If you are looking for a natural way to boost your immune system, improve your gut health, and fight off certain cancers, you may want to consider adding turkey tail mushrooms to your diet. Turkey tail mushrooms are a type of medicinal mushroom that have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. They have a distinctive appearance, resembling the colorful feathers of a turkey's tail. But they are more than just a pretty fungus. They are packed with antioxidants, polysaccharides, and other compounds that have various benefits for health. Here are some of the amazing health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms.
They enhance your immune system
One of the most impressive qualities of turkey tail mushrooms is their ability to enhance your immune system. They contain polysaccharopeptides, which are protein-bound carbohydrates that modulate the immune response by activating or inhibiting specific types of immune cells and by suppressing inflammation. For example, one type of polysaccharopeptide called PSP increases monocytes, which are white blood cells that fight infection and boost immunity. Another type called PSK stimulates dendritic cells, which help the body recognize and eliminate toxins and pathogens. PSK also activates natural killer cells, which are white blood cells that destroy cancerous cells and infected cells.
Turkey tail mushrooms also contain antioxidants, such as phenols and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Oxidative stress and inflammation can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. By scavenging free radicals and inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes, antioxidants from turkey tail mushrooms can protect the immune system from damage and enhance its function.
They support cancer treatment
Another potential benefit of turkey tail mushrooms is their ability to support cancer treatment. Several studies have shown that polysaccharopeptides from turkey tail mushrooms can enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy by boosting the immune system and reducing side effects. For instance, a study in 262 people with gastric cancer found that taking PSK along with chemotherapy improved survival rates and reduced nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and hair loss compared to chemotherapy alone. Another study in 185 people with colorectal cancer found that taking PSK along with chemotherapy improved survival rates and reduced recurrence rates compared to chemotherapy alone.
Turkey tail mushrooms may also have direct anti-cancer effects by inducing apoptosis (cell death) and inhibiting angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) in tumor cells. For example, a test-tube study found that PSP induced apoptosis in human leukemia cells by activating a protein called caspase-3, which is involved in programmed cell death. Another test-tube study found that PSP inhibited angiogenesis in human lung cancer cells by suppressing a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is involved in blood vessel formation.
They improve gut health
Turkey tail mushrooms may also benefit your gut health by improving the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. They contain prebiotics, which are indigestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. These bacteria help digest food, produce vitamins, regulate inflammation, and protect against harmful microbes. By providing prebiotics to your gut bacteria, turkey tail mushrooms can help them thrive and maintain a healthy microbiome.
One study in 24 healthy people found that taking turkey tail mushroom extract for eight weeks increased the diversity and abundance of gut bacteria, especially Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which are known to have positive effects on health. Another study in 24 people with breast cancer found that taking turkey tail mushroom extract for six months increased the levels of beneficial bacteria and decreased the levels of harmful bacteria in the gut compared to placebo.
They lower blood sugar levels
Turkey tail mushrooms may also help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage various organs and tissues in the body and increase the risk of complications, such as nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, keeping blood sugar levels under control is crucial for people with diabetes.
Turkey tail mushrooms may lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, which is how well your cells respond to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. They may also inhibit enzymes that break down carbohydrates into sugars, such as alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, thereby reducing the amount of sugar absorbed into the bloodstream.
One study in 88 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking turkey tail mushroom extract for three months significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which is a measure of long-term blood sugar control, compared to placebo. Another study in 100 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking turkey tail mushroom extract for four weeks significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c compared to placebo.
They protect your liver
Your liver is a vital organ that performs many functions, such as detoxifying your blood, producing bile, storing glycogen, and metabolizing drugs. However, your liver can be damaged by various factors, such as alcohol, viruses, toxins, and drugs. Liver damage can lead to inflammation, scarring, and cirrhosis, which can impair the liver's function and increase the risk of liver cancer.
Turkey tail mushrooms may protect your liver from damage by enhancing its antioxidant capacity and reducing inflammation. They may also prevent or reverse liver fibrosis, which is the accumulation of scar tissue in the liver. For example, a study in rats with liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride found that taking turkey tail mushroom extract for eight weeks significantly reduced liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis compared to control. Another study in rats with liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation found that taking turkey tail mushroom extract for four weeks significantly improved liver function and reduced fibrosis compared to control.
How to use turkey tail mushrooms
Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed fresh or dried, but they are tough and chewy, so they are usually brewed into a tea or decoction. You can also find turkey tail mushroom supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, extracts, or tinctures. The dosage of turkey tail mushrooms depends on the reason for use, the form of the supplement, and the concentration of the active ingredients. However, a general recommendation is to take 1–3 grams of dried mushroom or 300–900 milligrams of extract per day.
Side effects and precautions
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe and well-tolerated, but some people may experience allergic reactions or digestive issues, such as diarrhea, gas, or bloating. If you are allergic to mushrooms or have a sensitive stomach, you may want to avoid or limit your intake of turkey tail mushrooms. You should also consult your doctor before taking turkey tail mushrooms if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take any medication. Turkey tail mushrooms may interact with some drugs, such as blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or chemotherapy drugs.
Closing Thoughts
Turkey tail mushrooms are a type of medicinal mushroom that have various benefits for health. They contain antioxidants and polysaccharopeptides that can boost your immune system, support cancer treatment, improve gut health, lower blood sugar levels, and protect your liver. You can consume turkey tail mushrooms as a tea or supplement to reap their health benefits. However, you should be aware of the potential side effects and interactions and consult your doctor before taking them.
