For the past 35 years, Lisa Stockwell has worked as a copywriter, writer, author, and editor. Since 2009, she has focused on the healthcare industry. She changed her career focus to bring compassion and clarity to healthcare communications after realizing the need for reliable health information while helping friends with specific health issues. Lisa is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and a lifelong Northern Californian.
Turkey tail mushroom has been consumed for centuries for its potential health benefits. They were mentioned and references to their use in traditional Chinese medicine more than 2,000 years ago were found in the Compendium of Materia Medica, written in the 16th century and considered the most comprehensive work on the history of traditional Chinese medicine and herbology. By 1960, Japanese researchers had investigated the mushroom’s ability to strengthen immunity and cooperate with chemotherapy.
Turkey tail mushrooms have long been used in Eastern medicine, and more recently, Western cultures have begun using them as a dietary supplement. For the majority of people, there have been no notable adverse side effects. *.
However, everybody is unique. Some people have experienced minor side effects when taking turkey tail, such as flu symptoms or constipation.
This article addresses safety concerns, potential side effects of turkey tail mushrooms, and precautions to take before consuming this potent mushroom on a regular basis.
Turkey tail mushroom is a powerful medicinal fungus with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It’s packed with antioxidants and other health-boosting compounds that may offer a range of benefits, including:
- Boosted immunity
- Improved cognitive function
- Increased exercise performance
- Improved gut health
- Reduced inflammation
- Lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes
While turkey tail is generally safe for most people, it’s important to be aware of potential interactions with medications. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Medications that suppress the immune system:
- Corticosteroids: These medications suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation. Taking turkey tail with corticosteroids may reduce the effectiveness of the corticosteroids.
- Immunosuppressants: These medications are used to prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs. Taking turkey tail with immunosuppressants may increase the risk of infection.
Medications that are metabolized by the liver:
- Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Turkey tail may interfere with how the liver breaks down these medications, which could alter their effects and side effects.
Medications that affect blood sugar levels:
- Turkey tail may lower blood sugar levels. Taking turkey tail with diabetes medications may cause blood sugar to drop too low.
Other medications:
- Cyclophosphamide: This chemotherapy drug may interact with turkey tail, altering how quickly it’s removed from the body and potentially affecting its effectiveness and side effects.
- Tamoxifen: This breast cancer medication may interact with turkey tail, altering its effects or reducing its effectiveness.
If you take any medications, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor before taking turkey tail. They can provide you with advice on how to take turkey tail and help you determine whether it’s safe for you.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- Always read the label of any turkey tail supplement you purchase to see if it contains any ingredients that may interact with your medications.
- Start with a low dose of turkey tail and gradually increase the dose as tolerated.
- Be aware of any side effects you experience while taking turkey tail and report them to your doctor.
You can help make sure that you’re taking turkey tail safely and effectively by taking these precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take turkey tail if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if turkey tail is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s best to avoid using it during these times.
Q: Can I take turkey tail if I have a medical condition?
A: Before taking turkey tail, it’s crucial to discuss any medical conditions you may have with your doctor. They can provide you with advice on how to take turkey tail and help you determine whether it’s safe for you.
Q: What are the side effects of turkey tail?
A: Turkey tail is generally safe for most people. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as bloating, gas, heartburn, or dark stools.
Q: Where can I buy turkey tail?
A: Turkey tail supplements are available in most health food stores and online.
Q: How much turkey tail should I take?
A: There is no standard dose of turkey tail. The recommended dose may vary depending on the reason for taking it. It’s best to talk to your doctor to determine the best dose for you.
Q: Can I take turkey tail with other supplements?
A: It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking turkey tail with other supplements. They can help you determine if it’s safe to take them together.
Additional Resources
- National Institutes of Health: Turkey Tail
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Turkey Tail
- WebMD: Turkey Tail
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Potential Drug Interactions
If you have any of the following prescriptions, consult your physician before taking turkey tail mushroom:
- Diabetes medicationsREF#156: Turkey tail mushroom may affect blood sugar levels and could interact with diabetes medication, causing your blood sugar to drop too low.
- Turkey tail mushroom may help patients with bleeding disorders by slowing blood clotting and having blood-thinning properties. Blood thinner (anticoagulant/antiplatelet) medication .
- Cyclophosphamide: The PSP present in turkey tail mushrooms has the ability to alter the chemotherapeutic drug’s efficacy.
- Any chemotherapy: Turkey tail mushroom, PSK, or PSP extracts may interact with certain cancer medications, so your oncologist should monitor them closely. Be aware that while turkey tail exhibits potential, the FDA has not evaluated its suitability as a cancer treatment adjuvant.
Side Effects of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Most people who eat turkey tail mushrooms or take them as supplements do so with good tolerance and no adverse side effects, even at high dosages.
Side effects, however, have been recorded that include:
- Gastrointestinal issues (bloating, gas, stomach pain, nausea)
- Constipation
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Low blood pressure
- Low blood sugar
- Low white blood cell count
- Heart palpitation
- Rash
If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking the supplement immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
If you have a mold or mushroom allergy, you may be one of the few who experience breathing problems, swelling in your throat, or skin rashes after eating turkey tail. If this happens, seek medical help immediately.
Adverse reactions to the PSK extract have been reported by chemotherapy patients, including nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. But more research is needed to determine if those side effects result from the chemotherapy or the PSK.