fungi Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Bizarre-Looking Fungus Improves Cognition & Immunity, New Research Suggests

The AHA! Team — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:25:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux as it is often known, is one of the most common health complaints among adults. So much so that medications to treat the symptoms make up the third highest-selling class of drugs in the United States. Of all the medicinal mushrooms, tremella mushrooms are undoubtedly the strangest looking, with a translucent white color and a complicated-looking arrangement of frills and folds that causes them to resemble reef coral. Botanically labeled as tremella fuciformis, tremella mushrooms are commonly known by nicknames that range from the charming (snow mushrooms) to the creepy (witches’ butter). You may also hear them referred to as snow fungus, white fungus, and white jelly mushrooms. But these intriguing fungi are so much more than visual oddities. Valued as adaptogens and immune system boosters in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, tremella mushrooms are now impressing contemporary researchers. A clinical study in the Journal of Medicinal Foods concluded that tremella extracts can help protect brain cells and improve cognition and memory in patients with cognitive impairment. You won’t want to miss out on the far-reaching “head-to-toe” benefits of these fascinating fungi. Tremella mushrooms help reverse memory loss and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases In a double-blind, controlled trial involving 75 individuals with subjective cognitive impairment, the researchers set out to assess the efficacy and safety of tremella. They found that participants who received between 600 and 1,200 mg a day of tremella for eight weeks experienced greater memory and executive function improvements than those in the control group. The team concluded that tremella could be safely used to improve memory and enhance cognition. A 2022 study published in Nutrients explored tremella mushrooms’ ability to act against oxidative stress and brain inflammation that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that tremella mushrooms contain polysaccharides with anti-amyloidogenic properties (this forbidding-sounding word means that they act against the buildup of harmful amyloid-beta plaque implicated in Alzheimer’s disease). They also have antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, meaning they can prevent the death of brain cells. One specific tremella polysaccharide, TL04, was found in animal studies to confer protective effects through the mitochondrial pathway. The team concluded that polysaccharides in tremella are “promising neuroprotective agents” with “enormous potential” to inhibit the progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntingdon’s disease, and ALS. Tremella combats inflammatory intestinal diseases by enhancing immunity and gut microbe diversity In a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Immunology, researchers concluded that polysaccharides in tremella mushrooms have the potential to alleviate inflammation and tissue damage caused by ulcerative colitis. These beneficial carbohydrates also support the health of the gut microbiome by increasing microbial diversity and renewing populations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. As these bacteria’s metabolites help regulate the immune system, this also supports immune defenses. Studies have shown that polysaccharides can directly activate immune system components such as macrophages and T-cells. While more study is needed, the implications are promising. Promote and protect skin health, radiance, and hydration Tremella mushrooms contain potent antioxidants that reduce skin inflammation and help to protect against photoaging (another word for wrinkles and age spots induced by the harmful ultraviolet rays in sunlight). In addition, their polysaccharides have humectant properties, meaning they can draw moisture into the skin. In a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, a 0.05 percent formulation of tremella polysaccharides performed as well in hydrating skin as a 0.02 percent formulation of hyaluronic acid – and it accomplished this at only 14 percent of the cost! Researchers endorsed tremella polysaccharides for rehydrating the skin and protecting and repairing the skin barrier. Tremella polysaccharides also help to increase the production of collagen, a protein that promotes skin firmness and elasticity (the sought-after qualities that give skin a youthful appearance). Access benefits through diet, supplements, or topical application Whole tremella mushrooms are available fresh or dried in markets and health food stores. Dried mushrooms should be soaked for an hour to rehydrate before using in recipes. While fresh tremella mushrooms are perfectly edible and nutritious – packed with dietary fiber, plant-based protein, essential vitamins, and minerals – they have a gelatinous texture that some people find off-putting. That said, their flavor is subtle and mild, and they blend in well with soups, stews, stir-fries, and casseroles. Powdered tremella is also available as a supplement. Use a reputable vendor, and choose an organic product certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) or USP (United States Pharmacopeia). You can also find tremella in topical serums, facial masks, and lotions. Before supplementing with tremella, you may want to get the “thumbs-up” from your holistic healthcare provider. Unsurprisingly, tremella mushrooms have also exhibited effects against cancer, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity. While much of their potential is still unexplored, their obvious benefits are causing them to emerge as an exciting natural intervention against chronic and degenerative diseases. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Liebertpub.com RealSimple.com Mdpi.com FrontiersinImmunology.org SagePub.com To read the original article click here.

