Mushroom coffee has quickly become a fad among everyone from Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Taika Waititi to others – but does mushroom coffee actually cause diarrhea?

Mushroom coffee, composed of adaptogenic mushrooms such as chaga and lion’s mane, may help support immune health; however, any significant diet change should be treated with care.

1. It’s not a cure-all

Though mushroom coffee has quickly become an increasingly popular health beverage due to its many purported health benefits, it is essential to remember that it should not be seen as a magic bullet or replacement for eating healthily. The FDA has not given their stamp of approval on mushroom coffee’s use to treat various conditions; moreover, some experts even warn it may actually do more harm than good.

Proponents of mushroom coffee describe it as an infusion of traditional coffee with medicinal mushrooms and SuntheanineTM to add wellness and energy. The goal is to offer an alternative that is less acidic while supporting digestive health; these medicinal mushrooms have long been recognized in Asia for providing vital phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins and other vital constituents as both food and medicine.

Reported health benefits of functional drinks may include stress relief, brain health improvement, immune support and weight loss; however, more research must be completed with human participants before any one condition can be addressed by these beverages.

Mushroom coffee has shown little scientific evidence of its impact on digestive symptoms like bloating. Many ingredients found in mushroom coffee are considered high FODMAP foods and consuming them excessively can lead to gas and bloating for people living with IBS.

People suffering from gastrointestinal conditions should generally refrain from drinking mushroom coffee until more clinical trials have been performed. As the mushroom extracts found within it aren’t regulated by FDA, it’s difficult to ascertain exactly what’s contained within.

Also, mushroom coffee contains high concentrations of oxalates which may contribute to kidney stone formation if consumed excessively. As with any diet change, it’s wise to consult your physician prior to making significant dietary modifications – and particularly those pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking supplements until more safety testing has taken place.

2. It’s not a low-acid drink

Traditional coffee has a deliciously tart bite that goes beyond mere flavor; its acidic profile contains organic acids which can trigger acid reflux and digestive discomfort in some individuals, making the morning ritual difficult without feeling unease. As such, many consumers are turning towards low-acid brands as an option.

One popular alternative to coffee is mushroom coffee, which blends medicinal mushrooms with traditional coffee for an alleged synergistic effect and health benefits like improved immunity and stress relief. These products typically come in powder form and should be mixed or brewed similar to instant coffee; some grocery stores may carry this variety but typically charge more.

Some of the most popular mushroom coffees on the market utilize Chaga, Reishi, and Lion’s Mane extracts as part of their formulation. These mushrooms have long been recognized for balancing pH levels within our bodies – and thus can help offset some of coffee’s acidity, creating a less bitter experience overall. Some blends even advertise themselves as being “alkaline-forming”, although this claim can sometimes be misleading.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that coffee drinks contain more acids than just those produced by the coffee beans themselves. Most mushroom coffee contains sugar and milk which contribute to acidity; artificial flavors, fillers and preservatives may also influence how acidic a product may be.

Mushroom coffee may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with allergies to or intolerances of fungi. Chaga mushrooms contain oxalates which may contribute to kidney stones for some people while reishi mushrooms stimulate immune system activity and interfere with medications, so these products should be avoided by those suffering from autoimmune conditions or other health concerns.

If you decide to experiment with mushroom coffee, start slowly and gradually increase the dosage over time. As always, consult your physician prior to adding any new foods or supplements into your diet, including mushroom coffee. They can help determine whether it fits with your specific situation and needs.

3. It’s not a bowel cleanser

Social media ads of mushroom coffee have recently gained significant attention, with claims made for it as being immune-boosting, brain-enhancing and gut-healing alternatives to regular coffee. While research exists regarding its medicinal properties, more clinical trials must take place before definitive statements can be made on its efficacy; until such time, proceed with caution.

Mushroom coffee may help ease constipation for some individuals, but it should not be seen as an alternative solution to juice cleanses or other extreme diets. Instead, mushroom coffee supports organs and systems which work naturally to detoxify your body like your colon and liver while encouraging a healthy microbiome to aid with eliminating waste products and toxins.

Mushrooms have long been recognized for their nutritional benefits, including gut health. Furthermore, mushrooms have also been proven to be anti-inflammatory – this can aid with conditions like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, mushrooms contain antioxidants which may reduce stress-related physical effects while improving mood; additionally they increase white blood cells that support immunity systems.

Mushroom coffee can include various mushroom blends depending on its brand or company; common ingredients may include cordyceps, chaga, lion’s mane and turkey tail mushrooms. Blends may also include adaptogenic herbs like L-theanine and monk fruit sweetener which is FDA-approved and zero calorie sweeteners like monk fruit sweetener which have zero calories but may trigger allergies or intolerance issues; many of these ingredients should be avoided by those with known sensitivities or allergy triggers.

Some mushroom coffees can contain high levels of fat and sugar. Though unlikely to cause digestive issues directly, people with allergies or sensitivities should refrain from consuming such products. It’s always wise to consult your physician prior to trying any new dietary supplements; medicated mushrooms could interact with certain medications and cause adverse reactions such as dry mouth, dizziness or even skin rashes.

Claims that mushroom coffee can increase mental clarity, relieve anxiety and depression, and slow the aging process are impressive, yet unsubstantiated. Individuals interested in adding mushroom coffee to their routine should first consult a healthcare provider prior to making any significant dietary or exercise changes.

4. It’s not a weight loss drink

Mushroom coffee is an addictive drink made up of coffee mixed with medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, cordyceps, chaga, turkey tail, and lion’s mane – such as reishi cordyceps chaga turkey tail lion’s mane. Mushroom products claim to provide immunity support, stress relief, gut health improvement, energy, focus and focus benefits – popularized by celebrities like Meghan Duchess of Sussex and Taika Waititi as well as supermodel Gisele Bundchen attributing her mental clarity and focus to mushroom products!

Mushrooms are generally safe to consume according to the Cleveland Clinic; however, individual responses will differ as the amount needed may differ between individuals. They recommend avoiding mushroom coffee if you are allergic or suffer from existing medical conditions as some mushrooms contain high concentrations of oxalates which increase kidney stone risk.

While mushroom coffee may have found some success with various consumers, it should only be used in moderation as it’s not FDA-approved and to achieve weight loss it’s best achieved through healthy eating habits, regular exercise and leading a balanced lifestyle.

Registered dietitian and clinical herbalist Jenna Volpe, RDN, CLT notes that while some studies suggest adaptogenic mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps can help manage inflammation and stress management, results are still preliminary. Furthermore, she advises consumers that most mushroom products are unregulated and may contain contaminants.

According to claims that mushroom coffee can increase metabolism and aid weight loss, there’s no solid evidence supporting these assertions. According to some research conducted, high doses of cordyceps can improve performance during exercise at altitude; however, these amounts are unlikely to have the same impact in mushroom coffee form.

Volpe suggests reading through the ingredients list carefully to make sure it does not contain any extra sugars or preservatives, consulting a healthcare professional before adding new supplements, as some may interact with certain medications and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and being aware that mushroom coffee contains caffeine; be mindful of how much you are consuming each day!