Medicinal Mushrooms and Immune Health

Medicinal mushrooms have been a favorite of mine for several years, going back to when I was in Naturopathic school looking for something to help a concussion patient. At that time, I found some research about the benefits of lion’s mane for nerves and the regeneration of the myelin sheath. At that time, I was told nothing could repair the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is a sheath that forms around particular nerves (eg. the spinal cord and brain matter (aka. white matter)). It allows for the faster transmission of nerve messages up and down the spine and to the brain. The fact that this unsuspecting mushroom could help recover the myelin sheath was and still is extremely exciting.

In recent years, medicinal mushrooms have gained significant attention for their various actions, including supporting the immune system. Known for their centuries-old use in traditional medicine, mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, turkey tail, lion mane, and maitake offer a natural way to support and balance the immune system. Scientific research is increasingly validating the health benefits of these fungi, making them popular supplements in modern wellness routines.

Our immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful pathogens. Maintaining a robust immune system is essential for preventing illness and promoting overall well-being. Medicinal mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds like beta-glucans, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and antioxidants, which are believed to modulate immune function, reduce inflammation, and improve the body's ability to ward off infections.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi, also known as the "mushroom of immortality," has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Studies have shown that reishi contains powerful polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and peptidoglycans that can stimulate and support the immune system.

A study published by Wachtel-Galor S, et al, found that reishi enhances the activity of macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and other immune system components, contributing to improved defense mechanisms against infections and cancers. Reishi’s immune-modulating effects are valuable for reducing inflammation and regulating immune responses, which can benefit people with autoimmune disorders.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

Turkey tail is another highly researched medicinal mushroom known for its immune-boosting properties. It contains polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP), two compounds with powerful immune-enhancing effects.

An observational case study by, Stamets P, showed that turkey tail mushrooms helped improve immune recovery after radiotherapy with those with breast cancer. Different components of turkey tail have been seen to help improve the immune recovery of patients with breast, lung, and colon cancer, based on the National Cancer Institute.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms are well-known for their culinary uses, but they also possess potent medicinal properties. They are particularly rich in lentinan, a type of beta-glucan, which is recognized for its ability to enhance immune function.

Research published in The Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that daily consumption of shiitake mushrooms increased sIgA production, and decreased inflammation as seen through CRP (C-Reactive Peptide). The study concluded that shiitake mushrooms have a dual role in supporting both innate and adaptive immune responses, making them a versatile option for immune health.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Maitake, or "dancing mushroom," is another potent immune-boosting fungus. It contains a specific beta-glucan called D-fraction, which has been studied for its role in enhancing immune activity and fighting tumors.

A study by Xiaoshuang Dai, et al, showed that maitake D-fraction increased the proliferation, differentiation, and activation of immunocompetent cells - specifically the T-helper 1 dominant response. Additionally, maitake's ability to regulate immune responses makes it a useful supplement for people looking to maintain overall immune balance.

lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s mane is a culinary mushroom known for its affinity for the nervous system, and the ‘tubes of the body’ (eg. lymphatic system, nervous system, circulatory system, etc.). It contains several various compounds including polysaccharides, hericenone and erinacine, etc. These two compounds are from the fruiting body of lions mane and exhibit activity promoting Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) synthesis. Which allows it to regulate the stress response and regulating the health of neurons.

A study by Koichiro Mori, et al, showed that lion’s mane has anti-inflammatory effects on the macrophages that prevent fat tissue inflammation that is often associated with obesity. This makes lions mane a useful supplement for people who want to support their immune systems and nervous system.

The Science Behind Medicinal Mushrooms: How They Work

One of the key reasons medicinal mushrooms are so effective at supporting the immune system is their ability to act as immunomodulators. This means they help regulate the immune system, either stimulating it when it is underactive or calming it down when it is overactive. This makes mushrooms particularly valuable for individuals who need support with their immune system.

Medicinal mushrooms also contain beta-glucans, which are complex polysaccharides that can activate various immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells . Beta-glucans work by binding to receptors on immune cells, triggering a cascade of immune responses that improve the body's ability to fight infections and abnormal cells.

