Does Chaga Boost the Immune System?
Chaga mushroom extracts have natural anti-inflammatory and immune effects and are effective in combating feline coronavirus and hepatitis virus. The use of chaga increases specific innate immunity and helps to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a) and monocyte chemoattractive protein (MCP). The immune-boosting chaga mushroom is an incredible source of antioxidants that help keep our bodies balanced and strengthen our immune systems. The polysaccharides present in chaga can provide energy, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and support liver health.
The immune-boosting chaga mushroom can support everything from immune function to stress relief due to the abundance of beta-glucans, which are sugars found in the mushroom’s cell walls. Chaga mushrooms contain beta-glucans, natural carbohydrates that can boost your immune defenses. Because beta-glucans occur naturally in the fungal cell walls of functional mushrooms, this makes many types of mushrooms an ideal natural supplement to support a healthy immune system.
Several compounds found in Chaga may have beneficial effects, including antioxidant polyphenols, as well as betulin and betulinic acid, which have been linked to anticancer effects. Chaga is rich in antioxidants and may also help lower cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
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Best Chaga Mushroom Supplement
Chaga mushrooms are rich in natural vitamins and minerals that improve physical and mental health and also make great strides in increasing the overall strength and integrity of the body’s immune system. Referred to as the king of mushrooms, chaga contains powerful nutrients such as amino acids, B vitamins, and minerals that help boost the immune system and support a healthy response to inflammation. Due to the immune-boosting properties of chaga, chaga has long been used to promote gastrointestinal health in Eastern culture.
Does Chaga Mushroom Really Work?
Some research suggests that chaga can help reduce inflammation, but it can also make your immune system more active. While no research has definitively linked Chaga to anti-aging properties, its effectiveness in fighting other forms of oxidative stress suggests that it may also fight aging. Chaga is rich in antioxidants, chemicals that help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals or oxidants.
By promoting the production of beneficial cytokines—specialized proteins that regulate the immune system—chaga stimulates white blood cells, which are needed to fight off harmful bacteria or viruses. Other early studies in mice show that chaga extract may also help regulate the production of cytokines, which can stimulate blood cells and boost the immune system.
According to a study on chaga fungi and cytokines, chaga extract may help prevent the production of harmful cytokines, reducing inflammation in the body. One study found that chaga extract could slow the growth of lung, breast, and cervical cancer cells in a petri dish.
Animal and test-tube studies have shown that chaga extract can boost immunity, prevent chronic inflammation, fight cancer, lower blood sugar, and lower cholesterol. The natural remedies extracted from chaga help the body maintain a healthy immune system without causing serious side effects.
For stimulation, Chaga is especially useful for chemotherapy patients or those taking any medications that suppress the immune system. Chaga mushrooms have been used for centuries in Siberia and other parts of Asia as an immune-boosting and overall health-enhancing remedy. Ancient adaptogens such as reishi mushroom, lion’s mane, and immunity-boosting chaga have been used in wellness practices for centuries. Although chaga does not promote cancer progression, there is evidence that there may be important compounds in chaga (Inonotus Obliquus), and further research into chaga’s role is needed.
Additional Resources:
Chaga mushroom and plant compounds
Updated 10/24/2022
