Medicinal Mushrooms 

One food source that has been thoroughly researched in its role in immune stimulation and cancer are Medicinal Mushrooms. This amazing food has the ability to complement chemotherapy and radiation therapy by countering several of the side effects of these modalities, including nausea, bone marrow suppression, anemia, and lowered resistance. The following mushrooms have shown powerful immune-boosting and anticancer activity—including blocking the formation of tumors. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, substances that increase immune defense by enhancing the function of macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells.

Turkey Tail

A seven-year clinical study funded by the National Institutes of Health and jointly conducted by the University of Minnesota and Bastyr University in Seattle found that freeze-dried turkey tail mushroom had a dramatic impact in boosting immune function for women with stages I, II, and III breast cancer and also contributed to tumor shrinkage."

Maitake

This mushroom, also 'known as hen of the wood' has been found to inhibit tumor growth in human clinical trials. It has also been found to increase the production of interleukins, neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages while decreasing side effects of chemotherapy.

Shiitake

A 2015 University of Florida study showed increased immunity in people who ate a cooked shiitake mushroom every day for four weeks." By comparing blood tests obtained both before and after the experiment, researchers saw better functioning immune cells and reductions in inflammatory proteins.

Reisshi ("Mushroom of Immortality")

Reisshi  mushrooms contain beta glucans, a type of polysaccharide that has demonstrated antitumor and immunostimulating activity. Recent findings indicate that reisshi mushrooms may increase NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. They may also protect against radiation damage.

Lion's Mane

Lion's mane mushrooms have been demonstrated to stimulate NK and macrophage activity and also to inhibit angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels), contributing to reduction of tumor size. It was also discovered that when the mushroom was combined with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, an otherwise drug-resistant human liver cancer became treatable.

Cordyceps

Evidence shows that cordyceps is an immune modulator with potentiating and suppressive effects on both innate and adaptive immunity. It enhances the activity of NK cells and has been found to initiate T cell responses against microbial pathogens and tumors."

Conclusion: As you can see from the above, Medicinal Mushrooms should be included in everyone's diet to enhance immune function and has promise in the management of cancer.

https://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/1287.cfm

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This article is provided by Gitto Advanced Chiropractic & Functional Nutrition in Northfield NJ

Disclaimer: We do not directly dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of herbs or supplements as a form of treatment for illness. The information found in this Newsletter is for educational purposes only and to empower people with knowledge to take care of their own health. We disclaim any liability if the reader uses or prescribes any remedies, natural or otherwise, for him/herself or another. Always consult a licensed health professional should a need be indicated.