Mushrooms for Immune System Support: How to Get the Most Benefits

As Spring approaches, it’s a great time to strengthen your immune system. A healthy diet, sleep, and exercise can help you do just that, but sometimes our bodies don’t get much of either. A daily supplement routine that includes functional mushrooms can help in this regard.

When it comes time to support our immune systems, we often seek natural supplements that can provide the most benefits. Well, mushrooms, depending on the species, can offer various health benefits. Mushrooms are a low-carb, high-fiber, and protein-packed option for your diet, but they also contain many bioactive compounds and minerals that are vital for our immune systems.

Let’s explore the different mushrooms for immune system support and how you can get the most benefits from each one.

Understanding How the Immune System Works

The immune system is comprised of a network of proteins, cells, and organs that actively fights off harmful bacteria and infections. There are two main parts comprising the immune system: the innate and the adaptive (or acquired). The innate immune system is inherited at birth and provides a general defense against various germs and substances. The acquired, or adaptive, immune system is the part that is constantly learning and adapting.

When your immune system is exposed to a new germ, the adaptive immune system will create antibodies and use them to fight it. When the body senses antigens—substances capable of stimulating an immune response—the immune system works to recognize and remove them. When our immune systems are not functioning at their best, they become less efficient at fighting off illnesses. That’s where added nutrition comes in.

How Can Mushrooms Support Your Immune System?

Mushrooms contain many immune-supporting properties.^‡ Certain mushroom species contain bioactive compounds with immunomodulatory activities such as polysaccharides, polysaccharopeptides, proteins, and terpenoids—all of which can have a positive effect on immune health.^‡

Additionally, mushrooms contain beta-glucans. These are polysaccharides that occur naturally in the fungal cell walls of functional mushrooms. Beta-glucans stimulate the host immune response by activating a part of the immune system that enhances macrophages. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that detect, deconstruct, and ultimately destroy harmful microorganisms, protecting the body from infections and other harmful illnesses.

Mushrooms for Immune System Support

When turning to mushrooms for immune system support, certain species have gained traction for their ability to offer the most benefits. Some popular mushrooms for immune system support include:

Reishi

Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is renowned for its numerous health benefits. Reishi has a high amount of polysaccharide compounds which help activate the immune system.^‡

Maitake

Grifola Frondosa, also known as maitake, contains a high amount of beta-glucans and antioxidants. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals—unstable atoms that can cause cell damage.^‡ An unstable amount of free radicals can greatly impact your immune system.

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail contains many polysaccharides which help manage responses at a cellular level and support a healthy immune response.^‡ Turkey tail also provides support for gut health which can contribute to better immune health as much of the immune system is housed in the gut.^‡

Lion’s Mane

Lions’ mane, primarily known for its role in supporting a healthy nervous system, can also help optimize your immune system. It is also known as Hericium erinaceus, and it contains important polysaccharides such as beta-glucans, prebiotic fibers, and digestive enzymes which modulate the immune system and promote healthy gut flora.^‡

Chaga

Inonotus obliquus, or chaga, is notable for its anti-aging properties; however, this species of mushroom is often referred to as “the king of mushrooms” because of its high levels of antioxidants. Cultivated chaga promotes the formation of cytokines—proteins that regulate the immune system.^‡ This formation can stimulate white blood cells, which are key in supporting immune health and function.^‡

Om Mushroom’s Immune-Supporting Products

Each species of mushrooms offers specific benefits that can help support your immune system.^‡ Our bodies are often in need of additional vitamins and minerals to function at their best. Since mushrooms can help support better immune health, adding a mushroom powder supplement to your daily routine can provide a convenient way to obtain immune-supporting benefits.^‡

Om Mushroom offers a variety of single-species mushroom powders and powder blends so you can conveniently incorporate a mushroom supplement into your regimen.

Each species is cultivated under carefully controlled conditions at an indoor farm in Carlsbad, California. Here are some products to consider for your daily immune system support:

Immune Multi Boost Supplement with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a vital bioactive compound for supporting immune defense. Om Mushroom recognized this and combined vitamin C along with other species of mushrooms to create a multi-boost supplement to help support overall immune health. The Immune Multi Boost Supplement contains 2,500 mg of organic mushrooms and 1,000 mg of vitamin C per serving and high potency of D3 and Zinc. Offered in unique flavors, these convenient packets offer quick immune-supporting benefits that can be enjoyed hot or cold.^‡

Immune Mushroom Powder Blend

Om’s Immune Mushroom Powder Blend offers four species of mushroom, including agaricus blazei, maitake, turkey tail, and reishi. Simply add one teaspoon of mushroom powder daily to your favorite recipes, coffees, smoothies, or soups to take advantage of the associated immune-supporting benefits.^‡

Immune Defense Mushroom Capsules

Offering the same blend of mushrooms as the Immune Mushroom Powder Blend, the Immune Defense Capsules help support the immune system and help keep your body guarded against sickness.^‡ Capsules offer a convenient way to obtain many bioactive compounds and nutrients. Take three capsules per day with a glass of water.

Immune+ Mushroom Drink Mix

If you are looking for a simple and delicious way to naturally support your immune system, Om Mushroom’s Immune+ Mushroom Drink Mix offers a flavorful solution. Simply add one tablespoon to 12 ounces of water and support your body’s defenses with the natural beta-glucan power of organic reishi, turkey tail, maitake, and agaricus blazei, plus 2 billion probiotics and a 330% daily value of Vitamin C.^‡

Maintaining a healthy immune system has never been more crucial. When exploring natural supplements to support your immune health, consider Om Mushroom. Our mushroom products for immune system support are delicious, convenient, and perfect for keeping your immune system battle-ready.

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^‡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.