You probably haven't given much thought to your kidney health unless you've personally dealt with the agony of kidney stones. However, it is believed that 31 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fortunately, you can prevent becoming one of these statistics with some knowledge and some natural kidney support.
Every day, we eat various foods that are transformed into energy; however, this process also creates toxic byproducts that may harm our health. A buildup of these toxic compounds can be dangerous for the kidney. Therefore we need to eat a balanced diet that supports the health of our kidneys.
One such food is mushrooms for kidneys. Thanks to their purifying and anti-inflammatory properties, mushrooms improve kidney function by enhancing the blood flow through the kidneys.
Let’s explore the link between mushrooms and kidney disease and find out how is mushroom good for kidney patients.
Types Of Kidney Diseases
Urinary tract infections: UTIs usually start in the bladder and urethra. Although they are very treatable, untreated UTIs can result in severe medical problems, including renal failure, which may have fatal consequences.
Kidney stones: These develop when minerals and other chemicals that are absorbed from the blood crystallize. The sizes and shapes of kidney stones vary. Most of these pass through with urine, causing varying degrees of discomfort or even pain, but occasionally they are too enormous, necessitating medical intervention.
Polycystic kidney disease: The development of several tiny, fluid-filled cysts inside the kidney is the hallmark of polycystic kidney disease. Because they can result in renal failure, these cysts seriously impair the kidneys and necessitate medical attention.
Glomerulonephritis: This is brought on by the swelling of the kidneys' glomeruli, which are small blood vessels. These blood vessels function like the kidneys' filtering system for the blood that travels through them. Glomerulonephritis can develop soon after a baby is born and can be brought on by an infection or an adverse reaction to specific treatments or drugs. Treatment is optional because most problems resolve themselves.
Chronic Kidney Disease: CKD is characterized by the kidneys' chronic malfunction, typically lasting over three months.
So, what are the mushrooms good for kidneys? Let’s find out next!
Mushrooms For Kidney Health
Vitamins B and D found in mushrooms aid in regulating the kidney's functioning and even help ward off kidney-related disorders. Culinary mushrooms are packed with vital nutrients, whether Enoki, Crimini, Oyster, Shiitake, Portobello, or White Button. It helps our immune system and shields cells and tissues from damage. These must be consumed as part of a diet rich in foods that support kidney health.
Numerous research on the effects of medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Lion's Mane, and particularly Cordyceps have demonstrated significant enhancements in kidney function, including:
- Re-absorption of water.
- The ability to control blood pressure in blood vessels.
- Decreased inflammatory response.
- Improved hormone production.
- Decreased urinary protein synthesis.
- Increased synthesis of glucose and amino acids.
- Ability to maintain acid-base equilibrium.
- Generally, strengthen the immune system to combat illnesses.
Here are the 3 best mushrooms for kidneys.
1. Cordyceps Alleviates CKD Symptoms
According to research, Cordyceps mushrooms can restore kidney health and treat chronic renal failure. This half-caterpillar, half-mushroom hybrid can even guard against diabetes-related kidney damage.
Researchers assessed Cordyceps sinensis' therapeutic effects for treating persons with CKD in a review published in the Cochrane database of systematic reviews(1). The 22 studies totaling 1746 people were included in the report. Over 24 hours, Cordyceps formulations dramatically lowered serum creatinine, enhanced creatinine clearance, and reduced protein in the urine in CKD patients who were not receiving dialysis.
Researchers concluded that Cordyceps showed considerable promise as an adjunct therapy to conventional medicine, increasing creatine clearance, lowering blood creatinine, reducing proteinuria, and alleviating symptoms related to CKD.
The bioactive compounds in Cordyceps sinensis(2) have been found to have several effects on the therapy of Diabetic kidney disease, including anti-hyperglycemia, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant actions.
2. Lion’s Mane Nourishes The Kidney
Traditional Chinese medicine has long recognized the excellent health benefits of Lion's mane mushrooms. It is well recognized for supporting the liver, heart, lungs, spleen, and kidneys—the five vital internal organs.
In 2017, Chinese researchers described how Hericium erinaceus(3) polysaccharides benefited diabetic mice's kidneys. Purified fractions from the mycelia of Lion's mane mushroom were used as a supplement. This had the reno-protective effect of reducing the aberrant rise in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) levels.
The mushroom extract also reduced the pathological damage to the organ based on other biochemical criteria.
3. Reishi Prevents Kidney Damage
In traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has long been considered a kidney tonic. However, scientific studies now support the assertions that Reishi can improve the kidneys.
Reishi has been found to reduce proteinuria and nephrosis by making the kidneys less permeable and improving their capacity to filter toxins. But what does this mean?
Proteinuria, or an abnormally high protein level in the urine, is a complication that can be brought on by both diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition, swelling of the hands, feet, belly, and face may result from this due to the impaired capacity of the body to control fluid balance.
Reishi was used to treat 14 patients in a human clinical trial(4) with persistent nephrotic proteinuria. All 14 of these patients received treatment with Reishi, which reduced endothelial cell cytotoxicity, restored immunocirculatory balance, and effectively reduced proteinuria.
In an in-depth study(5) of Reishi and the kidneys, renal ischemia—a lack of blood in the kidneys typically brought on by a blood vessel obstruction—was tracked over time. Reishi once more assisted in preventing kidney damage by reducing mitochondrial cell death and oxidative stress.
How To Take Mushroom For Kidney Disease?
Medicinal mushrooms can be used fresh as a culinary ingredient or in a supplement form, such as in capsules or a powder. When used in cooking, Lion's mane mushroom has a mild flavor that makes it easy to combine with various foods. It may also be used as a vegan meat alternative or as a supplemental powder added to coffee or tea.
Reishi has a bitter flavor and is best used as a supplement. However, when combined with hot water, the powder or bits of these mushrooms can also be prepared into tea.
FAQs About Mushrooms For Kidneys
Are There Any Side Effects Of Mushrooms On Kidney Health?
Fortunately, there are relatively few adverse effects associated with the consumption of medicinal mushrooms. However, some people may report upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and itchiness after consuming them. If you have a medical condition or a history of allergies, speak to your doctor before starting mushrooms for kidneys.
What Is The Recommended Dosage Of Mushrooms For Kidneys?
As with any supplement, it’s vital to take medicinal mushrooms as directed by a healthcare provider. Most studies and experts recommend a daily dose of 2000 mg, which can be doubled up in the initial two weeks to achieve maximum effects.
Key Takeaways
Reishi, Loin’s mane, and Cordyceps are the top three mushrooms for kidneys. These help lower urea and creatinine and protect against diabetes-associated damage and the progression to CKD. Moreover, they are low in calories and sodium, making mushrooms ideal for your bean-shaped organ.
References
- Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease, (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25519252/
- Mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis and its Extracts in the Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Review, (2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35645822/
- Antihyperglycaemic and organic protective effects on pancreas, liver and kidney by polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus SG-02 in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5589823/
- Ganoderma lucidum suppresses endothelial cell cytotoxicity and proteinuria in persistent proteinuric focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) nephrosis, (4)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15567896/
- Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide prevents renal ischemia reperfusion injury via counteracting oxidative stress, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26603550/
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