Mushroom coffee is an increasingly popular health trend that blends traditional coffee with extracts of medicinal mushrooms such as Chaga, Reishi and Lion’s Mane – commonly referred to as mungerrism and magic mushroom joe – for added medicinal properties that boost immune systems and provide mental clarity benefits. Scientific research has demonstrated the many health advantages that come from adding Chaga, Reishi and Lion’s Mane mushrooms into mushroom coffee blends.

Mushrooms are considered low-histamine foods and can safely be included in a histamine-free diet, however some species such as Inonotus obliquus (chaga), Ophiocordyceps sinensis (cordyceps), Lentinula edodes (shiitake), Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane) and Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) contain histamine-like amines which could trigger histamine intolerance symptoms in sensitive individuals, while histamine metabolites such as putrescine and cadaverine can amplify histamine reactions further in those already sensitive to histamine intolerant individuals.

Histamine intolerance occurs when histamine levels exceed the body’s ability to process them due to reduced diamine oxidase (DAO) enzyme activity, leading to symptoms including nasal congestion, fatigue and depression. People experiencing histamine intolerance must adhere to a low-histamine diet in order to manage symptoms effectively.

Histamine-sensitive individuals should stay away from regular coffee due to its high histamine content. Wet processing increases histamine levels while caffeine inhibits DAO, leading to histamine buildup in the body. Furthermore, roasting produces harmful acrylamides that may trigger attacks for these individuals.

Mushroom-based coffee is known to contain lower histamine levels than regular coffee and may help relieve symptoms related to histamine intoxication. Furthermore, this variety may have an overall more balanced impact on nervous systems by decreasing anxiety and insomnia symptoms.

Use of a mushroom coffee blend is the easiest way to prepare this type of beverage. As all the mushrooms have already been blended with the coffee beans, all that needs to be done to brew this beverage is adding hot water – you may also choose to add milk and sweeteners according to personal taste.

The ideal mushroom coffee contains an assortment of medicinal mushrooms to maximize its health benefits. A study demonstrated how adding C. militaris to brewed coffee increased levels of zinc, magnesium, copper and potassium within its contents. Cordyceps fungus has been shown to boost immune systems while Lion’s Mane can enhance cognitive performance by activating nerve growth factors in the brain. Reishi can help reduce oxidative stress in the stomach lining and its benefits are amplified when combined with its hepatoprotective properties, so adding these herbs to your daily coffee habit could be just what’s needed to overcome histamine intolerance while still receiving essential energy and nutrition. For optimal results, eliminate caffeine and other potential histamine triggers from your diet for several weeks before gradually reintroducing them while monitoring histamine intolerance symptoms. Working with a functional medicine practitioner experienced in histamine intolerance can assist with pinpointing which compounds are triggering your symptoms.