By Bryan Bradford, Chief Nutrition Officer of Sunflower Shoppe Natural Foods

September 2nd, 2015

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  We’re sure you have heard this phrase and would like to know how to arm yourself this coming cold and flu season, but have your heard of mushrooms to help with immunity?

Mushrooms can help you put up a good fight and keep your immune system strong, all year long. There are many types of mushrooms that are now sold in supplement form for the purpose of improved health and wellness. Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Maitake, Shiitake and Reishi are some of the most popular ones.

All mushrooms contain Beta Glucans and Polysaccharides that modulate and balance the immune system and provide protection from pathogens and allergens. Some mushrooms like Reishi contain compounds that reduce inflammation. It is best to combine multiple mushrooms because you will achieve a greater range of nutrients to support the major systems of the body, when compared to taking a single species.

Are mushrooms for everybody? NO. While mushroom supplements have been proven safe for human consumption, there are some who should avoid them. Remember to always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements. While mushrooms can help reduce airborne allergy reactions, if you have an allergy or sensitivity to mushrooms you should not supplement with them.

If you would like to learn more about keeping your boosting your immune system for cold and flu season, come see us at Sunflower Shoppe, where great health is just a way of life.

SOURCES:

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400053/are-mushrooms-good-for-your-health.html

http://www.hostdefense.com/maitake

http://www.hostdefense.com/mycommunity

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15298759

http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/02/health/tedmed-mushroom-man/

The content and opinions expressed in this “Shoppe Talk” blog are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or to provide medical advice. We are not medical doctors and we do not prescribe medication. If you have any questions about the relationship between nutrition and supplements, we recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified and licensed health practitioner. Our opinions are based on the literature and data from a variety of medical doctors, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, biochemists and other professional researchers. You are encouraged to make your health care decisions based on your own research and the advice of a qualified health care professional.

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