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Does Mushroom Coffee Hurt Your Stomach?
Mushroom coffee is an increasingly popular trending beverage which blends regular coffee with extracts of medicinal mushrooms such as Chaga, Reishi, Lion’s mane and Turkey tail. According to its creators, mushroom coffee offers numerous health benefits including increased immunity, decreased stress levels, boosted energy and better sleep. Some scientific research supports these claims while more human clinical trials need to take place before definitive evidence can be established for them.
Medicinal mushrooms have long been revered for their therapeutic, anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting benefits. According to studies, mushrooms may help prevent age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s; furthermore they contain antioxidants which protect cells against oxidative damage.
Though research on mushroom coffee may be limited, its claimed benefits are usually supported by scientific research into individual mushrooms or their extracts or compounds. Reishi mushrooms have been demonstrated to promote healthy blood sugar levels and immune system response while simultaneously relieving anxiety. Other research indicates it contains polysaccharides which act as prebiotics to feed probiotic bacteria found in your digestive tract resulting in an overall healthier gut microbiota population. Furthermore, Chaga mushrooms contain adaptogens which balance cortisol levels reducing stress and fatigue significantly.
However, some of the benefits of mushroom coffee may be attributable to other ingredients present in its makeup. The combination of coffee and chaga mushrooms may cause side effects including diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, and vomiting in certain people. Furthermore, Chaga mushrooms contain high concentrations of oxalates which increase kidney stone risk significantly for those at high risk for them.
As such, it’s crucial that you carefully consider the ingredients found in any mushroom coffee product before purchasing. Doing this will not only ensure you receive maximum value for your money but will also prevent any possible adverse side effects from taking place.
Mushroom coffee has long been recognized for its ability to increase energy levels, which has been demonstrated through several studies. Other potential health advantages may include reduced inflammation, enhanced memory retention and more balanced mood regulation. However, many of these purported benefits could simply be attributable to caffeine found in coffee rather than mushrooms themselves. Furthermore, excessive mushroom coffee consumption may interfere with your natural sleep cycle and lead to insomnia. If you suffer from digestive or GI issues, mushroom coffee should be avoided as it can exacerbate them. Instead, opt for traditional cups of joe or other non-mushroom-based beverages as a source of caffeine and essential nutrients.