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How Does Reishi Rescue Your Immune System & Emotional Wellbeing?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:27:14 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – A new review in Food Science and Human Wellness shines a spotlight on one of the most revered medicinal mushrooms – the reishi mushroom. A staple of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 2000 years, these ancient edible fungi are now being taken seriously by researchers around the globe and explored for their potential to promote health, longevity, and even help people to heal from chronic health issues. A new review in Food Science and Human Wellness shines a spotlight on one of the most revered medicinal mushrooms – the reishi mushroom. Botanically known as Ganoderma lucidum, the reishi mushroom is also called Ling Zhi (meaning “The Mushroom of Immortality” – a clue to the high esteem in which it is held). Let’s take a closer look at the compelling health benefits of this mighty mushroom. The reishi mushroom’s wide range of benefits include boosting the immune system In the new review, the authors reported that reishi mushrooms have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-allergy, and antitumor properties. These versatile mushrooms are also adaptogenic, meaning that they can help the body adjust to prolonged physical and psychological stress. The team pointed out reishi’s high levels of triterpenoids – which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to protect heart and liver health – and polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, which can help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The authors declared that the most studied of all reishi benefits involve the fungus’ ability to stimulate the immune system. In a placebo-controlled study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, twelve weeks of supplementation with beta-glucans from reishi mushrooms increased the amounts of lymphocytes (immune system cells critical to the body’s defense) in children with immune deficiency. In addition to their gifts to the body, reishi mushrooms can also benefit the psyche. Medicinal mushrooms can have nootropic effects – meaning they can promote mental function and concentration – along with mild calming and mood-elevating properties. In fact, Taoist monks have used reishi mushrooms to enhance spiritual practices and meditation. Mysterious mood-lifter: Reishi extracts increased happiness in women with fibromyalgia Our current “sick care” system attempts to manage fibromyalgia – a chronic disorder characterized by muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, and depression – with synthetic muscle relaxers and other toxic medications. However, these pills may provide only partial relief and can feature unwanted side effects. Hence, there is an ongoing search for natural alternatives. In a 2020 trial involving women with fibromyalgia, volunteers were given either six grams of reishi extract or a placebo daily – with intriguing results. Although the reishi group didn’t see any statistically significant differences in body aches or other symptoms, they reported feeling substantially happier! The intervention reduced depression levels from 7.6 to 5.36 – which is near the cut-off level for a diagnosis of depression. The participants reported the reishi’s efficacy at between 2 and 3 on the Global Impression of Improvement Scale (GIIS), which means that they quantified improvements in the way they were feeling on a spectrum ranging from “slightly improved” to “greatly improved.” Meanwhile, the control group did not fare nearly as well, ranking their status between 3 and 4 on the GIIS. This signifies that they either noticed no change at all or were only minimally better. Clearly, these findings – brighter mood, increased happiness, and less perception of physical discomfort – call for further exploration. Breast cancer patients struggling with mood disturbances find relief Depression, fatigue, and anxiety can sap the strength and threaten the morale of those battling cancer. However, a four-week study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that a reishi extract (Ganoderma lucidum spore powder) reduced cancer-related emotional upset, tiredness, and improved quality of life in women with breast cancer who were undergoing endocrine therapy. Incidentally, earlier studies have supported reishi’s calming effects. A study published in Cellular and Molecular Biology showed that lucidone D, a terpene from reishi mushrooms, helped to reduce body aches and promote sleep. In yet another study, reishi extracts improved quality of life and alleviated tiredness and physical discomfort in people with neurasthenia. Access the power of reishi through convenient supplements With their deep reddish-bronze color and glossy sheen, reishi mushrooms have a distinctive appearance – and a notoriously bitter taste to go along with it. Although perfectly edible, this harsh taste is why people rarely nibble reishi mushrooms “solo.” Fortunately, supplements are available in powders, tinctures, capsules, and teas. Opt for an organic product certified for purity and marketed by a reputable vendor. For immune support, holistic healthcare providers typically advise 1.5 to 9 grams daily, but consult your holistic doctor before supplementing with reishi, especially if you have any health concerns. By the way, reishi powder actually “plays well with others” when balanced with pleasant, robust flavors such as cacao or coffee. You can add this mushroom to your favorite morning meal, or favorite smoothie. You may also find specialty chocolates, coffee alternatives, and energy bars enhanced with reishi. As the new review demonstrates, reishi mushrooms appear to promote physical, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. Maybe it’s time to try the “king of mushrooms.” Editor’s note: For the highest quality medicinal mushrooms … check out the LuvByNature brand for a variety of healthy options. Sources for this article include: Sciencedirect.com MDPI.com Begelhouse.com Healthline.com Thespruceeats.com NIH.gov Whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com To read the original article click here.

