Cancer-Fighting Mushrooms
Research shows thousands of semi-essential, non-vitamin factors in plant foods that protect against diseases. Many of these compounds, termed phytonutrients, appear to slow, stop or reverse the multiple pathological processes involved in cancer development. Certain medicinal mushrooms from Asia are among the best examples of foods containing these cancer-fighting nutrients. Out of the 100,000 different kinds of mushrooms, of which 700 are used for food, only about 50 species appear to have some medicinal value—each with its own unique chemistry.
In the United States mushrooms are underappreciated, if not regarded with suspicion. Many people believe that mushrooms have little to do with health, when in fact they are a rich source of minerals, vitamin D, thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin (vitamin B3), as well as, all the essential amino acids while still being low in fat and calories. In Japan, hundreds of mushroom species have been studied in the last couple of decades. Most of the medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, maitake, and shiitake show a common property of enhancing immune function by stimulating cell-mediated immunity. One of the key conclusions seen in both laboratory and human clinical studies is that a number of compounds in fungi can stimulate the function of the immune system, via T-cells, and inhibit tumor growth. In particular, compounds called polysaccharides, which are complex chain-like molecules built from many smaller units of sugar molecules, have been intensively studied since the 1950s. Their anti-tumor and immune stimulating properties have been proven repeatedly. Medicinal mushrooms also behave as adaptogens. This means that they perform broad-based, nonspecific actions in the body, supporting the function of all of it's major systems, including the nervous, hormonal and immune systems, and bolster the body's resistance to toxic environmental influences, emotional stress and pathogens, like bacteria and viruses. Adaptogens are especially noted for their ability to build endurance and reduce fatigue. These mushrooms have actually been selling as the top cancer drugs around the world. In Japan, only 30 percent of cancer treatment includes radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. Despite research and Asia’s long history of using medicinal mushrooms, F.D.A. clinical trials have yet to be initiated.
Current literature indicates that whole mushrooms are especially active as anti-tumor agents and immune enhancers, thus is recommended to take one teaspoon daily of dried or powdered mushrooms, either in a cup of ginger tea or sprinkled on soup or rice. To make a tea, place a teaspoon of dried mushrooms in a pan, add a cup of water, simmer for 40 to 60 minutes, then strain. If desired, add ginger or a little licorice to improve the bitter taste. If you prefer capsules, an average amount of powdered mushroom per capsule is 400 milligrams (mg.). For mild to moderate immune support, it is recommended to take two capsules, morning and evening, for a total of 1,600 mg. per day. For specific immune suppressed conditions, including chronic fatigue, cancer and AIDS, take two to three capsules three times a day. Always check with your physician prior to starting any new medicine or supplement to see if it is appropriate for you.
Suneil Jain, NMD