and cause levels to drop too low when taken with diabetes medications.
  • Are allergic to mushrooms: Turkey tail is a fungus and should be avoided by anyone with mushroom or mold allergies. 

Cordyceps

In complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), cordyceps is often used as a natural energy booster. Proponents also claim that cordyceps can protect against health issues like fatigue, high blood pressure, upper respiratory infections, inflammation, and kidney disorders.
Some herbalists also believe that cordyceps can boost libido (sex drive), slow aging, and protect against cancer. Possible Interactions: Certain medications may interact with cordyceps, including:

  • Certain diabetes medications (e.g., metformin): In some animal studies, cordyceps has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Combining cordyceps with other antidiabetic medications may cause blood sugar to become too low, resulting in hypoglycemia.11
  • Blood thinners and other anti-thrombotic drugs: Taking these medications along with cordyceps may lower the efficacy of these medications or increase the risk of bleeding.12 However, this interaction has only been reported in lab studies, not in humans. Human trials need to be conducted 

Ashwagandha

Several leading doctors and nutritionists have endorsed Ashwagandha supplements as beneficial for helping the body navigate daily stress, enhance cognitive abilities, lower pain, and reduce inflammation. Some even believe that it can help reduce the visible signs of aging. Ashwagandha is thought to work on neuron GABA receptors, to increase serotonin in the brain to enhance cognitive function. It also provides antioxidant benefits that search and destroy harmful free radicals which have been linked to a variety of diseases, especially related to aging.

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