Medicinal mushrooms contain compounds that can enhance the effectiveness of chemo while reducing side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, as well as suppress metastasis and increase levels of natural killer cells. One type of mushroom compounds, beta-glucans, has been shown to boost the cancer-fighting powers of the immune system's cyto-toxic T cells.
Again, it is difficult to obtain clinically meaningful quantities of the mushroom phytochemicals from even the healthiest diet, which is why Dr. Block recommends getting them in the form of extracts. Look for those containing maitake (Grifola frondosa), agaricus (Agaricus blazei), shiitake (Lentinula [or Lentinus] edodes), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), turkey tails (Trametes [or Coriolus] versicolor), and caterpillar fungus or cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis).
For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com.
How about mushroom powders rather than extracts? Is that acceptable? Thank you!