Immunity & Gut Health Support with Functional Mushrooms
Learn About- The Benefits of Targeted Support For Immunity and Gut Health.
The Gut-Immune Connection
The Gut-Immune Connection
Over 70% of the immune system resides within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). This interface between the intestinal barrier, microbiota, and immune receptors forms the first line of immune surveillance.
When intestinal homeostasis is maintained, the body is better equipped to:
- Detect and neutralize pathogens
- Modulate cytokine production
- Maintain epithelial barrier integrity
- Support systemic energy and mood regulation through microbial metabolite signalling
⚙️ Bioactive Compounds for Gut-Immune Synergy
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Mechanistic Action:
Bioactive Compounds:
- Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and Polysaccharopeptide (PSP)
- High-molecular-weight beta-glucans
Mechanisms:
- Binds to Dectin-1 and TLRs on macrophages, NK cells, and T-cells, promoting activation of the NF-κB pathway and enhanced immune response.
- Acts as a prebiotic, stimulating beneficial gut flora including Bifidobacteria and Akkermansia.
- Reduces LPS translocation, minimizing chronic inflammation and immune overactivation.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Bioactive Compounds:
- Triterpenoids (e.g., ganoderic acids), beta-glucans, sterols
Mechanisms:
- Regulates Th1/Th2 immune balance through cytokine modulation (↓ IL-6, TNF-α; ↑ IL-10).
- Supports tight junction protein expression (claudin-1, occludin), reducing gut permeability.
- Enhances regulatory T-cell (Treg) expression, encouraging immune tolerance in autoimmune-prone systems.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
Bioactive Compounds:
- Melanin, betulinic acid, superoxide dismutase (SOD)
- Polyphenols and triterpenes
Mechanisms:
- Activates the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, protecting immune and intestinal cells from oxidative damage.
- Exhibits anti-ulcer and mucosal protective activity via gastric mucosal healing and mucin regeneration.
- Reduces H. pylori colonization and protects against NSAID-induced gut inflammation.
Clinical Relevance:
Chaga has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in human digestive systems, particularly in gastritis and IBS-related inflammation. Studies have shown improvement in gut barrier function markers and antioxidant enzyme levels.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Bioactive Compounds:
- Hericenones, erinacines, prebiotic oligosaccharides
Mechanisms:
- Stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) expression in enteric neurons, supporting repair of the gut lining and improved gut motility.
- Enhances vagal nerve tone, promoting parasympathetic balance and improved digestion.
- Reduces gut-based neuroinflammation via cytokine suppression (↓ IL-1β, TNF-α).
Clinical Relevance:
Lion’s Mane is increasingly used in gut-brain axis support protocols for conditions like IBS, anxiety-linked digestive issues, and gastroparesis. Research supports its ability to restore gut lining integrity and improve ENS signalling in human subjects.
The Neurobiology of the Gut-Immune Axis
Practitioner’s Insight
“Immune dysregulation and gut permeability often go hand-in-hand. By modulating the gut-immune interface through polysaccharide signalling and vagal tone, functional mushrooms offer a multi-targeted therapeutic approach.”
— Integrative Mycologist & Immunology PhD