If you haven’t heard of the many benefits of medicinal mushrooms for gut health, then you may be interested to know that these potent fungi may provide fiber, prebiotic content, and important immune-modulating effects. We’ll discuss the best mushrooms for gut health and recommend one of the best functional mushroom brands on the market.
The use of medicinal mushrooms dates back thousands of years. The Greek physician Hippocrates used medicinal mushrooms as potent anti-inflammatories. Ötzi, the Ice Man who lived 5300 years ago, carried medicinal mushrooms to help him survive the Alps. Although functional mushrooms have been used for centuries, it is only recently that modern science has rediscovered what the ancients knew long ago: mushrooms can be reservoirs of powerful medicines. Certain varieties are considered among the best mushrooms for gut health.
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What Are the Best Mushrooms for Gut Health? Here Are the Facts. is an original (Health11News) article.
The best mushrooms for gut health support your microbiome
Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in your health, as it aids in digestion and supports your immune system. A microbiome imbalance can lead to an overgrowth of potentially harmful microorganisms that may disrupt the body’s equilibrium. A healthy microbiome is the foundation for a strong immune system. The best mushrooms for gut health contain prebiotics, which serve as nourishment for probiotics; these probiotics, in turn, help increase the population of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. The presence of healthy gut bacteria helps build a robust immune system, thereby influencing the body’s ability to fight infections.
The best mushrooms for gut health contain beta-glucans
Beta-glucans are sugar compounds found in bacteria and certain plants that may unlock the immune system’s full potential. Beta-glucans have the potential to stimulate immune function by increasing the production of white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. Medicinal mushrooms containing beta-glucans provide not only fiber to support blood sugar levels and improve digestion but also possess prebiotic and immune-regulation properties that can have a positive impact on the microbiome and gut health. Let’s explore some mushroom varieties that are rich in beneficial beta-glucans.
The best mushrooms for gut health
Lion’s Mane grows on hardwood tree trunks and features long strands resembling a waterfall. Lion’s Mane has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate digestive issues. Studies suggest that it promotes the growth of good bacteria, protects against gastric ulcers, and helps with inflammatory bowel disease.
Reishi, also known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” contains over 400 different bioactive compounds, including beta-glucans. These compounds promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. Reishi has been shown to support intestinal cell integrity, protect against ulcers, and balance the gut microbiome.
Chaga is a fungal mass that grows on the side of birch trees and may appear like a clump of burnt charcoal. Despite its appearance, Chaga is rich in nutrients and is considered one of the best mushrooms for gut health. This fungus has shown promise in supporting digestion and modulating inflammation, potentially benefiting conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Turkey Tail has been shown to help enhance beneficial gut bacteria and reduce harmful bacteria. The beta-glucans present in Turkey Tail may also boost immune function by increasing natural killer cells. Additionally, the mushroom may stabilize the microbiome after antibiotic use. Turkey Tail is abundant in prebiotics, which help to maintain a healthy gut balance and reduce indigestion.
Cordyceps mushrooms, also known as caterpillar fungi, are another variety of mushrooms that contains high levels of beta-glucans and may support a healthy gut.
A premier source of the best mushrooms for gut health – Real Mushrooms
Not all mushroom extracts and supplements actually contain the mushroom or its fruiting body. Many products on the market claim to contain mushrooms, but the reality is that they do not. The marketplace is flooded with products that primarily consist of the grain on which the mushroom root system or mycelium grows. This residual grain also contains high levels of starch.
Skye Chilton, the founder of the supplement brand, Real Mushrooms, grew up in the mushroom business. His father, Jeff, is a pioneer in the field of functional mushrooms. Both individuals are committed to educating consumers about the difference between mushrooms and mycelium. Skye Chilton says, “Many consumers, and even health practitioners, are being misled into believing they are consuming mushrooms when the products are nothing more than mycelium-cultured grains. Very few of the important medicinal compounds found in functional mushrooms are in these products.”
At Real Mushrooms, only the fruiting bodies are used in their products. They also conduct scientific analysis to measure the beta-d-glucan levels in their mushroom extracts and ensure that the percentages stated on the label are accurate. For example, their Lion’s Mane and Turkey Tail product labels indicate the content of 300mg of beta-d-glucans, while Reishi contains 250mg of beta-d-glucans. This level of transparency gives consumers the necessary information to distinguish between high-quality and inferior products.
What to keep in mind when looking for the best mushrooms for gut health
Consumers should select products that explicitly mention the inclusion of the mushroom’s fruiting body rather than just mycelium. It is important to check the label to ensure it clearly states the percentage of beta-glucans in the product. If, for example, a mushroom supplement has a high polysaccharide content but a low beta-glucan content level, it may not provide the expected benefits as polysaccharides can also measure starches.
If you wish to conduct additional research, we’ve included some helpful links below. The best mushrooms for gut health will specify the beta-glucan content on their supplement facts panel rather than solely in their marketing material. Now that you know what to look for, you can make a more informed choice when purchasing mushrooms for gut health.
CNN: The humble mushroom is the newest superfood
New York Times: Are mushrooms the future of wellness?
Forbes: A first-timer’s guide to healing with functional mushrooms
Shape Magazine: The mushroom benefits for health you should know
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
