Mushroom coffees and teas have become increasingly popular within recent years. A common star of these concoctions is the powerful chaga mushroom, which has one of the highest ORAC scores of any food. The higher the ORAC value, the better a food’s ability is to protect the body from free radicals. That also means that chaga mushrooms are one of the best sources of antioxidants.

What Is The Chaga Mushroom?

The chaga mushroom is quite ugly in appearance, but don’t let looks sway you from this nutritional powerhouse. These mushrooms grow in wild places like Northern Canada, Siberia, and Alaska. They mainly grow on the outside of birch trees in very cold climates, but they also grow on chestnut, beech, and alder trees. Because of their distinct appearance, chaga mushrooms are very easy to identify. They are lumpy and the exterior looks like burnt charcoal with a softer, yellowish, squishy core. 

For hundreds of years, Northern European countries have incorporated chaga mushrooms into traditional medicine. Historical accounts state that chaga mushrooms were used to treat diabetes and gastrointestinal cancer in those aforementioned areas of the world. Like other medicinal mushrooms, chaga mushrooms require the introduction of hot water or alcohol to break down the tough cellular walls. In doing so, the mushroom’s benefits become available for human consumption. Continue reading to learn about some amazing health benefits of chaga mushrooms. 

May Prevent And Treat Cancer

There are many impressive testimonials about people using medicinal mushrooms, including chaga mushrooms, to help them beat cancer. Laboratory studies show that chaga mushrooms can inhibit cancer progression, but not enough human studies exist yet. In one study, researchers observed tumor-bearing mice that were given chaga mushroom extract. The results indicated a 60% reduction in tumor size, while mice with metastatic cancer experienced a 25% reduction in their number of nodules. One study looked at chaga mushroom’s effects on cancerous human liver cells. The study found that chaga extract may be able to prevent liver cancer cell growth. 

May Lower Blood Sugar

A few different animal studies linked chaga mushroom to lower blood sugar levels, so it may be beneficial for those with diabetes. In one study observing diabetic mice, chaga supplementation led to a 31% decrease in blood sugar levels over the course of three weeks. Another study in obese, diabetic mice found that chaga extract aided blood sugar reduction and insulin resistance, compared to the diabetic mice that didn’t receive the supplement. Because human research is currently unavailable, it is not yet clear whether or not chaga can manage blood sugar levels in diabetic humans. 

Exhibits Potent Antiviral Activity

Chaga mushroom appears to exhibit antiviral properties against several viruses. Research from 2015 found that chaga extract had an antiviral effect on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. In several animal studies, chaga extract exhibited antiviral effects against the hepatitis C virus. By examining animal cells, researchers found that chaga was able to decrease the infective properties of hepatitis C by 100-fold in just 10 minutes. As of right now, it looks like this mushroom may be a worthy candidate to rival antiviral drugs, but more research is necessary. 

May Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural immune response that can help protect the body from infection and disease. Long-term or chronic inflammation, however, has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and other serious conditions. Several animal test-tube studies suggest that chug extract can positively impact immunity by reducing long-term inflammation. One animal study found that chaga extract was able to reduce inflammation from ulcerative colitis in animal subjects. This anti-inflammatory effect in the colon was due to chaga extract’s ability to suppress the expression of chemical mediators of inflammation. 

Stimulates The Immune System

Chaga mushroom extract works to promote the formation of beneficial cytokines, which are specialized proteins that regulate the immune system. In doing so, chaga ultimately stimulates the production of white blood cells, which you need to fight off viruses and bacteria. Other animal and test-tube studies note that chaga can prevent the production of harmful cytokines that can trigger inflammation. In some animal studies, researchers observed that chaga extract boosted immune function by increasing the production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and T lymphocytes, two types of immune cells. Other research found that chaga extracts can stimulate spleen lymphocytes, which positively affect the immune system.

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It’s very common for people to supplement with vitamins and minerals nowadays. Vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, omega-3, turmeric, and medicinal mushrooms are common supplements. Another supplement that receives a lot of attention is folic acid, which also exists in fortified foods. It’s the synthesized version of folate, the natural form of vitamin B9, which you can find in a wide variety of natural foods. 

What Is Folate? 

Folate is a water soluble vitamin that encourages proper fetal growth and development, reducing the risk of some common birth defects. It also supports healthy cell division and assists the body with red and white blood cell production. Folate supports DNA and RNA and even helps the body convert carbohydrates into energy. In a nutshell, folate does quite a lot for the body, which is why it’s such an important nutrient. And the great news is that you can get it from many different foods. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adults and children over the age of 14 should consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate per day. For reference, that’s about 1.5 cups of boiled spinach. Pregnant women should consume 600 mcg of folate each day to encourage healthy fetal development. Learn how to add more folate to your diet by reading about the foods below. 

Asparagus

These healthy spears offer a wide variety of nutrients, including folate. A half-cup of cooked asparagus fulfills 134 mcg of folate, which equates to about 34% of your recommended daily intake (RDI). Asparagus exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, in addition to offering lots of heart-healthy fiber. 

Black-Eyed Peas

Many legumes, including beans, lentils, and black-eyed peas, tend to contain more folate than most other foods. The exact amount of folate varies between legume varieties, but one cup of cooked black-eyed peas contains about 200 mcg. Comparatively, one cup of cooked kidney beans contains 131 mcg. Black-eyed peas are very easy to incorporate into several dishes, but you can always opt for lentils, black beans, or kidney beans if you prefer. 

Leafy Greens

Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, and arugula are all examples of leafy greens. Not only are they rich in key vitamins and minerals, but they also exhibit lots of folate. For example, one cup of raw spinach provides 58.2 mcg. Leafy greens are also rich in fiber, magnesium, and vitamins A and K. Several studies found that eating more leafy greens may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of certain cancers. 

Brussels Sprouts

Just like leafy greens, Brussels sprouts are brimming with health benefits. They contain kaempferol, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage. Unfortunately, many people have a love/hate relationship with Brussels sprouts. For those who enjoy them, a half-cup of cooked Brussels sprouts offers 47 mcg of folate. 

Papaya

This nutrient-dense fruit is known for papain, a proteolytic enzyme that helps break down proteins into peptides (small protein fragments). That’s not all papaya is good for, though. Papaya is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, antioxidants, and, of course, folate. One cup of papaya contains 53 mcg of folate. One thing to note is that pregnant women should not consume unripe papaya, as it may induce contractions. 

Avocados

When it comes to loading up on omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and folate, your go-to source should be avocado. The monounsaturated fatty acids in avocado help to encourage healthier heart and brain function. Additionally, you can satisfy about 21% of your RDI of folate when you eat one-half of a raw avocado. And we all know how easy it is to do that!

Beets

The vibrant color of beets is quite mesmerizing, but it also indicates that they exhibit potent antioxidants. Beets contain nitrates, which are plant compounds that may help reduce blood pressure. The potassium in beets may also help with this process. In addition to providing the body with manganese and vitamin C, beets offer about 148 mcg of folate per one cup. 

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A recent survey found that the average American adult drinks coffee daily. Be it a morning cup that puts the body in motion or an afternoon pick-me-up, people have to have their java. While a cup of black coffee does exhibit health benefits, guzzling cup after cup can have adverse effects on your health. 

Coffee starts to become unhealthy the moment sugar, sweeteners, creamers, or dairy products enter the cup. Since coffee is the first thing that most people put in their bodies to start the day, why not make it healthier? In reality, people should start their day with water, but it’s not as popular as coffee. Water does give you life, though, just saying. Anyways, if you’re the type of person who enjoys a cup of joe in the morning, you can enhance that cup with a few simple tips. Sneak some extra nutrients in there!

Choose Quality Beans

People have their opinions about organic versus non-organic foods, but it’s best to purchase organic, fair trade coffee. You can taste the difference between a five-dollar bag and a 15-dollar bag of coffee! The quality of coffee will vary depending on how the beans were grown and processed. It’s a common practice for growers to spray coffee beans with synthetic chemicals, which humans should not consume. Additionally, buying fair trade means that you know the origin of the product, certifying that the farmers that grow the coffee receive a fair price. Plus, their communities benefit as well. 

