No one enjoys getting diarrhea, especially from an herbal supplement that is intended to improve your quality of life. Reishi mushrooms are commonly sold as an over-the-counter herbal supplement used for thousands of years to treat and prevent various conditions. Diarrhea is identified as a common side effect of using reishi mushrooms. Diarrhea may also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an allergic reaction and needs to be assessed by your doctor.
Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms contain chemicals called polysaccharides that may prevent certain types of cancer. The supplement has been traditionally used because of its benefits on the cardiovascular system, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes and the immune system. These claims have not been evaluated by the FDA for effectiveness or potency. Drugs.com states that most manufacturers recommend 6 to 12 g of reishi mushroom extract daily for up to 12 weeks. Common side effects include dry mouth, stomach upset, dizziness, skin irritation, diarrhea, nosebleeds and constipation.
Diarrhea Side Effect
Diarrhea as a side effect of taking reishi mushrooms should subside within a few hours of taking the supplement. If your diarrhea continues, call your doctor. If you develop diarrhea for more than two day, develop severe abdominal or rectum pain, have a fever above 102 degrees or have black stools, call your doctor immediately.
Concerns
The main concern with developing diarrhea is dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your body looses more fluid than it needs to function normally. Common signs of dehydration include fatigue, dry mouth, dry skin, flushing of the skin, lightheadedness and extreme thirst. If you suspect that you may be dehydrated, call your doctor immediately. If you develop diarrhea, increase your liquid intake immediately to prevent dehydration. Diarrhea from consuming reishi mushrooms may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Some allergic reactions can lead to life-threatening symptoms, such as death.
Allergy Consideration
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that if your immune system mistakes reishi mushrooms as a threat to the body, you will develop an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions related to foods commonly cause digestive symptoms because the digestive tract is the first system that comes into contact with the allergen. Common digestive symptoms from an allergic reaction include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, cramping, bloating and gas.
