Venous Lake: Can mushrooms improve these vessel lesions?

A blood vessel disorder can put any individual at risk of endothelial lining lesion or even blood compromise. Besides these disorders mimic the clinical presentation of precancerous conditions to malignancies. One of the conditions is phlebectasis, more commonly known as venous lakes, which are dilatations of facial capillaries. Because the blood vessels affected are venous in nature, they transport deoxygenated blood, which may grossly appear as bluish to violaceous soft macule or papule, causing uneven facial features especially in the sun-exposed parts of the cranial area. 

Pathophysiology

While the exact aetiology and process for venous lake formation haven’t been finalized, several mechanisms have been looked into, especially factors that connect to the resultant vascular ectasia that is observed in phlebectasis. 

It was surmised that the outer lining of the blood vessels, known as the adventitia, can be injured due to radiation exposure and smoking, which compromises its contractility causing dilation of superficial vessel structures. Besides extrinsic causes, internal causes such as vascular thrombosis may have been contributory factors. The accumulated factors increase the inadvertent dilatation of the venous capillaries, thus resulting in the venous lakes. A variation or a precursor of phlebectasis is a capillary aneurysm, which is related to the mechanisms mentioned above. This usually happens in adults at the age of 50 and above, especially in populations who have long hours of exposure to the sun.

Treatment. Why do we need help from Mycotherapy?

As this is a harmless condition, treatment is not completely called for. While this is true, venous lakes may cause unsightly lesions in the face and thus, affected individuals may choose to treat this. A more temporary but straightforward approach is through the application of cosmetic camouflage cream thereby concealing the affected area. This is also the most commonly done management as this is non-invasive and effective in some cases, through the use of medical-grade make-up, that is resistant to moisture, and is adaptable to the skin tone of the patient.

A more definitive approach is through more invasive procedures including cryotherapy, electrocautery, and sclerotherapy, which minimizes the dilatation in the area. Some of these procedures may leave scars, which again because is located in the face, may cause aesthetic problems in the patient. 

This is where mycological treatment is warranted, as some mushroom extracts have been found to have activity for vascular health, thereby preventing such vascular conditions including venous lakes.

Treatment with Mycotherapy

Mycotherapy has been looked into to improve this condition and the overall health of the human vasculature. The following mushrooms have been discovered to contain bioactive substances and warrant further studies to be used in the clinical setting. These mushrooms are currently available now as extracts, mostly taken orally, to improve the management of venous lakes.

Cordyceps

Cordyceps sinensis has been known to have microvascular benefits maintaining the optimal health of the blood vessels with the smallest calibre, as these are the vessels most vulnerable to obstruction and resultant dilatation, which is what we need to prevent in venous lakes. It induces lower blood pressure especially beneficial for smaller blood vessels, thus preventing clot formation or even ischemia. Cordyceps does this as its extracts were discovered to help limit the levels and concentration of serum lipid peroxidase, which in turn, lessens the activity of low-density level (LDL) oxidation.

Maitake

Grifola frondosa was found to have vascular benefits, targeting multisystemic organs to decrease harmful biomolecules from being produced and deposited in the blood vessel linings. Maitake regulates the metabolism of lipids, which are known to deposit to the endothelial lining causing atherosclerotic plaques. By taking action on the root of the metabolism, the Maitake takes action in the liver to control the metabolism of lipids and prevent its accumulation in the liver and blood. This mechanism also alleviates the circulation of high blood pressure, which takes its toll to the integrity of blood vessels. 

Reishi

Among the most studied one through phytochemical studies is the Ganoderma lucidum, which was found to contain a myriad of bioactive substances with microvasculature benefits. Among these is the cyclo-octasulfur, which is an alkaloid with regulatory activity on the vascular tone of the heart, which in an extension would improve the peripheral vascular function. Another one is the ganodermadiol, a triterpene which has a hypotensive activity, and lastly is the ganodermic acids, which lowers both blood pressure and cholesterol production. In addition to these, Reishi also has an effect on the platelet aggregation, which prevents thrombosis formation.

Conclusion

Venous lakes are benign vascular lesions that warrant attention due to their similarity in presentation with malignant conditions. While venous lakes are benign, the cases that call for treatment would have options between the general treatment, which are only temporary, versus the definitive treatments, which are highly invasive with noticeable scarring. By taking advantage of these mushroom bioactive extracts, protective mechanisms are sought to improve venous lakes and the overall microvascular health.

