The Potential Benefits and Risks of Taking Myco Mushroom Supplements

The Potential Health Benefits of Myco Mushroom Supplements

Mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for centuries to promote health and longevity. Modern research has shown that mushrooms contain a variety of beneficial compounds that may offer health advantages. One mushroom that has gained attention recently is the reishi mushroom, known scientifically as Ganoderma lucidum.

What is the Myco Mushroom?

The myco mushroom, also known as reishi mushroom or Lingzhi mushroom, is a fungus that grows on wood in hot, humid environments. In supplements, extracts of reishi mushroom or myco mushroom powder are used. These extracts contain polysaccharides, triterpenoids, amino acids, and other compounds found in the mushroom fruit bodies and mycelia.

Studied Health Benefits of the Myco Mushroom

Over the past few decades, researchers have been studying the potential health effects of myco mushroom supplements. While more research is still needed, early studies suggest myco mushroom extracts may offer certain benefits:

• Boost immune system function
• Support cardiovascular health
• Stabilize blood sugar levels
• Anti-aging effects
• Anti-tumor effects
• Reduce fatigue and chronic fatigue
• Protect the liver
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiviral, including against COVID-19 virus

Myco Mushrooms and the Immune System

Myco mushroom supplements may help enhance immune function through several mechanisms. They increase the activity of macrophages, neutrophils, T cells, and NK cells - all vital components of the immune system. Reishi mushrooms also boost immune function by increasing levels of cytokines and immunoglobulins.

Some early research found that taking reishi mushroom extract enhanced certain secondary immune responses in people over 60 years old. The mushroom supplementation also led to positive effects on inflammation in aging adults.

Effects on Blood Sugar and Diabetes Management

Controlling blood sugar levels is important for those with diabetes as well as for healthy individuals. Research indicates myco mushroom extracts can lower blood sugar in diabetic animal models. This effect is likely due to compounds in reishi mushrooms that act similarly to insulin by transporting glucose into cells.

One study gave elderly patients with impaired glucose tolerance 1.44 grams per day of reishi mushroom powder. After 12 weeks, the participants had significantly decreased hemoglobin A1C levels compared to the placebo group. Their postprandial plasma glucose levels also declined.

Myco Mushrooms and Heart Health

Cardiovascular diseases are a widespread problem throughout the world. Myco mushroom supplements may offer certain cardiovascular protective effects. In animal research, reishi mushrooms had antihypertensive effects, lowering blood pressure. This demonstrates their potential to protect against heart complications.

Additionally, a study in men and women over 55 years old found reishi mushrooms decreased plasma lipids, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol after 4 weeks of supplementation.

Thanks to the combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, and hypotriglyceridemic effects demonstrated in lab and animal studies, myco mushroom supplements show promise for promoting heart health.

Are Myco Mushroom Supplements Safe?

When taken orally as powders or extracts at appropriate dosages, reishi mushroom supplements appear to be well-tolerated and safe for most healthy adults.

Possible Minor Side Effects

Some people report temporary digestive upset, including stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea and constipation when taking reishi mushroom products. These side effects are usually mild.

Are Myco Mushrooms Safe During Pregnancy?

There is not reliable data on the safety of taking myco mushroom supplements during pregnancy. Therefore, it is best for pregnant women to avoid reishi mushrooms until more research establishes their safety.

Medication Interactions

Reishi mushrooms can interact with blood thinners and blood pressure medications. If you take these types of medications, consult your doctor before taking myco mushroom supplements.

Make Sure to Buy High Quality Products

As with any supplement, its essential to purchase high quality myco mushroom extracts from reputable suppliers. Inferior products may be contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides or toxic mushrooms.

Recommended Dosages

Human studies use dosages ranging from approximately 1.5-5 grams per day of myco mushroom extract. The best reishi mushroom supplements will provide a supplement facts label listing the concentrations of active ingredients.

Look for standardized extract that contains 10-15% polysaccharides or 10-15% triterpenes. Or choose a reishi mushroom powder made from the fruiting bodies or mycelia of the mushroom.

Work with a Health Professional

To determine the right myco mushroom dosage for your needs, consult an integrative medicine practitioner, dietitian or another healthcare professional. They can also advise you on potential interactions with medications or other supplements youre taking.

The Takeaway

Early research on reishi mushrooms offers hope that myco mushroom supplements may provide certain health advantages. They appear to benefit immune function, blood sugar regulation, heart health, and more. However, larger scale human trials are still needed.

Reishi mushrooms are generally well tolerated as long as you take them in appropriate quantities. Look for high quality mushroom extract products from ethical suppliers. To customize the dosage and get other guidance, work with a healthcare practitioner.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.