Best Mushrooms to Take for Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief

The Potential Benefits of Mushrooms for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation and pain in the joints. It affects over 1 million adults in the United States. While there is no known cure, both conventional and alternative treatments aim to relieve symptoms and slow disease progression.

Mushrooms have been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. Today, preliminary research suggests that certain mushrooms and their extracts may be beneficial for managing RA when used alongside standard care.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Mushrooms

Many mushrooms contain complex carbohydrates and antioxidants that help fight inflammation. For example, proteoglycans in maitake mushrooms may inhibit cytokine production - one of the drivers of joint damage in RA.

Both test tube and rodent studies reveal the anti-inflammatory effects of lion’s mane, split gill, and other mushroom varieties. Compounds like beta-glucans prevent immune cells from releasing pro-inflammatory chemicals.

While promising, virtually no clinical trials have tested whole mushrooms specifically for arthritis relief. Thus, most evidence is preliminary.

Mushroom Supplements for RA Treatment

Unlike whole mushrooms used in dishes, supplements contain concentrated extracts in pill or powder forms. Two types now being evaluated for RA are:

Chaga Mushroom Extract

Chaga mushrooms grow on birch trees in cold northern regions. Traditional Chinese Medicine has utilized them to treat joint pain for centuries.

Chaga contains over 200 bioactive substances, including betulinic acid, that regulate inflammation pathways. Early animal research indicates extracts may limit cartilage damage in arthritic joints.

A 12-week pilot study had 37 people with RA take chaga supplements. Significant improvements were seen in quality of life scores, less pain and joint stiffness, and better function compared to standard care alone. Larger trials are currently underway.

Turkey Tail Extract

Turkey tail mushrooms grow worldwide and have antioxidants called triterpenoids. Like chaga, extracts have traditionally been consumed as folk remedies for inflammatory disorders.

Test tube experiments have shown turkey tail modulates several inflammatory pathways, lowers oxidative damage, and protects cartilage tissue in arthritic joints

Human trials are limited but reflect similar benefits. A small 2011 study gave Trametes versicolor extract to 24 RA patients for 9 weeks. Besides lowering inflammatory biomarker levels, nearly all reported relief from pain, joint swelling, and morning stiffness.

Another pilot study in 2018 used higher purity turkey tail extract. It found significant improvements in RA symptoms during the 2-month trial period for the majority of participants.

Mushroom Doses Used in Studies

Product doses differed amongst the mushroom studies but typically ranged from 1,800 mg to 3,000 mg taken daily. Effects were seen within 4 to 8 weeks of use in most cases.

Standardized supplements were used to ensure potency and consistent results. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a quality brand providing verified levels of actives per capsule or serving.

Potential Risks and Considerations When Using Mushroom Supplements

Mushrooms offer proven nutrition as part of culinary traditions across the globe. However, relatively little is known regarding longer term usage of concentrated, medicinal mushroom products.

Supplements in the US are not strictly regulated by the FDA. As such, quality issues are not uncommon. Careful sourcing from reputable manufacturers can help minimize the risks described below.

1. Lack of High-Quality Human Trials

Respected health organizations across the globe now recognize certain mushroom extracts like chaga and turkey tail as emerging complementary medicines for chronic inflammatory disorders.

However, experts agree more late-stage clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed to make conclusive treatment recommendations.

2. Purity and Potency Issues

Independent testing regularly finds quality issues in certain mushroom supplements. These include false claims, missing ingredients, fillers like starches/grains, or dangerous toxins.

Products should supply a Certificate of Analysis from a third-party lab confirming the extract’s identity, purity level, composition, and potency.

3. Inconsistent Dosing Standards

No official dosing guidelines exist for medicinal mushroom products. Reference doses used in studies provide a starting point but effects can vary substantially person to person.

Follow label instructions and work with an integrative doctor or dietitian experienced in using mushroom supplements to find your optimal dosage.

4. Interactions with Medications

Mushrooms have antiviral, immune-stimulating, blood sugar-lowering, and other effects needing caution. For example, protective effects on the liver could alter processing of pharmaceutical drugs.

Case reports have described bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant medications. Be sure to discuss mushroom use with your healthcare providers.

5. Allergic Reactions

Some products may trigger allergic reactions with symptoms ranging from mild itching to severe anaphylactic shock when certain fungi are introduced.

Try a small amount of any new supplement first to check your tolerance. Seek urgent medical help if serious reactions develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are mushrooms safe to eat with rheumatoid arthritis?

Yes. Mushrooms offer a nutritious addition to the diet for most people as part of a vegetable or plant-based dish. However, RA patients taking immunosuppressants should thoroughly cook mushrooms first to prevent foodborne illnesses.

2. Can I take mushroom supplements alongside RA medication?

Mushroom supplements should be considered complementary to standard RA care. Speak to your doctor first before starting. While unlikely to interfere for most people, adjustments in medication doses may be needed in some cases if symptom control or side effects change.

3. How long until I see results using medicinal mushrooms?

Beneficial effects are typically observed within 4 to 8 weeks if using the right mushroom product at an appropriate dose for your needs. Give an appropriate trial period before changing approaches.

4. Which mushrooms are best for inflammation?

Many edible mushroom varieties have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in studies thus far. Best evidence for inflammatory arthritis exists for chaga and turkey tail mushroom extracts specifically.

Shiitake, lion’s mane, maitake and others are now also being studied. However, human data is still considered insufficient to recommend most of them yet for specific diseases.

5. Can I take mushroom supplements long term?

Data on the long-term safety of concentrated mushroom extracts is lacking currently. Periodic breaks from treatment may make sense until more research clarifies appropriate duration guidelines to follow.

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.