What is the flu?

Flu is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory tract, the nose, throat and lungs. It is different from viruses such as gastroenteritis (stomach flu) that causes diarrhea and vomiting.

In most cases flu goes away on its own. However, its complications can be deadly for those with increased risk including:

  • Young children, under 5 years old and, in particular, those under 2 years old
  • Adults over 65
  • Those in residential care and other long-term health care centers
  • Pregnant women and women two weeks after delivery
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People suffering from chronic diseases such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes
  • Very obese people, whose body mass index (BMI) is 40, or above
More information about viral infections

Which mushrooms have useful properties for flu?

In viral conditions, mushroom extracts have helped to stimulate the immune system. Several scientific studies are confirming that helping the body to ‘awaken’ the immune system and by increase the body’s own defenses is the key to fighting the flu.

Four powerful mushrooms have the ability to stimulate the immune system:

Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake, Cordyceps and Sun Agaricus Mushroom

With cold and flus, a synergy of these four mushrooms such would have a potent effect to help the body kickstart and fight off the virus.

Polyporus Hifas da Terra

Polyporus

Polyporus mushroom, with it’s ability to reduce mucous, can also additionally be added to fight flus with phlem.

Nutritional recommendations and general healthy habits for the maintenance of a good state of health

  • Rest properly.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Avoid the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, sugar or processed foods.
  • Take foods rich in vitamins and hot like creams of vegetables, mushrooms …
  • The flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not improve symptoms or speed healing.
  • The administration of aspirin to children or adolescents is discouraged, as it could cause a rare but serious syndrome called Reye’s syndrome.
References
  1. Nworu CS, Ihim SA, Okoye FB, Esimone CO, Adikwu MU, Akah PA. Immunomodulatory and immunorestorative activities of β-D-glucan-rich extract and polysaccharide fraction of mushroom, Pleurutus tuberregium. Pharm Biol. 2015;53(11):1555-66. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2014.991838.
  2. Yang SF, Zhuang TF, Si YM, Qi KY, Zhao J. Coriolus versicolor mushroom polysaccharides exert immunoregulatory effects on mouse B cells via membrane Ig and TLR-4 to activate the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Mol Immunol. 2015 Mar;64(1):144-51. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.11.007.
  3. Wasser SP. Medicinal mushroom science: Current perspectives, advances, evidences, and challenges. Biomed J. 2014 Nov-Dec;37(6):345-56. doi: 10.4103/2319-4170.138318.
  4. Vannucci L, Krizan J, Sima P, Stakheev D, Caja F, Rajsiglova L, Horak V, Saieh M. Immunostimulatory properties and antitumor activities of glucans (Review). Int J Oncol. 2013 Aug;43(2):357-64. doi: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1974. Epub 2013 Jun 5. Review. PubMed PMID: 23739801.
  5. Wasser SP. Current findings, future trends, and unsolved problems in studies of medicinal mushrooms. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2011 Mar;89(5):1323-32. doi: 10.1007/s00253-010-3067-4. Epub 2010 Dec 29. Review.
  6. Førland DT, Johnson E, Tryggestad AM, Lyberg T, Hetland G. An extract based on the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill stimulates monocyte-derived dendritic cells to cytokine and chemokine production in vitro. Cytokine. 2010 Mar;49(3):245-50. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2009.09.002. Epub 2009 Dec 24.
  7. Bernardshaw S, Hetland G, Ellertsen LK, Tryggestad AM, Johnson E. An extract of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill differentially stimulates production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human monocytes and human vein endothelial cells in vitro. Inflammation. 2005 Dec;29(4-6):147-53. PubMed PMID: 17091395.