Medicinal mushrooms as immune guardians – Getting to know mushrooms in medicine – from traditional medicine to modern medicine

Mushrooms have been used by humans in medicine since time immemorial as evidenced by references to their medicinal benefits found as early as 3000 BC. Although AD. Various cultures around the world have used mushrooms for millennia, but modern medicine has only recently rediscovered their beneficial effects and begun to investigate their medicinal properties (1). Currently, several thousand species of mushrooms are known, of which more than 250 are classified as medicinal and have been attributed anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, antimicrobial, and immune-supporting properties. Let’s take a look at these medicinal mushrooms a little closer.

Fungi and man

Medicinal mushrooms offer a number of benefits for a person’s overall health. We share approximately 30% of our DNA with mushrooms and they are a very bioavailable medicine for us. In recent years, these mushrooms have become more popular in the west, are more accessible and have many benefits for our hectic lifestyles.

Fungi grow in extensive mycelia that live for tens to hundreds of years. Mycelium that lies on the soil or underground is surrounded by many microbes that try to attack it. However, the evolution of fungi has provided an effective defence against these predators and the mycelium can thus easily protect itself. It is this strong defence that is thought to be the basis for the medicinal effects of fungi in humans (1). Thanks to receptors in our body, we can recognise substances produced by fungi and thus stimulate our immune system.

The healing effects of mushrooms

The mushrooms are reported to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and anticancer properties. Mushrooms are also known to support the immune system and the production of, for example, stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages or T-cells (2). Extensive research over the last 40 years has shown that some properties of mushrooms retard tumour growth, regulate tumour genes and increase phagocytosis of malignant cells. In addition, medicinal mushrooms can enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy and at the same time protect bone marrow (3). Another of their positive properties is their ability to stimulate the production of cytokines, i.e. proteins acting as mediators in the immune system (4).

Nutritional supplements from mushrooms

Mushroom supplements contain antioxidants, polysaccharides and polyphenols that help support the immune system. Many mushrooms contain key nutrients such as vitamin D, iron, selenium and vitamin C, which are important for the body and overall health. Mushrooms are particularly beneficial for boosting immunity due to their beta-glucan content. Beta-glucans boost the function of macrophages, important for our defences against pathogens. Many mushrooms function as adaptogens, which means they help the body adapt to internal and external stressors, bringing balance and regulating many systems in the body.

There are many immunity-boosting foods that you can include in your daily diet, and mushrooms are definitely one of them:

Chaga

Chaga has been used for thousands of years to boost immunity and treat many viral diseases. It contains high levels of antioxidants that neutralize the free radicals we face in our daily lives. Chaga has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-fungal properties.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is high in antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, essential oils, B and K vitamins or protein. The species Cordyceps militaris has proven to be one of the most effective antiviral mushrooms. Cordyceps helps support the immune system, is also an excellent choice for respiratory ailments, and is revered for its protective properties for lung health. It has powerful healing properties for diseases of the liver, kidneys, reproductive, nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is one of the adaptogens and promotes athletic performance.

Reishi

Reishi has a long history of use in ancient China to reduce stress, calm the mind or for relaxation. Reishi mushrooms are rich in triterpenes, which are naturally calming, anti-inflammatory and also rank among natural antihistamines, valuable for allergies and hay fever. A nutritional supplement of Reishi mushroom can provide antiviral support and aid in the production of T-cells, which are an important part of our immune system. Along with Cordyceps, they are among the adaptogenic mushrooms that help to balance, restore and protect the body, supporting hormonal health, energy levels or immunity.

Eating mushrooms regularly and adding our nutritional supplements to your diet is a great way to boost your immunity. The nutritional benefits of mushrooms cannot be underestimated and eating a wide variety of mushrooms ensures that you get a broader spectrum of beneficial compounds.

Sources:
(1) Stamets, P., Zwickey, H., (2014). Medicinal Mushrooms: Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Science. IMCJ Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684114/
(2) Feng, Lei et al. (2019) The Association Between Mushroom Consumption and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Singapore. IOS Press. [online] Available at: https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad180959
(3) Hirsch, K. R., et al. (2018). Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation. National Library of Medicine. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236007/
(4) Guggenheim, A. G., et al. (2014) Immune Modulation from Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology. National Library of Medicine. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684115/

Portions of this article have been translated from the original English article:
– https://mushrooms4life.com/6-natural-immune-system-boosters/

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