IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a functional condition with a host of widespread symptoms involving recurrent constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Frequently associated with stress, anxiety, and depression, Irritable bowel syndrome has a significant impact on the overall wellbeing of those who encounter the condition.
Managing irritable bowel syndrome requires a long-term approach to treatment which considers not just the symptoms of the condition, but the inflammatory and immune system issues that worsen quality of life. Medicinal mushrooms such as Hericium Erinaceus are proven to be a powerful tool for regulating inflammation, the digestive system, and the gut microbiota, therefore reducing the influence of IBS symptoms.
Alternatively, Ganoderma Lucidum is known for its CNS regulatory behaviour, which supports the reduction and management of stress, anxiety and depression. This adaptogen mushroom is also antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and effective at pain management.
Medicinal Mushrooms for Physical IBS Issues
Extensive evidence points towards the usefulness of medicinal mushrooms like Hericium Erinaceus and Ganoderma Lucidum for addressing the physical and mental aspects of IBS.
Studies demonstrate that Irritable Bowel Syndrome and similar inflammatory gut problems are frequently linked dysbiosis and imbalance in the gut microbiome. The imbalance of the gut microbiome has been proven to lead to issues with immunity and physical functioning, prompting symptoms common in IBS, such as constipation, pain, and diarrhoea. People with poor gut microbiome management and IBM conditions also frequently suffer from mental health conditions too, such as stress, and anxiety.
Medicinal mushrooms, like Hericium Erinaceus, contain bioactive compounds which can protect the gut microbiome, improve the performance of the gut, and recreate homeostasis. Heracium has antibacterial effects against H.Pylori, known for causing gastric conditions like stomach or intestine ulcers. It’s also a powerful antioxidant, capable of protecting against dangerous substances.
In one study, a polysaccharide named EP-1 in Hericium Erinaceus was found to have a direct impact on the symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis activity. Hericium Erinaceus also acts as a powerful prebiotic, suitable for protecting the digestive flora, and working against digestive disorders by regenerating intestinal epithelium.
Medicinal mushrooms can also have an impact on inflammation, the cause of many of the symptoms and side-effects of IBS conditions. Ganoderma Lucidum is proven to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects through its wide selection of triterpenoids and polysaccharides.
The G.Luciderma mushroom sterols can also exert synergistic anti-inflammatory effects, and can inhibit NF-KB pathways in the body. Reduced inflammation helps to promote homeostasis in the body’s functioning and reduce the symptoms of IBS.
Medicinal Mushrooms and Emotional Support
IBS, inflammation, anxiety and stress are often closely related, particularly in the case of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The use of medicinal mushrooms like Hericium Erinaceus and Ganoderma Lucidum can help to address the physical impact of conditions like IBS, but they’re also effective at supporting emotional and mental health too.
Hericium Erinaceus, for instance, has several polysaccharides suitable for improving the performance of the immune system, but it can also protect nerves in the brain to enhance memory, and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Ganoderma Lucidum, or Reishi mushroom supports the body in managing the natural stress response. Studies have revealed that the extracts of Ganoderma Lucidum can have effects similar to taking an anti-depressant. Working in conjunction with the physical effects of medicinal mushrooms, the compounds capable of supporting the central nervous system, stress response, and cognitive function in medicinal mushroom deliver a holistic approach to treatment.
While other treatments for IBS like NSAIDS focus exclusively on reducing the inflammation in the moment of the attack, medicinal mushrooms modulate inflammation and immune system response to reduce the risk of flare-ups while helping users to manage the anxiety and stress response which may worsen Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
A Natural Solution to IBS
Medicinal mushrooms are natural solutions to irritable bowel system, capable of handling and ameliorating the characteristic symptoms in multiple ways. While H. Erinaceus can regulate the digestive system, microbiota, and inflammatory response, it also has benefits for cognition and the mood. Additionally, G. Lucidum has the potential to modulate the immune system in the human body, reducing the inflammatory response.
Lucidum is also a proven tool for the reduction of anxiety and depression, with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and pain management capabilities. Combined with extensive nutritional antioxidant benefits, these features of medicinal mushrooms make them an excellent natural treatment route for addressing Irritable Bowel Syndrome.