Agaricus Blazei Mushroom & Menopause: Blood Sugar, Weight Loss & Hormones

Posted by

Unraveling the Mushroom Mystique

Hey there, beautiful souls dealing with the rollercoaster that is menopause. If hot flashes, mood swings, and stubborn weight aren’t frustrating enough, managing blood sugar levels and hormones are thrown into the mix. But, fear not! Today, we’re diving into a fascinating superfood you may not have heard of: Agaricus Blazei Mushroom. Trust me, you’ll want to hear about this. In addition, acetyl-L-carnitine is another promising supplement that may help support women going through menopause by improving antioxidant status and fat utilization.

Close up shot of Agaricus Blazei Mushroom, an edible mushroom  native to Brazil and cultivated in Japan for medicinal uses.
Learn how Agaricus Blazei Mushroom, an edible mushroom, can be used to soothe menopause symptoms.

What is Agaricus Blazei Mushroom

Let’s kick things off with some background. Originating in Brazil and cultivated in Japan, Agaricus Blazei Mushroom aka Himematsutake, Cogumelo do Sol, or Sun Mushroom is a darling of traditional medicine. This edible mushroom has been studied for a slew of health benefits—think of it as the multi-talented star of your high school class, but for your body. This mushroom is loaded with immunomodulating polysaccharides and beta-glucans, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to level-up their wellness game.

Benefits of Agaricus Blazei Mushroom

I hear you asking, “So, what can this wonder mushroom do for me?” Brace yourselves:

  • Immune Boost: It’s like a personal trainer for your immune system, gearing it up to fight off infections and even some tumors.
  • Stress-Buster: Feeling overwhelmed? Agaricus Blazei Mushroom has been linked to reduced physical and emotional stress.
  • Quality of Life in Diabetics: And it doesn’t stop there; it’s been shown to improve the quality of life for those struggling with diabetes.

Side Effects of Agaricus Blazei Mushroom

Now, let’s talk safety, because no one wants to jump on a wellness trend only to feel miserable after. A few people may experience nausea or an upset stomach, especially in large doses. Also, if you have hormone-sensitive conditions like some cancers, pause and consult your healthcare provider.

Weight Loss: The Fat-Melting Marvel

A Hypothetical Example: Picture this: Sara, a 47-year-old woman, is frustrated with her weight gain, a common story in the menopause chapter of life. After introducing Agaricus Blazei Mushroom into her diet, she notices a shift.

Wondering how the mushroom extract worked? Here’s why:

  • Boosts Metabolism: Taking Agaricus Blazei Mushroom is like adding fuel to your metabolic fire, making calorie-burning more efficient.
  • Increases Adiponectin Levels: This hormone helps break down fatty acids and regulate glucose—basically, a weight loss BFF.

If Sara felt lighter, both emotionally and on the scale, you can too.

My Favorite Menopause Weight Loss Supplements

I have compared the 4 top all-in-one weight loss supplements that contain ingredients that help with healthy menopause weight management.

Check out my top recommendation here.

Blood Sugar: The Sugar Tamer

If you’re concerned about diabetes or simply want better blood sugar control, here’s what you should know about Agaricus Blazei Mushroom.

A 2007 clinical trial found that the mushroom when used in combination with antidiabetic drugs like metformin and gliclazide improved insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. Essentially, it’s a sugar gatekeeper, ensuring your blood sugar levels don’t shoot up like a rocket.

Menopause: Your Symptom-Soothing Sidekick

While no specific studies directly link Agaricus Blazei Mushroom with menopause symptom relief, there’s enough evidence to suggest it might be a hidden gem. Its potential effect on weight loss and blood sugar control as explained above could make menopause a little less miserable.

It may also come in handy for breast cancer patients. A clinical study have found that Agaricus Blazei Mushroom extract showed estrogen-like activity and can even inhibit the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells. So, at least there are some groups who will benefit from taking Agaricus Blazei Mushroom extract.

