As the weather turns here in the UK, it seems everyone succombs to seasonals colds, the flu, or something worse like COVID.
However, there is a very powerful tool that we can all use to bolster our immune systems and reduce our risk of getting sick.
Mushrooms, known for their rich immune-boosting compounds, are proving to be a natural and effective way to strengthen our body’s defenses.
Research shows that mushrooms like Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Cordyeps contain bioactive ingredients that stimulate immune cells and may even reduce symptoms of viral infections.
In this article, we’ll explore how these mushrooms work, highlight the best mushrooms for immune health, and offer easy ways to incorporate them into your diet.
The Power of Mushrooms in Immune Defense
Mushrooms are nature’s mini medicine factories and have been part of the human diet and used therapeutically for thousands of years.
Certain mushrooms go beyond nutrition, actively supporting our immune system and protecting us from infections and desiease.
Compounds like beta-glucans and polysaccharides in mushrooms can trigger immune cell activity, prompting macrophages and natural killer cells to fend off invaders, including viruses like COVID and flu.
Mushrooms also balance immune responses to prevent inflammation - which is vital when facing viral infections.
Regular consumption of these fungi can help you stay resilient, priming your body to fight off illness effectively - but which mushrooms are best for fighting infections?
Top Immune-Boosting Mushrooms for Viral Protection
Some mushrooms stand out as immune superstars. They include:
- Reishi
Reishi, often referred to as the “immune modulator,” helps manage immune responses by reducing excessive inflammation. This balance is particularly helpful in viral infections where an overactive immune response can worsen symptoms.
Rich in polysaccharopeptides (PSP), Turkey Tail mushrooms enhance antiviral defenses by stimulating immune cell activity. Research shows that PSP compounds improve the body’s ability to resist and recover from viral infections.
- Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, a compound that activates immune cells to prevent colds and other viral infections. By consuming Shiitake regularly, you’re giving your immune system a strong, natural boost.
Cordyceps is known for increasing energy and supporting lung health, which is essential when fighting respiratory viruses. Its active compounds have been shown to stimulate immune cell production and improve oxygen uptake, providing an extra boost during times of illness.
While primarily recognised for its brain health benefits, Lion’s Mane also supports immune function by enhancing gut health, which is closely linked to immunity. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Lion’s Mane can help the body maintain overall resilience and balance.
Native to Southeast Asia, Tiger Milk mushroom is valued for its ability to support respiratory health, making it an excellent ally against colds and respiratory viruses. Its compounds reduce airway inflammation, relieve cough, and promote lung health, offering immune and respiratory support.
Together, these mushrooms support your body’s resilience to COVID, flu, and seasonal colds.
How Mushrooms Help Prevent and Reduce Symptoms of COVID
Mushrooms not only boost immune function but also support faster recovery from viral infections like COVID-19
Compounds like beta-glucans and polysaccharides in mushrooms, such as Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey Tail, may enhance immune response and modulate inflammation, offering much needed support against viral infections.
Additionally, antioxidants, such as ergothioneine, protect the body from oxidative stress caused by viruses, promoting a quicker recovery (i.e less time stick in bed surrounded by snotty tissues).
Remarkable, this study found that edible mushrooms produce compounds could potentially inhibit a key enzyme in the COVID-19 virus, reducing its ability to spread.
Additionally, this study found that cordycepin, a natural compound from the Cordyceps mushrooms, also effectively binds to a key protein in COVID-19 virus, inhibiting its function and potentially reducing the virus's activity.
Another study found that medicinal mushrooms (Turkey Tail and Agarikon) can help treat mild to moderate COVID-19, by modulating the immune response, prevent excessive inflammation, and enhancing recovery.
This suggest these mushrooms could, at the very least, offer additional immune support and complement current COVID-19 treatments.
Practical Tips for Adding Mushrooms to Your Diet for Immune Support
Adding immune-boosting mushrooms to your diet is easy and versatile:
- Meals and Recipes: Include fresh or dried mushrooms in soups, stir-fries, or broths. A Shiitake miso soup is a delicious way to enjoy their benefits. Here are some more recipes.
- Supplements: For convenience, use mushroom extracts in capsules or powders. Choose high-quality, third-party tested supplements (like ours) to ensure potency.
- Teas, Infusions and shroom coffee: Reishi tea is a soothing way to incorporate immune support. Simply steep the mushrooms to release their beneficial compounds. Or consider a mushroom coffee, like our delicious and potent Super Nootropc Mushroom Coffee.
- Daily Dosage: There are no guidelines when it comes to eating whole mushrooms - enjoy as many as you wish. When consuming mushrooms supplements, aim for 1-3 grams of extracts per day for consistent immune support.
Whether through meals, teas, or supplements, adding mushrooms to your daily routine naturally enhances your immune system.
Conclusion
Incorporating mushrooms into your diet is a simple, effective way to improve your immune health and protect yourself against COVID, flu, and seasonal colds.
It’s been scientifically proven that certain mushrooms contain immune-strengthening compounds that help your body fend off viruses and reduce symptoms when illness strikes.
So start your day with a cup of mushroom coffee or a meal with Shiitake soup, and you’ll be taking proactive steps to strengthen your body’s defenses year-round.
Check out our full range of high grade mushroom products here.