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New Antibiotic Approach Proves Promising Against Lyme Bacterium

The AHA! Team — Fri, 31 May 2024 05:32:44 +0000

Duke Health – A technique that has demonstrated success against cancer tumors could also be lethal to bacteria and other pathogens DURHAM, N.C. – Using a technique that has shown promise in targeting cancer tumors, a Duke Health team has found a way to deploy a molecular warhead that can annihilate the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. Tested in cell cultures using the Borrelia burgdoferi bacterium, the approach holds the potential to target not only bacteria, but also fungi such as yeast and viruses. The findings appear in the journal Cell Chemical Biology. Duke Health team has found a way to deploy a molecular warhead that can annihilate the bacterium that causes Lyme disease “This transport mechanism gets internalized in the bacterium and brings in a molecule that causes what we’ve described as a berserker reaction – a programmed death response,” said lead author Timothy Haystead, Ph.D., professor in Duke’s Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology. “It wipes out the bacteria — sterilizes the culture with a single dose of light. And then when you look at what occurs with electron microscopy, you see the collapse of the chromosome.” Haystead and colleagues used a molecular facilitator called high-temperature protein G (HtpG), which is involved in protecting cells that are undergoing heat stress. This family of proteins has been the focus of drug development programs for possible cancer therapies. Studies of this protein as an antimicrobial have also been encouraging, but the Duke team’s work appears to be the first to tether an HtpG inhibitor to a drug that enhances sensitivity to light. The researchers found that the HtpG inhibitor, armed with the photosensitive drug, was rapidly absorbed into the cells of the Lyme bacteria. When hit with light, the bacteria’s cells went into disarray and ultimately collapsed, killing them. “Our findings point to a new, alternate antibiotic development strategy, whereby one can exploit a potentially vast number of previously unexplored druggable areas within bacteria to deliver cellular toxins,” Haystead said. In addition to Haystead, study authors include Dave L. Carlson, Mark Kowalewski, Khaldon Bodoor, Adam D. Lietzan, Philip Hughes, David Gooden, David L. Loiselle, David Alcorta, Zoey Dingman, Elizabeth A. Mueller, Irnov Irnov, Shannon Modla, Tim Chaya, Jeffrey Caplan, Monica Embers, Jennifer C. Miller, Christine Jacobs-Wagner, Matthew R. Redinbo, and Neil Spector (deceased). The study received funding support from the Steven and Alexander Cohen foundation and Bay Area Lyme Foundation. To read the original article click here.

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Researchers Link “Genetic Signatures” of Bacteria in the Human Gut to Multiple Diseases

