Building a strong immune system over the cooler months? Functional mushrooms might be just the ticket. The likes of Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Cordyceps have bee used for thousands of years for their immune supporting qualities.
So, what makes these mushrooms so special? The answer lies in a unique compound called beta-glucans. These days it’s easier than ever to incorporate functional mushrooms into your daily routine. Let’s explore which option is best for you this season.
Immune benefits of functional mushrooms
Beta-glucans
Within mushrooms, beta-glucans are an essential structural component of their cell wall, giving them strength and rigidity. As beta-glucans enter the bloodstream, they meet with immune cells to support immune responsiveness. Beta-glucans offer comprehensive, multi-pronged support for immune health, by directly supporting different parts of the immune system.
Studies show beta-glucans support these immune cells:
- Natural killer (NK) cells (rapid response)
- Macrophages (immune signalling)
- T cells (target and destroy)
- Dendritic cells (identify targets for T cells)
Holistic immune support via the gut
It turns out our gut bugs love beta-glucans. When beta-glucans make their way to the large intestine, some are absorbed into the bloodstream while others are fermented by gut probiotics into short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs are crucial for our gut lining and supporting gut function. Which in turn, support immune wellness, as 70-80% of immune cells are in our gut.
Functional mushrooms that contain beta-glucans:
- Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus)
- Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
- Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
- Poria (Wolfiporia extensa)
- Agaricius (Agaricius blazei)
- Tremella (Tremella fuciformis)
I'll take one of everything
Functional mushroom blends offer powerful synergy, combining the unique properties of each mushroom for overall wellness and immune support. You get the best of each special ‘shroom, making it easier to support your body all in one convenient formula.
Covers all bases: Superfeast Mason's Mushrooms
- 8-in-one mushroom powder including Chaga, Reishi and Poria
- Provides holistic support to the nervous, immune & digestive systems
- When taken every day, supports the body’s natural resilience
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Shroom power plus astragalus: NOW Foods Immune Renew
- One-a-day capsule with 8 functional mushrooms, including Cordyceps and Turkey tail
- Convenient capsule form – ideal for on the go
- With Astragulus root for additional immune support
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Gobble gobble up some turkey tail
Science backs Turkey tail’s immune supporting qualities, not only due to its rich source of beta-glucans, but also polysaccharide K (PSK) - a potent compound studied for supporting immune resilience. These make Turkey tail a powerful ally in supporting defences against, and recovery from, ills and chills.
Turkey tail powder: Misty Day Plant Potions Organic Turkey Tail
- 10:1 organic, dual extracted turkey tail powder
- Heat stable – add it to hot or cold drinks
- Chocolatey tea-like flavour, great in a hot chocolate or coffee
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Turkey tail capsules: Gaia Herbs Turkey Tail Mushroom Immune Liver Support
- High strength, one-a-day dose of turkey tail
- Holistic nutrients for gut and immune support
- Contains 135mg standardised beta-glucans
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Vitamin D & mushrooms
Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin - essential for a strong immune system, especially during darker months where we don’t see as much sun. It can support healthy immune function and mood, especially when paired alongside functional mushrooms.
Fun(gus) and sun: Matakana Superfoods Vitamin D3 1000IU Immune Supporting Mushrooms
- Vitamin D provides valuable immune support
- Contains Lion’s Mane, Maitake and Shiitake mushroom blend
- Cognitive and immune support from Lion’s Mane
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Pick me ups
Coffee mushroom power brew: Four Sigmatic Organic Coffee Mushrooms Protect
- Your organic cup of coffee with that little something extra
- Chaga, Cordyceps and Ginseng for immune support and daily energy
- Convenient, instant sachets ready to mix in water
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Naturopath top pick: Flow State Lions Mane Capsules
- 30% Beta D glucans to support immune resilience
- Support mental clarity and focus
- Take 2 capsules in the AM when you need to mentally perform
“We tried to resist - but we just couldn’t write about mushrooms and not mention this lion’s mane. Our personal favourite for mental clarity and, officially, our bestselling mushroom supplement. Enjoy ridin’ the lion!” - Callan & Rebecca, HealthPost Naturopaths
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Want to learn more about lion’s mane? Check out the benefits of lion’s mane – the brain mushroom.
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