Embrace Cinnamon

Some people have the same bottle of cinnamon sitting in their spice cabinet for years. It’s not a popular spice, for some reason, despite the fact that it exhibits powerful flavor and health benefits. Next time you brew your morning coffee, throw in a couple dashes of cinnamon into the cup. Cinnamon offers powerful antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Some research found that cinnamon works to regulate blood sugar and insulin. You can enhance the health benefits by pairing cinnamon with complementary spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger.

Don’t Overload With Sugar

A cup of black coffee has health benefits, but people quickly tip the scales into the unhealthy realm with the addition of sugar, creamers, and artificial sweeteners. Artificial creamers, especially low-fat creamers, contain a lot of sugar and processed ingredients. Some nutritionists claim that they contain questionable ingredients that humans should not consume. Additionally, plant-based creamers are not always as healthy as people think. Artificial sweeteners and creamers have been linked to an increased risk of obesity and heart disease. Finally, limit the sugar you add to your coffee. Don’t pour it out of a giant container; rather, pour it into a small spoon and then mix it in, but don’t keep pouring spoonful after spoonful. 

Make Mushroom Coffee

Don’t worry, you aren’t about to see a layer or stir-fried mushrooms floating atop your cup of coffee. Mushroom coffee is a blend of ground mushrooms and coffee beans. When you pour boiling water over this blend, the result is a dark, smooth cup of coffee with a nutty flavor. The mushrooms that are in these blends typically include chaga, reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and turkey tail. These medicinal mushrooms may help to reduce anxiety, enhance immune function, and lower inflammatory markers. Some of these mushrooms may even reduce the risk of cancer development. Do your research and find a reputable brand that has great customer reviews. 

Add MCT Oil

MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil is a supplement that many athletes and body builders use, but it’s also popular among keto diet followers. The shorter length triglycerides are easier for the body to digest than longer-chain fatty acids in other foods. According to a study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who added MCT oil to coffee experienced higher levels of leptin (a hunger-suppressing hormone). MCT oil can actually make you feel full for a lot longer and can help keep blood sugar stable. 

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It’s no secret that we live in the age of distraction. With endless information at our fingertips, both on computers and cellphones, completing a 30-minute task can seem like an impossible feat. People can’t even make it through a one-minute video! In theory, a person should be able to accomplish a lot within an eight-hour workday, but this proves difficult if you don’t have solid work habits. 

According to psychologists, it’s unlikely that people focus or give undivided attention to any one task for more than three to five minutes at a time. Emails, text alerts, social media notifications, calls, conversation, and more are primary distractions. The crazy thing is that you can leave all of those things by the wayside, but you’re drawn to those distractions. Each person is very capable of avoiding work by paying attention to the aforementioned distractions. 

How Do You Fight The Distractions?

The ability to focus is one of the hardest things to master in this life, and it’s one of the primary keys to success. The fact of the matter is that the brain can’t deal with perpetual distractions that try to disrupt your focus. However, you are able to train your brain and avoid the temptation of common distractions. You have to power to find more focus at work to function better and not be dependent on distractions. Below, you’ll find out what these tips are and how they can help improve your focus at work.

Put Your Phone Face Down

Studies have shown that each notification you see on your phone results in a small release of dopamine in the brain. The alert makes you feel excited, connected, and happy. It’s not feasible for someone to go from checking their phone all day to not checking it at all. For this reason, start small by facing your phone down and turning off the ringer. If you don’t see the notification, you won’t want to check it constantly. Additionally, set a timer on your phone for once every hour. Dedicate no more than five minutes to checking texts or emails, and then set the phone face down again.

Work In Blocks

Experts say that our attention span and ability to focus wanes as we continue to work throughout the day. By the end of the workday, it’s more common to get sucked into the vortex of distractions. It’s beneficial to set timers to take small breaks toward the end of the day. Reset your focus every hour by stretching, walking around the office, or listening to a song. 

Embrace Mushrooms

We’re not talking about magic mushrooms, although the medicinal properties of brain-boosting mushrooms seem magical. Thanks to numerous teas, capsules, and powders, it’s easy to make a focusing cup of mushroom tea that helps enhance attention and productivity. Some great mushrooms that improve focus and cognition include cordyceps, maitake, lion’s mane, and reishi. You won’t get the jitters of caffeine when you take these mushrooms, either!

