Joint problems: Can medicinal mushrooms alleviate rheumatism and gout?

Chronic inflammation and constant pain are something no one needs. Constantly taking painkillers is not an acceptable solution for many people with rheumatism or gout. Those affected are therefore often looking for natural remedies. This is where medicinal mushrooms come into play. We'll explore whether medicinal mushrooms can be beneficial for rheumatism and gout.

What are the differences and similarities between these diseases?

Rheumatism is a term that encompasses several diseases, one of which is gout. Thus, the connection between the two is already clear. However, rheumatism includes more than 100 different conditions. What they all have in common is increasing immobility and pain, which places a heavy burden on the mental health of those affected.

What is rheumatism?

The more than 100 forms of rheumatism can be divided into four categories:

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases: The immune system is misguided and attacks the body's own structures such as joints, muscles or skin.
Degenerative rheumatic diseases: Joints and the spine can be affected. This leads to pain. The most well-known form is osteoarthritis (joint wear and tear).
Chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome: This variant of rheumatism is characterized by pain. The symptoms primarily affect the back, muscles, and bones. Fibromyalgia is the most well-known example.
Metabolic diseases with rheumatic symptoms: Osteoporosis and gout are metabolic diseases that can occur with rheumatic symptoms.

One of the most common forms of rheumatism is rheumatoid arthritis. It is classified as an inflammatory rheumatic disease, meaning it involves inflammation of the joints. Often, small joints in the fingers and toes are affected first. The joint is painful and swollen. Gradually, joint function becomes restricted. Those affected often also feel tired, exhausted, and feverish. As with many forms of rheumatism, the exact cause is unknown.

In many cases, rheumatism is an autoimmune disease, essentially a malfunctioning immune system. While the causes and treatments of different types of rheumatism vary, they all share inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory foods are therefore part of non-drug treatment. Dietary supplements such as medicinal mushrooms also play a role here.

What is gout?

In gout, the uric acid level in the blood is elevated. The uric acid then accumulates in the form of crystals in the joints, but also in the kidneys. In the joints, these uric acid crystals cause inflammation. The disease progresses in flare-ups. Initially, the joint of the big toe is usually affected, followed later by other joints. Swelling, redness, and tenderness are typical symptoms.

Gout can be caused by either increased uric acid production or reduced excretion via the kidneys. Direct triggers for a gout attack include meat, alcohol, stress, or infectious diseases. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also part of the treatment, which is why medicinal mushrooms are also used to treat gout.

What effect do medicinal mushrooms have on joint problems?

Medicinal mushrooms, also known as vital mushrooms, generally have a regulatory effect on the immune system. Therefore, they are also considered immunomodulators. This makes them particularly interesting for autoimmune diseases and allergies. In addition, some of them have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, they are also suitable for generally strengthening the body.

Are medicinal mushrooms a new world for you? Then learn more here → Medicinal mushrooms: Effects with a long tradition

Conditions that cause restricted movement and joint pain often affect mental health. Therefore, if you have such a condition, you should place particular emphasis on good stress management and relaxation exercises. Medicinal mushrooms can also be helpful in this regard, as they contribute to inner balance . The Reishi mushroom, for example, is known for its ability to improve well-being. Reishi, Chaga, Hericium, and Cordyceps, along with some medicinal plants, are considered adaptogens. This term encompasses natural plants and fungi that can improve how we cope with stress. This property is a crucial advantage for many illnesses. While it doesn't eliminate the symptoms, it does make everyday life and its consequences easier.

Regardless of whether you suffer from rheumatism, gout, or another illness, medicinal mushrooms are not medicine and do not replace it. If you are affected by a rheumatic disease, medical therapy should be your primary focus. You can use medicinal mushrooms as a complementary treatment in consultation with your doctor, naturopath, or mycotherapist.

What's in medicinal mushrooms?

The exact reasons why medicinal mushrooms can have positive effects are not always fully understood. Researchers can currently identify the constituents and, to some extent, draw conclusions about their effects. The following substances are found in medicinal mushrooms:

Dietary fiber such as beta-glucan,
Vitamins (B complex, vitamin D),
Minerals,
Glycoproteins,
Triterpenes (secondary plant compounds),
Ergothioneine
Melanin

Depending on the mushroom, the components differ, and therefore so do the possible effects.

