4 Best Medicinal Mushrooms for Gut Health

Maintaining gut health is one of the most important things a person can do to better their health. Heart health, energy production, mood improvements, and immune support can all be contributed to a healthy gut. 

While there are many products on the market to help support a healthy digestive tract, medicinal mushrooms, used for centuries in Eastern medicine, are a great choice to support gut health naturally. 

Mushroom species such as turkey tail, reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga are all species that possess gut health-supporting benefits.^‡ From their immune defense capabilities to mood-supporting properties, these species of mushrooms are making our list of the four best medicinal mushrooms for gut health.^‡ 

Poor Digestive Health Causes

The digestive tract is built with hundreds of different species of bacteria beneficial and necessary to the health of the human body. This bacteria lives inside the gut microbiome. According to Healthline, the gut microbiome can be defined as the “bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic living things referred to as microorganisms, or microbes that are found in a ‘pocket’ of your large intestine called the cecum, and they are referred to as the gut microbiome.” 

These microbes help with digestion, heart health, weight management, and brain health. While the functions of the gut microbiome are important to gut health concerns, poor digestive health can come from a variety of factors. Genetics, poor diet, food allergies, inconsistent sleep patterns, autoimmune and gastrointestinal conditions can all influence poor digestive health issues. While tackling these conditions may require precise expertise from a healthcare professional, there are natural ways to support your overall gut health, and that can begin with hearty, fiber, and protein-packed mushrooms. 

How Medicinal Mushrooms Can Naturally Support Gut Health 

Medicinal mushrooms have been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years for their robust healing properties. These powerful mushrooms contain prebiotics, beta-glucans, and immune-supporting elements crucial to proper gut health. And with the majority of the immune system housed in the gastrointestinal system, medicinal mushrooms can play a large role in supporting this area of the body.

In addition to the immune-supporting properties, mushrooms are low in calories but rich in protein, making them a great staple ingredient that can be added to any meal. They also possess a great deal of fiber which is crucial for digestive health. Intake of fiber can contribute to better gut function, blood sugar levels, a hearty appetite, and can keep cholesterol levels in check.^‡

The Best Medicinal Mushrooms for Gut Health

The bioactive compounds in mushrooms have been found to alter gut microbiota to promote better function and overall gut health and wellness. Medicinal mushrooms such as turkey tail, reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga all possess powerful gut health-supporting properties and are making our list of the best medicinal mushrooms for gut health.^‡ 

1. Turkey tail contains powerful polysaccharides and beta-glucans which help to stimulate the immune system. As discussed above, much of the immune system relies on support from the gastrointestinal system. Daily consumption of a mushroom supplement such as turkey tail can help support overall immune health further providing support for the good gut bacteria needed to support gut health.^‡ 
2. Lion’s mane, primarily known for its ability to stimulate the synthesis of the nerve growth factor (NGF), is also a beneficial medicinal mushroom for gut health. Studies have found that lion’s mane extract can prevent the growth of helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria that can infect the digestive tract.^‡ 
3. Reishi possesses a variety of attributes. This powerful medicinal mushroom acts as an immune potentiator and immune modulator—helping to balance and down-regulate an overactive immune system.^‡ Supporting the healthy gut bacteria the gastrointestinal system creates can result in better functionality and prevent negative bacteria from forming. 
4. Chaga contains an array of bioactive compounds with significant immune-supporting properties. This medicinal mushroom is also a powerhouse for antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help to combat the free radicals in your body to help keep the digestive tract healthy. Your body will generate its own antioxidants but supplementing with a natural ingredient such as the chaga mushroom can help to prevent free radicals from causing harm to the gut and promote stronger immunity needed to promote better health and wellness.^‡

Om Mushroom Powder Blends for Gut Health 

Medicinal mushrooms can be milled into powder form for convenient consumption. This method has gained popularity in recent years as the mushroom powder can be easily implemented into food and beverages. And since mushroom powder works best when taken consistently, it is all the more convenient to include in your daily regimen. 

While ancient adopters called them medicinal mushrooms, at Om Mushroom, our products are referred to as “functional,” a term often used interchangeably today with “medicinal.” Our functional mushroom supplements come in single species and mushroom powder blends and are designed to support your body’s natural response for immunity, vitality, cognitive health, and energy.^‡ We offer an array of supplements with various species of mushrooms that contain prebiotic fiber, antioxidants, and polysaccharides, essential to overall gut health.  

Our organic mushroom powder blends (also available in capsule form) create an opportunity to add the powerful nutrients of mushrooms into your daily regimen. Simply add one teaspoon of powder to coffee, smoothies, soup, sauces, or other meals or beverages of your choice daily to start supporting your gut health.^‡ 

Finding a natural way to support gut health doesn’t have to be difficult. Gut health is crucial to your overall wellness and the best medical mushrooms can offer the support needed to continue your journey to a healthier gut.

^‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Functional mushroom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.