The Pomodoro Technique

Spoiler alert: this helpful tip does not involve eating the classic Italian tomato sauce that you mix with pasta. The Pomodoro technique is a proven work schedule that involves working for 25 undisturbed minutes, and then breaking for five minutes. The “pomodoro” is the 25-minute focused time of work. Studies have shown that people who work in shorter bursts with frequent breaks are more productive than those who try to engage in a more traditional work schedule.

Plan Out Each Hour

Many people thrive off visual goals, so writing critical tasks down for each hour helps the brain stay motivated. If you need to accomplish a task within the next hour, write it down and you’ll be more determined to complete it. Write down tasks every hour and you’ll find that you can manage your work much more efficiently. Crossing them off your list also fills you with great satisfaction.

Schedule Distraction Time

Everyone needs distractions, no matter who they are. Some people need to check social media and others need to get lost in a pointless game that helps reduce stress. Make your distractions work for you, not against you, by scheduling distraction time. You can think of this time as a small reward for powering through work for a solid chunk of time. Remember, set a time limit on this distraction time to avoid losing control. 

Practice Things Without Distractions

How do you get better at avoiding distractions? The answer is that you practice not being distracted. Start small by eating lunch without watching something on your phone. Eat your meal and don’t read, check emails, or watch YouTube videos on your phone. Once you finish, reward yourself with some distractions. Don’t doodle on your notepad in meetings or play on your phone. Be in the meeting. These things will help you develop a less-distracted work life. 

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Medicinal mushrooms have taken the health world by storm. You can eat mushrooms in their raw form, but the new trend is powder, and they go far beyond portobellos, buttons, and oysters. Nowadays, you can find supplements and functional powders that consist of medicinal mushroom blends. Some of the most popular varieties include lion’s mane, reishi, turkey tail, chaga, and cordyceps. 

What Are Mushrooms?

Health experts consider mushrooms to be in a tier above common superfoods like kale, avocado, or acai. Nothing against those delicious foods, but mushrooms are in a class of their own: functional foods. They contain nutrients that help energize the body and even assist with fighting common diseases. Not all of these mushrooms are appetizing, or readily available in stores, which is why they are available in dried, dehydrated, or powder form. 

What Is Mushroom Powder?

The use of medicinal mushrooms is far from a new trend. Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to mushrooms as the “elixir of life.” People brewed mushrooms into teas in the past, but modern convenience allows manufacturers to create mushroom powder blends that contain a high concentration of super nutrients. After drying out mushrooms, they are ground into a powder. Once the mushrooms are in powder form, it’s easy to mix them into various food preparations. The most common and trendy way to consume mushroom powder is in coffee or tea, but it’s possible to take them as supplements as well. 

The Benefits Of Mushroom Powder

Every single medicinal mushroom contains a signature blend of polysaccharides, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and enzymes that benefit the body. One polysaccharide, beta glucan, helps to balance immune function, instead of enhancing or suppressing it. Because of this trait, mushroom powder is a better alternative to cholesterol or anti-inflammatory supplements, which can occasionally trigger autoimmune responses.

Good For Your Heart

According to several studies, cordyceps mushroom powder may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. High LDL levels increase your risk of heart disease, so lowering these levels can reduce damage to your heart. Cordyceps have also exhibited the ability to lower triglyceride levels in animal studies. More human studies are necessary for conclusive evidence. 

Balance Immunity

As we mentioned earlier, beta glucans and other polysaccharides help to support a healthy immune system. By balancing the immune system, you can avoid unnecessary autoimmune flare-ups. Chaga mushrooms, in particular, work to stimulate spleen lymphocytes, which work to regulate immune function. These lymphocytes help the body fight off bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. 

Keep Yourself Young

Looking for the fountain of youth? We can’t promise that it’s at the bottom of a mug that contains mushroom powder tea, but mushroom powder may help fight early signs of aging. Mushroom powder contains a diverse mix of powerful antioxidants, which work to fight free radical damage and oxidative stress. Lessening the amount of free radicals in the body can help slow the signs of aging and contribute to better health. Some studies found that reishi mushrooms have the ability to extend life expectancy. Reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage helps boost longevity. 

