Mushrooms: The Natural Sidekick in the Fight Against Cancer
A diagnosis of cancer almost always comes with a recommendation of chemotherapy for treatment. Chemotherapy does kill cancer cells, but it drastically reduces energy levels and the strength of the immune system. With the assistance of medicinal mushrooms and mushroom extracts however, these effects can be reduced. This “super-food” has been scientifically proven to prevent some cancers, boost the immune system, and reduce both the symptoms of cancer and the effects of its treatment.
One such mushroom is the snow fungus (Tremella Fuciformis). The snow fungus fights the negative effects of Cobalt-60, a type of radiation treatment that damages important white blood cells known as myeloid granuloctyes. Cobalt-60 lowers the number of the white blood cells to just 20 percent of the normal amount, but a daily dose of snow fungus fights the negative effects so that the Cobalt-60 only lowers the number of white blood cells to 60 percent of the normal levels. This means that patients who consume snow fungus retain 40 percent more white blood cells than those who don’t.
Well known in Japan, PSK is a polysaccharide derived from the Turkey Tail mushroom. The Turkey Tail mushroom is the most researched of the medicinal mushrooms and has proven anti-cancer properties. During chemotherapy, the extract has been shown to boost the immune system. It’s been licensed to use alongside conventional cancer treatment and can even be claimed on medical insurance in Japan.
Shiitake mushrooms are another very beneficial mushroom aid. Polysaccharide compounds in Shiitake significantly increase immune function, and one extract known as lentinan has been licensed as an anti-tumor treatment for 30 years in Japan. Lentanin has been linked to higher survival rates and a higher quality of life among cancer patients. While these are some of the most popular anti-cancer mushrooms, there are even more that can help, such as Reishi and Chaga.
Cancer is one of humankind’s most common and devastating natural killers. At a time where 1 in 3 people are afflicted with some type of cancer during their lives, almost all of us have known someone or even been who has had to fight against this terrible disease. While scientists appear to be making some progress towards finding a cure, the only thing we can do in the meantime is look for ways we can make our loved ones feel better and lower our own risk of getting it. Thankfully, along with emotional support and treatments such as chemotherapy, mushrooms can aid in the battle for a healthy life and body.
CAN YOU PLEASE SEND ME YOUR SUGGESTIONS ON MUSHROOMS FOR FIGHTING BREAST AND LYMPH NODE TUMOR IN A MALE.
Hello, with my deepest sympathies I must start off my response by saying that we are not medical professionals and cannot recommend specific mushrooms for specific cancers. Most of what I know regarding mushrooms and cancer is already written in the article you commented on. Some of the mushrooms thought to be most effective at boosting the immune system and alleviating symptoms of cancer are turkey tail, chaga, reishi, shiitake, and maitake mushrooms. However, please understand that none of them can be used as a cure on their own and are only suggested in addition to whatever treatment your doctor recommends. One thing to be aware of is that miatake can actually increase nausea in some people so that mushroom may not be ideal for some people. I wish I could be more help, but I do not want to unintentionally mislead you, so please seek professional help for any further advice on this matter. Most doctors have more knowledge than us regarding the use of mushrooms in medical treatment.