Navigating the human immune system requires ample knowledge and the willingness to put healthy habits into practice. The immune system is meant to protect your body from infections and diseases by fighting off invaders. It allows different cells, tissues, and organs to work together and defend your body against parasites or viruses. But, it’s a component of your body that requires balance. When your immune system is overactive, it’s entirely possible for it to begin attacking itself. This is known as an autoimmune disorder. When the immune system is underactive, your body can become vulnerable to disease. That’s why it’s important to arm yourself with knowledge and start incorporating healthy habits and supplements to boost your immunity.
So, how do medicinal mushrooms fit into the picture? Well, one of the most common uses of medicinal mushrooms is to regulate the immune system and ensure that it isn’t too overactive or underactive. Mushrooms have been used medicinally since around 3000 BCE because of their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. There are a variety of mushrooms that boost the immune system and balance out its functions. Keep reading to learn about the link between medicinal mushrooms and your immune system.
What Are Medicinal Mushrooms?
You might be thinking to yourself, “What makes a mushroom medicinal? How does that make it any different from a regular edible mushroom?” For starters, their composition is different. While both varieties are edible, medicinal types are usually a lot tougher and more bitter due to polysaccharides. They might resemble a clump of dirt in comparison to the typical mushroom you’d see with a cap, stalk, and gills underneath. But it’s due to a high concentration of triterpenes and polysaccharides that it has numerous health benefits. You’ll find that health and wellness companies will often make mushroom blends with mushroom extracts or powders for tea, coffee, or other beverages. Scientific evidence has shown positive effects on a variety of bodily functions. It’s used to regulate blood pressure, boost immunity, and improve brain function.
Using Medicinal Mushrooms for Immunity
One of the biggest health benefits attributed to the medicinal mushroom is a helpful boost for the immune system. It’s also used to improve sleep quality. That’s why Eons uses it to realign the circadian rhythm for overall wellness of the mind, body, and soul. A study from the University of Florida showed evidence of how a shiitake mushroom, which is both edible and medicinal, increased the immunity of those who implemented it into their diet every day. The mushroom’s ability to stimulate a better immune response comes from cytokine production. The US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health revealed a study that cytokine production from mushrooms has resulted in a better cellular immune response. The cytokines are released and protect against infectious agents that cause anxiety, fever, and other symptoms of disease. The fact that they affect immunological pathways and improve cellular immunity is just one of many reasons why people have used mushrooms of the medicinal variety for years.
Medicinal Mushrooms as Treatment for Disease
When it comes to immunity, prevention is only one factor. Once a person already has a specific medical condition, treatment is the next step. Medicinal mushrooms have actually been used as a natural approach to tackle certain diseases or manage specific health conditions. In fact, doctors in Asian countries have even prescribed a variety of mushrooms to treat patients with cancer. They can be a great addition to a person’s diet for cognition, concentration, anxiety, depression, sleep, inflammation, cholesterol, and even effects of aging.
If you’re thinking about adding medicinal mushrooms to improve your health, contact your health care provider. See how you can implement mushrooms into your diet for different functions. It’s a great way to improve your immunity, get better sleep, and even boost your brainpower.