Boost Your Brain

Boosting brain power and reducing the risk of cognitive decline has become a popular health trend. Many studies reveal the link between poor gut health and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Naturally, people want to be sharp as they age, so people turn to the power of mushrooms. Lion’s mane mushroom reigns supreme when it comes to boosting brain power! Several studies found that it helps to reduce the impact or neurodegenerative diseases. Mushroom powder may also mental clarity and improve your ability to focus. 

Anti-Cancer Properties

Both turkey tail and reishi mushrooms may potentially reduce the risk of the development of certain cancers. According to several reports, polysaccharide-K in turkey tail mushrooms is an acceptable prescription for cancer patients in Japan. A systemic review of reishi mushrooms found that people undergoing chemotherapy responded better when taking reishi supplements. Additionally, reishi mushrooms increase NK-cell activity to increase white blood cell activity to fight infections. 

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A garden is a tranquil sanctuary that provides endless opportunities. You can use it to grow food or you can harness the power of herbs to benefit your health. You don’t even need a garden! Purchase pots, soil, and small herbs, give them love, sunshine, and water, and then prepare them in various ways. From tinctures and syrups to teas and seasonings, herbs have myriad uses and can help improve memory, reduce arthritis symptoms, and even fight the common cold.

Some herbs thrive outdoors, while others grow better indoors. At the end of the day, you can easily grow them in pots without the need for a plot of land. Even if you live in an apartment and only have a five-foot by seven-foot balcony, you can grow the herbs in this article. Reap the health benefits of herbs year round when you grow them at home. Continue reading to learn more about starting your medicinal, herbal garden. 

Aloe Vera

Every person can benefit from inviting aloe vera into their life. The gel has soothing, cooling, antibacterial, emollient, and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s possible to use it to reduce the pain and itchiness of sunburns, or even add to smoothies to encourage healthier digestion. Apply it to the skin to help reduce acne or the symptoms of eczema and rosacea. It’s a hardy plant that grows indoors and outdoors. Bring it inside during colder months and leave it outside in the warmer months. Just make sure it doesn’t have full sun exposure, because it will wilt. 

Rosemary

Rosemary is a shrub that has woody stems and aromatic needles. The rosemarinic acid in the needles have powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties. Several studies found that the antioxidants in rosemary exhibit anti-cancer effects, while the anti-fungal properties proved effective against listeria and H. pylori. For a healthy rosemary plant, make sure the soil is properly aerated. Water only when the soil is dry. It can take a while to grow, but don’t be afraid to trim the leaves if you want to cook with them. 

Tulsi

Known for its antioxidant, adaptogenic, immune-boosting, antidepressant, and mucus expelling properties, tulsi is a wonderful herb to grow at home. You may be more familiar with tulsi’s other name, holy basil. It’s a traditional folk herb that is beneficial for improving cognitive abilities, making it great for the elderly. Tulsi enjoys full sun in temperate areas, but it also likes shade in warmer climates. Make sure to trim the shoots and early flowers, just like regular basil, if you want a health plant. 

Oregano

Oregano is a classic culinary spice, but it boasts some powerful health benefits. Several studies examined carvacrol, the compound in oregano that may help protect against arthritis. Other studies found beneficial antioxidants in oregano that exhibited abilities to slow the growth of certain cancers. The polyphenols may even help reduce a person’s risk of other chronic diseases. It’s a perennial plant that requires natural light. It’s the perfect windowsill plant! Just leave it in the window for six hours a day and make sure the soil is completely dry before you water it. 

Lemongrass

Lemongrass has a beautiful, refreshing aroma that is a staple herb in Indian, Caribbean, Chinese, and Brazilian folk medicine. Most modern research focuses on the benefits of lemongrass essential oil, but actual lemongrass helps reduce anxiety, stress, insomnia symptoms, and the duration of colds and flus. You can use it in stocks, soups, or you can brew it into an aromatic tea. Lemongrass thrives in pots, and should be taken indoors during the winter. It has a tendency to take over a garden, so growing it in a pot prevents this. Lemongrass prefers full sun and quick-drying soil. 

Thyme

It’s common for health care workers in Europe to use thyme in many of their cold & flu products. Studies have shown that thyme has the ability to reduce symptoms of bronchitis, asthma, and even emphysema. Other studies found that thyme exhibited expectorant and antibacterial properties, making it great if you need to rid excess mucus from the body. It’s possible to propagate thyme from cuttings, but it’s easy to purchase a small new plant. Keep it in a small pot in the windowsill so that it gets ample light. You don’t even have to water it a lot because it is drought-resistant. 