Reishi mushrooms growing on a tree trunk.
You’re better off taking another mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, to better manage your menopause symptoms.

Diet: Incorporating Agaricus Blazei Mushroom into Your Diet

“Okay, so how do I use this magical mushroom?” you ask. Simple:

  • Powdered Form: Stir it into your morning smoothie or evening soup.
  • Capsules: Pop one with a glass of water.
  • Tea: Steep dried slices in hot water, add some honey, and sip away.

Dosage: Safe Agaricus Blazei Mushroom Dosages

The safe dosage of Agaricus Blazei Mushroom has not been established, and it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet.

Age GroupBenefitsSafe DosagesSide EffectsSources
Adults– Boosts metabolism
– Promotes weight loss
– Lowers blood glucose level
– No recommended dosage. 
– Consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet.
– Nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomach, especially if taken in large doses.
– May interact with blood sugar-lowering supplements or medications.
– May interact with hormone-sensitive cancers
1 3 4 6
Breast Cancer Patients– Reduces estrogen production
– Inhibits the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells.
– No recommended dosage. 
– Consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet.
No reported side effects1 5
Menopausal WomenLimited research on the specific effects of Agaricus Blazei Mushroom on menopause.– No recommended dosage. 
– Consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your diet.
No reported side effects2 5
Overview of dosages, benefits, and side effects.

Interactions: Agaricus Blazei Mushroom with Other Supplements

Last but not least, be aware of potential interactions. If you’re diabetic or allergic to mushrooms, tread cautiously. Always consult a healthcare provider, especially if you’re already on medications like blood sugar-lowering supplements like alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and berberine.

Shroom Your Way to Manageable Menopause

And there you have it, your comprehensive guide to navigating menopause with the support of Agaricus Blazei Mushroom. Don’t face menopause alone—embrace the power of this marvelous mushroom and make your journey a little bit easier. You deserve it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Agaricus Blazei Mushroom?

Agaricus Blazei Mushroom, also known as Himematsutake, Cogumelo do Sol, or Sun Mushroom, is an edible mushroom originating from Brazil and cultivated in Japan. It’s known for its numerous health benefits and has been used in traditional medicine.

What are the health benefits of Agaricus Blazei Mushroom?

This mushroom boosts the immune system, reduces physical and emotional stress, and can improve the quality of life for diabetics.

Are there any side effects of consuming Agaricus Blazei Mushroom?

Some people might experience nausea or an upset stomach, especially when taken in large doses. Those with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult their healthcare provider before consuming.

How does Agaricus Blazei Mushroom help with weight loss?

It boosts metabolism and increases levels of the hormone adiponectin, which helps break down fatty acids and regulate glucose, aiding in weight loss.

How does Agaricus Blazei Mushroom affect blood sugar levels?

Clinical trials have shown that this mushroom can improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes when used with antidiabetic drugs.

Can Agaricus Blazei Mushroom help alleviate menopause symptoms?

While there’s no direct link between the mushroom and menopause relief, its effects on weight loss and blood sugar control might help reduce some menopausal symptoms.

How should Agaricus Blazei Mushroom be consumed?

You can consume it in powdered form, as capsules, or steeped as tea.

What is the recommended dosage for Agaricus Blazei Mushroom?

There’s no established safe dosage for this mushroom, but you should always consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your diet.

Are there any interactions of Agaricus Blazei Mushroom with other supplements or medications?

Diabetics and those allergic to mushrooms should be cautious. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider if you’re on medications like blood sugar-lowering supplements or have hormone-sensitive conditions.

Author

  • Thula Chelvan

    Thula, a dietetics graduate with a keen interest in personalized nutrition, nutrigenetics, and nutrigenomics, assists in creating our engaging and informative content. Her skill in presenting complex scientific information in an accessible and engaging manner helps our readers better understand and navigate their health journey throughout menopause.

Related Posts