No matter what age or stage of life we are in, it is important to keep our immune systems healthy. Unfortunately, you shouldn’t take a lot of well-known immune supplements while you are pregnant or nursing. This makes a lot of moms wonder: what natural immune boosters are safe to take while pregnant and breastfeeding? Medicinal mushrooms during pregnancy and breastfeeding have been used as food and medicine for a long time. They are also well-known immune system boosters.
All medicinal mushrooms have polysaccharides, with beta-glucans being the most important because they boost the immune system. Mushrooms are both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Each mushroom also has extra health benefits which are explained below.
Types of Mushrooms Which Are Safe During Pregnancy
1. Maitake Mushrooms:
Maitake mushrooms are both good to eat and good for you, and people all over the world eat them. In addition to being good for your immune system, they also help you deal with stress better, control your blood sugar, and keep your weight in check.
2. Turkey Tail Mushroom:
Turkey tail mushrooms are known mostly for their immune-enhancing properties. They have a lot of antioxidants and are also good prebiotics that helps keep your gut healthy.
3. Reishi Mushroom:
The reishi mushroom is one of the ones that can make you feel more alive. Tradition says that it is a medicine that helps people live long and healthy lives by making the mind, body, and spirit stronger. Research shows that it helps the immune system and protects the nervous system from damage. It also helps control blood sugar and gives the body more antioxidants.
4. Chaga Mushroom:
In the past, Chaga mushrooms were used to treat stomach problems. This may be because they kill parasites. Also, they are good for your blood sugar and cholesterol. They also help prevent cancer and fight free radicals. In 2022, it is important to know that Chaga has antiviral properties and is being looked into as a possible treatment for COVID-19.
5. Lion’s Mane Mushroom:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lion’s Mane is a well-known herb. It is a popular mushroom that can be eaten and used as medicine. It is known for improving mental health. Lion’s Mane can be used to help with stress, sadness, and tiredness. It also protects the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and heart.
6. Cordyceps:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cordyceps is a very important mushroom that has been getting a lot of attention in recent years. It helps the immune system work better, and fights inflammation, allergies, fungus, bacteria, viruses, ageing, tumours, arthritis, and more. It could also give you more energy and libido. Cordyceps is another type of mushroom that could be used to treat COVID-19.
Safety Considerations While Taking Medicinal Mushrooms During Pregnancy
Before taking any supplements, you should always talk to your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Medicinal mushrooms are thought to be safe for pregnant women because they are useful foods that pregnant women all over the world have eaten. But there are no clinical studies to show that they are safe.
If you are pregnant or nursing, don’t eat wild mushrooms. You should stay away from magic mushrooms, psychedelic mushrooms, and poisonous mushrooms while you are pregnant and while you are breastfeeding.
Some people who are allergic to moulds or yeasts or who are sensitive to them don’t do well with medicinal mushrooms.
Some of these mushrooms can be used to lower blood sugar, so anti-diabetic drugs should be taken with care.
Some of these mushrooms have mild effects that thin the blood, so people who take blood thinners should be careful. Some mushrooms should also not be eaten two weeks before surgery.