Top Gut Health Foods and Supplements: How Mushrooms Can Boost Your Microbiome

Are you struggling with bloating, sluggish digestion, or unpredictable gut issues? You're not alone. Millions of people are searching for natural solutions to feel better from the inside out. As gut health takes center stage in the wellness world, more people are turning to natural gut health foods and supplements to support their gut microbiome—the ecosystem of bacteria that directly impacts digestion, immunity, mood, and even brain health.

The global market for human microbiome-related products is experiencing significant growth, projected to increase from $842 million in 2023 to over $6.4 billion by 2032 (Global Market Insights, 2024).

Similarly, the pet gut health market is expanding, with intestinal health supplements for dogs alone projected to surpass $34.5 billion in 2023 (Global Market Insights, 2024).

This growing interest is fueling demand for science-backed, nature-derived solutions, among them, medicinal mushrooms. Their unique polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds offer promising support for gut microbial balance and intestinal health.

How Medicinal Mushrooms Influence the Gut Microbiome

Mushrooms are gaining recognition as powerful ingredients in gut health foods and gut health supplements. Recent research also highlights the role of Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail) and its mycelial extract known as Polysaccharide-K (PSK). PSK has demonstrated immune-modulating effects and gut microbiota modulation in both animal and clinical studies. This compound, derived from mycelium, helps improve microbial diversity, increase beneficial bacteria, and reduce inflammatory markers, making it a promising component in integrative gut health strategies.

Recent studies have highlighted that both the fruiting bodies and mycelium of mushrooms can impact gut health. While many studies utilize fruiting body extracts, emerging research confirms that mycelium-derived polysaccharides also exhibit significant prebiotic and immunomodulatory effects. Thus, it's important not to generalize that only fruiting body extracts are effective.

11 Gut Health Mushrooms Backed by Science

  1. Agaricus blazei (Almond Mushroom)
    Polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies of Agaricus blazei have shown effectiveness in modulating the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation in colitis models (Zhao et al., 2024).
  2. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Mushroom)
    Studies using fruiting body extracts of Reishi show improvements in microbial diversity and gut-liver axis function (Zhang et al., 2024). Additional research has shown that mycelial components, including β-glucans, support modulation of the gut microbiota and immune balance (Lai et al., 2023; Li et al., 2022).
  3. Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane Mushroom)
    Crude polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies of Lion's Mane mushroom have demonstrated benefits in restoring intestinal barrier function and modulating gut flora (Li et al., 2024).
  4. Cantharellus cibarius (Golden Chanterelle)
    Polysaccharide extracts from fruiting bodies improve barrier integrity and reduce inflammation in colitis-induced models (Wang et al., 2024).
  5. Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushroom)
    Mycelial and stem extracts from Pleurotus ostreatus have shown prebiotic potential and selective promotion of beneficial bacteria (Toros et al., 2023).
  6. Agaricus bisporus (White Button Mushroom)
    Fruiting body-derived polysaccharides from Agaricus bisporus have been shown to have the ability to reshape the gut microbiota and improve metabolic profiles in murine models (Liu et al., 2024).
  7. Laetiporus sulphureus (Chicken of the Woods)
    Polysaccharides from fruiting bodies have been shown to support the production of beneficial microbial metabolites and improve gut microbial balance (Tong et al., 2024).
  8. Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)
    Polysaccharide-K (PSK), also known as Krestin, derived from the mycelium of Turkey Tail, is well-documented for its immunomodulatory effects. The clinical study conducted by Pallav et al. (2014) investigated the effects of polysaccharopeptide (PSP), a bioactive compound derived from the mycelium of the Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor), on the human gut microbiome. In this randomized trial, healthy volunteers were administered PSP, and subsequent analyses revealed significant modulation of their gut bacterial composition. Specifically, there was an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, alongside a reduction in potentially harmful bacteria like Clostridium species. These findings suggest that PSP acts as a prebiotic, fostering a gut environment conducive to improved digestive health and immune function.
  9. Grifola frondosa (Maitake Mushroom)
    Maitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides with known prebiotic properties. Research has shown that Maitake extracts promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and increase short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like lactic and succinic acids, which support colon health and antioxidant defense (Bai et al., 2024). Additionally, when paired with probiotics, Maitake modulates gut flora and promotes a tolerogenic immune environment (Li et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2024).
  10. Lentinula edodes (Shiitake Mushroom)
    Shiitake mushrooms are rich in lentinan and other polysaccharides that contribute to mucosal immunity. Clinical and animal studies indicate that regular consumption enhances gut immune function (e.g., IgA secretion) and modulates microbial composition, reducing inflammation and dysbiosis, especially in high-fat diet contexts (Dai et al., 2015; Xu et al., 2015; Sun et al., 2021).
  11. Cordyceps militaris (Cordyceps Mushroom)
    While primarily known for its adaptogenic and energy-supporting properties, emerging evidence suggests Cordyceps militaris may improve intestinal barrier function and reduce gut-derived oxidative stress. Preclinical models show improved gut permeability and microbial composition under inflammatory conditions (He et al., 2023; Xiong et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2023).