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For most people, the New Year represents a fresh new start, a chance to hit the reset button. Leaving 2020 in the past is something that people can’t wait to do. This year turned every person’s world upside down and we had to learn, adapt, and transform as a result. We are now evolved and ready for what the future brings. Even though 2021 is just around the corner, we know that we have a long road ahead of us, and there is still room for growth. 

If we can take away one positive aspect from 2020, it’s that people made a larger investment in health and wellness. Hopefully, society continues to become healthier and cares for overall well-being. With this new interest in health, experts predict a new batch of health trends for 2021. Some trends are brand new for the upcoming year and some continue to evolve from where they started this year. Keep reading to find out what health trends you can expect in 2021.

Gut Health

There is a direct link between a healthier gut and a strong immune system, but a healthy microbiome benefits the entire body. People are all about probiotics, including kombucha, fermented foods, kefir, and miso, all of which work to increase the presence of beneficial gut bacteria. As we enter 2021, health experts predict that people will continue to learn more about how different foods affect their gut. In addition to probiotic consumption, health enthusiasts must also consume prebiotics, which feed probiotics. Get some prebiotics by eating foods like sunchokes, walnuts, asparagus, and garlic.

At-Home Workouts

It’s going to take a while before gyms re-open their doors, but this all depends on where you live. Nevertheless, many people discovered how easy and affordable it is to workout at home. Not to mention, engaging with online videos is often more fun for people and it’s like having a personal trainer without forking out the high cost that comes with it. The only negative about this is that people may have a difficult time finding free weights, e-bikes, or other workout equipment because companies are sold out.

The Air Frying Sensation

One of the best things to come out of 2020 was that people started cooking more often. One of the most popular cooking contraptions of 2020, besides the Crockpot or Instant Pot, was the air fryer. According to EatingWell.com, air fryer recipes during 2020 increased by 239%. Air fryers are essentially convection ovens that give food crispy texture without having to cook it in tons of unhealthy oils. Some people are hesitant to buy an air fryer because they take up space, but they are very versatile and affordable. Expect to see more air fryer recipes in 2021. 

More Research On Healing Benefits Of Psychedelics

In 2020, Oregon became the first state to legalize psychedelic mushrooms, but more states plan to follow suit in the wake of the psychedelic renaissance. Many reports find that psychedelic-assisted therapy benefits people with depression, PTSD, and anxiety. The scientific community plans to conduct more studies on the health benefits of psychedelics, and how they may incorporate them into modern medicine. 

Healing The Planet

The quest to keep the planet as healthy as possible is never-ending. When most of the world was under strict lockdown orders, people saw how much the environment benefited. Dolphins appeared back in the canals of Venice, Italy, and air quality improved in busy cities. Natural landscapes flourished, even if it was only temporary. People saw how taking a break from everything helped nature restore itself, making people realize how much everyday life negatively affects the planet. Health experts expect a new wave of environmentalism that puts power back into the hands of nature. 

Bye Bye Inflammation

People want to beat inflammation almost as bad as they want the coronavirus to disappear. Inflammation is at the root of common life-threatening illnesses, and most health websites saw an uptick in anti-inflammatory content. While inflammation is a natural response to help protect the body from injuries or foreign invaders, chronic inflammation damages the body over time. Heart disease, arthritis, and cancer are common inflammatory conditions. Turn to inflammation fighting foods like leafy greens, avocados, berries, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, legumes, and citrus fruits. 

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The magical world of medicinal mushrooms has received a lot of attention within recent years. In case you haven’t noticed, there are supplements, teas, coffees, tinctures, and more that contain a variety of medicinal mushrooms. From their ability to improve lung diseases to their cancer fighting benefits, medicinal mushrooms can seemingly do no wrong. It’s about time that the Western health world caught on to the healing properties of fungi!

The use of medicinal mushrooms, like the reishi mushroom, is relatively new in the United States. In Asia, specifically China and Japan, these mushrooms have been added to standard cancer treatments for more than 30 years; although, the use of medicinal mushrooms in Asia dates back hundreds of years. In fact, there are more than 100 types of mushrooms with anti-cancer properties in Asia. The primary ones that people use in therapy include the Grifola frondosa (maitake), Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and the Ganoderma lucidum (reishi).

