With cooler temperatures descending across many states here in Australia it's the time of year that many of us look for ways to support our immune health. Our immune system is comprised of a complex array of systems that intuitively communicate with each other to keep us in good health.
For thousands of years, medicinal mushrooms have been used across ancient cultures for their healing and regenerative properties helping to boost immune defences. Today, due to increasing scientific validation, medicinal mushrooms are becoming popular tools for the modern immune support arsenal.
When it comes to immune health one of our favourite mushies is Turkey Tail. We describe Turkey Tail as a master healer. Known as a deeply regenerative adaptogen, used to strengthen immune defences and whole-body resilience we find ourselves reaching for Turkey Tail as the cooler months approach.
Turkey Tail | Immunomodulating Potential
The beta-d-glucans and triterpenes found in Turkey Tail provide it's immunomodulating potential, activating and inhibiting certain types of immune cells. Particularly the compounds polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have been widely studied for their immune support capacity.[1] What’s incredible about PSK and PSP is their ability to regenerate white blood cells, and stimulate the creation of macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, which are all essential for enabling the immune system to ward off pathogens and fight infection when they strike. Combined, these active compounds in Turkey Tail mushroom are thought to help elevate the immune response and work to regulate and support overall immune system health.
Turkey Tail | Packed with Antioxidants
Turkey Tail is brimming with antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential in helping to reduce the degradation of our cells caused by oxidative stress. This process is taking place in cells moment by moment with the body replacing old cells with new to combat the free radicals that occur as a result of a range of factors like stress, pollution, sun exposure, inflammatory foods and exhaustion. Eating foods rich in antioxidants or supplementing with antioxidant compounds can support replenishment on a cellular level. Turkey Tail’s impressive array of antioxidants includes powerful flavonoids and more than 35 phenols[2]. Phenol and flavonoid antioxidants have been found to promote immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of protective compounds[3].
Turkey Tail | Gut Health
We all know the importance of a healthy gut microbiome to keep our overall wellness humming along nicely. A healthy gut contributes to a range of factors like skin health, effective digestion, restful sleep, improved mood, brain health, and a strong immune system.
Turkey Tail contains prebiotics that help nourish the gut and fortify a thriving microbiome. A 2013 study[4] looked at the effect of Turkey Tail extracts on the human microbiome, finding that polysaccharide peptide (PSP) had the capacity for a positive effect with increased levels of good bacteria bifidobacterium and lactobacillus while reducing less desirable bacteria such as clostridium, staphylococcus and enterococcus.
Inner Atlas Turkey Tail
We’ve worked hard to deliver what we believe are the most potent and pure medicinal mushrooms available in Australia. Our extracts, including Turkey Tail, contain mushroom fruiting body only. We don't include any mycelium, which is the root system of the mushroom. The fruiting body contains the highest level of beneficial compounds which is why we opt to use this component only so you can be sure you're getting 100% real mushrooms. What's more, we are one of the few companies that test our mushies for beta-D-glucans with the Megazyme testing method. Beta-d-glucans are largely responsible for making a medicinal mushroom, medicinal. As a result of our testing, we can guarantee that our Turkey Tail extract contains greater than 30% beta-D-glucans so you can be confident your mushies are active and potent.
Our Inner Atlas Turkey Tail is:
- Highly potent, containing greater than 30% beta-D-glucans.
- Certified USDA & EU Organic.
- Fruiting body only – 100% real mushrooms with no added fillers or mycelium.
- Semi-wild cultivated and wood-grown.
- Sourced from pristine di tao locations.
- Lab-tested for purity.
Naturally Boosting Your Immune System
Turkey Tail is indeed amazing and can go a long way to support a strong immune defence but will work best with a self-care game that’s on point. Wherever you can be sure to nourish yourself with whole foods and a balanced diet, stay warm, exercise, hydrate and get some sleep.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5592279/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517545/