Incorporating Medicinal Mushrooms into Your Diet

Medicinal mushrooms are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, extracts, and teas. I prefer a powdered form, to allow for easier dose adjustment, and adding it to my hot beverage or soup. When choosing a mushroom supplement, it’s important to look for products that are organic, non-GMO, and free from contaminants.

While medicinal mushrooms are generally safe for most people, those with certain medical conditions or those taking immunosuppressant drugs should consult a Naturopathic Doctor before incorporating mushrooms into their routine.

Medicinal mushrooms are powerful allies in supporting and maintaining a healthy immune system. Scientific research continues to validate their traditional use, particularly for their ability to moducate the immune function and help the body respond to infections and diseases. Whether you're looking to boost your immunity naturally or support overall wellness, mushrooms like reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, and maitake provide a safe and effective option backed by both tradition and science.

~Dr. Charmagne

References:

1. Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9.

2. Seweryn E, Ziała A, Gamian A. Health-Promoting of Polysaccharides Extracted from Ganoderma lucidum. Nutrients. 2021 Aug 7;13(8):2725. doi: 10.3390/nu13082725. PMID: 34444885; PMCID: PMC8400705.

3. Wang X, Lin Z. Immunomodulating Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) and Possible Mechanism. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019;1182:1-37. doi: 10.1007/978-981-32-9421-9_1. PMID: 31777013.

4. Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, et al.: Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 6: CD007731, 2012. 

5. Stamets P. Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushrooms) and the Treatment of Breast Cancer. Glob Adv Health Med. 2012 Nov;1(5):20. doi: 10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.5.007. Epub 2012 Nov 1. PMID: 27257526; PMCID: PMC4890100.

6. National Cancer Institute. Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ(R)- Health Professional Version. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq#_7. Accessed: Sept 23, 2024

7. Cui J, Chisti Y. Polysaccharopeptides of Coriolus versicolor: physiological activity, uses, and production. Biotechnol Adv. 2003 Apr;21(2):109-22. doi: 10.1016/s0734-9750(03)00002-8. PMID: 14499133.

8. Dai, X., Stanilka, J. M., Rowe, C. A., & Percival, S. S. (2015). Consuming Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mushrooms daily improves human immunity: A randomized dietary intervention in healthy young adults. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(6), 478-487.

9. Harada, K., Saito, Y., & Satake, H. (2018). Maitake D-fraction and its synergistic anti-cancer effects. Annals of Translational Medicine, 6(2), 21

10. Bhoite R, Satyavrat V, Premasudha Sadananda M. Clinical benefits of β-glucan supplementation in children: a review. Discov Food. 2022;2(1):37. doi: 10.1007/s44187-022-00038-0. Epub 2022 Dec 27. PMCID: PMC9793387.

11. Mori K, Ouchi K, Hirasawa N. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lion's Mane Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) in a Coculture System of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and RAW264 Macrophages. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2015;17(7):609-18. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v17.i7.10. PMID: 26559695.

12. Kostanda E, Musa S, Pereman I. Unveiling the Chemical Composition and Biofunctionality of Hericium spp. Fungi: A Comprehensive Overview. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 May 29;25(11):5949. doi: 10.3390/ijms25115949. PMID: 38892137; PMCID: PMC11172836.

Insulin Resistance and Your Immune System

The body is a complex symphony of different bodily systems. If one system is being affected, it can often affect another system that may seem unrelated. In this case, we’ll be talking about how insulin resistance can cause a weakened immune system.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and it plays a major role in regulating blood sugar levels. It allows cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream, providing them with the energy they need to function. However, when cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, they fail to respond properly, leading to elevated blood sugar levels, and a decrease in uptake into the cells. This is when insulin resistance starts to occur. Let’s imagine that insulin is like a nagging parent. When a parent is nagging too much, eventually you can block them out, and essentially ignore what they are saying to you. The body works similarly to that when too much of a hormone has been released chronically. The receptors start to either become resistant to that hormone or the body starts to decrease the number of receptors on the cell.

