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Superfood Mushrooms & Gut Health

  • Writer: SoulEvolved
    SoulEvolved
  • Apr 14, 2020
  • 5 min read

Updated: May 4, 2020



Turkey Tail Mushroom

Studies reported that Turkey Tail increase Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. – two key and extensively researched species of bacteria that inoculate our gut and support our immune system from birth. It's also shown to decrease unfriendly bacteria; Clostridium spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. Additional studies showed that TT was able to stabilise and act as a prebiotic to modulate a healthy, diverse microbiome, after a course of biome-disrupting antibiotics. (5)

It’s important to note that antibiotics, yes, in certain situations are required, yet it’s also necessary to realise they’re heavily over-prescribed with no true benefit. Antibiotics disrupt the normal gut microbiome, killing four years of healthy flora each cycle, weakening the microbiome, immune system and leaves the body more exposed to the overgrowth of non-beneficial bacteria, digestive issues (IBS/IBD) and illness.

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi has shown in studies to influence the composition and ratio of bacteria (Firmicutes: Bacteriodetes) and reverse gut dysbiosis (imbalance) which can occur due to poor diet, stress, diseases, inflammation, poor immune system and parasites.This is beneficial as Bacteriodetes are able to synthesis SCFA (short chain fatty acids) which repair our intestinal cells and fuel our intestinal cells to make cellular energy ATP. Firmicutes do the opposite, it eats up our glucose, starves our own mitochondria of energy which cause us to feel fatigued, lethargic and sluggish, even though we’re consuming nutrients. Reishi is also able to reduce endotoxin-creating bacteria – Proteobacteria – able to damage our cellular DNA. Damaged DNA is directly linked to the development of cancer.

Reishi was shown in studies to also maintain our intestinal cell integrity, meaning we’re able to have a strong, tight gut wall, reducing the likelihood the associated dis-ease states experienced with leaky gut. Studies also suggest that Reishi contains anti-ulcer properties (along with many other awesome health-promoting properties), so it can be a great tool for individuals experiencing UC/Crohn’s disease and IBD, as well as stomach ulcers as a result of H.pylori infections (Helicobacter pylori is a species of bacteria). Candida albicans – a common bacterium species that causes thrush, brain fog, lethargy and fatigue can be overpowered by Reishi.

It’s also able to help disrupt biofilms– little houses that bacteria build so antibiotics can’t kill them– so sneaky! It’s important to recognize that store-bought culinary mushrooms, such as white button and portobello etc. are not only dampening in regards to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) but can also contribute to candida overgrowth due to the presence of fungal and mould contaminants.

So if you’re thinking you might have an overgrowth of candida and dysbiosis, swap out those culinary mushrooms for the medicinal ones, as they help fight candida. Additionally, stress negatively impacts our gut, so Reishi, the ultimate anti-stress herb, is extra awesome in this regard. When the gut microbiome is faced with stressors – whether environmental, physical, emotional, psychological or biological – changes to the microbiome occur, leading to a dysbiotic state.

Dysbiosis is when a microbial imbalance occurs, and leads to increased “leakiness”.

This dysbiosis creates an inflammatory response, with inflammatory markers released into the bloodstream that circulate in our bodies. The elevated inflammatory markers then increase the permeability of the BBB (blood-brain-barrier), influencing our brain’s health.

Lion's Mane mushroom

Lion’s Mane has an interesting effect on the microbiome.

As we know, we have the vagus nerve – the gut-brain-axis, in which the gut predominantly speaks to the brain and influences our cognitive function and behaviour.

An individual who is experiencing degrees of leaky gut is probably experiencing degrees of “leaky brain” as well. In which, like in our gut, the brain also has a barrier – the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which acts as a crossing guard – certain things, can cross, certain things can’t. This barrier is kept very tightly regulated. As mentioned above, dysbiosis leads to increased inflammation and leaky brain – enabling molecules, pathogens and toxins that are floating around, to be able to pass through - causing mental imbalances, such as anxiety, depression, brain fog, mental fatigue and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Studies show Lion’s Mane is able to change the composition and activity of the GI tract and microbiota, which in turn, is beneficial to our health.

Further, Lion’s Mane is shown to be gastroprotective – decreasing inflammatory and immune responses in – indicative of healing – through it’s antioxidant and antibiotic properties. Lions Maine can be purchased on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Om-Organic-Mushroom-Nutrition-Lions/dp/B00N6544EO/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=lions+mane+om&qid=1588630013&sr=8-5

Chaga Mushroom

Another superfood mushroom that helps us achieve a happy, healthy microbiome is Chaga – the mother of antioxidants. Being a potent antioxidant, Chaga helps to scavenge free radicals and harmful oxidized molecules that can damage our DNA and cause inflammation – which is linked to IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) / Crohn’s and UC (ulcerative colitis) – both of which are autoimmune conditions. Chaga's immunomodulatory properties can help downregulate the inflammatory cascade that exists with leaky gut, making it a potent gut-friendly tonic.

Chaga also calms down the immune system to aid in reversing any excess, such as in the case of autoimmune conditions.

Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake is a potent immune system supporter, and with ~70% of our immune system located within our gut wall, the two are inseparable. You can think of our gut and immune systems as siblings. Our gut is the big brother, and from birth, guides the immune system – he holds our immune systems hand and lets him know who’s a friend, who’s a foe, what to attack, and what to ignore.

Shiitake alters favorable bacteria balance and improves gut immunity. Its prebiotic component depresses external pathogens found within the GI tract, allowing the immune system to be more competent and resist external pathogens.


Superfood Mushrooms Love Your Guts

With species of bacteria able to influence our food preferences, cravings, taste, determine the levels of inflammation, call upon our immune system, impact our mood – boost positively and negatively, regulate energy metabolism, help to detoxify xenobiotics - external chemicals that disrupt our homeostasis – or add to our bodies toxic load. Taking care of and nourishing our gut is central to living our best lives. The natural antibiotic properties of mushrooms and their ability to inhibit the growth of malevolent bacteria and yeasts make them a super beneficial additive in our daily lives.

Stacked with their immune boosting power and stress adapting properties earns them the position of a true superfood and gut loving herb.


Sharing this Article Written By Eliza Hedley Upon experiencing first hand the power and place of tonic herbalism and medicinal mushrooms in everyday life, Eliza’s become an adaptogen fangirl and feels their utilization in today’s world is essential for abundance and wellbeing. Check her out at themillennialnutritionist.com <3, she is very knowledgeable.

 
 
 

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