Podcast Summary: "7 Mushrooms You Should Be Taking Daily"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dr. Josh Axe Show
• Host/Author: Dr. Josh Axe
• Episode: 7 Mushrooms You Should Be Taking Daily
• Release Date: April 28, 2025
• Description: Dr. Josh Axe explores the powerful benefits of medicinal mushrooms, their scientific backing, and practical applications for enhancing health, longevity, and mental resilience. The episode also delves into the controversial topic of psilocybin mushrooms, providing both scientific insights and a Christian faith-based perspective.

1. Introduction to Medicinal Mushrooms

Dr. Josh Axe opens the episode by highlighting the myriad benefits of medicinal mushrooms, sharing a personal story about how his mother overcame cancer with the help of these fungi.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:00]: "...I'll be breaking down the power of medicinal mushrooms, also talking about psilocybin and share with you how my mom beat cancer using mushrooms."

2. The Science Behind Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are distinguished from culinary mushrooms by their high concentration of bioactive compounds that offer therapeutic benefits. Key compounds include:

• Beta Glucans: Enhance immune system detection and response.
• Triterpenes: Reduce inflammation and support liver function.
• Polysaccharides: Serve as antioxidants protecting cells.
• Ergothionidine: A rare antioxidant amino acid that safeguards DNA.
• Neurotropic Compounds (e.g., NGF): Promote brain and nerve regeneration.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:02:00]: "What makes mushrooms so powerful and unique...is they contain these really unique bioactive compounds."

3. Key Compounds and Their Functions

Beta Glucans

Act as the body's radar system, identifying and targeting cancer cells, viruses, and bacteria.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:03:30]: "Think of these as the radar system that helps your Immune system, find the threats."

Triterpenes

Found abundantly in Reishi and Chaga, these compounds calm inflammation and support liver detoxification.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:05:15]: "These triterpenes...act like a fire crew, putting out inflammation and clearing the smoke and the fire that can happen within your own system."

Polysaccharides

Provide cellular protection, support longevity, anti-aging, and gut repair.

Ergothionidine

Protects mitochondria and repairs DNA, crucial for brain health and energy production.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:07:45]: "It protects your mitochondria and helps repair wiring of your DNA when it's under stress."

Neurotropic Compounds (NGF)

Enhance brain connectivity and support neurological health.

4. Detailed Breakdown of Medicinal Mushrooms

1. Reishi

• Nickname: Mushroom of Immortality
• Benefits: Longevity, stress reduction, immune modulation, anti-aging.
• Compounds: High in triterpenes, polysaccharides, peptide glycans.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:18:30]: "Reishi is high in triterpenes that...boost and modulate the immune system."

2. Lion's Mane

• Benefits: Neurogenesis, improved memory, mood enhancement, cognitive function.
• Compounds: Contains NGF (Nerve Growth Factor).

Dr. Josh Axe [00:13:10]: "Lion's mane mushroom...acts as a fertilizer for your brain and your neurons."

3. Cordyceps

• Benefits: Mitochondrial support, increased ATP production, enhanced athletic performance, libido enhancement.
• Compounds: Boosts oxygen utilization and stamina.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:15:00]: "Cordyceps...increase your oxygen uptake and efficiency, which of course is good at fighting cancer."

4. Chaga

• Benefits: Highest in antioxidants, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, anti-cancer properties.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:16:30]: "Chaga...is the highest in antioxidants, so it reduces oxidative stress and inflammation."

5. Turkey Tail

• Benefits: Immune support, anti-viral, anti-cancer.
• Compounds: Contains Polysaccharide K (PSK).

Dr. Josh Axe [00:17:45]: "Turkey tail mushroom...contains a compound called polysaccharide K that stands for PSK, which boosts the immune system."

6. Maitake

• Benefits: Metabolic regulation, cardiovascular health, lowers cortisol and blood pressure, anti-cancer.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:19:50]: "Maitake...enhances your NK cells, your Navy SEAL team that goes in and actually kills the cancer cells."

7. Shiitake

• Benefits: Immune support, anti-cancer, antimicrobial.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:21:10]: "Shiitake mushroom...has antimicrobial properties that help kill off Candida and other bacteria."

5. Medicinal Mushrooms in Cancer and Infection Therapy

Dr. Axe emphasizes the potent anti-cancer properties of certain mushrooms, particularly Turkey Tail, Reishi, and Maitake. He critiques the conventional medical approach for not incorporating these natural therapies.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:19:00]: "Why don't we do this today?...every cancer clinic should be using turkey tail mushroom as part of the cancer therapy, but we're not."

Cancer Studies:

• Turkey Tail: Enhances immune response in cancer patients, improves survival rates post-therapy.
• Reishi: Suppresses tumor growth and induces apoptosis in cancer cells.
• Maitake: Boosts NK cell activity against various cancers.

