The Surprising Connection Between Mushrooms and Your Gut

I’ve studied herbs for years — they’re where my journey began. But in the past few years, I’ve found myself more and more intrigued by mushrooms. They’re not quite herbs, not quite vegetables — they live in a category all their own. And the more I learn, the more fascinated I am by the many ways they support the body, especially when it comes to digestion.

Let’s talk about how these functional fungi can help you build a healthier, more balanced digestive system — naturally.

Mushrooms That Nourish the Microbiome

Mushrooms contain beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber known for supporting the immune system and nourishing the gut. These compounds act as prebiotics, feeding beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. While nearly all edible mushrooms contain beta-glucans, varieties like Turkey Tail and Lion’s Mane have become especially well-known for their unique effects on the gut and immune system.

When your microbiome is well-fed and diverse, digestion improves, inflammation tends to go down, and your body simply works better.

Some studies suggest that Turkey Tail may help improve microbial diversity in the gut — something we know is essential for strong digestion, immune resilience, and even mood regulation.

The Gut-Stress-Mushroom Connection

I often talk to customers about the link between stress and digestion — and mushrooms are one of those beautiful bridges that support both.

Adaptogenic mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps, and Chaga help your body respond to stress more gracefully. Since stress is one of the fastest ways to disrupt digestion (hello, nervous stomach!), calming that stress response can have ripple effects throughout your gut.

Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane also seem to support the integrity of the gut lining, which can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with irritation or discomfort. A well-supported gut lining means fewer digestive issues and better nutrient absorption.

Pairing Mushrooms with Gut-Friendly Habits

I always tell people: mushrooms are a great addition, but they work best alongside the basics. If you want to love your gut, make sure you’re also:

• Drinking plenty of water

• Eating fiber-rich foods

• Managing stress with herbs or deep breathing

• Moving your body — even gentle walks or rebounding help move lymph and support digestion

• Including gut-supportive herbs like dandelion, which has long been used to support digestion and liver function

You can add mushroom powders to smoothies, sip them in tea form, or take them as capsules. What matters most is consistency and quality. I always recommend choosing supplements made from the fruiting body of the mushroom rather than just the mycelium, and looking for brands that prioritize purity and testing.

A Natural Way to Support Your Gut

I don’t think mushrooms are magic, but I do think they’re incredibly wise. They’ve been used for centuries across cultures, and modern research is only beginning to catch up to what traditional medicine has known all along.

If your gut needs a little extra love, functional mushrooms might be one gentle, nourishing way to help it find balance again.