All About Chaga Supplements and Their Effects on Your Immune System
Chaga supplements are becoming increasingly popular in the Western community for their potential health advantages.
Despite its unappealing look, Chaga mushroom is known to help lower bad cholesterol, lessen oxidative stress, and enhance immune function.
This article evaluates the effects of Chaga mushroom supplements.
What Is a Chaga Mushroom?
Wild harvested Chaga mushroom is indigenous to northern latitudes of the Eurasian continent, particularly in Russia and other parts of Northern Europe. It is typically found in the bark of birch trees.
Chaga is also present in Alaska and Canada and also known by the following names:
- black mass
- cinder conk
- birch canker polypore
- clinker polypore
- sterile conk trunk rot of birch
The mushrooms do not resemble usual mushrooms in appearance. They seem more like a truffle and have been characterized as looking like a chunk of charred charcoal.
Both Chinese and Russian cultures have used these mushrooms. Chaga mushroom is an essential component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
It has been utilized as a source of nourishment and for its potential medicinal and healing capabilities for at least hundreds of years.
Chaga is mainly used to improve general immune health. It has also been used to treat heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes.
This medicinal mushroom was traditionally ground into a fine powder and used to make herbal tea. Today, it’s also offered as a supplement in the form of Chaga mushroom powder or capsules.
Chaga Mushroom Benefits
Uncertainty exists over the actual nutritional content of Chaga mushrooms. Yet, they are abundant in plant chemicals that are good for you, including antioxidants :
- triterpenoids
- melanins
- polysaccharides
- polyphenols
- flavans
Though research is ongoing, certain scientific studies suggest that Chaga extract may have some health benefits.
Increases immunity and fights inflammation
Chaga mushroom extract may boost immunity by lowering chronic inflammation and inhibiting harmful bacteria and viruses.
The chemical messengers of the immune system are called cytokines. The white blood cells that comprise the immune system’s initial line of defense against various diseases are stimulated by these proteins, which are crucial to the process.
Chaga may help control cytokine production, strengthening immunity by facilitating cell-to-cell communication. Thus, it helps in the battle against infections ranging from simple colds to potentially fatal illnesses.
Lowering of cholesterol
The various antioxidants and other ingredients in Chaga may lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or commonly called bad cholesterol.
Chaga may help prevent heart disease because high cholesterol is a significant risk factor.
Reducing blood sugar
Chaga has the potential to reduce blood sucrose levels. As a result, it might be helpful in diabetes prevention strategies.
Evidence of this function in people is limited, and much more research is required before Chaga may be advised as a treatment for diabetic patients. Yet, patients can incorporate Chaga into their health and wellness regimen.
Risks and Potential Side Effects of Chaga Mushroom Supplement
There are many quality Chaga mushroom supplements on the market today. However, it is vital to remember that any dietary supplement carries inherent dangers and potential negative effects.
Chaga supplements have a significant chance of interfering with a range of medications. It can be dangerous for those taking insulin and other blood sugar-lowering drugs because it reduces blood sucrose levels.
Additionally, Chaga extract might prevent platelet aggregation. The ability of a person’s blood cells to clump together, which is necessary for clotting, is measured by platelet aggregation. Thus, Chaga could conflict with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications.
Whatever other advice you could find when researching this subject, you must avoid treating dietary supplements like medications.
You must rely on prescription medications and the guidance of a physician to cure and prevent illness, regardless of whether you use medicinal mushrooms or any other kind of supplement.
Choosing Quality of Life
While Chaga is a type of fungus, AHCC® is a patented substance to concentrate the nutrients found in many fungi species.
This highly effective nutritional supplement was developed using an innovative process that, among other things, made it possible to lower molecular weight and have easier body absorption.
AHCC® is believed to have several health advantages, such as the following:
- Keeps natural killer cell activity at an optimal level
- Increases dendritic cell numbers and activity
- Enhances the activity of macrophages and T cells
- Could increase cytokine production
Try Quality of Life if you’re looking for a supplement retailer that only bases its ingredients and claims on human trials, which is rare in the supplement industry.
Bottom Line
Chaga mushroom is high in antioxidants and may have many health advantages.
Several studies indicate that Chaga mushrooms may be helpful, but additional study is required.
People should not use Chaga or any other supplement in place of conventional medical treatment. Individuals with cancer, diabetes, or high blood pressure should continue to receive their treatment as usual.
Any type of supplement should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor.