Integrative Care

Do you care about alternative or adjunctive medicine? Do you care about eating well? If you are interested in incorporating food as medicine, mushrooms may help.

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Integrative Care

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Integrative Care

Integrative Care*

Integrative care, also known as integrative medicine, is an approach that combines conventional medical treatments with complementary and alternative therapies to provide holistic and comprehensive patient care.* This type of care recognizes that enhancing overall well-being requires addressing the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of an individual.

Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices in many parts of the world, particularly in Eastern cultures such as China and Japan, so while there are actually enormous bodies of research, we can at least say, among the various complementary therapies used in integrative care, mushrooms have gained significant western medical attention for promising research into their potential impact on health.**

Mushrooms are now gaining recognition in modern healthcare systems as they contain various medicinal bioactive compounds* that may improve overall health and well-being such as modulating the immune system and promoting anti-inflammatory, healing, and antioxidant actions in the body.*

Certain mushroom species have been found to enhance the activity of immune cells, strengthening the immune system and improving the body's defense against infections and diseases. In addition, mushrooms have shown potential in managing chronic conditions and supporting overall well-being, with studies suggesting anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer,* and antioxidant effects.* By incorporating mushrooms into integrative care practices, healthcare providers may help patients manage conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer as they contain polysaccharides, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, which contribute to their healing properties.**

We are at the beginning, and much more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action, optimal dosages, and potential interactions with medications. It is essential for healthcare professionals to work together to integrate mushrooms into patient care safely and effectively.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Science

Ongoing Areas of Research

1. Nutrition*

Furthermore, mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. They can contribute to improved digestion, gut health, and overall nutritional status. Integrative care practitioners often emphasize the importance of nutrition in promoting health and preventing diseases, and mushrooms can support these efforts.*

2. Immune Modulation*

Certain mushroom species, such as Reishi, Turkey tail, and Shiitake, have been found to enhance the activity of immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages, which play crucial roles in fighting against infections and diseases. By incorporating mushrooms into integrative care, healthcare providers aim to strengthen the immune system and improve the body's ability to defend itself.****

3. Chronic Disease Management*

Mushrooms have shown potential in managing chronic conditions and supporting overall well-being.* They have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant effects.

4. Cognitive Fitness*

For example, Lion's Mane mushroom has been investigated for its ability to promote nerve growth factor production, which may have implications for neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.**

5. Anti-Cancer*

Some mushrooms have been found to possess anti-tumor properties and may be beneficial in cancer treatment.**

6. Mental Health Support*

Mushrooms have been studied for their potential in mental health support, such as lion's mane and reishi mushrooms, which have early indications for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.