Elixir of Longevity?

I suppose you could say I have been a detective in regard to health and wellness for decades because nothing fascinates me more than my belief that the earth offers a remedy for almost all health challenges.  My present fascination is in the area of mushrooms and the emerging research on their amazing effects on our health.  Mushrooms have been called “soil magicians” because of their abilities to turn very toxic matter into healthy vibrant living materials. Mushrooms also have been revered for centuries by cultures around the world and many believe they are true elixirs of health and longevity.

 I just returned from Baltimore Expo Convention where several companies who specialize in mushroom products had experts available and I learned even more on this exciting topic.   I never knew that mushrooms are attacked by the same bacteria and viruses as humans however mushrooms have developed very advanced methods of curing themselves by the production of their own antibiotics and other substances. Considering mushrooms are one of the oldest organisms on earth, it would be foolish to not study how they have stayed so vibrant and healthy for so long.    I also was stunned to learn that mushrooms have the ability to even take radiation and use it as a source of energy!  Mushrooms actually have external stomachs and lungs that allow for its transfer of nutrients and oxygen.  Studies are mounting showing strong evidence of mushrooms potential in the following:  maintaining a very strong immune system, keeping white blood counts in optimal range, allowing for optimal blood sugar levels, liver health, inflammation and helping greatly to maintain healthy cells in different organs such as breast, prostate and others.  

When looking at mushrooms positive effects on health I must clarify that I am not speaking of the canned mushrooms that you find in Chinese food but am talking about mushrooms that have names such as maitake, chaga, cordycep, agarikon, reishi, shiitake and many others.  Each specialized mushroom has its own set of potential benefits so becoming informed is important if you want to pursue using these products. 

One of the experts in the world at this time is Paul Stamets and he has given an amazing lecture on “how mushrooms can save the world” and I encourage you to watch this if you want to learn the most mind-blowing facts on mushrooms. Click on the picture below to watch the full-length video on YouTube.

Three mushroom companies that I have confidence in their quality and effectiveness are Fungi Perfecti Host Defense, Mushroom Wisdom and Mushroom Science.  I must say that I would not use mushrooms produced by companies that don’t specialize in this area due to the fact that improperly processed mushroom products are probably worthless.  I personally have used mushroom products for years and right now I have the following protocol for myself to insure staying healthy. 

I take two Host Defense My Community product which contains 17 medicinal mushrooms mixed together and I also take several capsules of straight maitake for additional immune support.  The literature does state that those who have autoimmune or taking serious blood thinners should not use mushrooms.  

I will never again underestimate the power of medicinal mushrooms in affecting the health of the our bodies so the next time you reevaluate your supplement program for long term health, consider looking into adding some “magic of mushrooms”. 

Other sites for more information.  

Mushroom Wisdom

http://www.mushroomscience.com/

www.hostdefense.com

Sloan Kettering has information on mushroom effects on diseases.http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/5707.cfm?Criteria=mushroom&x=0&y=0