5 Reasons Why Reishi Mushrooms

Are Great for Your Pets

Dogs and cats aren’t just pets, they are part of the family. If you’re anything like me, you’d do just about anything under the sun to make sure they are healthy and happy. Ever wonder if there are any supplements out there that can support your fur baby’s health and longevity? Great news! Medicinal mushrooms offer up a treasure trove of benefits, not just for you, but for your pets too. Here are five ways that reishi mushrooms can help keep your lovable pup or cuddly kitten on the path of wellness.

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1. Fend Off Cancer

China and Japan have used reishi mushrooms to treat cancer for centuries. According to a study in Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology , the triterpene compounds found in reishi mushrooms have numerous medicinal benefits, including anti-cancer properties. These medicinal mushrooms also contain beta glucans—complex sugars known to influence the immune system.

There is some evidence to suggest that reishi can stop cancer growth and shrink tumours. Additionally, research has demonstrated reishi’s ability to help prevent secondary cancer and decrease side effects from chemo or radiation.

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2. Support Your Pet’s Liver Health

Just like in humans, a healthy liver is vital to the wellbeing of your pet. Fortunately, this miracle mushroom is rich in antioxidants that fortify, detoxify, and protect the liver against free radicals that can slow down proper function. Taking reishi can bolster the liver, regenerate liver cells, and improve liver detoxification. In research performed on rats, reishi was shown to reverse liver fibrosis.

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3. Manage Diabetes

If your pet is struggling with diabetes, reishi may be able to help. These mushrooms have been shown to help manage diabetes. Researchers also found that these mushrooms can prevent or delay diabetes-related kidney problems.

Additionally, a common side effect of diabetes is that wounds can take longer to heal. Because reishi is rich in antioxidants, it may even help speed wound healing.

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4. Strengthen Heart Health

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi helps calm the nervous system and is a powerful cardiovascular tonic. Reishi increases the amount of blood delivered to the heart and improves its oxygen delivery. As a result, blood flows more easily and the heart isn’t put under as much stress. Reishi has also been found to lower blood pressure and alleviate heart arrhythmia.

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5. Slow Aging

We all want to keep our furry friends with us for as long as possible, and reishi may help slow down the aging process.
In a mouse study, the bioactive components in reishi were found to prolong mouse lives and reduce their mortality risks. Reishi may also delay the gradual decline of immunity that occurs with age.

This supplement’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help prevent and even keep cognitive decline at bay. Furthermore, it can ease arthritic issues associated with aging joints.

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It may sound impossible that a fungus can have this many effects, but many of reishi’s health benefits come from the fact that it is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stressors, normalizing the body’s processes and bringing it back to balance.

 

If you’re looking to add reishi to your pet’s health regime, speak to a holistic veterinarian for dosing specifics.