Reishi: A Natural Immunological Defense - NL-073
A healthy, well-balanced diet goes a long way in keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Many of us take supplements such as vitamin C and vitamin D to give an additional boost to our body's natural ability to fight against infections, but did you know that reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is also gaining a lot of attention because of its extraordinary immune boosting benefits? In fact, reishi is very well-known for its ability to regulate the immune system.
Reishi mushroom, also known as Ling Zhi or "Mushroom of immortality" is widely known to reduce stress, regulate immunity and boost cardiovascular health. It also promotes overall health and longevity. Reishi is also an adaptogen, certain plants that help the body restore its balance, maintain equilibrium and adapt to stress. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi is used as a tonic to relieve fatigue, improve vigour and boost energy. It is one of the oldest mushrooms known for its medicinal and anti-ageing properties.
What makes reishi mushroom a great asset to your immunity? This woody mushroom balances the way your immune system functions so that it works more effectively. The mushroom is loaded with hundreds of bioactive compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Polysaccharides (Beta-glucans) and triterpenoids (ganoderic acids) are two such compounds in reishi that are mainly responsible for its immune modulating action. Reishi is also a good source of minerals such as magnesium, zinc and selenium.
Beta glucans in reishi stimulate the immune system by promoting the activity of immune cells such as B and T cells. It also increases the production of cytokines. An active immune system helps the body mount a healthy response against pathogens, inflammation and tumours. If you have a weak immunity, reishi mushroom can help you recover faster from infections. In addition, the high amounts of ganoderic acids contained in reishi, compounds that block the secretion of histamine, helps fight seasonal allergies and helps in conditions such as asthma and other respiratory disorders.
Reishi not only enhances immune function, but it also improves immune tolerance. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in reishi help suppress an agitated or overactive immune system that can otherwise cause unwanted inflammation and auto-immune disorders.
Reishi mushroom also boosts immunity by reducing stress and improving sleep as both these factors play a very important role in keeping your immune system healthy. Chronic stress invites inflammation and disease, weakens immunity, and affects your physical and mental well-being. As an adaptogen, Reishi supports your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a highly evolved system that helps you manage and respond to stress through various mechanisms including regulating cortisol levels. Reishi keeps a check on your cortisol levels and calms the nervous system. Elevated cortisol gives rises to high blood pressure, anxiety and stress. Overall, the adaptogenic and antioxidant properties of reishi mushroom improves your body’s ability to deal with stress, manage healthy stress response, and find balance.
Reference:
- Ahmad et al. Ganoderma lucidum: A potential source to surmount viral infections through β-glucans immunomodulatory and triterpenoids antiviral properties. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2021