Dr. Eliaz,  thank you for your time and expertise regarding medicinal mushrooms. Share with my readers the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms by answering a few questions;

Celeste;  What is the immune system?

Dr. Eliaz; "In simple terms, your immune system is the “army” of your body—the system that protects you from harmful invaders. We are all born with a base level of innate immune strength, which is ripened and trained over time by childhood diseases and other illnesses. This training helps to form what is known as your “acquired immunity” and is absolutely essential for lasting health. Lifestyle factors, a nutrient-rich diet, and the right supplement choices can also heavily influence this aspect of your immune system." You can watch a brief video about the immune system by clicking on this link http://www.dreliaz.org/video_library//OWmm6qWh8r8/

Celeste; The flu season is already affecting the health of people across the country. Many people are concerned about the safety of the flu vaccine. How can people naturally strengthen and support their immune system?

Dr. Eliaz;  "There are many natural solutions for immune enhancement that can help to protect you safely and effectively throughout flu season. The most obvious strategies include washing your hands regularly, eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and drinking at least eight glasses of fresh clean water a day. For additional protection, I recommend adding several supplements to your daily regimen, including Vitamin C, zinc, and most importantly, a comprehensive blend of organic medicinal mushrooms."

Celeste;  Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries for strengthening the immune system. Can you explain what the properties of mushrooms are that make them such potent element for staying healthy?

Dr. Eliaz; "They boast a unique molecular structure that makes them ideal for enhancing communication within your immune system. The beta-glucan molecules found in the cell walls of medicinal mushrooms, for example, have a “lock and key” relationship with the surface receptors of important immune cells called macrophages. Macrophages literally engulf anything your body identifies as a harmful pathogen—a virus, bacteria, etc. This linking–up process with the beta-glucan molecule stimulates macrophage activity, because the beta-glucan molecules latch onto the surface of macrophage cells and act as fuel.
Research has shown beta-glucans have the ability to stimulate macrophage, NK cells, T cells, and the production of immune system cytokines. This demonstrates that different shaped beta-glucan molecules produce different immune responses, all of which can dramatically improve immune responses to a number of medical conditions and diseases.
Beta-glucans are known as "biological response modifiers" because of their ability to activate the immune system, to make the immune system work better without becoming overactive, something which can be an issue with pharmaceuticals that can over stimulate and are contraindicative to autoimmune diseases, allergies, or yeast infections. Medicinal mushroom can actually help modulate the immune response in these types of conditions."

Celeste;  Can mushrooms be used effectively for treating other health conditions or diseases?
 

Dr. Eliaz;  "While much attention in recent years has focused on various immunological and anti-cancer properties of certain mushrooms, they also offer other potentially important health benefits, including antioxidants, anti-hypertensive and cholesterol-lowering properties, liver protection, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. These properties have attracted the interest of many pharmaceutical companies, which are viewing the medicinal mushroom as a rich source of innovative biomedical molecules. Many polysaccharide-bound proteins produced by fungi (mushrooms are fungi) have been classified as anti-tumor chemicals by the US National Cancer Institute." To receive a free report from Dr. Eliaz about medicinal mushrooms go to http://www.dreliaz.org/research/health_report_pages/mushroom_report/

Celeste;  Is any mushroom okay to take for medicinal purposes?

Dr Eliaz; "There are quite a few varieties that are suitable for the medicinal applications I mentioned above, among many others. Your more powerful choices include Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi, or Ling Zhi), Cordyceps sinensis, Coriolus versicolor, Grifola frondosa (Maitake), Lentinus edodes (Shiitake), Polyporous umbellatus (Zhu Ling). Ideally, you’ll want to find an organic supplement that contains all of these mushrooms. I particularly recommend a product called QoreDefense, which uses unique cultivation methods to enhance each mushroom’s benefits with a proprietary matirix of adaptogenic and immune-modulating botanicals." To learn more about QoreDefense please visit http://proq.myqivana.com/products/defense.html

Celeste;  Are there any side effects from medicinal mushrooms? Are there any known allergic reactions to medicinal mushroom?

Dr. Eliaz; "In general, medicinal mushrooms of all varieties appear to be extraordinarily safe (and if anything, they are well known to help to alleviate allergies in a clinical setting). The only warning I would offer would be against products that are not organically grown. Mushrooms are very spongy, and readily absorb any toxins that may be present in their growing medium. And as with any “herbal’ supplement, medicinal mushrooms are not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing. And of course all health supplements should be discussed with your individual health care practitioner."

To learn more about medicinal mushrooms and other complimentary health care visit www.dreliaz.org

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