AHA Publisher — Thu, 20 May 2021 07:00:24 +0000

Harvard Medical School via News-Medical – We are truly never alone, not even within our own bodies. Human beings play host to trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that make up the human microbiome. In recent years, the mix of these resident bacteria, and the presence of specific bacterial species, has been linked to conditions ranging from obesity to multiple sclerosis. Now, going a step farther, researchers at Harvard Medical School and Joslin Diabetes Center have gone beyond microbial species. Analyzing the genetic makeup of bacteria in the human gut, the team has successfully linked groups of bacterial genes, or “genetic signatures,” to multiple diseases. The work brings scientists closer to developing tests that could predict disease risk or identify disease presence based on a sampling of the genetic makeup of a person’s microbiome. The findings, to be published May 18 in Nature Communications, link sets of bacterial genes to the presence of coronary artery disease, cirrhosis of the liver, inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes. The analysis indicates that three of these conditions–coronary artery disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver cirrhosis–share many of the same bacterial genes. In other words, people whose guts harbor these bacterial genes seem more likely to have one or more of these three conditions. The work represents a significant advance in the current understanding of the relationship between microbes residing in the human gut and specific diseases, the team said. If confirmed through further research, the results could inform the design of tools that could gauge a person’s risk for a range of conditions based on analysis of a single fecal sample, they added. “This opens a window for the development of tests using cross-disease, gene-based indicators of patient health. We’ve identified genetic markers that we think could eventually lead to tests, or just one test, to identify associations with a number of medical conditions.” (Braden Tierney, Study First Author and Graduate Student, Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program, Harvard Medical School) The researchers caution that their study was not designed to elucidate exactly how and why these microbial genes may be linked to different diseases. Thus far, they said, it remains unclear whether these bacteria are involved in disease development or are mere bystanders in this process. The goal of the study was to determine whether groups of genes could reliably indicate the presence of different diseases. These newly identified microbial genetic signatures, however, could be studied further to determine what role, if any, the organisms play in disease development. “Our study underscores the value of data science to tease out complex interplay between microbes and humans,” said study senior author Chirag Patel, associate professor of biomedical informatics in the Blavatnik Institute at HMS. The researchers started out by collecting microbiome data from 13 groups of patients totaling more than 2,500 samples. Next, they analyzed the data to pinpoint linkages between seven diseases and millions of microbial species, microbial metabolic pathways, and microbial genes. By trying out a variety of modeling approaches–computing a total of 67 million different statistical models–they were able to observe what microbiome features consistently emerged as the strongest disease-associated candidates. Of all the various microbial characteristics–species, pathways, and genes–microbial genes had the greatest predictive power. In other words, the researchers said, groups of bacterial genes, or genetic signatures, rather than merely the presence of certain bacterial families, were linked most closely to the presence of a given condition. Some of the main observations included: Clusters of bacterial genes, or genetic signatures, rather than individual bacterial genes, appear implicated in various types of human disease. Coronary artery disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver cirrhosis have similar gut microbiome genetic signatures. Type 2 diabetes, by contrast, has a microbiome signature unlike any other phenotype tested. The analysis did not find a consistent link between the presence of the bacterial species Solobacterium moorei and colon cancer–an association previously reported in numerous studies. However, the researchers did identify particular genes from a S. moorei subspecies associated with colorectal cancer. This finding indicates that gene-level analysis can yield biomarkers of disease with greater precision and more specificity compared with current approaches. Patel said this result underscores the notion that it is not merely the presence of a given bacterial family that may portend risk, but rather the strains and gene signatures of the microbes that matter. The ability to identify interconnections with such precision will be critical for designing tests that can measure risk reliably, he added. Thus, in this specific example, a test intended to measure colon-cancer risk by merely detecting the presence of S. moorei in the gut may not be as reliable as a more refined test that measures bacterial genes to detect the presence of specific strains of S. moorei that are associated with colon cancer. Two conditions–ear inflammation and benign soft-tissue tumors called adenomas–showed weak associations with the gut microbiome, suggesting that microorganisms residing in the human gut are not likely to play a role in the development of these conditions, nor are they likely to be reliable indicators that these conditions are present. In a previous study, the HMS team used massive amounts of publicly available DNA-sequencing data from human oral and gut microbiomes to estimate the size of the universe of microbial genes in the human body. The analysis revealed that there may be more genes in the collective human microbiome than stars in the observable universe. Given the sheer number of microbial genes that reside within the human body, the new findings represent a major step forward in understanding the complexity of the interplay between human diseases and the human microbiome, the researchers said. “The ultimate goal of computational science is to generate hypotheses from a huge swath of data,” said Tierney. “Our work shows that this can be done and opens up so many new avenues for research and inquiry that we are only limited by the time, people, and resources needed to run those tests.” To read the original article click here.

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Molecular Tweezers Take on Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

AHA Publisher — Wed, 19 May 2021 07:00:56 +0000

Jon Schiller via Israel21c – Scientists from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beersheva, along with American and German colleagues, have developed “molecular tweezers” to destroy the biofilm that surrounds and protects antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the body. Antibiotic resistance occurs when germs like bacteria or fungi develop the ability to defeat medicines designed to kill them. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs are difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to treat. The molecular tweezers developed by Prof. Raz Jelinek, and his PhD student Ravit Malishev from BGU’s department of chemistry, change the structural and assembly properties of the biofilm surrounding antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This clears a path for the immune system to effectively combat infection. They tested two types of molecular tweezers on Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph) bacteria to either disrupt biofilm formation or break existing biofilms. The mortality rate from Staph infections in the US is over 25 percent. “Binding the tweezers to the biofilm disrupts its protective capabilities,” said Jelinek, who is also Ben-Gurion University’s Vice President of Research & Development and a member of the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. “In consequence, the bacterial pathogens become much less virulent to the human body, and more vulnerable to elimination by the immune system,” he added. “Our discovery prevents infection without building up antibiotic resistance. As such, it might even be preferable to construct treatments based on molecular tweezers rather than antibiotics.” Results of the successful study were recently published in Cell Chemical Biology. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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Fungi Could Manipulate Bacteria to Enrich Soil with Nutrients

AHA Publisher — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 07:00:16 +0000

Boyce Thompson Institute via EurekAlert – ITHACA, NY, April 2, 2021 – A team of researchers from the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) has discovered a distinct group of bacteria that may help fungi and plants acquire soil nutrients. The findings could point the way to cost-effective and eco-friendly methods of enriching soil and improving crop yields, reducing farmers’ reliance on conventional fertilizers. Researchers know that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi establish symbiotic relationships with the roots of 70% of all land plants. In this relationship, plants trade fatty acids for the fungi’s nitrogen and phosphorus. However, AM fungi lack the enzymes needed to free nitrogen and phosphorus from complex organic molecules. A trio of BTI scientists led by Maria Harrison, the William H. Crocker Professor at BTI, wondered whether other soil microbes might help the fungi access those nutrients. In a first step towards examining that possibility, the team investigated whether AM fungi associate with a specific community of bacteria. The research was described in a paper published in The ISME Journal on March 1. The team examined bacteria living on the surfaces of long filament-like structures called hyphae, which the fungi extend into the soil far from their host plant. On hyphae from two species of fungi, the team discovered highly similar bacterial communities whose composition was distinct from those in the surrounding soil. “This tells us that, just like the human gut or plant roots, the hyphae of AM fungi have their own unique microbiomes,” said Harrison, who is also an adjunct professor in Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science. “We’re already testing a few interesting predictions as to what these bacteria might do, such as helping with phosphate acquisition.” “If we’re right, then enriching the soil for some of these bacteria could increase crop yields and, ultimately, reduce the need for conventional fertilizers along with their associated costs and environmental impacts,” she added. Her co-researchers on the study were former BTI scientists Bryan Emmett and Véronique Lévesque-Tremblay. Among the Fungi In the study, the team used two species of AM fungi, Glomus versiforme and Rhizophagus irregularis, and grew them in three different types of soil in symbiosis with Brachypodium distachyon, a grass species related to wheat. After letting the fungus grow with the grass for up to 65 days, the researchers used gene sequencing to identify bacteria sticking to the hyphae surfaces. The team found remarkable consistency in the makeup of bacterial communities from the two fungal species. Those communities were similar in all three soil types, but very different from those found in soil away from the filaments. The function of these bacteria is not yet clear, but their composition has already sparked some interesting possibilities, Harrison said. “We predict that some of these bacteria liberate phosphorus ions in the immediate vicinity of the filaments, giving the fungus the best chance to capture those ions,” Harrison said. “Learning which bacteria have this function could be key to enhancing the fungi’s phosphate acquisition process to benefit plants.” Harrison’s group is investigating the factors that control which bacteria assemble on the filaments. Harrison thinks the AM fungi may secrete molecules that attract these bacteria, and in turn, the bacterial communities may influence which molecules the fungus secretes. Highway Patrol Among the hyphae microbiomes were members of Myxococcales and other taxa that include “bacterial predators” that kill and eat other bacteria by causing them to burst and release their contents. These predators move by gliding along surfaces so “the fungal filaments could serve as linear feeding lanes,” said Emmett, who is currently a research microbiologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in Ames, Iowa. “Many soil bacteria appear to travel along fungal hyphae in soil, and these predators may make it a more perilous journey.” While not every member of those taxa on the filaments may be predatory, Harrison’s group plans to investigate how and why those putative predators assemble there. “It’s possible that the actions of predatory bacteria make mineral nutrients available to everyone in the surrounding soil – predators and fungi alike,” she said. To read the original article click here.

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Israeli Air Purifiers Fight Covid in 400 UK, Irish Buses

AHA Publisher — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 08:00:18 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Four hundred touring coaches, repurposed to transport essential workers in the United Kingdom and Ireland, have been outfitted with air filtration and disinfection devices from Israeli startup Aura Air. The device has a pre-filter to catch large particles of dust, pollen, insects and animal hair. A patented three-layer HEPA filter catches particles as small as 0.3 microns, absorbs volatile organic compounds and bad odors, and neutralizes viruses, bacteria, fungi and mold. It also includes an ultraviolet LED-based component, the Sterionizer, which generates positive and negative ions to purify and freshen air. The system’s sensors and algorithms constantly monitor and analyze particles in the air as well as temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide. Passengers can view results via an app, and alerts are sent to the driver if any levels go above a certain threshold indicating a possible hazard. In pilots of the technology at a hotel and other locations in the United States, and at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, Aura Air neutralized various viruses, including the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, at a rate of 99.9%. Aura Air devices are sold to corporate customers such as schools, train stations and offices in Israel, Europe, the United States and the Far East, as well as to individual customers through the company’s website. Aura Air was founded by brothers Aviad and Eldar Shnaiderman and and has 14 employees. The devices are manufactured in Israel in collaboration with Beit El Industries. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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How These Mushrooms & Adaptogens Can Help Grow Brain Cells, Reduce Anxiety, and Fight off Depression