Infection Studies:

• Shiittake: Reduces symptoms in Lyme disease patients.
• Reishi: Effective against Epstein Barr virus, parasites, and the flu.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:24:00]: "When it comes to infections, mushrooms are really powerful too."

6. Additional Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

• Longevity: Regular consumption linked to a 16% lower mortality risk over 20 years.

  Dr. Josh Axe [00:26:00]: "Individuals who included mushrooms in their diet had a 16% lower overall mortality risk."

• Brain Health: Enhanced by Lion's Mane through neurogenesis.

• Sleep Quality: Reishi improves deep sleep phases.

• Athletic Performance: Cordyceps increases VO2 max by 11%.

• Autoimmune Regulation: Maitake, Shiitake, and others balance immune responses to prevent overreactions.

7. The Cell Danger Response (CDR)

Dr. Axe introduces the concept of CDR, a state where cells are stuck in protective mode, hindering the body's ability to utilize nutrients and heal effectively. Breaking free from CDR is essential for optimal health.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:28:30]: "The cell danger response is the key to unlocking your body's full potential."

8. Exploring Psilocybin Mushrooms

Dr. Axe transitions to discuss psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in certain mushrooms, addressing its therapeutic potential and ethical considerations.

Scientific Insights:

• Mechanism: Psilocybin converts to psilocin, interacting with serotonin receptors and promoting neuroplasticity.

• Benefits: Treatment-resistant depression, anxiety in terminal illness, addiction, PTSD, increased empathy and creativity.

  Dr. Josh Axe [00:32:00]: "A single psilocybin session often leads to a 50 to 80% reduction in symptoms for months."

Microdosing: Taking sub-perceptual doses (0.1 to 0.3 grams) to enhance mood, creativity, and emotional regulation, though long-term studies are limited.

Cautions:

• Distinction between therapeutic use and recreational abuse.
• Potential spiritual risks and the importance of guided, purposeful use.

9. Christian and Faith-Based Perspective on Psilocybin

Dr. Axe shares his Christian viewpoint, advocating for cautious and discerning use of psilocybin within a spiritual and medical framework.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:38:00]: "When you look at Christianity, I think it warns against practices that lead to escapism, loss of control or reliance on altered states."

He emphasizes the importance of intent and spiritual guidance to ensure psilocybin is used for healing rather than escapism.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:39:45]: "Under a biblical lens, there is a growing body of Christian therapists exploring the use of psilocybin in guided settings focused on God-given healing."

10. Conclusion and Recommendations

Dr. Axe encourages listeners to incorporate medicinal mushrooms into their daily routines through supplements or culinary use. He highlights the untapped potential of mushrooms in Western diets compared to their regular consumption in Asian cultures.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:45:00]: "Mushrooms are probably one of the most under-consumed superfoods and therapeutic medicines that we don't consume enough in the western world."

Recommendations:

• Supplements: Start with multi-mushroom blends.
• Culinary Use: Add Maitake, Shiitake, and Lion's Mane to soups, stews, and sautés.
• Gut Health: Use mushrooms like Turkey Tail as prebiotics to support probiotics.

Dr. Josh Axe [00:46:30]: "If you're wondering where to start, I would recommend take a multi mushroom supplement and consider adding some more maitake and shiitake and even lion's mane to soups and to stews."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Introduction:

  Dr. Josh Axe [00:00]: "...using mushrooms that people don't realize everything from Lyme recovery to fighting mold to long Covid..."

• Immune System Enhancement:

  Dr. Josh Axe [00:03:30]: "Beta glucans are really powerful for this."

• Mitochondrial Support:

  Dr. Josh Axe [00:07:45]: "Ergothionidine...supports with this cellular energy production."

• Psilocybin Benefits:

  Dr. Josh Axe [00:32:00]: "A single psilocybin session often leads to a 50 to 80% reduction in symptoms for months."

• Christian Perspective:

  Dr. Josh Axe [00:38:00]: "Using it recreationally,...it can bring them harm in the long term."

Key Takeaways

1. Medicinal mushrooms offer a wide range of health benefits, from immune support and cancer therapy to enhancing mental resilience and longevity.
2. Key compounds like beta glucans, triterpenes, and neurotropic factors play crucial roles in these benefits.
3. Specific mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Maitake, and Shiitake each have unique properties tailored to different health needs.
4. Psilocybin mushrooms show promise in mental health therapy but require careful, guided use, especially from a spiritual perspective.
5. Incorporating mushrooms into daily health routines can significantly enhance overall well-being and help break barriers to optimal health.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Josh Axe passionately advocates for the integration of medicinal mushrooms into modern health practices, emphasizing their underappreciated potential. Whether through supplementation or culinary inclusion, mushrooms stand out as powerful allies in the quest for comprehensive health and longevity.

Dr. Josh Axe [Ending]: "We're doing more and more mushrooms because of their powerful benefits. If you're not subscribed, you are missing out."

For more detailed information, scripts, and resources mentioned in this episode, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Dr. Axe's weekly wellness newsletter and visit his website.