Types of mushrooms

     The use of mushrooms in medicine stems from ancient times. They have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and were considered to be beneficial in promoting longevity!

   Reishi Mushrooms

    One of the most well-known of the medicinal mushrooms is Reishi which has been used since ancient China. It contains a variety of compounds, including polysaccharides and triterpenoids, which offer its various therapeutic benefits. It is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory nd helps to regulate the immune system by stimulating imune cells. Evidence suggests that it is also beneficial in the management of allergies, and helping the body cope with stress, a primary trigger of autoimmune disease.

    Reishi mushrooms are often dried, ground, and powdered and can be found in coffees, teas, powders, or tablets. There is currently no consensus on the therapeutic dose. Studies have looked at supplemental doses ranging from 1.5 g to 9 g of dried extracts per day. 1 g of the dried extract is about the same as 9 g of fresh reishi mushroom.

Shiitake Mushrooms

    Shiitake mushroom is also effective against autoimmunity as it enhances host resistance against infections by bacteria, fungi, parasites and virus and promotes non-specific inflammatory and immune responses.  In fact, research has found shiitakes to be effective Against 85% of pathogens that it has been tested on, including many species of mold and yeast. Shiitake mushrooms also provide vitamin D and B vitamins, nutrients important for a healthy functioning imune system.

    Shiitakes are available as concentrated extracts and capsules. You will also find them in most supermarkets and can cook them in sautés, soups, and stir-fries. You can also use AHCC (active hexose correlated compound), a concentrated extract that is prepared from shitake mushrooms. When consuming shiitake as a food, a standard portion is 15g dried mushrooms or approximately 150g of raw mushrooms. There are no official doses for shiitake supplements, but manufacturers suggest using 1-2g of dried extract per day (10-20g powdered mushrooms) or 1-2 ml of liquid extract (20-40 drops). One study showed that 5-10g of shiitake per day was sufficient to enhance immune function.

Lion’s Mane

    This unique mushroom is renowned for its ability to support neurological health and cognitive function, but its benefits extend beyond the brain. Due to its polysaccharide compounds, Lion’s Mane has potente anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a useful tool in the battle against autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress often play a significant role in the progression of symptoms. Lion's Mane has the potential to help mitigate these processes by reducing inflammation and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Although more research is required to completely grasp Lion's Mane's impact on autoimmune conditions, its potential to boost general well-being, ncluding brain and immune system health, makes it a promising natural alternative.

Chaga

    Chaga mushrooms are most well-known for their antioxidant activity as well as immune-modulating activity. They can attribute most of their free radical scavenging ability to the polyphenolic and triterpenoid compounds they contain and its immune-modulating activity to the β- glucan polysaccharides. It also assists in balancing blood sugar levels, improves sleep and acts as both an anti-viral and anti-fungal.

Turkey tail

    Turkey tail mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants. In fact, one study found that turkey tails contain more than 35 different antioxidante phenolic compounds plus the flavonoid antioxidants quercetin and baicalein. These compounds are known to support immune function by lowering inflammation and triggering the release of protective compounds.

    Turkey tail mushrooms are also rich in polysaccharopeptides that modulate the immune system so that it can better fight infections. They also contain prebiotic fibers that improve the microbiome for better immunity and overall health.

Cordyceps

    Cordyceps are antifungal and antibacterial. They have modulating effects on the immune system: they can give our immunity a boost when we need it, but can also tamper the immune response when it is overactive as in autoimmune disease. Cordyceps are not cultivated for culinary use and are not available in their whole form. You will find them as tinctures, pills, and powders.