Reishi Mushrooms And The Immune System

Naturopathic doctors in Asia recommend reishi mushroom to people who require immune support. In Poland, reishi mushrooms are food supplements, which adapt to chemical imbalances in the body and corrects them. The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommends reishi mushroom for its ability to boost immune function. In fact, test-tube studies revealed that reishi can influence genes in white blood cells, which are crucial parts of the immune system.

According to research on cancer patients, reishi mushroom has the ability to increase the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells). NK cells work to fight cancer and other infections in the body. One study found that after ingesting reishi mushroom, the host increased NK cell activity and lymphocyte function, which also works to combat cancer and infections. While these studies proved that reishi consumption increases immune function and NK cell activity to fight cancer cells, future studies need to focus on long-term survival rates of patients after reishi supplementation.

Reishi Mushrooms For Cancer Treatment

Cancer patients want to do everything in their power to fight off the cancerous cells or tumors in the body. If possible, avoiding radiation and chemotherapy is the preferred route to travel, but seldom do alternative remedies make this possible. Rather, things like reishi mushrooms get added to the treatment to boost immune function and reduce the amount of medical treatment required. Several test-tube studies found that reishi mushroom kills cancer cells. Another study examined 4,000 breast cancer survivors, and 59% of them consumed reishi mushroom in conjunction with their treatment.

According to a systemic review and meta-analysis of 5 controlled studies, cancer patients who took reishi responded better to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The review also found that reishi increased NK-cell activity and the percentage of CD3, CD4, and CD8-positive cells, improving overall immune response. By increasing white blood cell activity, reishi mushrooms work to both fight the infection and increase the quality of cancer patients’ lives.

Conclusion

As we detailed in this article, reishi mushrooms exhibited anti-cancer activity on several molecular levels. Lung, colorectal, and breast cancer patients positively responded to the addition of reishi mushrooms to their existing chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments. We need more studies to determine whether or not reishi mushrooms alone can fight off certain cancers. The existing studies, however, prove that reishi mushrooms may help reduce the size of certain benign tumors and reduce the rapid spread of cancer cells. We can only hope for more studies that focus on this medicinal mushroom for cancer treatment.

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We are living in strange and uncertain times and your number one priority should be improving overall health. The second area of focus is optimizing immune function, including improving immune defense to resist infection. Because the body can be exposed to various germs, toxins, or harmful threats on a daily basis, the immune system is constantly at work to keep you as healthy as possible. During these times, the best way to do that is through immune system regulation.

What Is The Immune System?

The main function of the immune system is to defend the body against infection from harmful microbes and pathogens, provide round the clock surveillance of malignant cell growth, and to clear damaged tissues. If that wasn’t enough work, the immune system also develops tolerance to avoid unwanted response to healthy tissues of both foreign substances and the self. There are hereditary, environmental, lifestyle, and nutritional factors that influence the immune system’s ability to function optimally. All evidence points to the fact that nutrition plays the largest role in healthy immune function.

You Need To Regulate, Not Stimulate

There’s a lot of talk about boosting the immune system, and this is beneficial in certain instances, but not all infections require an immunity boost. Too much stimulation can result in overreaction, which can turn the immune system against itself. It’s all about balance because a regulated immune system doesn’t overreact or underreact. This concept of regulation also applies to the rest of your body, including regulating stress, emotions, panic, and fear, all of which can impair immune function and make you more susceptible to developing infections. Luckily, you can easily regulate the body by:

• Getting plenty of rest (7-8 hours of sleep per night is optimal)
• Spending time outdoors/in nature (reports show that being in nature helps to naturally reduce stress levels)
• Meditating daily to calm the mind and body
• Eating as healthy as you can (this means focusing on plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes)
• Incorporating movement into daily life (you don’t need to overexert yourself, but moderate exercise helps to decrease stress, boost energy levels, and promote lymphatic drainage)
• Doing things that help you relax (listening/playing music, taking baths, gardening, or exercising)

What Happens When The Immune System Overreacts?

