Mushrooms are jam-packed superfoods that have been used in culinary and medicinal preparations for thousands of years. They are full of nutrients including proteins made of amino acids, fibers, carbohydrates—including polysaccharides (β‑glucans), vitamins (B2, B3, folate/B9, B12, C, D2, and E), and minerals (K, P, Mg, Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn).

Probiotics have extensive potential for therapeutic use, and we continue to discover their specific actions. The previous article looked at classification and the role of probiotics with regards to immune function and digestion, including autoimmunity, atopic skin reactions, and respiratory conditions.

The human digestive tract is a dynamic ecosystem made up of a rich and diverse microbiota consisting of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. Each person has a unique composition of microbiota, and the balance in this symbiotic relationship must be “respected in order to optimally perform metabolic and immune functions and prevent disease development.