The Benefits Of Medicinal Mushrooms For Thyroid Function

People with thyroid disease frequently use herbal and dietary supplements. But what about mushrooms for thyroid?

Those with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) may benefit from mushroom for thyroid. Having greater knowledge about mushroom benefits for thyroid and their impact on thyroid disorders can help you make the best decisions for your overall health.

This post explains the best mushroom for thyroid that can support the gland and your general well-being. But first, let’s take a closer look at the thyroid gland.

Understanding The Thyroid

The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland hidden behind the skin at the front of your neck. It is a component of your endocrine system and regulates several crucial bodily processes by producing and sending out (secreting) specific hormones.

The primary function of the thyroid is to regulate your metabolic rate, which is the rate at which your body converts the food you eat into energy. Therefore, your entire body may be affected if your thyroid functions incorrectly.

What Are The Mushroom Good For Thyroid?

Mushrooms are a plentiful source of nutrients and have several health benefits. Some of these nutrients are B vitamins, including vitamins B1, B2, and B12, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin E. In addition, mushrooms have immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, making them a good supplement for thyroid disorders.

Here are some of the best mushrooms for thyroid health.

Cordyceps For Modulating Immunity

Cordyceps has been examined for its effectiveness in safeguarding thyroid function, especially in the case of autoimmune thyroid disorders. In addition, the mushroom can help treat and improve various thyroid illnesses in the following ways.

• Improves autoimmune thyroid conditions

When the body's immune cells attack the thyroid gland or increase the antibodies for thyroid hormone (TSH), autoimmune thyroid disorders can develop, including Hashimoto's and Grave's disease. Immunosuppressants, which may potentially affect general immunity and increase vulnerability to illnesses, are typically used to treat patients with such conditions. In recent animal research, fungus derived from Cordyceps(1) was discovered to decrease thyroid gland inflammation and enhance the overall status of thyroid hormones.

In human studies(2), supplementing with Cordyceps in capsules (Corbin capsules) for 24 weeks successfully lowered immune cell levels that harm thyroid glands.

• Reduces the risk of cancers in the thyroid

Cordyceps mushrooms are known to have anti-cancer potential. Studies(3) have shown that the mushroom induces the spontaneous death of cancerous cells (apoptosis). This means Cordyceps supplementation can help reduce the risk of thyroid cancer due to its ability to kill off cancerous cells.

• Rich in selenium

Selenium(4), a mineral essential for healthy thyroid function, is abundant in Cordyceps. In addition, the production of thyroid hormones depends on selenium, and studies(5) have shown that selenium supplementation can lower the levels of antibodies that lead to autoimmune thyroid disease. Therefore, supplementing with Cordyceps can be helpful for those with autoimmune thyroid problems.

Chaga For Preventing Cancer

Chaga mushroom is another fungus with therapeutic benefits for the thyroid gland. The mushroom, which is widely used in Siberia and Russia, is high in antioxidants, and some studies suggest that it may help prevent cancer(6).

Many patients, particularly those with autoimmune thyroid problems, attest to the ability of Chaga to improve thyroid function. By assisting in restoring the balance of the associated hormones and cells (known as cytotoxic T cells), Chaga mushrooms are beneficial for thyroid gland health. In addition, the mushroom can help lower thyroid antibodies, boost the activity of natural killer cells, and stimulate the immune system.

Since proper nutrition and gut health are crucial for thyroid health, there are connections between the health benefits of Chaga mushrooms and immunological and digestive system problems.

Lion’s mane For Anti-inflammatory Effect

Hericium erinaceus, also known as Lion's mane, is a fungus with many health benefits for the thyroid. Studies on thyroid disease and Lion's mane have so far shown promise. According to one study, Lion's mane extract can decrease thyroid gland inflammation and alleviate the signs and symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition.

In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the TH1 immune response is altered. Researchers have discovered that the substances in Lion's mane mushrooms modulate this immune response(7). According to the results, the bioactive substance beta-glucan can function as an immune-potentiating agent, strengthening our immune system.

A study published in the Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science(8) also looked into Lion's mane's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Researchers discovered that the mushroom extract had anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced-inflammation action and promoted cell growth. In addition, monocytes and macrophages, which are also present in various immunological thyroid diseases, are powerfully activated by LPS. Therefore, preventing and treating these illnesses may benefit from the anti-LPS action of Lion's mane mushrooms.

Reishi Improves Gut Health

The Japanese native Reishi mushroom has a reputation for enhancing immunity by increasing the diversity of gut microbes. But how does this link to thyroid health?

Reishi mushrooms(9) may be helpful in thyroid disorders, as Hashimoto's illness is associated with poor gut health. There isn't enough evidence, though, to prove these findings unequivocally.

Maitake Enhances Antibody Response

Maitake mushrooms(10) may help improve thyroid gland function by:

• Increasing cytotoxic T cell and macrophage activity.
• Increasing natural killer cell response.
• Activating immune complement pathways.
• Improving antibody response.

How To Incorporate Mushrooms Into Your Diet?

Cooking medicinal mushrooms in a skillet or adding them to sauces and soups are two ways to consume them. There are also capsules on the market that include dried and powdered mushrooms. The recommended daily intake is two to three capsules; however, you should consult a doctor to determine your safe dose.

FAQs About Mushrooms For Thyroid

Can I Eat Raw Mushrooms For Thyroid Health?

Medicinal mushrooms can be consumed raw. However, it's best to cook the mushrooms or take supplements for optimal health benefits.

Can Mushrooms Be Used With Other Medications For Thyroid?

There are concerns that using medicinal mushrooms and medications for thyroid together may exaggerate the effects of both. Speak with your healthcare provider if you’re on drugs but want to try medicinal mushrooms.

When Is The Best Time To Take Mushrooms?

You can take mushroom supplements early in the day. It is effective after a meal or on an empty stomach.

Key Takeaways

Cordyceps, Reishi, Lion’s mane, Chaga, and Maitake are the best mushrooms for thyroid. These functional fungi help modulate the immune system, combat inflammation, and kill cancerous cells. As a result, they have distinct health benefits for the thyroid, directly and indirectly for the whole body.

References

1. Cordyceps sinensis-derived fungus Isaria felina ameliorates experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in mice, (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34029950/ 
2. Dual-Directional Immunomodulatory Effects of Corbrin Capsule on Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases, (2)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5045992/ 
3. Cordycepin induces apoptosis of CGTH W-2 thyroid carcinoma cells through the calcium-calpain-caspase 7-PARP pathway, (3)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20961042/ 
4. Novel Selenium Peptides Obtained from Selenium-Enriched Cordyceps militaris Alleviate Neuroinflammation and Gut Microbiota Dysbacteriosis in LPS-Injured Mice, (4)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35238567/ 
5. Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28255299/ 
6. Continuous intake of the Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) aqueous extract suppresses cancer progression and maintains body temperature in mice, (6)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4946216/ 
7. Immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharides isolated from Hericium erinaceus on dendritic cells, (7)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359511313002821 
8. Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Hericium erinaceus Water Extracts, (8)https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO201317642690033.page 
9. Nutraceuticals in the Modulation of the Intestinal Microbiota: Current Status and Future Directions, (9)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8971809/
10. A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondosa (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: immunological effects, (10)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19253021/