The immune system’s job is to detect harmful threats (viruses and bacteria) that the body encounters. When it encounters these threats, an alarm system goes off and one of the primary alarm proteins is known as galectin-3 (Gal-3). This protein urges other immune cells to respond and sets off immune reactions like inflammation, a necessary response. Gal-3 can go into overdrive, however, and cause an excessive inflammatory response, which can lead to a cytokine storm. This can be dangerous, especially for people with respiratory infections, because the lungs can become overly inflamed.

How To Regulate The Immune System

For centuries, traditional Asian medicine has used medicinal mushrooms for their ability to reduce inflammation and adjust the immune system. These mushrooms (maitake, shiitake, cordyceps, coriolus, tremella, umbellatus, and reishi) are adaptogenic, which means they adapt to immediate circumstance to survive. This quality is beneficial for immune system regulation. Medicinal mushrooms also contain antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, but you can’t just rely on mushrooms to regulate the immune system. You need other immune-regulating herbs with powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Herbs With Antiviral Properties

• Ashwagandha
• Star Anise
• Licorice
• Honokiol

Herbs With Anti-Inflammatory Properties

• Turmeric
• Ashwagandha
• Ginger
• Honokiol

Herbs For Immune System Regulation

• Astragalus
• Artemisia
• Eleutherococcus
• Ashwagandha

All of the aforementioned herbs are essential tools to have in your antiviral toolkit. In your journey to a healthier immune system, always remember that regulation is key. Too much overreaction can harm the body and lead to dangerous cytokine storms. Refer back to these herbs if you ever feel that your immunity is not properly regulated.

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Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient compound, which plays a major role in the body’s overall health. It comes in the form of Vitamin D1, D2, and D3 and is best known for being a much-needed nutrient that aids in calcium absorption, the building block for strong, healthy bones.  Sometimes referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D may help to improve your mood, cognition and pain tolerance.

The Importance Of Vitamin D

The sun’s rays are an essential source of light and warmth for not only the human body, but also the living earth it self. Exposure to sunlight can help ensure proper circulation of vitamin D within the body via the skin. Vitamin D is also necessary for proper calcium absorption, improved dental health, and it plays a role in brain development. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased risk of hypertension, infectious diseases like influenza or tuberculosis, and several autoimmune disorders.

Unbeknownst to many, the consumption of Vitamin D can also help your body defend itself from harmful, foreign organisms. It has the ability to either amplify or limit the body’s innate and adaptive immune responders, depending on the amount of the nutrient is absorbed into the body or the lack there of.

*4000-6000 IU/day is a mother’s required intake if the infant is not receive 400 IU/day.

Mushrooms And Vitamin D

The common thought is that vitamin D can only be absorbed by being in the sun, via supplementation, or by eating fortified foods. Little did you know that vitamin D is present in the produce section of markets in the form of mushrooms. Wild mushrooms have been extensively studied for their effects on combatting a wide range of illnesses. Maitake, Portobello, oyster, shiitake, chanterelle, and morel mushrooms all contain vitamin D, and the more sunlight they are exposed to while growing, the more vitamin D they contain. Similar to humans, mushrooms convert a precursor to vitamin D, ergosterol, into vitamin D2 when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D2 differs from the vitamin D3 found in animal products, but nutritionists confirm that this form is bioavailable and absorbable.

Vitamin D And The Immune System

The immune system is a vital component in maintaining your well-being, given that it is your body’s natural defense against sickness and disease. Vitamin D has been known to combat infections, help the body remain balanced during a cold or flu, and energize the enzymes in white blood cells.

In 2009, the National Institute of Health (NIH) warned that people with low levels of vitamin D had higher risks of frequent colds and influence. The NIH, after conducting clinical trials of Vitamin D supplements in 2017, found that it helps reduce the risk of developing respiratory infections in approximately 42% of the people with a low baseline level of Vitamin D.

The conclusion of the clinical trials suggests daily or weekly consumption of Vitamin D, in low doses, is much more effective in treating respiratory problems as opposed to high amounts in a short period of time. Now more than ever, it’s important to take as much precaution as possible in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Daily or weekly supplementation of vitamin D is great way to keep the immune system balanced during high health risk circumstances such as the cold and flu season.

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