5 Best Mushrooms for Acid Reflux
If you’ve ever experienced indigestion, you already know that it feels worse than it sounds. The intense burning and nausea that come along with acid reflux can strike at the worst of times — like when you’re lying down after a hard day of work or when you’re about to walk into spin class.
Fortunately, there are ways you can minimize the discomfort that comes with indigestion (and no, we aren’t talking about taking antacids). Read on for a full breakdown of what causes acid reflux, as well as which mushrooms might be able to help.
What Is Acid Reflux?
Indigestion, acid reflux, and heartburn — these are all names that describe the same set of symptoms. These symptoms include the following:
- Acidic taste in the mouth
- Nausea
- Feeling like food is stuck in your throat
- Burning sensation or pain, especially when you lie down
- Trouble sleeping
- Coughing
- Bloating
- Burping
The true cause behind all these symptoms is a weak esophageal sphincter. This sphincter normally stays tightly closed except when you’re swallowing to keep food and stomach acid from flowing back up into your mouth. However, when this sphincter is weak, acid can enter your esophagus and cause all of these symptoms.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
In most cases, acid reflux isn’t a condition in and of itself but a symptom of a greater problem. Occasional mild reflux is generally considered normal, but if you have severe reflux or it continues for a long time, it’s best to talk to a doctor to discuss possible causes.
Common causes of acid reflux include the following:
- Foods: Acidic foods or drinks (such as citrus, coffee, and tomatoes) can contribute to heartburn.
- Lifestyle Factors: You may be more likely to experience heartburn if you’re overweight, smoking, or stressed out.
- Health Conditions: Pregnancy can cause heartburn, as can gastroparesis and other health concerns.
- Medications: Some antidepressants, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and sedatives can weaken the esophageal sphincter and contribute to acid reflux.
5 Mushrooms for Acid Reflux
Heartburn can be a pretty big deal. Think about it — this set of symptoms is literally called “heartburn.” In many cases, over-the-counter antacids or prescription medications can help manage symptoms. But, if you’re interested in more holistic pathways, you may receive help from some funky friends: medicinal mushrooms.
1. Reishi Mushrooms
Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can actually help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially helping with acid reflux.
Additionally, many people claim that reishi can help manage stress and anxiety. While these benefits are unconfirmed by science, they could theoretically help ease heartburn.
2. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are incredibly rich in beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide that provides prebiotic fiber for your good gut bacteria. Studies suggest that because of this, lion’s mane can support a balanced gut microbiome.
Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is incredibly important when you’re dealing with acid reflux. See, these helpful bacteria actually play a huge role in the digestive process. When the bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria, it can cause symptoms like bloating, food sensitivities, and yes, even acid reflux.
Because gut health is such a huge part of overall health, lion’s mane is one of the most important ingredients in our Mushroom Coffee+. Our blend also incorporates chaga mushrooms and collagen protein to support a healthy gut. Plus, it’s less acidic than coffee. It’s like a win-win!
3. Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) contain incredibly powerful antioxidants. If you thought blueberries were high in antioxidants, you haven’t harnessed the power of chaga.
These antioxidants can help minimize damage from oxidative stress, which can have widespread effects throughout the body. In fact, oxidative stress is a possible cause for a whole host of issues, including heartburn.
4. Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa) can help lower inflammation in the digestive tract, similarly to reishi. This can speed up digestion and manage symptoms of indigestion like feeling full and nauseous. They can also support a healthy immune system, which may play a role in illness-related acid reflux.
5. Shiitake Mushrooms
You probably already know all about shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). These mushrooms are the only ones on the list that you can actually buy in the grocery aisle.
Shiitake mushrooms might be common, but there’s nothing boring about them. They can improve digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome thanks to their supply of beta-glucans.
How To Choose a Mushroom Supplement
If you want to experience the power of mushrooms for yourself, you’ll need to choose a high-quality supplement. We hate to say it, but not all mushroom manufacturers are committed to quality.
Some brands cut corners by using nutritionally inferior mycelium, un-extracted mushroom powder, and mushrooms fed on grains. Instead, look for brands that use mushroom fruiting bodies that have been fully extracted and grown on a natural diet of wood substrate.
Not to toot our own horn, but we follow all of these principles and more because quality is just that important to us. All three of our supporting ingredients (collagen, L-theanine, and coffee extract) are of the highest quality, and we don’t add any filler ingredients or preservatives. Plus, all of our blends are lab-tested for purity, beta-glucans, and heavy metals.
The Bottom Line
Acid reflux is no joke, especially when you’re the one suffering the consequences. Luckily, functional mushrooms such as reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga can help support healthy digestion. That said, it’s always worth getting a professional opinion for any symptom you may be having, just in case it’s a sign of something more serious.
At Everyday Dose, we know that digestion is basically the center of all health. The gut connects to nearly every other system in the body, and supporting it is often the first step in the wellness game plan for many people. That’s why our Mushroom Coffee+ is specially formulated to support gut health. To learn more about gut health and why it’s important, visit our blog today.
Sources:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic
Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. | PMC
