Latest news with #Stocksy
Medical News Today
14-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Mushroom coffee benefits: What science says about this trending brew
'Mushroom coffee' refers to a blend of traditional coffee and medicinal mushroom extracts like lion's mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps. Potential health benefits include increased energy, mental focus, and stress reduction. Several brands of mushroom coffee have gained popularity for their claimed health benefits. Mushroom coffee uses certain medicinal mushrooms known for their adaptogenic properties. 'Adaptogenic' refers to a natural substance—usually an herb, mushroom, or plant—that helps the body adapt to stress without overstimulating or disrupting normal function. Adaptogens are believed to: increase resistance to physical, emotional, or environmental stress support energy and stamina help regulate cortisol and other stress hormones promote overall well-being and resilience Mushroom coffee often contains less caffeine than regular coffee, potentially reducing jitters and improving sleep quality. This article discusses the claimed and potential benefits of mushroom coffee and whether there is evidence to support them. Valeriia Sviridova/500px/Stocksy Mushroom coffee often contains a mushroom called lion's mane ( Hericium erinaceus ). Lion's mane contains compounds such as hericenones and erinacines that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), essential for brain health. A small study from 2023 looked at whether lion's mane could help with thinking and mood in 41 healthy adults between 18 and 45 years of age. After taking one dose, participants completed a cognitive task faster, which means lion's mane may have increased their thinking abilities. After 28 days, participants also reported feeling less stressed, although the difference wasn't strong enough to be significant. The study was small, so more research is needed, but the results are promising. A 2024 analysis also found that lion's mane helped boost cognition and energy in older adults. Cordyceps mushrooms may enhance people's oxygen usage and increase cellular energy (ATP production), potentially improving energy levels and reducing fatigue. This may also aid endurance and recovery in exercise. A 2021 study published in Frontiers found that cordyceps were effective in combating fatigue and weakness. However, the researchers stated that they need to study cordyceps more to identify the most effective components, understand how they work together, and confirm their safety. Chaga mushrooms ( Inonotus obliquus ) are rich in beta-glucans, compounds known to support the immune system. These compounds activate immune cells, enhancing the body's defense mechanisms. A 2023 review found that chaga has multiple benefits for the immune system and systemic health, including potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. Although studies have shown potential benefits of chaga, and it is considered safe, researchers need to perform more studies to fully understand how it works. Reishi mushrooms are known for their adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress. Adaptogens may regulate cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, promoting relaxation and emotional balance. Reishi mushrooms are generally considered safe, but researchers need to study their use more to understand potential side effects. Many of the mushrooms included in mushroom coffee contain antioxidants like polyphenols and beta-glucans, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. These include chaga, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane. Manufacturers of mushroom coffee often include another adaptogenic herb, ashwagandha, which has potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha contains compounds called withanolides, which have been associated with these effects. Mushroom coffee typically contains less caffeine than regular coffee, which may benefit individuals sensitive to caffeine and improve sleep quality. Additionally, the adaptogenic properties of certain mushrooms may promote relaxation. In particular, reishi may help reduce stress and prepare the body for better sleep. Research has also shown that ashwagandha may be effective for insomnia. There are a few things to consider before trying mushroom coffee for its potential health benefits. Limited studies have been conducted into the long-term effects of the adaptogenic mushrooms and herbs present in mushroom coffee, and researchers do not know how they interact with each other. More research is also needed to understand how they may react with other medications and in people with different health conditions. It is advisable to consult a doctor before trying mushroom coffee, as some of its ingredients and properties may interfere with pre-existing health conditions or medications. For example, chaga mushrooms contain high levels of oxalates, which can be problematic for individuals with kidney conditions. Mushroom coffee offers a unique blend of traditional coffee and medicinal mushrooms, potentially providing cognitive, immune, and energy benefits. While preliminary studies are promising, more human research is needed to fully understand its effects. As with any supplement, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating mushroom coffee into a routine. Nutrition / Diet Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Adaptogens (2024). Ashwagandha. (2023). Cha S, et al. (2024). A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespan. Das G, et al. (2021). Cordyceps spp.: A review on its immune-stimulatory and other biological potentials. Docherty S, et al. (2023). The acute and chronic effects of lion's mane mushroom supplementation on cognitive function, stress and mood in young adults: A double-blind, parallel groups, pilot study. Fordjour E, et al. (2023). Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential. Lee S, et al. (2020). Development of endstage renal disease after long-term ingestion of chaga mushroom: Case report and review of literature. Li K, et al. (2024). The anti-fatigue and sleep-aiding effects vary significantly among different recipes containing Ganoderma lucidum extracts. Tóth-Mészáros A, et al. (2023). The effect of adaptogenic plants on stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Medical News Today
