3 Ways Cordyceps Mushrooms Can Help Your Dog
Cordyceps are a type of mushroom that grows on the bodies of caterpillars and other insects. And while that may seem a little bizarre and maybe even off-putting … these mushrooms are something you should know about.
Chinese medicine has used cordyceps for thousands of years. They slow aging, relieve allergies and can even prevent cancer. And they aren’t just for humans … cordyceps are a powerful and safe natural remedy for dogs.
So let’s look at some of the many benefits …
3 Ways Cordyceps Can Help Your Dog
Cordyceps mushrooms can help your dog in many ways. They …
- Boost physical stamina
- Improve heart functions
- Support the immune system
- Provide antioxidants
- Help regulate diabetes
- Improve breathing issues
- Support patients with lymphoma
- Have natural antibiotic and anti-fungal effects
- Help heal leaky gut syndrome
- Help keep the liver and kidneys healthy
And all these medical benefits have studies to back them up. But today let’s focus on 3 key ways this mushroom can help your dog.
1. Help With Allergies
When your dog has allergies, it’s easy to become focused on what triggers them. So much so that dog owners often lose focus on why their dog is reacting in the first place.
Allergies are a symptom of a stressed-out immune system. And most of your dog’s immune system is in his gut … nearly 90% of it. That means problems in the digestive tract will weaken your dog’s immune system. Problems like leaky gut or even just a minor imbalance in the bacteria that live there. And a weak immune system means your dog will be more susceptible to stressors in his environment and food.
The more stressors there are in your dog’s life, the weaker his immune system becomes. And the more reactive his allergies are.
Cordyceps contain an active compound called deoxyadenosine. This can suppress proteins that trigger the allergic response. In one study, cordyceps were 33% more effective than antihistamines and worked more quickly.
It also helps support the organs that detox environmental immune stressors including …
- Pollution
- Pollens
- Chemicals
- Pesticides
- Medications
- Kibble
RELATED: Keep those allergies in check with nature’s Benadryl …
2. Increase Endurance
Cordyceps are also known for increasing energy and vitality. In fact, athletes use cordyceps to help reach their professional goals.
In 1993 the Chinese Olympic team broke three woman’s track and field records. People believed this was because of illegal performance enhancers. But it turns out the only thing the athletes took were cordyceps … a natural and safe medicinal food.
That’s because cordyceps increase stamina and improve heart function. They also supply the amino acids your dog needs to build and repair muscle, which is important for preventing joint issues.
And your dog can enjoy the same benefits.
But make sure to use them long-term for endurance. A 2016 study showed that cordyceps used for a short period had no impact on performance. But when used regularly for a longer time, they increase performance and delay fatigue.
So if you want to boost your dog’s energy for competition, training or every day play … try cordyceps.
3. Slow Aging And Prevent Cancer
Early you learned about the different immune stressors that can affect your dog. But these stressors don’t just irritate and cause allergies. They can also cause oxidative stress …
Oxidative stress happens when unstable molecules called free radicals run rampant in your dog. When they’re not controlled, free radicals can damage cells and DNA, which leads to …
- Premature aging
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Neurological disorders
- Organ problems
- Arthritis
- And more
The good news is that cordyceps have antioxidants that can help prevent these problems. That’s because antioxidants can help clean up and prevent free radical damage.
Cordyceps also have anti-tumor properties, which can help prevent and fight cancer more directly. Research even shows that Cordyceps have the ability to kill cancer cells. And you can use it alongside chemotherapy (should you go that route).
How To Give Your Dog Cordyceps Mushrooms
Because wild cordyceps grow on insects, they can be expensive to harvest. But cordyceps are also cultivated. Cultivated cordyceps may not be as potent as wild-grown mushrooms … but they’re still effective and come with a lower price tag.
You can give cordyceps to your dog by making a tea or broth with dried or powdered cordyceps.
Caution: Never give your dog raw mushrooms as they can be hard to digest and some may be toxic when raw.
You can also look for a product with a variety of medicinal mushrooms including cordyceps. This is a convenient way to add mushrooms to your dog’s diet. And a blend of mushrooms will work synergistically to give your dog even more benefits.
TIP: Look for a product that’s made from the whole fruiting body and isn’t grown in grain or rice. These products pack a more powerful medicinal punch!
So try giving your dog cordyceps as part of his daily diet or try another mushroom, like turkey tail or lion’s mane.
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