Insulin resistance often arises due to various factors, including genetics, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary choices. Oftentimes, our modern standards of eating, and the quality of foods we’re eating are the main contributors to insulin resistance. This is because insulin levels aren’t able to go back to baseline for a decent period of time by the time snacking occurs. Generally, people are eating 3 main meals, with snacks in between. It typically takes insulin 2 hours (University of Rochester) to go back to baseline. So if you’re eating breakfast at 8 am, then snacking at 10 am, and eating lunch at 12 pm and so on, your insulin is not at baseline for very long before it starts to spike again. This makes the ‘area under the curve’ higher than would be typical for non-insulin-resistant individuals.

If this condition is not addressed, it can eventually become type 2 diabetes, which is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. This disease affects a number of different body systems including, your cardiovascular system, eyes (diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss and blindness), your kidneys, liver, etc.

The immune system defends our body from harmful invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It is made up of a network that works together to identify and eliminate threats. A balanced immune response is extremely important for optimal health, and both an underactive and overactive system can lead to various diseases.

Insulin resistance can be a large reason for chronic low-grade inflammation in the body, characterized by an increased level of inflammatory molecules known as cytokines. This inflammation can disrupt the immune system by altering the behaviour of the immune cells such as macrophages and T cells. These cells are important in recognizing and eliminating pathogens, and if they are compromised, their ability to perform this function is hampered. Insulin resistance can also lead to immune response imbalance, by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting anti-inflammatory responses. Inflammation has been linked to cardiovascular and autoimmune disorders, meaning that insulin resistance contributes to these as well.

Lastly the microbiota. Our gastrointestinal tract contains 60-80% of our immune system. This means that the microbiome influences our immune system, as well as many different systems in our body - including insulin resistance and our immune function. Our gut microbiome can influence how well our body responds to the food we are eating, and if we are able to eliminate the waste produced from our food. They also protect us from pathological microbes, acting as a barrier to prevent pathological microbes from finding a home in our intestines.

The body is interconnected, and the different bodily systems communicate and influence each other in ways we are just beginning to comprehend. Having a healthy insulin-glucose balance helps to regulate our immune system, energy, hormonal health, gut health, and more. Ways that insulin resistance affects our immune system by creating chronic low-grade inflammation that influences the way our white blood cells function, as well as influences the components of the microbiome. The microbiome is protective against pathological microbes and influences how our body metabolizes various compounds. So one way you can help to keep a strong immune system is by addressing insulin resistance if you have it.

If you want to work on balancing your glucose levels and addressing insulin resistance, book an appointment with Dr. Charmagne.

Boosting Immunity

School has started, and I know a number of my friends and family’s kids have already started to get sick - and because sharing is caring - it’s only a matter of time before everyone starts having symptoms. In this blog, I will be talking about 3 things that you can implement to Boost your Immune System, but first, let’s talk about the immune system.

Everyone talks about the immune system, but how does it work? The immune system is split up into 2 different parts: the Innate and Adaptive Immune System. The Innate System is the system that fights the infection first, it is the faster part of the immune system. It is made up of physical barriers (eg. skin, and GI tract, etc), defence mechanisms (eg. mucous, bile, gastric acid, sweat, etc), and a general immune response (eg. inflammation, complement system (where the pathogen is marked and then punches are holes into their membrane to kill the pathogen), and non-specific cellular responses). The Innate System is non-specific, and is the general response to foreign bodies (the “not you”) markers. It has a number of different types of white blood cells working for it (eg. macrophages, phagocytes, NK cells, etc.) (Khan Academy). The Adaptive Immune System, on the other hand, has fewer cells working for it, these cells would be the B and T cells, and it works with antibodies and cytotoxic cells. This response is slower to respond to a pathogen, and is more specific because your body builds up memories of a past pathogen and can create defence specifically for that pathogen - this is the system vaccines use to create immunity (Khan Academy).

