Author: Dr. Bonnie Brock, NMD, MPH, RD
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is a group of over 100 different and distinct diseases that are all commonly characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. When cells stop functioning or behaving as they should, serving no useful purpose in the body at all, they can become “rogue” cancerous cells. The most fundamental characteristic of normal cells is their ability to reproduce themselves. The division of healthy cells occurs in a programmed, regulated and systematic fashion. In most parts of the body, the cells continually divide and form new cells to supply the material for growth or to replace worn-out or injured cells. Cancer cells divide in a haphazard manner. The result is that they typically pile up into a non-structured mass called a tumor . If the spread of these “rogue” cells is not controlled, it will result in death. Your body’s immune system is meant to monitor cells and eradicate any abnormalities.
Mushrooms have long been studied and used in a medicinal manner, particularly to “boost” the immune system. Studies have examined the effects of mushrooms on immune response pathways and on direct antitumor mechanisms. Mushrooms contain high-molecular-weight polysaccharides (beta-glucans), which seem to stimulate innate immune cells, such as monocytes, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells.
Different species of mushrooms may fight against cancer by different mechanisms, so it is important to eat, drink teas or supplement a variety of mushrooms. Always be careful when foraging wild mushrooms, as many are inedible and/or poisonous.
Reishi mushrooms (ganoderma lucidum) grow on live trees and have long been used as medicine in Asia to prolong life, prevent aging, and increase energy. In China, reishi is being added to conventional cancer care to strengthen the immune system of patients who receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) typically grows on the bark of birch trees in cold climates and is consumed as mushroom coffee and tea. It has one of the highest ORAC scores, a measure of a food’s anti-oxidant properties, and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. According to the Memorial Sloan Cancer Center, “Laboratory and animal studies show that chaga can inhibit cancer progression. Studies in humans are needed.”
Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes) have a woodsy flavor and meaty texture and can be purchased dried, cooked or raw. Shiitakes are excellent eating mushrooms and can be added to soups, salads, meat dishes, stir-fries and omelets. Shiitake extract, brand name AHCC, is a glucan-rich nutritional supplement produced from the mycelia of shiitake. AHCC is often used for its immune modulating properties to fight cancer and viruses, specifically HPV. Mycelia is the underground, permanent part of the mushroom. The above-ground part we think of as a “mushroom” is the more impermanent “fruiting body”. Many medicinal mushroom supplements are made from the powerful mycelium. Look for a recipe this month on how to use shiitake mushrooms with wild rice to make a delicious side dish.
