Mushrooms for arthritis and cancer

[Mystic Wolf]

http://www.offthegridnews.com/alternative-health/drug-free-kitchen-...
some of the most valuable herbs for the treatment of chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, are called adaptogens. Adaptogens work slowly, but powerfully. They enhance strength and improve the body’s capacities to heal itself. Adaptogens improve stamina and help you to handle the physical and mental stress associated with the chronic pain and debility of osteoarthritis.

My favorite adaptogens are shiitake and maitake mushrooms. Shiitakes are available at large grocery stores. Another option is to purchase a kit and grow your own. Dried shiitake mushrooms are available and effective, too.

Herbal adaptogens promote wellness of your entire body. You may need to take them for several months before you notice their benefits; however, the wait is well worth it.

http://www.arthritiscauses.net/reishi-mushrooms-for-pain-relief/
Reishi fungi has six species classed as medicinal and its red variety is most commonly used to treat arthritis, fatigue, asthma, insomnia and other ailments.

Health Benefits
Reishi mushrooms contain an abundance of chemicals which our body can use to help balance the immune system. The chemicals contained within the fungus have been used to treat a wide variety of different problems, such as:
• arthritis
• ankylosing spondylitis
• chronic bronchitis
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• stomach ulcers
• herpes pain

People will often turn to reishi mushrooms when other prescribed treatments don’t work.
Reishi mushrooms also prove to be an effective alternative to conventional medications for people that would prefer to take natural products instead of conventional treatments.

Some over the counter pain relievers such as Provailen contain reishi mushrooms.
The main benefit of taking Provailen is that people don’t have to go through a lengthy preparation process in order to consume the mushroom. This can give people that are suffering from arthritis, or those that require an anti-inflammatory quicker relief from pain.

There are also other benefits to gain from Provailen consumption. The ingredients that are contained will also be able to increase the body’s muscle strength, giving users more energy and mobility.

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-baby-bella-mushroom...
Baby bella mushrooms are another name for Italian portobello mushrooms. Baby bellas are cremini mushrooms that have been allowed to mature for up to seven days longer than commercial creminis. Baby bellas are low-fat, cholesterol-free and a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals that can enhance your health and help prevent disease. These nutrients include selenium, niacin, copper and pantothenic acid.

Without adequate selenium, your body cannot produce selenoproteins, enzymes that are responsible for supporting the immune system, promoting the function of the thyroid gland and inhibiting free radicals from damaging DNA. Low selenium levels may increase your risk of heart disease, cancer and arthritis.

Eating plenty of niacin-rich foods like baby bella mushrooms may help decrease your risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, osteoarthritis, diabetes and high blood cholesterol.
Copper plays a vital role in regulating the absorption of iron, contributing to the production of both red blood cells and collagen and supporting energy metabolism. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it also acts as an antioxidant.

Like all other B vitamins, the body needs pantothenic acid to properly metabolize protein, fats and carbohydrates. Pantothenic acid is also vital for digestive system health and for cholesterol, red blood cell and endocrine hormone synthesis. Adequate pantothenic acid intake can lessen your risk of rheumatoid arthritis and high blood cholesterol.

http://www.benrosen.com/2010/01/maitake-medicinal-mushrooms.html
The maitake mushroom. According to the MSKCC herbs website, “The maitake mushroom has traditionally been used in Japan and China as part of the diet and to treat cancer… In laboratory studies, maitake extract was able to stimulate various cells and factors in the immune system. Studies in animals show that it also slows the growth of certain tumors and lowers blood glucose (sugar) levels.”

The maitake mushroom is one of the few of these over-the-counter products where scientific research is underway to test its anticancer effects and its possible strengthening of the immune system. Phase I and II clinical trials are underway at MSKCC. The results so far show only that it’s safe. Whether it has therapeutic benefits will be learned later, in Phase III. But there is already a high level of enthusiasm around the hospital about the possible benefits of maitakes, particularly with respect to its strengthening of the immune system.