Is Mushroom Coffee Safe During Pregnancy?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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Some people may be wondering if mushroom coffee is safe during pregnancy. The good news is that the caffeine content in this drink is lower, so it may not be as harmful to consume while pregnant. There are some downsides to drinking it, though, and you need to know your limits before consuming lots. Caffeine is bad for your unborn baby, and it can cause you to have irritable labor. Also, it can damage your baby's brain.
What is Mushroom Coffee?
Mushroom coffee is a popular beverage with a lot of purported health benefits. It combines two ingredients to fight fatigue and increase energy levels. This coffee contains antioxidants and polyphenols which support the immune system and protect the body from toxins. It also contains triterpenes which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds also help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Mushroom coffee is a good alternative to more conventional coffee as it has about half the caffeine that regular coffee has. An 8-ounce cup of standard coffee contains 95mg of caffeine. This means that mushroom coffee can help reduce your caffeine intake yet at the same time it can also help you focus.
The flavor of mushroom coffee varies, but it usually has a nutty, earthy flavor. It can also have a hint of dirt.
The most common mushrooms used to make mushroom coffee are reishi, chaga, and lion's mane. The benefits of these mushrooms have been documented, and they have been used in Far Eastern herbal medicine for centuries. However, you need to double check which mushrooms are in your coffee as some may hold more benefits that others.
What is Mushroom Coffee Good For?
While the claims that mushroom coffee has health benefits are widespread, they're not all proven. More human studies need to be conducted to confirm those claims. While the mushroom coffee may be safe for most people, it is important to discuss your chosen brand with a nutritionist who can provide a better insight and guidance. In addition, if you have any preexisting health conditions, you should consult your doctor before drinking mushroom coffee.
These medicinal mushrooms, which are not to be confused with psychedelic ones, have been used in Chinese herbal medicine for hundreds of years.
Another reason people drink mushroom coffee is because it apparently can boost the immune system. It contains significant amounts of the antioxidants glutathione and ergothioneine. These compounds are known to reduce inflammation, which is a common cause of sickness. These compounds may help fight cancer and improve heart health, but more research is needed.
Adaptogenic mushrooms may help protect against chronic diseases
Adaptogens are compounds found in foods and supplements that may be useful in protecting the body against chronic illnesses. Although they haven't been formally approved as substances for medical use by the FDA, the concept of adaptogens dates back thousands of years, to Ayurveda, a traditional medicine system that uses herbs, plants, oils, and spices. To be considered an adaptogen, a substance must be nontoxic when used in normal doses, have no adverse side effects, and help the body return to homeostasis.
Although adaptogens have been shown to protect against chronic diseases, they may interact poorly with prescription drugs and can cause adverse reactions when taken in high doses. Moreover, they should not be used by pregnant or lactating women. In addition, there isn't much research to support claims that adaptogens can cure depression and anxiety.
Mushrooms may improve sleep
Mushroom coffee is a drink that may help improve sleep during pregnancy. It contains less caffeine than coffee and the adaptogenic herbs have the potential to help the body regulate stress and bring balance. It blocks adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It also increases dopamine and norepinephrine, which enhance the firing of neurons.
Is Mushroom Coffee Safe During Pregnancy?
If you're pregnant and thinking about drinking mushroom coffee, you should talk to your doctor first. The dried mushroom blends in mushroom coffee are not fully studied, nor regulated and may not be safe to consume during pregnancy. While many edible mushrooms are safe to consume when cleaned and cooked, there are species you should avoid during pregnancy.
It is worth noting that mushrooms can be a great way to get your daily dose of nutrients. They also support gut health and calm the digestive tract. In addition, functional mushrooms contain numerous antioxidants and antivirals that can improve your overall health.
While some mushroom extracts are not harmful to pregnant women, others are dangerous. Lion's mane has a number of harmful effects, and pregnant women should not consume it. Due to the wide variety of mushrooms available, it is key that you understand which mushrooms you are are about to consume.
Medical experts also recommend that women should limit their caffeine intake. Caffeine consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and may even make you more irritable. Also, it may make you urinate excessively, and too much caffeine will wash out nutrients from your body. Additionally, it can affect your lactation period.
Mushroom Coffee Side Effects
Although many people tout the benefits of mushroom coffee, the caffeine found in it may pose some side effects. Caffeine, can cause jitters, anxiety, and a rapid heartbeat for those who aren't necessarily accustomed to consuming it. Chaga mushrooms may also increase your risk of developing kidney stones. This is because the mushroom oxalates can stick to calcium and form kidney stones.
Additionally, people who are pregnant, have diabetes, are on medications, or have other medical conditions should consult a doctor before drinking mushroom coffee.
Despite the claimed health benefits some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome should not drink mushroom coffee as it may trigger a flare. However, it is important to remember that medicinal mushrooms have other potential side effects for those who are pregnant, including potential impact on fetal hormone development. In addition, adaptogens lose their potency if used for extended periods of time.
Conclusion
Mushroom coffee has antioxidant properties, which may boost the immune system. These compounds are often touted as being helpful in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases like cancer. However, there is no scientific research that supports these claims. In addition, mushroom coffee is costly. It's also best to get your daily dose of mushrooms by incorporating them into your diet through regular foods.
Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy. Caffeine may cause a woman's mood to fluctuate, and it can cause excessive urination. Additionally, a large amount of caffeine can wash away vital nutrients.
It's best to avoid consuming mushroom coffee during pregnancy until you know more about its ingredients, and potentially taken advice from a nutritionist. Mushroom coffee contains less caffeine than your typical cup of coffee, and it also contains other ingredients that are beneficial. However, some mushrooms may not be so helpful, and may not be wise to consume during pregnancy.
