Benefits Of The Reishi Mushroom

Mushrooms have long been accepted by traditional medicines, such as Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, to be extremely healthy. Recently, modern medicine has also begun to tout the health benefits of mushrooms, backing up claims through clinical studies. The Reishi mushroom, in particular, has several important health benefits. Some of these include stimulating the immune system, reducing stress and providing high levels of antioxidants.

Adverse reactions to Reishi mushrooms have been noted, including dry throat and nose, gastrointestinal upset, itchiness, nausea and vomiting, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your regimen.

Stimulates Immune System

According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Reishi mushrooms may enhance immune responses in patients with advanced-stage cancer and human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. They also may improve lower urinary tract symptoms in men and alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea.

The Center notes that two components of the mushroom, triterpenes and polysaccharides, seem to provide immune-boosting benefits. Possible documented side effects include stomach upset.

Stress Reducer

Reishi mushrooms also appear to help combat stress. In the book, "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," author Jonny Bowden notes that Reishi is "the mushroom of choice for people under extreme physical or emotional stress." This is due to the fact that Reishi mushrooms are considered adaptogens, defined by Edward C. Wallace, N.D., D.C., as herbs that recharge the adrenal glands, the body's mechanism for handling stress and emotional changes. Adaptogens are generally regarded as having little or no side effects, but caution should always be taken.

High in Antioxidants

Reishi mushrooms may help ward off cancer due to their high antioxidant content. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that in clinical studies, Reishi mushrooms increased plasma antioxidant capacity. According to the Center, these mushrooms, in theory, "interact with chemotherapeutic agents that rely on free radicals." However, Reishi mushrooms may interfere with metabolism of chemotherapy drugs, so caution is advised.