Buy Reishi Mushroom in the UK – Supplement Guide

In the UK, Reishi mushroom is sometimes used for protecting the liver, modulating the immune system, balancing lipids and reducing chronic low-grade systemic inflammation.

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have long been recognized as anti-aging remedies, said to promote longevity of live and immune function. Reishi have been used in traditional medicine systems for more than 2000 years.

In the UK, people use reishi mushroom extracts for chronic fatigue, to boost athletic performance and for helping to normalize blood pressure. This mushroom has also been researched for its effects on diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and more.

Reishi mushroom supplements can be purchased in the UK over the counter. This product is available to buy online or in a limited number of local health food stores. You can also buy raw reishi mushrooms to use in cooking.

Reishi Mushroom

Mushroom Supplement

Immune Booster

Heart Health

Longevity

How It Works:

• Traditional Chinese immune modulator
• Promotes healthy blood pressure & cholesterol
• Anti-oxidant used for anti-aging benefits

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Reishi Mushroom Supplements in the UK

Reishi is a bracket polypore fungi which demonstrates multiple therapeutic potentials. As both a dietary supplement and a culinary ingredient in the UK, reishi has very low toxicity and is well tolerated in most healthy people.

Note that not all reishi mushroom supplements are of the same quality. There are currently more than 500 different products available that contain Ganoderma Lucidum extracts.

Some low quality products sold in the United Kingdom may not contain concentrated amounts of the beneficial mushroom constituents. If you are considering buying a reishi mushroom supplement, review vendors and brands closely.

Some of the popular brands of Reishi mushroom extract sold in the UK include Swanson, Nature’s Herbs, Lifespan Botanicals, Maverick Labs, Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder from Real Vitality, and Mikei Red Reishi.

Effects of Reishi Mushroom

Clinical research reports a wide array of beneficial effects associated with reishi mushroom (also called Ling Zhi mushrooms).

In some Asian countries, this mushroom is considered to be an adaptogen. Adaptogens are medicinal substances which are purported to improve health systemically.

They are believed to modulate hormones, immunity and numerous other factors which contribute to overall health and well-being.

To date, reishi mushrooms have demonstrated the following properties in clinical trials:

• Immunomodulatory;
• Chemopreventive;
• Cardioprotective;
• Neuroprotective;
• Renoprotective;
• Anticonvulsive;
• Antibacterial;
• Antidiabetic;
• Antifatigue;
• Antitumor
• Antiviral;

The full scope of therapeutic potentials associated with reishi mushroom supplements continues to be explored.

Reishi Mushroom Supplement Benefits

Reishi mushroom supplements contain various bioactive molecules. These include phenols, glycoproteins, steroids, terpenoids, nucleotides and polysaccharides.

Reishi mushrooms also contain all essential amino acids. They are particularly high in leucine and lysine.

Ganoderma lucidum extracts also contain a healthy balance between polyunsaturated fats and total fat content.

The bioactive phytonutrients and healthy lipid proportions are believed to be responsible for various health benefits linked to this mushroom.

Preliminary research suggests that using certain reishi mushroom supplements helps to reduce risks for cardiovascular disease.

Oral administration of Ganopoly has been used to reduce symptoms of coronary heart disease including angina, heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

Ganoderma lucidum extracts are believed to improve cardiovascular health in several other ways as well.

Routine use may induce vasodilation, reduce platelet aggregation, reduce serum triglycerides, reduce serum cholesterol, inhibit formation of arterial plaque and naturally modulate blood pressure.

Reishi Extract and Cancer:

There is significant research showing an anti-cancer effect of Reishi mushrooms. According to a review by Cancer Research UK and the University of Strathclyde, Reishi extract may stimulate the immune system to help the body fight off cancers.

These mushrooms also reduced the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, resulting in less reported hair loss and sickness.

According to Cancer Research UK, “There is some evidence from a Japanese study that people who eat a particular type of mushroom all their lives have a lower risk of getting cancer. The mushrooms did seem to affect the cancer in some people.”

However, they caution against reading too much into these results. More studies need to be conducted to determine medical efficacy.

Research involving patients with advanced cancer has reported benefits associated with reishi extract administration. Certain polysaccharides in reishis seem to stimulate immune responses in these patients.

One specific G. lucidum polysaccharide extract called Ganopoly seems to increase interferon-gamma, IL-2 and IL-6 while simultaneously reducing IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

It also apparently increased natural killer (NK) cell activity, as well as the mean number of CD56 NCAM (neural cell adhesion molecule) cells.

Reishi mushroom supplements may help to inhibit cancer cell proliferation (rapid replication). In vitro research has shown antiproliferative effects in several cancer cell lines; including bladder, cervix, prostate, hepatoma, lymphocytic leukemia, breast and lung carcinomas.

Animal and limited human research seems to support these in vitro research findings.

Certain polysaccharide-peptides in reishi mushroom supplements seem to reduce angiogenesis in tumors. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels.

Reishis may help to “starve” tumors to death by stopping their supply of blood and blood nutrients. Triterpenoids in reishis may add to antioxidant, immunomodulating and antitumor effects.

Reishi Mushroom Supplement Side Effects

Reishi mushroom extracts are well tolerated by the majority of users and can be purchased in the UK without a prescription. However, it is still recommended to check with your doctor before using any supplement.

Although reishi seems to be quite safe for most people, there are possibilities for mild side effects and adverse interactions with certain other substances.

With extended oral use lasting between 3 and 6 months, reishi has been associated with the following:

• Dry mouth, throat and/or nasal passages;
• Stomach upset;
• Bloody stool;
• Nosebleed;
• Itching;

Rash has been associated with drinking reishi wine and reishi spores have caused respiratory allergies.

Interactions with Medications

Reishi mushroom supplements can interact negatively with certain prescription medications. Some of these include:

• Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, warfarin, Plavix, Lovenox and Voltaren;
• Antihypertensive drugs like Lasix, Cardizem, Norvasc, Cozaar and Vasotec;
• Antidiabetic drugs like insulin, Actos, Avandia, DiaBetes and Micronase;

If you use prescription medications of any type, it is best to seek medical advice before beginning to use a reishi mushroom supplement.

Ganoderma lucidum extract supplements can also interact adversely with certain herbal supplements. Use cautiously with herbs including Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, garlic, ginger, red clover, turmeric, devil’s claw, fenugreek, stinging nettle and guar gum.

Talk to a doctor or naturopath about using reishi supplements with other herbal supplements.

Be sure to consult with a doctor before using reishi mushroom supplements with bleeding disorders, hypotension (low blood pressure) or a platelet deficiency disorder called thrombocytopenia. Discontinue using these products at least two weeks prior to a scheduled surgery.

Once you have determine Reishi is safe for you to use, you can buy it in the UK online or by visiting a speciality health supplement store.

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