Functional Mushrooms to Support the Liver

October 18, 2024 | Dr. Silvana Jakupovic, ND

It’s that time of year again – holiday parties, family gatherings, all sorts of activities chock-full indulgent behaviours, because who could say no to that extra slice of pie or mugful of eggnog? If that isn’t enough, our sleep schedules are likely all over the place, and we’re probably not too keen to exercise when the alternative is binging Netflix shows and sipping hot cocoa by the fire. 

With all these changes, most people forget that their livers don’t know it’s the holidays. Schedule changes can easily throw our livers off, especially if they involve increased alcohol consumption and poor dietary habits. This is one of the reasons people experience such low energy levels during this time. 

The liver removes toxins from the body, controls cholesterol levels, regulates blood sugar levels, produces bile for fat digestion, and hundreds of other bodily functions. Why not provide your liver with some support this holiday season with the following liver-loving functional mushrooms?

Reishi Mushroom Liver Benefits: Top Functional Mushrooms for Liver Detox

The mushroom most studied for its hepatoprotective effects is Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as Reishi. The bioactive compounds most responsible for Reishi’s impact on the liver are its polysaccharides and triterpenoids [1]. Through research, Reishi has exhibited powerful antioxidant and radical scavenging activity [1]. When free radicals overwhelm our systems and cause an imbalance with antioxidants, oxidative stress can ensue and lead to cellular damage. 

This is especially important for the liver because the liver metabolizes many compounds that produce free radicals. Our bodies need adequate antioxidant support to scavenge these compounds and maintain the oxidative/antioxidative balance in the liver [2]. If this balance is disrupted, it would result in oxidative stress and cellular damage [2]. 

Reishi has also been found to modulate the phase 1 and 2 hepatic enzymes [1]. In one study, the mushroom extract inhibited the increase of serum ALT and liver triglycerides; high levels of ALT are associated with any form of liver damage [1]. Additionally, the extract prevented the decrease of essential liver antioxidants, SOD and GSH, and inhibited b-glucuronidase activity, another indicator of liver damage [1]. Reishi significantly improved liver health markers, even decreasing MDA levels, a specific feature of oxidative stress [1]. 

Chaga Mushroom Liver Support: Healing the Liver with Functional Fungi

Inonotus obliquus, often called Chaga, is a mushroom known for its powerful antioxidant abilities. It has one of the planet's highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values! ORAC informs us about the power of a substance to neutralize free radicals so that they do not overpower our antioxidant capabilities and cause oxidative stress. Chaga also has powerful anti-inflammatory effects due to its antioxidant capabilities and certain constituents the mushroom is composed of. 

These actions of Chaga lend to its hepatoprotective activities [3]. Administration of the mushroom extract inhibited rising ALT, AST, and LDH enzyme levels – all positively correlated with liver damage [3]. Much like Reishi, Chaga may decrease MDA formation, illustrating its powerful antioxidant abilities and the prevention of oxidative stress [3]. 

Another function of Chaga is essential during this holiday season! Whether you’re preparing cookies, pies, or other baked goods, it’s almost impossible to avoid temptation – which is why Chaga’s ability to improve blood sugar levels could do your liver some good. In one study, Chaga reduced fasting blood glucose levels, improved glucose tolerance, and enhanced insulin sensitivity, allowing for better transport of glucose from the bloodstream into the tissues [4]. 

High blood sugar and insulin resistance affect lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism and may lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [5]. The underlying mechanism of this progression is a combination of increased oxidative stress and an inflammatory response that leads to the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a), which damage liver cells [5]. Overall, Chaga is hitting many of the targets you’re looking for for liver support.

Cordyceps Mushroom Liver Protection: Functional Mushrooms for Liver Health

Cordyceps militaris, or just Cordyceps, is a funny-looking fungi with excellent benefits. Its abilities range from anti-cancer effects to improving respiratory health in those with asthma and COPD. However, it also carries hepatoprotective effects similar to Reishi and Chaga’s. One study found that Cordyceps decreased the activities of IL-6 and TNF-a, the pro-inflammatory cytokines mentioned previously, in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [6]. 

More importantly, the mushroom extract increased levels of hepatic glutathione (a powerful antioxidant) and reduced lipid peroxide levels, again illustrating the ability of functional mushrooms to prevent oxidative stress-induced liver damage [6]. 

Best Mushrooms for Liver Support: Natural Liver Support Remedies with Mushrooms

This was just a quick overview of a few functional mushrooms that have displayed protective effects on the liver, but the evidence speaks for itself! We all deserve a break and time to wind down without obsessing over our diets, exercise levels, or the firm schedules we usually must stick to. 

But, as mentioned previously, our livers don’t know that it’s the holidays, and any support we can offer this critical organ is vital during this time. This winter, incorporating mushrooms into your liver wellness routine may be a wise choice. Mushroom powders can easily be added to any foods or drinks you plan on having this holiday season.