What is constipation?
Chronic constipation is infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in bowel movements that persists for several weeks or longer. It is usually described as having less than three bowel movements per week.
Although occasional constipation is very common, some people have chronic constipation that can have a profound impact on daily life. Chronic constipation can also cause other signs and symptoms.
The treatment for chronic constipation will depend on the underlying cause and in some cases, this can be difficult to find.
Which mushrooms can help you if you have constipation?
Lion’s Mane, Shiitake and Pleurotus are significantly useful in supporting the health of the bowel, balancing gut microbiota (helpful bacteria in gut) and reducing stress to help with constipation.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane supports regeneration of the lining of both the small and large intestine which can improve gastrointestinal function.
Shiitake
Shiitake is a beneficial mushroom that also supports intestinal flora, the helpful bacteria in the gut. It has a high content of naturally occurring sugars ideal to support bacteria strains (Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus brevis) important in maintaining a healthy gut and regular bowel movements.
References
- Giavasis I. Bioactive fungal polysaccharides as potential functional ingredients in food and nutraceuticals. Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2014 Apr;26:162-73. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2014.01.010.
- Chou WT, Sheih IC, Fang TJ. The applications of polysaccharides from various mushroom wastes as prebiotics in different systems. J Food Sci. 2013 Jul;78(7):M1041-8. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.12160.
- Xu X, Zhang X. Lentinula edodes-derived polysaccharide alters the spatial structure of gut microbiota in mice. PLoS One. 2015 Jan 21;10(1):e0115037. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115037. eCollection 2015.
- Takeda T, Nakano Y, Takahashi M, Sakamoto Y, Konno N. Polysaccharide-inducible endoglucanases from Lentinula edodes exhibit a preferential hydrolysis of 1,3-1,4-β-glucan and xyloglucan. J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Aug 7;61(31):7591-8. doi: 10.1021/jf401543m.
- Chou WT, Sheih IC, Fang TJ. The applications of polysaccharides from various mushroom wastes as prebiotics in different systems. J Food Sci. 2013 Jul;78(7):M1041-8. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.12160.
- Konno N, Sakamoto Y. An endo-β-1,6-glucanase involved in Lentinula edodes fruiting body autolysis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2011 Sep;91(5):1365-73. doi: 10.1007/s00253-011-3295-2.