Over the years, gut health has become a hot topic in the health and wellness scene, and for a good reason - it’s important to our overall health and well-being!
The health of our gastrointestinal tract and microbiome directly affects multiple systems within the body, including our immune system, hormonal health and nervous system.
Fun fact: Up to 75% of the immune system is housed in our gut, whilst up to 90% of our serotonin is also made in there (serotonin is a well-known brain neurotransmitter that affects our mood, emotions, appetite, and digestion).
So how do medicinal mushrooms improve the health of our gut?
Medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and antioxidants that can support gut health in several ways:
Prebiotic Effects
Some medicinal mushrooms contain polysaccharides that act as prebiotics, providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. These compounds can help stimulate the growth and activity of probiotic bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy balance of microorganisms.
Modulation of Gut Microbiota
Medicinal mushrooms may influence the composition of gut microbiota, favouring the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens, which when there is an overgrowth, can result in disharmony within the gut (such as Candida).
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Many medicinal mushrooms possess anti-inflammatory properties due to their high levels of bioactive compounds. By reducing inflammation in the gut, these mushrooms can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Enhancement of Gut Barrier Function
Compounds found in medicinal mushrooms, such as polysaccharides and triterpenoids, have been shown to enhance gut barrier function by promoting the production of mucin, a protective layer that lines the digestive tract. A healthy gut barrier prevents the leakage of harmful substances into the bloodstream and reduces the risk of gut-related disorders.
Immunomodulation
Medicinal mushrooms have immunomodulatory effects, meaning they can regulate immune function. Revered for thousands of years by many cultures, medicinal mushrooms can support immune function and increase our defences against viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. The polysaccharide compounds in medicinal mushrooms bind to specific immune cell receptor sites in the body that increase T-Cell, NK Cell, Macrophage, and Neutrophil activity (the cells required for immune function).
The interaction between our gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and the oligosaccharides (prebiotics) present in medicinal mushrooms is thought to be one of primary the reasons that these potent herbs produce such powerful actions within our gut and immune system as a whole
Antioxidant Activity
The antioxidants present in medicinal mushrooms help combat oxidative stress in the gut, which can occur due to inflammation, toxins, and poor diet. By reducing oxidative damage, these mushrooms contribute to gut health and may lower the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.
So those are a few of the ways the medicinal mushrooms can support our gut health, which brings us to why Mason’s Mushrooms should be your go-to daily support when wanting to improve your digestion and improve your overall gut health!
Meet Mason's Mushrooms
Masons’ Mushrooms is our signature blend, combining 8 of the most potent medicinal mushrooms including Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion’s Mane, Poria, Maitake, Shiitake and Agaricus mushroom. Embracing the wisdom of Taoist herbal traditions, these mushrooms have been valued for centuries for their ability to harmonise the body and mind.
Mason’s Mushrooms is both the perfect starting point for someone wanting to begin their journey towards radiant health or for the well-versed herbalist to maintain their daily dose of medicinal mushrooms.
Learn More
If you want to learn more, we have linked some of our favourite podcast episodes for you to explore!
Gut Health Part 1 with Mason and Dan Sipple
Gut Health Part 2 with Mason and Dan Sipple
Optimising Your Gut Bacteria with Dan Sipple
