Best Mushrooms for Gut Health
A few years ago, I went through a rough patch with my stomach. After trying different diets, probiotics, and everything else people usually recommend, I found relief in the most unexpected place that was right under my nose: functional mushrooms.
When I first launched Tamim Teas, it was all about finding natural ways to support health, but I never imagined gut and digestive health being one of them. As I dug deeper into research, I discovered just how much mushrooms can do for gut health.
Your gut is at the core of your overall well-being, playing not only a key role in digestion, but also immunity and even mental health. Certain medicinal mushrooms contain prebiotic fibers and compounds that nourish the gut microbiome and promote digestive balance.
Let’s explore the benefits of three of the best mushrooms for gut health—Reishi, Chaga, and Shiitake.
Shiitake: The Digestive Ally
Shiitake mushrooms may be most famous for their savory taste, but their benefits extend far beyond flavor. They also contain powerful compounds like lentinan, which support gut health. The mushroom may act as an appropriate substrate for gut microbe digestion and metabolism. [8] They are also rich with polysaccharides and beta-glucans, which are known to protect against cell damage and feed healthy gut flora. [9]
Our Shiitake Uplift blend offers a delightful combination of shiitake’s earthy goodness with herbs that naturally uplift your mood and energy.
Reishi: Adaptogen for Stress and Digestion
Stress can be a major trigger for stomach issues, and reishi, also known as the “mushroom of immortality,” can help balance the body’s stress response. Stress and digestion are closely linked, making reishi a great daily choice for anyone feeling that stress is impacting digestion and stomach health.
Some researchers have also found that reishi is capable of changing gut bacteria for the better, and in some cases even preventing and reversing weight gain and insulin resistance. [1] Additionally, studies are also examining how exactly reishi can reduce inflammation in the gut [2], be used as an effective prebiotic agent, inhibit the formation of some gastric ulcers and have antibacterial activity against intestinal microorganisms [3,4].
You’ll find reishi in our Reishi Delight blend, offering a calming, gut-friendly sip to unwind your body and help the overall health of your gut.
Chaga: The Gut Healer and Inflammation Fighter
Chaga is known for its antioxidant-packed profile, and it’s a powerhouse when it comes to soothing inflammation. Whether it's indigestion or something more chronic, inflammation is often at the core of gut problems.
One study reported that chaga helped restore gut flora balance by increasing levels of anti-inflammatory bacteria, which also helped to enhance nutrient absorption and ease overall digestion. [5]
Chaga's beta-glucans also act as prebiotics, feeding your gut's good bacteria and promoting a balanced microbiome. [6] Adding to this, a recent study found that chaga mushrooms may also help prevent stomach ulcers caused by helicobacter pylori by interfering with bacterial cell communication. [7]
Try our Herbal Chai with Chaga blend, a delicious way to incorporate this inflammation-fighting mushroom into your daily routine.
Supporting Gut Health Naturally With Mushrooms
By incorporating these mushrooms into our blends, we aim to make supporting digestion both enjoyable and convenient. Whether you're dealing with occasional digestive discomfort or looking to optimize your gut health, discover the ancient wisdom of medicinal mushrooms. We’ve crafted our blends with care, ensuring that each sip offers benefits beyond great taste. Together with Reishi, Chaga, and Shiitake, these mushrooms form the cornerstone of our commitment to supporting your overall wellness—starting from the inside out.
1 https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/reishi-mushroom-can-alter-gut-bacteria-better
2https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/iad/2014/00000008/00000002/art00003
3 https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO199303041243513.page
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/
5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/)
6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/
7https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-chaga-tea
8 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30806258/