AHA Publisher — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 07:00:55 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – When many of us think of mushrooms, we either think of the ones we cook with, the ones people use to get “high” or the ones that are very dangerous. But did you know that certain mushrooms are superfoods that can boost your mental and physical health? In this podcast (#217) and blog, I speak with Tero Isokauppila, a health and wellness expert and founder and CEO of Four Sigmatic, a company that creates everyday health products to upgrade your daily routine. We discuss why mushrooms are good for our moods, minds, and mental health, what adaptogens are and how to use them, how superfoods like mushrooms can improve our physical health and help us deal with stress, common myths about mushrooms, simple ways to upgrade your daily health routine and more! As Tero points out, the brain and nervous system is the next frontier in science. This is a very new field of science, and we are learning more and more every day, including how the brain gets energy. Only certain compounds that can enter through blood-brain barrier, so it can be challenging for brain to get good nutrition. Superfoods like cacao and certain mushrooms have compounds that are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide the brain with different nutrients. In fact, cacao is one of the most nutritionally diverse foods in the world, which is why Four Sigmatic has a range of healthy hot cacao drinks to help you improve your health. A lot of the smaller compounds in cacao are neurotransmitters that can pass through this blood-brain barrier and activate the brain, providing nutrients and energy that can improve our mental and physical wellbeing. Science is just beginning to show how and in what way natural compounds like mushrooms and cacao, which have been used for centuries in different cultures, improve our health. This is a new, exciting era of wellness! However, since the science is so new, there are a lot of misconceptions about mushrooms out there that need to be addressed: Mushrooms are not plants – they are fungi. Fungi is its own biological kingdom, one that is closely related to humans. We share up to 50% of our DNA with fungi! They don’t all grow on the ground. Many mushroom superfoods like lion’s mane actually grow on trees. They are not all psychedelic. Superfood mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps will not get you “high”. They are not weird or “kooky”. Mushrooms are among the most researched foods in the world. Many of them are important ingredients in pharmaceuticals. They are not all poisonous. Ancient foods like mushrooms are important for immunity, gut health and brain power. Just like certain foods in the plant and animal kingdom are nutritionally dense, certain mushrooms are really good for us! For example, the lion’s mane mushroom, which grows on trees, can help with the remyelination of nerve cells, which can, in turn, improve thinking speeds and stimulate the growth of brain cells. Studies have even shown that this mushroom may help prevent or reduce the symptoms of cognitive decline. Cordyceps is another great mushroom for our health, which increases maximum oxygen intake and help fuel the brain and body, while mushrooms like reishi can help combat the negative effects of a high stress environment, as they support the HPA axis and endocrine system, which can help balance the stress response. These superfood mushrooms are also adaptogens. These are ancients plants or mushrooms that help you adapt to physical and mental stressors. They are natural, non-additive foods that you can eat every day to boost energy and stamina. However, they are not just uppers or downers; they are non-specific (impacting multiple systems in body) and restore harmony to brain and body. Four Sigmatic also has their own range of edible skincare products! Why? Your skin is your largest organ. What you put on your skin is absorbed into your body and can impact your mental and physical wellbeing. As research has shown, we should be aware of what we are putting into AND what we are putting onto our body. Indeed, many artificial skin products can actually negatively impact the blood-brain barrier and our health! However, as Tero points out, nutrition is not the be all and end all of health. Our mind and what we think is really important too, as well as our lifestyle practices! This is why, every day, Tero makes sure he takes care of both his mental and physical self-care by: Choosing to see obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn. Starting the morning hydrated. Taking naps, a siesta or breaks after a meal, which includes meditation and mindfulness practices and using his acupressure nail bed mat (which helps the nervous system and releases tension). Taking breaks are so important if we want to stay healthy and happy!! Practicing regular deep breathing (for more on how to do this listen to my recent podcast episode #216 and check out this blog). Getting outside every day and exercising. Eating real foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants like those found in cacao. Check out Four Sigmatic’s delicious products to find ways to incorporate these superfoods into your daily routine! Practicing mental self-care through brain building and self-regulation. For more mental self-care tips, pre-order my new book 101 Ways to be Less Stressed, which is now on sale at 20% off! You can also check out my app SWITCH, which is a great tool for helping you learn how to manage your mind every day, deal with the roots of your mental distress, and overcome thought patterns and behaviors that impact your wellbeing through the mental process of reconceptualization. Doing thermal exercise. This includes heat exposure, such as using a steam room or sauna as well as cold exposure, like taking an ice bath or cold shower. (For more on why saunas are so great for your mental and physical health and to learn what sauna I use every day, check out podcast episode #192 and blog, and for more on cold exposure and mental health, listen to my recent podcast episode #216 and check out this blog).

