The MIGHTY Mushroom

John Holliday, Fungi Perfect, LLC • April 2, 2018

Immune System: The Forgotten-About Function
People often pay attention to their immune system only after they know something is attacking it. Is this the best way to support immune system health? We don’t exercise only right before we need strong cardiovascular function. We exercise often, supporting cardiovascular health, so when a strong system is needed, it’s already in place. Immune system health is so important to overall health, so consider ways of supporting your immune health each day. Keep in mind that a huge part of supporting immune health is supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

Mushrooms, Mycelium, and Your Immune Health
Depending on the species, supplementing your diet with certain mushrooms, mycelium or both, can help support healthy immune function. While also being prebiotic, meaning they also may help support a healthy gut flora environment, some of these mushroom species are edible and can be incorporated into your diet. Mushroom mycelium, on the other hand, require clean room conditions to be grown without contamination threats.

What exactly is mushroom mycelium? It’s simply a life stage of the mushroom. After a mushroom spore (similar to a plant seed) germinates, it expands into mycelium, which can look like white, spreading filaments. Eventually, a “fruiting body” emerges, and this is what many people think of when they think of mushrooms. Research shows that 25% more genetic material is active during the mycelial stage as compared to the fruit body stage. This makes it a good choice for maximizing health benefits. This is not to say that fruiting bodies are not useful—they certainly can be, depending on the health support you want.

Some recent research surrounds mushroom mycelium that was cultured (aka fermented) on organic brown rice and tested for immune supporting properties. In 2017, Paul Stamets and his team at Fungi Perfecti partnered with a third-party laboratory, Natural Immune Systems, Inc (NIS) to clarify the immune supporting properties of various mushroom ingredients. NIS Labs specializes in integrating laboratory and clinical facilities to evaluate how natural products impact human physiology.

In one study, three products were tested: Reishi mushroom mycelium capsules; Agarikon mushroom mycelium capsules; and MyCommunity capsules, a mushroom formula with 17 mushroom species. Testing by NIS Labs confirmed these three products stimulate innate immune cell function, promote white blood cells for immune strength, and support regulation of immune cell compounds for a balanced immune response.

Mushrooms, Prebiotics and Your Microbiome
Getting back to your gut microbiome, understanding prebiotics becomes important. A probiotic contains beneficial gut microflora. A prebiotic, on the other hand, is an ingredient which supports the growth of the existing beneficial microflora. Both mushrooms and mushroom mycelium can be prebiotics. Our Turkey Tail capsules contain both mycelium and dried myceliated organic brown rice, which provide immune support and prebiotics for the microbiome.

The Next Generation of Immune Support
Many people don’t realize that mushrooms are not plants. Humans share more DNA with mushrooms than we do with plants, and both humans and mushrooms breathe oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Although both herbs and mushrooms have been traditionally used for centuries as natural health support, mushrooms and mushroom mycelium are gaining in popularity as a dietary supplement as more becomes known.

Host Defense® is not alone in researching mushroom mycelium. A quick search of PubMed.gov or Google Scholar can show you more ways mushroom mycelium is being studied.

Find Reishi in Host Defense :

  • Breathe capsules or extract liquid
  • Cordychi® capsules or extract liquid
  • MycoBotanicals® Woman capsules
  • MyCommunity capsules and extract liquid
  • Stamets 7 capsules and extract liquid
  • MycoBotanicals Stress Decompress™ capsules
  • MycoBotanicals Blood Sugar capsules
  • MycoShield® Spray

Find Turkey Tail in Host Defense:
  • MyCommunity capsules and liquid extract
  • MycoShield Spray
  • MycoBotanicals Woman capsules
  • MycoBotanicals Liver capsules
  • Turkey Tail Extract liquid

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Welcome spring with this vibrant, creamy pea and potato soup—a perfect blend of fresh peas, tender potatoes, and aromatic herbs. This silky, nutrient-packed soup is light yet comforting, making it an ideal transition from cozy winter meals to bright spring flavors. Garnish with crisp broccolini, toasted almonds, and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant, nourishing dish.
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By Elizabeth Ashbrook November 1, 2024
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By Frontier Co-Op November 1, 2024
1 cup dried elderberries 3 cups water 2 Tbl grated ginger 1 Tbl powdered cinnamon 1 Tbl whole cloves 1 cup honey or agave syrup In a saucepan, combine all ingredients except honey and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and partially cover with lid. Stir occasionally and simmer until liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Pour through a strainer into a jar (discard solids). Add honey and mix thoroughly. Take by the spoonful or dissolve in hot water or tea. Cover and store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.
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