From ResearchGate

Medicinal Mushrooms

I love medicinal mushrooms. They’re are absolutely amazing, and are able to regulate the immune system through their high concentrations of beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is able to work with the immune system and enhancing the immune cells that kill microbes, and clean up the dead cells (Akramiene D, et al). Mushrooms work on the immune system depending on what it needs - making it immunomodulating. Also, the way the mushroom is extracted can affect the way it interacts with your immune system. Alcohol extraction of a mushroom inhibits cytotoxicity. This means that it decreases the amount of toxins released in your body. Alcohol extraction can also affect the number of receptors on a cell surface. While water extraction enhances NK cell cytotoxic activity - NK cells are the cells that act like assassins, and are able to distinguish which cells have been sabotaged (by a virus or becoming a cancer cell), and kill them via apoptosis. Water extraction also stimulates the expression and production of cytolytic proteins, which allows it to kill cells by “cutting them" (Lu C, et al; Journal of Hematology & Oncology). These mechanisms allow mushrooms to support your immune system and help them fight pathogens more effectively and efficiently, to decrease the chances of getting sick or decrease the duration of the illness.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known for its immune-supportive abilities, especially since several immune cells need it to function. It supports the external barrier that we all have (our skin), by protecting us from environmental stress by acting as an antioxidants (Ströhle A, et al). When taking vitamin C, it can be interesting to see what your bowel tolerance is. Bowel tolerance is the dose needed to make you have looser stools or diarrhea, because taking too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea. This is interesting to know because when you are sick (Ströhle A, et al), your bowel tolerance increases. This is amazing, since your immune cells sequester vitamin C when you are sick, and it is able to utilize it more because they are working harder, and need more of it (Carr AC, et al). Taking vitamin C as a preventative measure, and in conjunction with treatment(s) can help support your immune system during times where several people around you are getting sick.

Astragalus

Astragalus is one of my favourite herbs when it comes to immune system health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is seen to be able to defend the Wei Qi (the defensive barrier around us), and as a result, prevent anything from coming into your body to cause illness. However, saying that, if you do get sick, it also doesn’t let anything back out, and as a result, you should stop taking Astragalus when you are sick. As a herb, Astragalus has immunomodulating, immune boosting, and anti-inflammatory effects - though the mechanism is unclear (Qi Y, et al; Guo Z, et al). It is able to modulate the immune system systemically and through the GI tract - where 70-80~% of the immune system is (Lim JD, et al). It’s long history and use in Asia, and recent and ongoing studies make it a very promising herb that you can implement easily into your daily routine for this cold and flu season as a preventative tonic.

For more tips on how to maintain and promote a healthy immune system, check out Back to School - Strengthening Your Little One’s Immune System.

~ Dr. Charmagne

Back to School - Strengthening Your Little One's Immune System

As a little girl, I loved school. Yes, I was a nerd (and still am), but I loved going to school to be with my friends. I felt connected at school. I was able to build long lasting friendships with classmates. However, I tended to get sick quite often, especially with tonsilitis (that has left my tonsils quite large), colds and flus, ear infections, and stomach aches; the list goes on. When I was sick, I didn't go to school, I stayed home. But I loved school and I loved seeing my friends just as I loved learning, so I hated missing school. 

Whether your little ones love or hate school, it is important for them to go, and regardless of if they are in school or not, it's always unfortunate to have a sick child. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to help boost their immune systems, which helps fight off the infections better and also lessens the severity if they do happen to fall ill. 

There are the common methods that everyone talks about: Vitamin C, probiotics and Vitamin D. These are staples in helping to boost and regulate the immune system, but they are also supplements. I'll be talking about these 3, along with some lifestyle and dietary things you can do to help boost the immune system of you and your kids. 

