Fantastic Fungi

 

I remember disliking mushrooms as a kid, I would go out of my way to pick them out of any food that I ate.  As I grew to an adult, I grew to like them more.   As an integrative doctor, I am absolutely in love with Asian medical mushrooms.  The medical benefits of these little fungi are impressive and for any of those still harboring a strong mushroom a dislike, worth rethinking.

Asian Mushrooms for Thyroid. 

One of the least known facts is that mushrooms can help thyroid disorders.  While the exact way this is done is still unknown, from observation, Asian mushroom extracts have the ability to normalize the thyroid hormones in the body.  Regardless, if you have a high thyroid disorder or a low thyroid disorder, the edible Asian mushrooms may help decrease your need for medication.  Most often increasing shitake and maitake mushrooms in your diet can be helpful.

Asian Mushrooms for Cancer Prevention. 

Immune cells in our body have receptors for mushroom compounds. In particular:

1)  Maitake mushrooms have shown promise in fighting prostate cancer and breast cancer. 

2) Chaga Mushroom extract has shown to have activity against cancers of neuroectodermal orgin: melanoma, neuroblastoma, leukemia and ovarian cancer

3) Reishi mushroom extract has shown to have activity against colon, bladder, breast and prostate cancer.

Asian Mushrooms for Memory and Mood

A mushroom called Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) has shown promise in improving memory while the supplement is taken.  This does seem to reverse when the extract is stopped.  However, there is also promise in this mushroom showing promise in decreasing anxiety and improving mood and concentration.

Remember not all mushrooms are edible and some can contain toxic compounds, so be sure to purchase extracts that have a high quality and purity.  Furthermore, for those edible mushrooms like Shitake and Maitake be sure to always cook them before you eat them for this same reason. 

Optimize Your Health, Simplify Your Life,

Dr Sharyl Truty, MD

Sharyl and Andy Weil

We have Myco Forte Mushroom Extract available for $23.00 for 1 oz or $37.00 for 2 oz at Balanced Physician Care

904-930-4774
References:
Mushrooming Immunity and Mental Clarity – Lisa Alschuler, ND, FABNO
Asian Mushrooms in University of Arizona Fellowship content – Dr. Andrew Weil, MD and Dr. Donald Abrams, MD