It is well documented that our immune system becomes weaker as we age, which allows more virulent, life-threatening infections to impact our health and sometimes enables the reactivation of old infections, such as tuberculosis and chicken pox (shingles in adults). Another consideration is that a weakened immune system makes it easier for cancer to develop and spread through the body. Regarding cancer prevention we know that for our immune system to identify and kill developing cancer cells before they can get any real traction, certain immune cells known as T-helper cells must secrete adequate amounts of Th-1 cytokines. These Th-1 cytokines, such as interferon-gamma, stimulate other immune cells to hunt down emerging cancer cells and destroy them before tumours can develop. Under the influence of Th-1 cytokines, immune cells also eliminate senescent cells, which are known to play a role in promoting inflammation and fostering tumour progression.

This brings me to the review article published in the journal of Integrative Medicine in 2014, which clearly shows that the ingestion of certain medicinal mushrooms increases the expression of Th-1 cytokines, including interferon-gamma, and in turn strengthens immune system function. This translates into an improved ability to kill off certain bacteria and viruses and kill emerging cancer cells before they can produce tumour masses. Experimental evidence is very impressive in this regard. As well, human studies have also shown that certain medicinal mushrooms, via their effects on immune regulation, can reduce the side effects of fatigue, malaise, weakened immunity, and inflammation in cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatment.

Other human studies have shown that combining certain medicinal mushrooms with commonly used chemotherapy drugs can improve patient survival and quality of life in a variety of different cancers cases. The 2014 review article cites the specific medicinal mushrooms used for these purposes and explains the experimental and human clinical studies that have been published in recent years.

Because our immune system weakens as we age, which makes us extremely vulnerable, I believe quite strongly that by age 45-50 most people would benefit from taking a daily supplement that contains medicinal mushrooms (like Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail etc.), as well as a standardized grade of the herb Astragalus, to support immune system function. This is one of the things we can do to try to maintain a more youthful function immune system. And I think it is an important thing to consider. The 2014 review article, entitled, “Immune Modulation from Five Major Mushrooms: Applications to Integrative Oncology”, should be read by all physicians and health practitioners interested in helping their adult patients prevent cancer and improve quality of life and survival in patients undergoing treatment for certain cancers. I have included a link to the research paper in the text below.

Reference:

Guggnheim A.G. et al. Immune modulation from five major mushrooms: Applications to integrative oncology. Integr Med (Encinitas) February 13, 2014. Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology – PMC

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino