Long COVID is a condition where people continue to experience symptoms of COVID-19 for weeks or even months after their initial infection. Symptoms can include brain fog, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and muscle weakness. While there is no known cure for Long COVID, several treatments have been proposed, including mushroom supplements.
Mushrooms have been used in ancient Asian medicinal practices for thousands of years. This is largely due to their perceived immune boosting & anti cancer properties. The western world has since adopted the nootropic goodness with many well known UK supplements brands such as CBDLife, For Sport & The London Dispensary all releasing vitamin and nootropic ranges on their sites. Here are some of the effects of mushroom supplements on Long COVID:
- Immune system support
Mushroom supplements have a stack of beta-glucans, polysaccharides that can enhance immune function. Beta-glucans have been shown to stimulate the immune system’s response to viruses and such other infections. So with that said, there is the potential that the powerful mushrooms could constitute to a significant reduction in the severity and duration of Long COVID symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
If you’ve been unfortunate to suffer from long Covid, the constant aches and pains your body seem to be constantly in will be all too familiar. Several mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as joint pain and muscle weakness.
- Antiviral effects
Along with their immune boosting properties, some mushrooms, including shiitake and maitake, have been shown to have antiviral properties. This could be really useful with treating long COVID, as mushrooms that can inhibit the growth and replication of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Improved mental health
The physical impacts of long COVID are a given but the virus can have impact on mental health too. Brain fog, dizziness, lack of concentration and just generally feeling down are all synonymous with COVID. Some mushrooms, such as Lion’s Mane have been shown to improve cognitive function and may help alleviate brain fog.
Scientific research on the effectiveness of mushrooms for long COVID specifically is not conclusive. However, taking into account the aforementioned factors they all suggest that mushrooms may be beneficial in alleviating symptoms. However, it is important to note that everything suggested above is done so simply by looking at the alleged medicinal properties of mushrooms therefore any advice given to you by a medical or healthcare professional must not be ignored.
Do mushrooms supplements have the potential to help lessen the effects of long COVID? Perhaps. Can we be certain? Absolutely not. Is it worth trying? If you believe they could help boost your immune system and decrease the inflammation, speak to your medical professional and if they are happy for you to try them, make sure you’re purchasing them from a reputable company like the ones mentioned earlier in this article.
