Mushroom coffee has become an increasingly popular alternative to regular joe. Made with a combination of coffee, mushroom powder and spices, mushroom coffee claims to offer health benefits like improved immunity and stress relief – but does it actually deliver what its promoters claim and will it show up on a drug test?

Though mushroom coffee may receive much publicity, not enough research backs up its purported health benefits. Furthermore, there may be several good reasons not to add it into your diet.

Mushroom coffee typically uses medicinal mushrooms instead of culinary varieties you might find at your grocery store, such as chaga, lion’s mane, reishi and cordyceps which have healing properties over flavor. Although these varieties offer antioxidants and nutrients as compared to their edible counterparts they don’t provide nearly as much protein content.

Under consideration is also that most mushrooms used in mushroom coffee are dried, which may cause digestive problems for some individuals. Chaga mushrooms in particular contain high concentrations of oxalates which can increase kidney stone formation; for these reasons and any others if you already suffer from renal or digestive conditions it would be wise to refrain from drinking mushroom coffee altogether.

If you are considering mushroom coffee as part of your lifestyle change, start slowly and build up to the recommended dosage over six weeks. Consistent consumption will produce maximum benefits; if you suffer from heart disease or take medications that alter metabolism, be sure to discuss any dietary modifications with your physician first.

Will Mushroom Coffee Show Up on a Drug Test? Most employer drug tests rely on standard panels that do not include mushrooms and their compounds as potential substances of abuse; some specialty tests may detect mushrooms as such, though it’s generally unwarranted in safety-sensitive jobs. If mushroom coffee could negatively impact your employment opportunities, speak to your employer to see what their policy entails.

There are no official drug testing regulations or evidence proving mushroom coffee to cause false positives on drug tests; however, it would be prudent to stay clear of foods or supplements which might interact with any medications prescribed for heart disease or anxiety conditions.

Interested in improving your overall health? A surefire way is by eating whole mushrooms, which have long been recognized for their many health advantages. Packed full of essential vitamins and minerals as well as phytochemicals and fatty acids, mushrooms can boost immunity while aiding weight management as well as reduce inflammation and improve heart health.