Although studies on this topic are limited, Reishi mushroom is likely to worsen symptoms in people taking immunosuppressants. Although there are few studies in this regard, reishi mushroom is likely to worsen symptoms in people who take immunosuppressive medications to treat autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis, due to its ability to stimulate the immune system response. If you suffer from any autoimmune conditions, you should consult a doctor before taking Reishi. Many forms of holistic medicine take advantage of the full range of health benefits of the reishi mushroom and use it to treat a variety of ailments.
A 12-week study with 26 people showed that reishi mushroom can increase “good” HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides (2). In addition, because of its flavor, reishi mushroom works well if added to chocolate sauces or hot chocolate, or is sometimes used instead of chocolate in healthy candies, prepared with coffee and simmered with spices such as cardamom and cinnamon for a healthy chai mix. Other research also indicated that four weeks of taking reishi mushroom extract did not produce any harmful effects on the liver or kidneys in healthy adults (. While most of the benefits of reishi mushroom for the immune system have been seen in sick people, some tests have shown that it can also help healthy people.
In addition to its effects on the immune system and quality of life, the reishi mushroom has been studied for its potential to improve other aspects of health. Reishi mushrooms can also help regulate the body's testosterone levels, which promotes good energy levels. As more and more research is published that confirms the powerful effect it can have on overall health, it has joined the ranks of other medicinal mushrooms, such as the chaga mushroom and the portobello mushroom, consolidating its status as a true source of nutrition. The Reishi mushroom contains a trio of bioactive molecular families that combat immunosenescence and help restore both adequate responses to infection and to the adequate resolution of inflammation.
These mechanisms, combined with their unique antioxidant characteristics, allow Reishi mushrooms to combat many different types of cancer, especially those of the gastrointestinal tract (liver and colon) and the reproductive system (breast and prostate). For example, a review conducted in Taiwan showed that reishi mushrooms could lower blood sugar and insulin levels in mice. Unlike some foods or supplements, the dosage of reishi mushroom can vary considerably depending on the type used (1). Reishi mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in all types of patients and there have been very few side effects.) Nowadays, manufacturers of reishi products use a processing technique in which reishi is boiled several times under high pressure, allowing the active ingredients to be extracted to form a tincture.
Reishi mushrooms are an especially common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine and have been used as a staple food for thousands of years. In supplement form, reishi mushrooms typically contain little or no calories and only a small amount of dietary fiber and protein.
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