    Conclusion

    The surge in consumer interest and market growth in gut health foods and supplements reflects a broader recognition of the microbiome’s importance in overall well-being.

    Medicinal mushrooms, whether derived from fruiting bodies or mycelium, demonstrate scientifically supported benefits for modulating the gut microbiota, enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, and supporting immune and metabolic functions.

    As ongoing research continues to refine our understanding, current evidence supports incorporating gut health mushrooms into your daily routine—whether through diet or supplements—you’re giving your pets and your body the tools it needs to support long-term digestive wellness.

    Looking for a trusted way to start? Explore our mushroom-powered gut health supplements today—and enjoy no shipping fee on all domestic orders by typing “FREESHIPNOW” during your checkout. This offer is valid till 6/15/2025.

    References

    1. Li, Y., et al. (2021). Grifola frondosa polysaccharides improve insulin resistance and modulate gut microbiota in type 2 diabetic mice. Food Bioscience, 43, 101274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101274
    2. Zhang, W., et al. (2024). Dietary Maitake mushroom extract alleviates gut dysbiosis and inflammatory responses in high-fat diet-fed mice. npj Science of Food, 8(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41538-024-00359-7
    3. Xu, T., et al. (2015). Polysaccharide from Lentinula edodes alters the spatial structure of gut microbiota in mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(4), 7613–7630. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms16047613
    4. Sun, Y., et al. (2021). β-glucan from Lentinula edodes prevents HFD-induced cognitive decline by regulating the gut–brain axis. Journal of Translational Medicine, 19, 111. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-021-02724-6
    5. Xiong, J., et al. (2024). Cordyceps militaris extract alleviates oxidative stress and intestinal damage in LPS-induced piglets via modulation of the gut microbiota. Antioxidants, 13(4), 441. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13040441
    6. Zhang, L., et al. (2023). Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides modulate gut microbiota and alleviate obesity-related metabolic disorders. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 103(12), 6123–6133. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.12409
    7. Bai, J., et al. (2024). Maitake mushroom extract promotes short-chain fatty acid production and modulates gut microbiota in healthy adults. Journal of Functional Foods, 108, 105947. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2024.105947
    8. Dai, X., et al. (2015). Consuming Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mushrooms daily improves human immunity. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 34(6), 478–487. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2014.950391
    9. He, J., et al. (2023). Cordyceps militaris ameliorates colitis in mice by improving gut barrier function and modulating the microbiota. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(2), 1892. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021892
    10. Lai, Y., et al. (2023). β-glucans from Ganoderma lucidum mycelium modulate gut microbiota and immune response in a murine colitis model. Journal of Functional Foods, 104, 105451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105451
    11. Li, S., et al. (2022). Effects of fungal polysaccharides derived from submerged culture of Ganoderma lucidum on intestinal flora and host immunity. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 210, 456–464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.075
    12. Global Market Insights. (2024). Human microbiome market size report, 2024–2032. Retrieved from https://www.gminsights.com
    13. Zhao, M., et al. (2024). Polysaccharide isolated from Agaricus blazei Murill alleviates intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury through regulating gut microbiota and mitigating inflammation in mice. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 72(4), 2202–2213. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08482
    14. Zhang, X.-T., et al. (2024). Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides reduce the severity of acute liver injury by improving the diversity and function of the gut microbiota. Heliyon, 10(15), e35559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35559
    15. Li, M., et al. (2024). Protective effects of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides on ulcerative colitis via gut microbiota modulation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(4), 5626. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25045626
    16. Wang, Q., et al. (2024). Polysaccharides derived from golden mushroom (Cantharellus cibarius Fr.) modulate gut microbiota and enhance intestinal barrier function to ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15, 1498625. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1498625
    17. Toros, F., et al. (2023). Modulation of the gut microbiota with prebiotics and antimicrobial agents from Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 10217589. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.10217589
    18. Liu, W., et al. (2024). Agaricus bisporus polysaccharides ameliorate ulcerative colitis in mice by modulating gut microbiota and its metabolism. Food & Function, 15(3), 1191–1207. https://doi.org/10.1039/d3fo04430k
    19. Tong, Y., et al. (2024). Evaluation of polysaccharides from Laetiporus sulphureus on the modulation of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1470426. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1470426
    20. Pallav, K., Dowd, S. E., Villafuerte, J., & Reddy, R. (2014). Effects of polysaccharopeptide from Trametes versicolor and amoxicillin on the gut microbiome of healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial. Gut Microbes, 5(4), 458–467. https://doi.org/10.4161/gmic.29558

     

    Back to blog