April 15, 2024 | Dr. Silvana Jakupovic, ND
Frequently underestimated yet significantly influential, the health of our gut plays a crucial role in our overall health. Our digestive system, an intricate assembly of organs and microorganisms, does more than break down food and absorb nutrients. It is crucial in regulating numerous bodily functions, impacting much more than just our digestive health. Maintaining a healthy and balanced gut is fundamental to our well-being, bolstering aspects of our health ranging from immunity to psychological wellness.
• Mushroom Health Products for Gut Health Support
• Medicinal Mushrooms and Gut Health
• Where to Buy Quality Turkey Tail Supplements?
Why is Gut Health Important?
Over the last few years, there has been a significant shift in our understanding of what constitutes human health, propelled by an expanding source of scientific research emphasizing the crucial importance of gut health as a cornerstone of our physiological and psychological well-being. The gastrointestinal tract, informally dubbed our "second brain," represents a vibrant and intricate ecosystem. This ecosystem is bustling with a vast assembly of microorganisms, numbering in the trillions, which establish the gut microbiome together.
This microbiome is not just a passive community; it plays an active role in numerous essential bodily functions. Among these is the decomposition of complex food molecules, which allows for the absorption of nutrients and the synthesis of vital vitamins and metabolites that our bodies cannot produce independently. However, the importance of the gut microbiome transcends the boundaries of digestion and nutrient absorption.
Emerging research has illuminated that a well-balanced and richly diversified gut microbiome is fundamental in bolstering a strong immune defence, modulating inflammation levels, preserving a healthy body weight, and profoundly influencing our mental health [1]. There is a burgeoning recognition of the intricate links between the state of our gut health and the prevalence of various conditions, including autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions, obesity, and mood-related disorders.
The evidence pointing to the interconnection between the gut microbiome and such wide-ranging health outcomes is increasingly compelling, underscoring the intricate web of interactions that define our overall health landscape.
Mushroom Health Products for Gut Health Support
Research on nature-derived polysaccharides for managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and other gut-related conditions is gaining momentum [2]. These carbohydrates, found in various plants and fungi, are being studied for their potential to modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, gut microbiota, and immune responses, which are critical factors impacting gut health [1]. Additionally, evidence suggests that polysaccharides could safeguard the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier, which is commonly compromised in various gastrointestinal disorders [1].
Medicinal Mushrooms and Gut Health
For thousands of years, medicinal mushrooms have served as treatments for a range of health issues. In digestive health, they stand out as natural solutions fostering balance within the gut. These functional fungi are laden with bioactive elements capable of reducing inflammation, nurturing a harmonious microbiome, and strengthening the gut lining. Leveraging the distinct advantages of mushrooms offers a natural and comprehensive method for bolstering digestive wellness.
What are Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
In traditional Chinese medicine, Turkey Tail mushrooms have been used to promote general well-being and strengthen the immune system. This practice is based on the principles of holistic health and achieving balance in the body.
Contemporary scientific studies have recently shed light on the possible benefits of Turkey tail mushrooms. Research has been conducted on their use as complementary treatments for illnesses such as cancer, examining their ability to boost the effectiveness of standard treatments and enhance patients' quality of life.
The Gut Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
The Turkey Tail mushroom, also known scientifically as Trametes versicolor, is renowned for its capabilities in bolstering immune function. This immune system enhancement is attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which fortify the body's innate defence mechanisms.
Investigations into Turkey tail mushrooms reveal their potential role in functioning similarly to prebiotics. Prebiotics, distinct from probiotics, which are live bacterial cultures, foster the proliferation of healthy bacteria within the gut. A well-balanced gut microbiome is vital for a host of cellular functions, such as absorbing nutrients, metabolizing lipids, fermenting dietary fibres, bolstering mucosal immunity, and supporting the overall development of the immune system. An imbalance in gut flora can result in nutritional shortfalls, gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea and constipation, and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections.
One particular study explored the impact of Turkey Tail's prebiotic polysaccharopeptide (PSP), in contrast to the antibiotic amoxicillin, on the human gut microbiome [3]. Findings indicated that PSP induced beneficial shifts in the microbiome, highlighting its prebiotic nature, whereas amoxicillin was found to cause significant, long-lasting disruptions, including an uptick in pathogenic bacteria [2].
These insights underscore the value of Turkey Tail mushroom's PSP as a prebiotic, showcasing its ability to alter and regulate the human gut microbiome's composition positively. It spotlights the significance of integrating alternative medicinal approaches in preserving a balanced gut flora, which is essential for digestive health and preventing conditions linked to microbial imbalances.
Where to Buy Quality Turkey Tail Supplements?
Eversio Wellness distinguishes itself in the medicinal mushroom market by using 100% fruiting body extracts and a strong dedication to openness, evidenced by their practice of providing Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for every product. These COAs confirm the existence and concentration of active ingredients while also ensuring the absence of dangerous levels of heavy metals and microorganisms, affirming their offerings' safety and effectiveness.
Their DEFEND Now – Organic Turkey Tail 12:1 Extract Capsules represent a reliable and robust choice for individuals interested in the benefits of Turkey Tail mushroom supplements.
Related Articles:
Turkey Tail Mushrooms and Immunity
The Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom
References:
[1] Hills RD Jr, Pontefract BA, Mishcon HR, Black CA, Sutton SC, Theberge CR. Gut Microbiome: Profound Implications for Diet and Disease. Nutrients. 2019 Jul 16;11(7):1613. doi: 10.3390/nu11071613. PMID: 31315227; PMCID: PMC6682904.
[2] Li C, Wu G, Zhao H, Dong N, Wu B, Chen Y, Lu Q. Natural-Derived Polysaccharides From Plants, Mushrooms, and Seaweeds for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 26;12:651813. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.651813. PMID: 33981232; PMCID: PMC8108135.
[3] Pallav K, Dowd SE, Villafuerte J, Yang X, Kabbani T, Hansen J, Dennis M, Leffler DA, Newburg DS, Kelly CP. Effects of polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor and amoxicillin on the gut microbiome of healthy volunteers: a randomized clinical trial. Gut Microbes. 2014 Jul 1;5(4):458-67. doi: 10.4161/gmic.29558. Epub 2014 Jul 9. PMID: 25006989.
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