Overweight? Mushrooms Could be the answer

Helping an overweight individual to reach their weight loss goals requires a careful strategy. The weight of each person doesn’t just rely on what they eat, or how often they exercise, but a delicate culmination of different facts. 

People with weight management problems often go through rigorous regimens of constant workout routines and calorie counting to fight off the increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure that obesity can bring. 

It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. Indeed, around 90% of people who lose weight end up regaining some, or all of it, because they can’t stick to their routine.

A weight loss strategy that focuses on making one simple lifestyle change could be the solution. 

How Mushrooms Help Overweight People

It sounds too good to be true, but a mushroom diet could actually make a significant difference to a person’s weight. For those who don’t like the flavour of mushroom, there’s even the option to explore supplements and pills that deliver the benefits of mushrooms in a unique way. In food supplements, the concentration of bioactive compounds is even higher, which could lead to faster results. 

Scientists know that obesity and weight issues are caused by a host of complex factors – not just overeating. Even an imbalance of bacteria in your gut’s microbiome could be influential to your weight. 

Supplements containing components from Reishi mushrooms could alter the bacteria in the digestive system, improving the way that the body processes food and fat. Reishi mushrooms help the stomach to work more effectively at breaking down food. 

Most mushrooms are loaded with zinc and B vitamins, substances that are necessary to activate metabolism and can fight possible fatigue associated with losing weight. They’re also full of antioxidants too. 

Mushrooms have fewer calories than meats, but they deliver a comparable level of hunger satisfaction. In fact, studie show that mushrooms could be even better than meat at helping people to feel fuller for longer. 

They also contribute to better digestion and gut health. 

The 5 Best Mushrooms for a Weight Management Diet

There’s no guarantee that switching to a more mushroom-heavy diet will work for everyone. Most professionals will not only suggest mushrooms as part of a comprehensive strategy for weight loss, but also include regular exercise and other convenient health interventions.

  • Shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent meat replacement because they contain almost all of the same amino acids as your standard meat-based meal. The beta glucans, sterols, and eritadenine in Shiitake mushrooms can also help to lower blood sugar levels and fight back against high cholesterol. 

  • Portobello mushrooms

Another excellent meat substitute, Portobello mushrooms are huge and satisfying as part of a delicious plate of food. What’s more, studies show that they contain CLA, which helps with reducing weight gain in overweight individuals. These mushrooms are extremely low in carbs, and they’re packed with fiber, which helps people to feel fuller for longer, so they’re less likely to seek extra food. Fiber is also helpful for balancing the gut microbiome, so that it can work more effectively at processing food. 

  • Reishi mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms change the way your body absorbs and stores fats. As mentioned above, Reishi mushrooms are some of the most scientifically proven mushrooms to consider if you’re overweight. These mushrooms contain ganoderic acids, beta-glucans and other properties that support heart health, promote better sleep and improve the functioning of the immune system.

  • Maitake mushrooms

Maitake mushrooms are loaded with beta-glucans, which make them an excellent choice for improving immune system function. These mushrooms are also surprisingly good at reducing blood sugar levels, which means they help to fight against diabetes. Maitake can help users to lose weight by reducing hunger pangs too. 

  • Cordyceps mushrooms

Known for its stimulating properties, the Cordyceps mushroom is excellent for delivering a boost of energy. If you need help finding the motivation to work out and lose more weight, Cordyceps can help. These mushrooms improve oxygen use and enhance blood flow. 

Are Mushroom Supplements a Good Idea?

Thanks to high levels of powerful nutrients, anti-oxidants, and vitamins, virtually any kind of mushroom can be an excellent addition to your diet. These foods are particularly beneficial when they replace less healthy alternatives in your routine, like fatty meats and sugars. 

For anyone suffering from weight issues, mushrooms can be a powerful addition to a weight loss routine. Supplements offer the ideal way to access large portions of mushrooms to specifically target fat storage, satiety, and other factors affecting a person’s weight. The best part is that the people using these mushroom supplements don’t need to enjoy the taste to get the benefits.Â