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Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi Mushrooms Offer Help for Those with Rheumatoid Arthritis 

One of the key measures of a long and well lived life is adaptability. A person`s ability to adapt to changing circumstances goes a long way toward predicting longevity. This involves the responsiveness and functionality of the immune system. A robust immune system capable of adjusting to ever-changing situations is a key factor in preventing the manifestation of a cold or cancer, or anything in between. One important aspect of immune function is its ability to self-regulate downward when needed so that it doesn`t become hyperactive and attack your own tissues, as in the case with Rheumatoid arthritis. Fortunately, nature has delivered an amazingly versatile herb in the Reishi mushroom with the proven capacity to deliver relief and even assist in reversing this condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that can be characterized by chronic inflammation of the tissues and organs, but it usually attacks the joints. This hyper-inflammatory response can lead to the destruction of cartilage and the loss of mobility. Symptoms of RA can include swollen and stiff joints, accompanied by considerable pain and loss of function. It is three times more common in women than men, with the first onset of symptoms usually occurring between the ages of 40 and 60. RA is usually treated by mainstream medicine with cortisone-like steroids that suppress the immune system. Even in low dosages, these drugs can cause osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, weight gain, or high blood sugar. Most importantly, this unnatural and dangerous approach to artificially suppressing the immune system can leave you susceptible to infections.

Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is one of the oldest known herbal medicines in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is native to China, Japan, and North America, has been used for thousands of years, and is revered for its longevity-promoting capabilities. Reishi influences cells that regulate the immune system - namely, lymphatic cells and interferon alpha and interferon beta cells - and has the ability to "educate" these cells of immunity so that they better respond to the body`s needs. In other words, with the help of Reishi, if cells of the immune system are not responsive enough, they will be called to action, or if they are hyperactive such as in the case of an autoimmune disorder such as RA, they will back down.

Where steroid medications suppress the immune system, Reishi doesn`t stimulate or suppress but rather educates, helps modulate, and teaches the cells of the immune system how to self-regulate more effectively. When your white blood cells graduate from the School of Reishi, they are better equipped to manage your immune system.

Reishi capsules or a Reishi tea that you consume today may have been one hundred years or more in the making. First, a tree grows and lives for decades, absorbing energy and nutrients from the sun and the soil. Then, when the tree begins to die, mushrooms will attach to the tree, absorb the life force and further concentrate the nutritional content and medicinal qualities that the tree has acquired throughout its life. Once the mushrooms are harvested and encapsulated or made into powders or teas, this concentrated life force is transferred to its end user. This process represents unleashing the power of Mother Nature onto your immunity.

Mushrooms=Multiple nutrients

Mushrooms are a source of multiple nutrients 

There is often confusion as to whether mushrooms are herbs or vegetables. They are neither because they are classified as part of the fungi family. Only around 3000 of the 14 000 documented varieties of mushroom are edible. They contain a wide range of nutrients, ranging from niacin to fiber, potassium and selenium.

The potassium in mushrooms is excellent for lowering blood pressure, preventing strokes and easing cramps. Mushrooms are low in carbohydrates and contain lean proteins, which make them an ideal low energy snack for diabetics. Due to the presence of Linoleic Acid, they can also be instrumental in the prevention of both breast and prostate cancers.

Mushrooms contain Ergothioneine, which is a powerful antioxidant. They also contain natural antibiotics which are able to help inhibit fungal and microbial infections. They have been known to help heal ulcers and boost the immune system. These fungi are also an excellent food source for those wanting to lose weight, as they are composed almost entirely of water and fiber.

Their Selenium content works alongside Vitamin E to prevent the damaging effects of free radicals. Mushrooms are one of the very few foods to contain an edible form of Vitamin D. They also contain copper, calcium, riboflavin, niacin, zinc, phosphorus and pantothenic acid. Niacin works at interrupting the activity of homocysteine, which is associated with elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of osteoarthritis, strokes, heart disease, Alzheimer's and many other cognitive disorders. Their zinc content is essential for helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and also assists with wound healing. Copper is essential for keeping the cardiovascular system healthy.

Much of the research done has focused on the shiitake, reishi, maitake and crimini mushroom varieties. However, research has recently discovered that the common white button mushrooms have just as much cancer-fighting ingredients in them than the fancy varieties have.

While many varieties of mushroom grow wild, only people who are highly experienced in botanical identification should attempt to pick and eat these; there are some that are toxic and may be incorrectly identified. People who have a history of kidney stones and gout need to ensure that they exercise caution when eating mushrooms, as they contain purines. This is a precursor to uric acid which can be harmful in large amounts to these individuals.

You can get more information from below web sites

Sources:

 http://www.wisegeek.com

http://www.associatedcontent.com

http://www.organicfacts.net

http://www.vegetarian-nutrition.info

White Button Mushrooms

White button mushrooms enhance the immune system to fight infections and cancer

Scientists have long known that certain types of mushrooms have anti-tumor activity. But what about widely available, common white button mushrooms ? Known by the botanical name Agaricus bisporus, they are a tasty addition to everything from salads to pizzas -- and, it turns out, they do have powerful health building properties. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) funded studies have shown white button mushrooms enhance the activity of critical cells in the body's immune system.

Although white button mushrooms  make up about 90 percent of the total mushrooms consumed in the United States, little research has been conducted into their nutritional value until the last few years. In groundbreaking animal and lab research conducted at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University, scientists have now documented how white button mushrooms boost the immune system by increasing the production of proteins that fight disease-causing pathogens. The research team, which included HNRCA director Simin Meydani and his colleague, Dayong Wu, from the HNRCA Nutritional Immunology Laboratory, discovered the mushrooms have a positive impact on immune system cells classified as dendritic cells.

This is important because dendritic cells (DCs) can make white blood cells known as T cells that are crucial to a strong and healthy immune system. Dendritic cells recognize and then deactivate or destroy invading microbes such as bacteria and viruses or antigens (any substances that cause the immune system to respond). What's more, they may play a role in fighting cancer.

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