05-05-2025
- Health
- Medical News Today
Cancer treatment side effects: Exercise may reduce pain, fatigue
Exercise may help mitigate cancer treatment side effects, such as brain fog, pain, and fatigue. Image credit: Hernandez & Sorokina/Stocksy. Researchers recently conducted an umbrella-review to examine the impact exercise can have on people undergoing cancer treatment. The results indicated that exercise can mitigate some of the side effects of cancer treatments across a range of cancer types. Both traditional exercise and mind-body exercises showed benefits. Cancer treatments can cause a host of health problems. For example, among the many side effects of one common type of cancer treatment, chemotherapy , there are pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and mood changes. While prior research shows that exercise can be helpful in people undergoing cancer treatments, the authors of a new review wanted to systematically assess the most recent evidence supporting this. The researchers found that, according to recent studies, exercise can mitigate some side effects of cancer treatments. Additionally, they learned that pre-operative exercise can reduce post-operative complications. More than 1.7 million new cancer cases were reported in 2021; cancer rates continue to rise for many cancer types each year. People undergoing cancer treatment often have a difficult time both physically and mentally. With this in mind, the researchers wanted to expand on existing research surrounding exercise and cancer. The researchers cast a wide net and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) system to find 485 associations in 80 studies. Since the researchers were concerned that prior reviews were not wide enough in scope, they considered many cancer types such as breast, prostate, and lung cancers. They also included cancers associated with the digestive system, and blood cancers. The researchers next analyzed how well different exercises worked for different cancers. Among the associations, aerobic and resistance exercises made up 9.9% of the associations, HIIT exercises accounted for 3.7%, mind-body exercises made up 28.5%, and other types of exercises not specified accounted for 57.9% of associations. The researchers found that 54% of the associations — between exercise and fewer therapy side effects — that they analyzed were 'statistically significant.' Using GRADE criteria, the researchers also said that 48% of the associations were supported by either high or moderate certainty evidence. One way exercise counteracted the effects of cancer treatments was by reducing pain. HIIT programs and tai chi accomplished this. Exercise also influenced biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (a protein associated with inflammation in the body), insulin, and physiological functioning. Chemotherapy can cause cardiotoxicity — 'damage to the heart and/or cardiovascular system.' The researchers found that exercise, specifically aerobic, can counteract this as well. The benefits of exercise were not limited to physical symptoms; exercise also improved cognitive functioning, anxiety, and depression. Yoga showed significantly improved mental health symptoms. A final benefit of exercise in people undergoing cancer treatment was the reduction of post-operative complications. The researchers found that people who engaged in exercise pre-op were associated with a lower chance of health issues associated with the surgery. Overall, the umbrella study found a significant amount of evidence to support the notion that exercise can help counteract some of the side effects of cancer treatment. From physical to mental benefits, a variety of exercises can provide relief. Bhavana Pathak, MD, a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist, and medical director of Integrative Oncology at MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers, spoke with Medical News Today about the review. 'We want to encourage oncology professionals to counsel their patients on increasing physical activity as a means to improve their clinical outcomes, even when faced with serious diagnoses like cancer, in the future,' said Pathak, who was not involved in the review. She also noted the importance of the findings to the quality of life in people undergoing cancer treatments. 'The therapy we give — while it could keep you alive — can take away a life worth living, without the means to articulate, adapt, and engineer your life,' Pathak noted. 'This type of research speaks to the privilege and challenge both patients and physicians have — designing and choosing treatments that have an impact on the rest of their lives.' Milan Sheth, MD, quadruple board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, oncology, and palliative care at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute also spoke with MNT about the review findings. Sheth was also not involved in the review. He told us that the paper 'reinforces what we all suspected based on our own clinical experience amongst patients receiving chemotherapy,' indicating 'that exercise can significantly reduce various side effects associated with cancer and its treatment compared with no exercise.' 'Specifically, the symptoms that seem to be most impacted or improved included peripheral neuropathy, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, and shortness of breath. Equally important were improvements in the patient's quality of life, in terms of muscle strength, healthier body composition, sleep, quality, and enhanced mood.' When asked why exercise may counteract some of the harmful effects of chemotherapy, he touched on biomarkers associated with cancer. 'Insulin, insulin-like growth factors, and C-reactive protein […] these biomarkers are linked with cancer metabolism and systemic inflammation which can allow for further progression of cancer and eliminate any protective effects against chemotherapy,' said Sheth. He also noted that these biomarkers 'relevant to cancer progression and recovery are, in fact, optimized with exercise.'