Eat lots of vegetables and fruits

Eating a healthy diet is one of the 3 Pillars of Health (the other 2 being sleep and exercise). Having half a plate full of vegetables ensures that you are getting enough nutrients and fibre in your diet. I also like to tell my patients to eat "as many colours of the rainbow" as they can. Doing this allows them to have as many different phytonutrients as possible. Not all phytonutrients do the same thing, but they are beneficial in their own way. These phytonutrients tend to be different based on the colour of the vegetable and fruit. Rich purples, reds, and blues are rich in anthocyanin (Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology) - which is a strong antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, that can help your body be at it's best.

Exercise or Play

Being active strengthens our bodies by keeping our cardiovascular systems healthy and strengthening our bones (MedlinePlus). Everyone knows that exercising is good for you, but no one understands how it improves the immune system. Some of the theories I've read and liked included: 

• Increased body temperature during and after the workout deters microbes from replicating and allows your body's defence system to work more optimally - the same way a fever works.

• Faster blood flow and changes in your antibodies allows them to move through your body faster, catch and neutralize microbes they encounter. 

• Exercise helps to manage stress, and therefore, decreases incidences of illness.

Studies have shown that moderate exercise has the best immunomodulating effects, and that doing regular, strenuous activity can be detrimental to the immune system (Clinical Sports Medicine)

Sleep

Sleep is very important for the body and health. This is the time that the body recovers from the day's hustle and bustle, the stress inflicted to it mentally, and physically. The body recovers and heals, and builds up resources to be used the next day. Sleep can be called the best anti-oxidant you can give your body (American Journal of Physiology). Sleep and many immune functions are both influenced by the 24-hour circadian rhythm. Your body adjusts which immune cells are active throughout your sleep-wake cycle. Immune cells that actively kill bacteria and diseased cells (NK cells) are more active during the day, when you are active; while memory T cells and cells that haven't matured are the most active at night (Pflügers Archiv). Therefore, it is important that your child gets enough sleep; below is a chart of recommended hours of sleep needed for children depending on their age:

From National Sleep Foundation

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C has been known to support and improve the function of the immune system and decreases the duration of the common cold. The mechanism of how vitamin C is able to do this is still not clear, but it is needed for certain cells of the immune system (phagocytes and T-cells) to function properly. These cells track, mark, and eat invading microbes. Vitamin C supplementation was seen to reduce viral infection and replication of the Epstein-Barr Virus (aka Mono) (Medical Science Monitor). Your body has it's own absorption limit when it comes to vitamin C. In Naturopathic School, my professor would challenge us to find our limit - take and measure the amount of vitamin C it takes you to have a Bowel Movement (BM) (because it will cause you to have a BM if you take too much, as a side effect). Knowing this number can be really useful because when you are sick, your body can absorb more vitamin C, as it uses more of it to fight off the invading microb (J. Prousky).

Probiotics

70-80% of your immune system is in your gut (Clinical & Experimental Immunology). Your gut is covered in bacteria, which is often referred to as your microbiota, or gut flora. These bacteria help regulate your immune system and crowd out pathogenic bacteria so that they can't take hold of your intestine which can cause problems. Your natural microbiota is dependant on the way you were born - if you were born vaginally or through a Cesarean birth - because the first microbs you are exposed to start to inhabit your gut, so whether you were exposed to your mother's bacteria or the hospital's bacteria plays a large role in the bacteria that inhabit your gut. One way to influence your microbiota is by taking probiotics which have various immunomodulating abilities depending on the strain (Dr. David Williams).  Strains such as Bifidobacteria infantis are really good for immune modulation (Gut Microbes, FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology), whereas, Lactobacillus fermentum are good for atopic dermatitis (Archives of Disease in Childhood).

Vitamin D 

Vitamin D modulates the passive and active immune system since there are vitamin D receptors on B cells, T cells and antigen presenting cells (Journal of Investigative Medicine). There was a study showing that supplementation with vitamin D resulted in statistically decreased incidences of influenza. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). Vitamin D is also able to change the concentration of different T cells, moving it from a pro-inflammatory to more of a regulatory one - allowing your body to maintain self-tolerance, which is very important because you should not be reacting and attacking your own body (Journal of Immunology). 

~ Dr. Charmagne