Learn more about the most important ingredients of medicinal mushrooms from Martin Auerswald in his guest article.

Which medicinal mushrooms are beneficial for rheumatism?

Several medicinal mushrooms have proven effective in treating rheumatic diseases. Below, we present mushrooms that may be helpful for the following conditions:

Reishi for rheumatism

The influence of Reishi on the immune system has been demonstrated in numerous studies . It is assumed to have an immunomodulatory effect. This means that the components activate the immune system when necessary, but also inhibit it if it overreacts. Such an overreaction occurs in arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

A study has shown the effects of Reishi on fibromyalgia. This form of rheumatism is a chronic pain syndrome that causes fatigue and pain in muscles and bones. In the study, women with fibromyalgia took Reishi for six weeks. Afterward, they experienced improved mobility, endurance, and speed. This is a great result for those affected, as it makes everyday life with the condition easier. In another study with a similar design, patients reported that their well-being improved as a result of taking Reishi.

Cordyceps for inflammation

Cordyceps (caterpillar fungus) is a very special fungus used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is said not only to sharpen focus but also to reduce inflammation. This has been demonstrated, for example, in a study of asthma patients. This medicinal mushroom is also considered an immunomodulating mushroom. Because it calms an overactive immune system, Cordyceps can also be beneficial for autoimmune diseases.

A substance called cordycepin appears to be responsible for these effects. In a review article, the authors suggest antidiabetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiviral, hepatoprotective, and cosmetic effects. They also mention a positive influence on the joint disease osteoarthritis. They refer to two studies that observed anti-inflammatory effects of cordycepin at the cellular level . For example, this natural substance from Cordyceps has an effect on inflammatory cells such as macrophages (phagocytic cells).

Maitake and shiitake: medicinal and edible mushrooms in one

You probably know these two mushrooms from Asian dishes. But besides their delicious taste, they have been prized for their positive health effects for millennia. Both mushrooms have proven effective against allergies. In a scientific study , maitake reduced an allergic reaction. Shiitake is a common remedy in naturopathy for generally strengthening the immune system.

Incidentally, these mushrooms can also be eaten. While the concentration of active ingredients is low, they can still have a positive effect. Generally speaking, diet is another factor that can improve symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet is recommended for both rheumatism and gout. One food that has become particularly popular as an anti-inflammatory in recent years is golden milk with turmeric .

Which medicinal mushrooms are beneficial for gout?

Medicinal mushrooms can also support the body in cases of gout. In principle, the same mushrooms used for other rheumatic diseases are suitable. When choosing mushrooms, you should always consider the underlying cause of the gout. Two mushrooms are particularly recommended for gout.

Cordyceps in gout

Cordyceps has traditionally been the mushroom of choice for kidney ailments. Scientific studies have confirmed this long-standing knowledge. If gout is a consequence of weakened kidneys, then Cordyceps is a possible treatment option. Some mycotherapists use this medicinal mushroom specifically because they believe that Cordyceps:

stimulates the excretion of substances normally excreted in urine, such as uric acid,
reduces psychological stress
It has a pain-relieving effect
and reduces inflammation.

In our blog article on the topic of mycotherapy, you can learn more about the field of work of mycotherapists.

Shiitake mushrooms for gout

This medicinal mushroom is also recommended by mycotherapists, as it is said to lower uric acid levels in the blood and thus prevent deposits in the joints. However, we could not find any studies to support this claim. Therefore, it remains unclear whether shiitake can actually lower uric acid. The mushroom's side effects are manageable. In our opinion, the mushroom is therefore worth trying, even though there is currently no scientific confirmation of its uric acid-lowering effect.

Conclusion: Joint problems and medicinal mushrooms

The causes and symptoms of both rheumatism and gout differ, and treatment should therefore be tailored accordingly. The effects of medicinal mushrooms can be supportive. Their constituents, especially the triterpenes, give the mushrooms anti-inflammatory properties. This is a significant advantage in rheumatic diseases, as joint pain is often associated with inflammation.

Furthermore, those affected experience significant suffering, which can manifest as malaise and depressive moods. In this case, too, taking medicinal mushrooms can be beneficial.

Reishi, Cordyceps, Shiitake , and Maitake mushrooms are recommended for rheumatism. Cordyceps plays a special role in gout, as the mushroom is traditionally used to strengthen kidney function.