Best Mushrooms for Immunity
Only recently gaining mainstream popularity in the West, mushrooms have been utilized for their medicinal properties for centuries in the East. Recent, revelatory research even suggests certain mushroom species, like cordyceps, reishi, and turkey tail contain potent anticancer properties and can have significant positive effects on cancer patients.
Though this subset of research is still ongoing, it is general consensus that mushrooms contain diverse immunoregulatory and immunomodulatory compounds capable of changing and activating the body’s immune system. In this blog post, we will explore which mushroom strains you should consider for immune support and the science behind it all.
Top Mushrooms for Immunity
Ganoderma lingzhi (Reishi)
Originating and historically used in East Asia, Reishi mushroom has had a verifiable resurgence in Western health trends. Reishi contains several molecules, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides and peptidoglycans, that are responsible for its immune action.
Cordyceps
One of the most famous medicinal plants used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, cordyceps are actually parasitic fungi that grow on insect larvae. Don’t let that turn you away! Cordyceps mushrooms are lauded for their anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail)
Rich in a diverse selection of Antioxidants, including Phenols and Flavonoids, Turkey Tail is anti-inflammatory and full of Polysaccharopeptides (protein-bound polysaccharides) that increase white blood cell count and help you fight infection and illness.
Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane)
Though the research is still developing, there is evidence that Lion’s Mane can enhance the response of the intestinal immune system, protecting the body from harmful pathogens. Lion’s Mane improves gut health, and is potentially a good demonstration of the gut’s influence on the strength of the immune system.
Inonotus obliquus (Chaga)
Like other mushrooms on this list, Chaga contains anti-inflammatory properties to reduce your risk of conditions like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Chaga also encourages the creation of new white blood cells, A.K.A. your protectors against invading illness.
How They Affect Your Immunity
Rich in beta-glucans
Beta-glucans are complex polysaccharides (the most abundant form of carbohydrate) found in the cell walls of fungi, including mushrooms. Because beta-glucans act as an immunomodulating agent, they are able to activate immune cells, such as macrophages. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that act as illness and infection exterminators, locating and destroying harmful microorganisms. When activated, they produce Cytokines (proteins in charge of controlling immune cells) that call fellow immune cells to the scene. This leads to a stronger and more effective immune response.
Contain antioxidant compounds
Mushrooms contain antioxidant compounds that can protect the body against free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can be found in air pollution, smoke, and UV rays, which can cause cell damage. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and protect your body on a cellular level.
Have anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. Some mushrooms have been proven to contain anti-inflammatory properties compounds, like Polysaccharides and Triterpenes, that can reduce inflammation and thus improve immunity.
Enhance gut health
Scientists are now diving into the world of the gut microbiome, and the crucial role it plays in the immune system, as well as your greater general wellness. A healthy gut microbiome can help regulate immune function and defend against infections. Mushrooms contain prebiotic fibers, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which feed into healthy gut bacteria. Mushrooms aiding in gut health regulation can indirectly improve your immune response.
Can help fight infections
Mushrooms have long been recognized in traditional Eastern medicine for their antiviral and antibacterial properties. Some studies have shown that certain mushrooms, such as Shiitake and Maitake, can inhibit the growth of viruses and bacteria. By fighting infections, mushrooms can help strengthen the immune system and prevent illnesses.
Mushrooms can be a powerful piece of the immune puzzle, used correctly and from reputable sources. They contain beta-glucans that can activate immune cells, antioxidants that can protect against free radical damage, anti-inflammatory compounds that can improve immune function, prebiotic fibers that can enhance gut health, and antiviral and antibacterial properties that can fight infections.
By incorporating mushrooms into your diet, you can support a healthy immune system and improve your overall health. Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before introducing mushroom supplements into your routine. Do a thorough check of the brand or company providing your supplements, as not all medicinal mushroom aids will be formulated with the same level of care or quality of ingredients.
To learn more about immune-boosing supplements, read our recent article on the benefits of Vitamin D3 & K2 for immunity.
