CAN AGARICUS BLAZEI IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE DURING CHEMOTHERAPY?

The simple fact is that the majority of people across the world, even those who use mushrooms to support their health, have never even heard of the Agaricus blazei mushroom. Yet, this mushroom offers more benefits packed into a small package than any other type of fungi thanks to its nutrient profile. 

From enhancing immunity to promoting healthy liver function and blood sugar levels, Agaricus blazei is a true health powerhouse. It’s no wonder then that hundreds of thousands of people across Japan have used the mushroom to help them cope with the side effects of chemotherapy to support their quality of life.

What is the Agaricus blazei mushroom?

The Agaricus blazei is a brownish-orange mushroom that is part of the Agaricaceae family. While it’s related to the Portobello mushroom, it leaves that mushroom (as well as traditional “medicinal mushrooms” like the Reishi, Maitake, Shitake and Cordyceps) in the dust when it comes to providing support for better health.

The mushroom is packed with rich levels of nutrients, including various amino acids, as well as minerals that include calcium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium and magnesium. Additionally, the Agaricus blazei mushroom also contains numerous B vitamins and the vitamin D2 precursor – ergosterol.

Yet, the most important nutritional components of the mushroom are the superior level of beta-glucans it offers, which work to help modulate the body’s immune response, along with its high level of antioxidant activity.

What does the research say about the Agaricus blazei and chemotherapy side effects?

Not only are the immune-modulating properties of Agaricus blazei of interest to those who want to maintain a strong immune system during cancer therapy, but also its ability to improve quality of life. 

In fact, a 2004 study in Korea specifically looked at patients taking an Agaricus blazei supplement while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. The results clearly demonstrated that the Agaricus blazei had a significantly positive effect on the common side effects of chemotherapy.

According to the researchers, patients who took the Agaricus blazei mushroom showed improvements in multiple areas, including appetite, hair loss, physical weakness and emotional stability. Taken together, this suggests that supplementing with Agaricus blazei might be beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy in order to support a better quality of life. 

How to use the Agaricus blazei mushroom

The Agaricus blazei mushroom is a powerful mushroom to promote health and wellbeing. While many worry about the price tag when it comes to comparing this mushroom with others, like the Reishi or Cordyceps, the truth is that thanks to its extremely high levels of beta-glucans, it packs for more bang for the buck than the others. 

Luckily, it’s also easy to take and can be used in either extract form as a “power shot” or in a powder form that’s easily mixed in water, juice, smoothies, soups and broths.

However, it’s important to remember that not all Agaricus blazei supplements are created equal. You want to look for one that’s made from Concentrated Agaricus Fruiting Body Extract Liquid, with the maximum amount of water removed for more powerful and faster effects.