Stabilize blood sugar levels with medicinal mushrooms

How medicinal mushrooms can help stabilize blood sugar levels

Medicinal mushrooms can be a great help in maintaining and stabilizing normal blood sugar levels. They have blood sugar-lowering properties and can help keep blood sugar levels stable over a longer period. This article explains the different types of medicinal mushrooms that can contribute to stabilizing blood sugar levels.

What are medicinal mushrooms and why do they help stabilize blood sugar levels?

Medicinal mushrooms have been an important part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They contain a variety of bioactive compounds that have a positive effect on the body. They are therefore used in medicine for many illnesses and health problems. Some of these compounds can help stabilize blood sugar levels. These include, for example, polysaccharides and triterpenes . These substances, along with beta-glucans, contribute to better absorption and processing of insulin. Insulin is a vital hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels. If the body does not produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels can rise. Through their bioactive substances, medicinal mushrooms can help stimulate insulin production and thus keep blood sugar levels stable.

How do medicinal mushrooms affect blood sugar levels?

Through the aforementioned active ingredients, medicinal mushrooms can improve insulin production and absorption in the body, leading to more stable blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of diabetes and other health problems. Their effect is comparable to the immunomodulatory activity of medicinal mushrooms. When blood sugar levels rise rapidly due to a diet high in carbohydrates or high sugar consumption, they usually drop again quickly. This also always leads to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol. As a result, fatigue, exhaustion, weight gain, and other accompanying symptoms can occur. People with diabetes either produce too little or too much insulin and therefore have to administer insulin via injections. The goal for a healthy blood sugar level is thus for it to remain relatively constant throughout the day, without extreme spikes or rapid drops. Medicinal mushrooms can help to reduce the fluctuations in blood sugar levels and thereby promote stabilization.

What types of medicinal mushrooms can be used to stabilize blood sugar?

Medicinal mushrooms offer a natural way to stabilize blood sugar levels. Several types of medicinal mushrooms can help with this. Among the most important is Reishi . It is one of the best-known medicinal mushrooms and is considered the king of them. Shiitake mushrooms can also help lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Cordyceps can also help regulate blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly well-suited for maintaining stable blood sugar levels before exercise. Maitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides that improve insulin sensitivity and can thus stabilize blood sugar levels. However, it is important to note that medicinal mushrooms alone are not sufficient to treat diabetes or other blood sugar disorders. A healthy diet and sufficient exercise are also crucial factors in regulating blood sugar levels.

Maitake – THE mushroom when it comes to blood sugar stabilization

The maitake mushroom is primarily known from Japan. There, it is used in traditional medicine and as a delicious addition to cooking. Its name translates to "dancing mushroom." In medicine, the mushroom is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes . In this condition, glucose metabolism is impaired. As a result, insufficient insulin is produced, and the body's cells do not respond properly. In the long term, this damages health because the body cannot utilize the sugar from food and it accumulates in the blood. Maitake can help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve glucose tolerance.

Another important point is insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body's cells no longer respond appropriately to the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels by enabling cells to absorb and use glucose (sugar) from the blood. In insulin resistance, the cells have reduced sensitivity to insulin, which means they can absorb less glucose. In an attempt to lower blood sugar levels nonetheless, the pancreas produces more insulin. This results in elevated insulin levels in the blood.

Insulin resistance is frequently associated with other health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and lipid metabolism disorders. It is believed that a combination of genetic factors, poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity can contribute to the development of insulin resistance. This can lead to inflammation in the body, which disrupts the organism and the entire hormonal system.

 

Treatment for insulin resistance aims to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications. This includes a healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight loss if overweight, and in some cases, medication to improve insulin sensitivity.

How can you increase the effect of medicinal mushrooms on blood sugar levels?

There are several ways to enhance the effect of medicinal mushrooms on blood sugar levels. One is to combine them with other natural ingredients such as cinnamon or Gymnema sylvestre. These can amplify the mushrooms' effect and thus contribute to even better blood sugar stabilization. Regular intake is also important to optimize the effects of medicinal mushrooms on the body. However, individual dosage should always be observed. A healthy diet and sufficient exercise further support the effect of medicinal mushrooms on blood sugar levels. Healthy fats should be included in the diet, while processed foods, sugar, and excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates should be avoided.

What should be considered when using medicinal mushrooms for diabetes?

If you have diabetes, you should be especially careful when using medicinal mushrooms. While medicinal mushrooms can help stabilize blood sugar levels, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you should always consult your doctor before taking any supplements. It's important to know which medicinal mushrooms are suitable for you and what dosage you should take. Secondly, it's crucial that the medicinal mushrooms don't contain any added sugars or carbohydrates that could raise blood sugar levels. Another important point is that medicinal mushrooms cannot replace medication. If you consider these points, medicinal mushrooms can be a valuable addition to your diabetes therapy. This was particularly important to us with our smaints products, which is why all of our products are sugar-free and additive-free. Furthermore, they can be used by people with diabetes because they do not negatively affect blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

In summary, medicinal mushrooms can be a valuable addition for people with diabetes or at high risk of developing the disease. Research has shown that they can help stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity. However, it's important to note that medicinal mushrooms should not be considered a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, but rather as part of a comprehensive approach to diabetes prevention and management. If you are interested in incorporating medicinal mushrooms into your daily routine, you should discuss this with your doctor, especially if you are already taking diabetes medication. We recommend our Balance products as a valuable supplement. Reishi and Maitake can have a positive effect on regulating stable blood sugar levels. Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have!

Sources and studies:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23510175/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35967316/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11349892/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23796219/