Mushrooms have long been touted for their health benefits. Throughout history, numerous civilizations have turned to these superfoods for their medicinal properties and health benefits. The turkey tail mushroom is an excellent example. It is packed with antioxidants, is commonly known as an immune-boosting powerhouse, and also provides many additional benefits.
Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, grow on stumps in the wet, shaded forests of North America, Asia, and Europe. These mushrooms grow on decaying logs, stumps, or live trees, making them easy to find while camping or on a hike.
Perhaps the most noticeable characteristic of these mushrooms is the beautiful array of stripes that resemble that of a turkey tail. Be cautious while out scavenging, though; while turkey tail may often be harmless, it does have some toxic distant cousins that look eerily similar. For that reason, it is critical to be 100% certain about what type of mushroom you are dealing with before handling it.
You can also purchase turkey tail online or at natural grocery stores, or even as a tea or extract.
Turkey tails have a somewhat chewy and tough exterior and can grow up to about 4 inches wide. Don’t let their tough exterior deter you from their many health benefits though!
This mushroom is highly regarded for its positive impact on the immune system. It has been used for years in both Chinese and Native American medicine and is still used today for its positive effects on the immune system and gut health. It boasts more than just these benefits though.
There have been numerous studies that suggest the turkey tail mushroom provides support to immune function and gut health. While many mushrooms have been widely acknowledged as beneficial for our health, the turkey tail has a few added benefits that help it stand out in the crowd. Here are some of the most significant benefits.
The most widely acknowledged benefit of the turkey tail mushroom is added support for the immune system. Mushrooms have become a go-to for health benefits due to special carbohydrates called polysaccharides.
Turkey tail contains two types of polysaccharides: polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK). Both have been extensively studied to determine their immune-boosting capabilities.
PSP and PSK are packed with properties that improve immune function and manage the body's inflammatory response. By managing the amount of inflammation in the body, you can help reduce related problems, which may lead to improved immune health.
Antioxidants help protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that develop as your body breaks down food to produce the nutrients we require for energy. Without antioxidants, free radical levels would become too high and result in a condition called oxidative stress.
If left untreated, prolonged oxidative stress could lead to serious harm and, in some extreme cases, even cancer. Several external stressors have been linked to the formation of excessive free radicals:
By incorporating more antioxidants in your diet, you may increase your body’s ability to fight off free radicals, which could reduce your risk of developing diseases.
Turkey tail promotes digestion and gut health by supplying prebiotics to feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Maintaining this balance of healthy bacteria in your gut is key to improving your immune function.
Several studies support the effect a healthy gut microbiome can have on the body; some of these include:
A healthy gut microbiome directly impacts your overall immune system health. Your gut also plays a vital role in the way your body breaks down and processes nutrients. This means that incorporating turkey tail into your diet could help improve how you digest food and fight off infection.
Turkey tail is packed with antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the effects of inflammation by minimizing oxidative stress. Inflammation is connected to many chronic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. It is important to eat plenty of foods high in antioxidants to provide your body with the anti-inflammatories it requires.
With all these fantastic benefits, it is not hard to see why so many people want to try eating more turkey tail in their diets. Although this mushroom isn't the most user-friendly when eaten due to its texture, there are other options.
There are numerous ways that you can consume turkey tail to take advantage of all of these benefits. Here are some of the best ways to incorporate it into your diet.
Just because it may be a little unpleasant to chew doesn’t mean you can’t drink it! Making turkey tail into a tea is actually one of the most common ways to consume this superfood.
It’s also extremely easy to make. All you need are fresh turkey tail mushrooms and some boiling water. Bring the mushrooms to a boil, and then simply strain them into a mug and enjoy.
If you do not care to make your own tea, you can also purchase the tea at a local store or even online.
Another way to get the benefits of turkey tail is through a capsule supplement. By taking it in capsule form, you may get more nutrients by consuming the entire mushroom.
Research does not support one particular dosage over another, so it’s best to follow the recommendations on the product label for whichever product you choose.
Turkey tail powder is another excellent way to get this ingredient into your diet. Many describe the taste as relatively mild, making this a great choice to add to a smoothie! The ease of the powder allows you to treat it similarly to a protein powder.
If you are looking for something a little warmer when the temperatures drop, you can easily add this powder to any tea, soup, or even oatmeal. The versatility of the powder form can be a game changer.
We’ve already established that the turkey tail mushroom is a powerhouse when it comes to tackling inflammation, but that is not to say that all inflammation is harmful. Inflammation can be a good thing; it’s your immune system’s way of trying to get rid of a threat. That threat could be anything from an infection to physical or mental stressors.
Whenever the body encounters stress, resulting in inflammation, it responds with the activation of six circuits called the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response. Each circuit of the NEM consists of three organs and systems each. When your body encounters stress, these circuits activate to address the stress in a healthy manner. The six circuits of the NEM are:
Turkey tail mushrooms have the largest impact on the Inflammation circuit and Detoxification circuit as they are both closely tied to the immune system. By supporting a healthy immune system, these mushrooms can help it more effectively get rid of toxins, while reducing the incidence of chronic inflammation. It does this through its prebiotic effects, feeding healthy gut bacteria, and through its antioxidant action.
Inflammation is designed to be short-term. However, if you struggle with chronic stress, your body may be constantly trying to deal with a threat - the stress - leading to chronic inflammation. Ultimately, the body can no longer produce the necessary hormones to handle stress effectively, leading to Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS). AFS can be managed, though, and turkey tail could form part of a plan to deal with AFS and reduce inflammation.
For most healthy adults, consuming turkey tail is most likely safe. Like any other supplement, however, you should always consult your doctor first, especially if you have other medical conditions like AFS. If you and your doctor decide it is safe for you to try, we recommend starting slowly to ensure your body does not have an intolerance to this mushroom.
Some side effects that users have reported include digestive issues like gas, bloating, and soft stool. Some people have also reported experiencing darkening of fingernails when consuming turkey tail; this is a rather rare circumstance.
If you are pregnant or nursing, you are not recommended to consume turkey tail. There is not enough research to determine any negative impact it might have on pregnancy. When in doubt, leave it out!
Turkey tail is a superfood packed with antioxidants that may provide invaluable immune-boosting effects when incorporated as a part of a healthy diet. Studies have shown that, if left unregulated, the bacteria imbalances in the gut microbiome can cause havoc in the body. This mushroom helps reduce the amount of inflammation and helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the microbiome.
If you have AFS or are interested in turkey tail mushrooms for their immune-boosting properties, here are a few things to consider:
Whether you incorporate turkey tail into your diet or not, please consult your primary health care provider first. Your doctor can assess any potential benefits or causes for concern before you introduce any new food into your diet.
If you would like more information on turkey tail in terms of reducing inflammation or AFS, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching is happy to help. We offer a free, no-obligation phone consultation at +1 (626) 571-1234. We will confidentially discuss any concerns that you may have and provide various options to help alleviate these concerns. You can also send us a question through our Ask The Doctor System.
Turkey tail mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and act as prebiotics, making them a powerhouse for managing gut health and reducing inflammation. They also help provide a generous boost to your immune system, reduce stress on the body, and improve digestion.