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What Is the Oral Microbiome? How to Balance It to Improve Overall Health

AHA Publisher — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 07:00:25 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – The mouth (aka the oral cavity) is considered to be a major gateway to the rest of the body. Oftentimes, what’s happening in the oral microbiome is representative of what’s happening elsewhere in the body. It’s believed there are between 300 and 700 different microbial species living in the average human’s mouth. According to an article published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, the oral microbiome is the second largest microbial community in humans second to the gut, which is often simply called “the microbiome.” Microbes populating the mouth play an important role in functions such as digestion, metabolism, blood pressure regulation and maintenance of the structure of the teeth. How can you take care of the community of organisms living in your mouth? As you’ll learn below, practicing the right type of oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet and consuming probiotics are some of the best strategies. What Is the Oral Microbiome? What exactly is a “human oral microbiome”? The oral microbiome refers tothe hundreds of billions of microorganisms that live inside of the oral cavity (the mouth). Most of these microorganisms are bacteria, both the “good” types and the “bad,” while some are yeast, viruses and fungi. Examples of microbes that live in the oral cavity include Streptococcus and Corynebacteria species. As defined by the Human Microbiome Project, the oral cavity has nine sitesspanning the inside of the mouth: tongue palate tonsils sub- and supra-gingival plaque on teeth keratinized gingiva buccal mucosa throat saliva Together these microbes form an “ecosystem” that operates similarly to the human gut. Each part of the mouth has a unique surface and therefore tends to contain its own array of microbes. For example, the tongue contains a different community from what’s on the gums or teeth, due to how their surfaces sustain the life of different microbes. Dental plaque and the surface of the tongue are especially dense with microbes. They are considered to be “among the densest microbial habitats on Earth.” How It Relates to Health Microbiomes (communities of tiny organisms) actually exist everywhere in nature, and they play an important role in dictating human health and sustaining various ecosystems. The Human Oral Microbiome Database catalogs the genomes of hundreds of bacterial species found in the human mouth. Within one’s mouth there are some bacteria that contribute to overall health, such as by facilitating digestion, and others that can contribute to problems such as gum disease, infections and potentially even cancer. Some of the positive roles that microorganisms living in the oral microbiome have include: Carrying out digestive and metabolic processes, which support a normal metabolism — for example, some bacteria participate in nitrate metabolism, which helps support healthy blood pressure Facilitating the process of breaking down foods via saliva and turning nutrients from food into energy Transporting ionic minerals from saliva around the mouth Supporting remineralization of the teeth Carrying oxygen to the gums and soft tissues Fighting infections by protecting us from harmful environmental organisms Preventing oxidative stress and inflammation Removing waste products from the mouth’s surface Signs of Issues Certain bacteria, viruses and fungi that populate the oral cavity are linked to health concerns that affect various parts of the body, including some you wouldn’t expect, such as the heart disease and reproductive issues. That’s because some bacteria are capable of making their way from the mouth into other parts of the body, including the blood vessels and gut. How do you know if you’re experiencing an imbalance in microbes living in your mouth (also called dysbiosis)? Signs and conditions linked to an unbalanced/unhealthy oral microbiome can include: Increased plaque on the teeth that is thick, sticky, smelly and off-white (it can form a film on your teeth in the morning) Bad breath Bleeding gums and receding gums Sensitive teeth Mouth ulcers Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal condition in which candida fungus (usually C. albicans) overgrows Gum disease (periodontitis) Cavities and tooth decay (caries) Endodontic infections (root canal) and alveolar osteitis (dry socket) Tonsillitis Respiratory infections Heart disease and stroke Certain types of cancer How do cavities relate to your microbiome? Many people are under the impression that certain harmful bacteria cause cavities, but it’s now understood that the causes of tooth decay, cavities and gum disease, such as gingivitis, are actually related to imbalances in the oral microbiome, rather than the presence of bacteria itself. In other words, certain “pathogenic” bacteria won’t cause problems for someone who has an overall healthy microbiome — however they can trigger disease in others who lack enough healthy bacteria to counteract the pathogens’ effects. Experts now believe that when the microbiome shifts from being composed of mostly aerobic bacteria to more anaerobic bacteria (such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphymonas gingervali), this creates a hypertrophic biofilm inside the mouth, which makes tooth erosion and gum disease more likely to develop. Why is there a connection between the oral microbiome and cancer? Oral cancer is thought to develop in part due to the effects of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Some studies suggest that a common type of mouth bacterium known as Fusobacterium nucleatum may also be involved in the development of colon cancer. This type of bacteria seems capable of penetrating the cheeks and invading the immune system, most of which is located in the gastrointestinal tract. By contributing to inflammation and free radical damage, bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum may play a role in the development of cancer. How to Balance Oral Microbiome Maintaining homeostasis in the oral microbiome can help prevent some types of bacteria and microbes from “behaving badly” and contributing to disease. Wondering, “How can I improve my oral microbiome?” Here are steps you can take to help improve the health of your second largest microbiome: 1. Practice Smart Oral Hygiene While cleaning the inside of the mouth too much can actually contribute to problems, proper “interdental cleansing”— which includes flossing, brushing with natural toothpaste and sometimes the use of picks — is thought to help support balance within the oral environment. Certain harsh products used in the mouth, such as some toothpastes and mouthwashes, can eliminate beneficial bacteria in the mouth, contributing to dysfunction of the microbiome. Experts recommend avoiding products such as detergent-based toothpastes and alcohol-containing/antiseptic mouthwashes, including those that are made with these questionable ingredients: Sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) Sodium fluoride Triclosan Artificial sweeteners (such as sodium saccharin, aspartame, xylitol and erythritol) Artificial color dyes (often made from coal tar) Propylene glycol Diethanolamine (DEA) Microbeads (tiny solid plastic particles) 2. Consume Probiotics Probiotic supplements and foods can help populate the mouth with friendly bacteria, much in the same way as how they support gut health. They work by creating a protective biofilm that supports the health of teeth and gums and reduce inflammation, while blocking bad bacteria from reaching enamel or vulnerable tissues. They may also help alter the pH of the mouth to stop cavity growth and improve saliva quality to support remineralization of enamel. What is the best oral probiotic to take? Dentists believe that oral microbiome probiotics are most effective when delivered directly to the mouth in lozenge, milk or chewable form. Oral microbiome probiotic strains considered most beneficial to oral health (which should be taken for at least two to three months) include: Lactobacillus salivarius L. reuteri Streptococcus salivarius K12 and M18 L. sakei L. brevis L. acidophilus L. rhamnosus L. reuteri L. casei Bifidobacillus S. thermophilus The main differences between gut probiotics and oral probiotics comes down to the specific types of organisms included in each, although there is some overlap. While gut probiotics are usually taken in tablet/capsule form, oral probiotics can be taken as drinks, mouth washes, lozenges and chewable tablets. Ideally, look for an oral probiotic supplement with a high strain count (CFUs), such as at least 3 billion CFUs. Try taking it in the morning prior to eating. 3. Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet Our diets are a major way in which we take in microorganisms from our environments. For instance, eating plant foods like veggies and fruits provides us with not only nutrients, but also some dirt, water and bacteria. Some foods help beneficial bacteria thrive, while others promote the growth of pathogens and unfriendly bacteria. Foods to emphasize in your diet are those that are alkalizing, anti-inflammatory and high-antioxidant foods. The following foods should be eaten regularly in order to support oral health: Green leafy vegetables Berries, citrus fruits and other fruits Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, etc., plus all over fresh veggies Organically raised meat, poultry and eggs Wild-caught fish Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds Algae and seaweed Probiotic, fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and dill pickles Prebiotic foods including onions, leeks, dandelion greens, garlic, artichokes, chicory root, asparagus, jicama, apples and flaxseeds Plenty of water, herbal teas and green/black tea, and coffee in moderation You want to avoid consuming too much sugar and refined carbohydrates, especially from sugary beverages and highly processed foods. Certain types of bacteria thrive on a high-sugar diet and then contribute to tooth- and gum-related diseases, such as erosion of enamel and tooth decay. A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar can also cause a shift in the oral microbiome from slightly alkaline to a more acidic, which makes it more susceptible to infections and other issues. 4. Approach Oral Health Holistically It may not seem obvious that there’s an association between lack of exercise, chronic stress and poor oral health, however we know that a generally unhealthy lifestyle and lots of stress can lead to a decrease in saliva, which affects which types of microbes that populate the mouth. Changes in saliva impact how well microbes carry minerals like calcium and phosphorus from saliva to the teeth enamel and can also create a more acidic environment in the mouth that changes the overall ecosystem. Stress can trigger dry mouth, loss of appetite, TMJ, teeth grinding and other issues affecting the mouth and jaw. Managing stress and getting enough exercise are both important for keeping inflammation under control. Exercise and other mind-body practices, such as yoga and mediation, can help decrease the stress-induced, inflammatory flight-or-fight response that leads to a compromised immune system. Exercise is also beneficial for boosting circulation and detoxification via the lymphatic system, which helps keep the teeth, gums and tissues in the mouth in good shape. Conclusion The human oral microbiome refers to the community of tiny microbes that live in the human mouth, which includes the teeth, tongue, palate, inside cheeks, plaque, throat and gums. Experts believe that different parts of the mouth have different bacterial communities, and the way these communities interact with one another is very important for our overall health. To help maintain oral homeostasis, use gentle/natural cleansers in the mouth as well as floss, eat a healthy diet and avoid too much sugar, increase your intake of probiotics, and exercise and manage stress. To read the original article click here. 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