Lion’s Mane Pregnancy: Is It Safe For Expecting Mothers?

Lion's Mane Pregnancy: Is It Safe For Expecting Mothers?

Lion's Mane Pregnancy: Is It Safe For Expecting Mothers?

is lion's mane safe while pregnant

Lion’s Mane is a medicinal mushroom known for its potential cognitive and immune-boosting benefits. However, while some expecting mothers may consider taking lion’s Mane during pregnancy for its potential health benefits, there is limited research on its effects on pregnant women. As such, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before taking lion’s Mane or any supplement during pregnancy.

Fortunately, Lion’s Mane is generally considered safe to eat during pregnancy for most mothers-to-be, meaning your doctor may approve its consumption.If you do not get the go-ahead to consume Lion’s mane mushroom, prioritize prenatal vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and other safe alternatives to support your health during this crucial time.

Lion’s mane mushrooms provide essential nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamins like B12, and minerals like selenium. Moreover, these mushrooms have bioactive ingredients that can fight cravings for unhealthy foods, improve the pregnant mother’s immunity, and fight various pregnancy-related diseases, including preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

The whole nine months from ovulation and fertilization to childbirth, women need foods that provide the proper nutrients to facilitate embryo growth. So let’s dive into the fascinating world of Lion’s Mane and explore whether it is safe for women before delivery and when breastfeeding their children.

Is Lion’s Mane Safe During Pregnancy?

Lion’s mane medicinal mushrooms are generally considered safe for pregnant women. Using the proper Lion’s mane dosage allows expecting mothers to enjoy the unique benefits of this mushroom without suffering from side effects.

However, to increase your safety when using these edible mushrooms while pregnant, be sure to consider the following factors:

1. Lion’s Mane Mushroom Source

When you see that positive pregnancy test, choosing a reputable source of lion’s mane mushrooms is essential. Look for medicinal mushrooms grown clean, safe, and free from contaminants. These mushrooms should be certified organic and grown without harmful chemicals.

Moreover, do not consume wild mushrooms, as you may take lion’s mane look-alikes. Look-alikes could be poisonous mushrooms that could affect your overall health negatively. When consuming mushrooms while pregnant—whether Lion’s mane, oyster mushrooms, or shiitake mushrooms—always choose high-quality supplements over foraged options.

When choosing lion’s mane mushroom supplements for your prenatal nutrition, look for products specifically formulated for pregnant women. These supplements may be less likely to contain harmful contaminants or high mushroom doses.

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2. The Freshness of the Medicinal Mushrooms

Choose fresh lion’s mane mushrooms whenever possible, as they are less likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria or toxins. Fresh mushrooms will also be richer in beneficial compounds, including polysaccharides, the all-important antioxidant, hericenones, erinacines, and beta-glucans.

3. Proper preparation

Wash and cook the mushrooms thoroughly before consuming them. This will eliminate any potentially harmful bacteria or other contaminants. Also, do not eat raw mushrooms during pregnancy, as these could increase the risk of side effects.

Read More: See our hand-picked Lion’s mane mushroom recipes that help you prepare a tasty meal for the entire family.

4. Your Pregnancy Dosage

Consult your healthcare provider about how much Lion’s Mane is safe during pregnancy.Overconsumption of culinary mushrooms or supplements can be harmful during pregnancy, so following your healthcare provider’s recommendations is essential.

5. History of Allergies

If you have a history of allergic reactions to mushrooms or other foods, avoiding consuming Lion’s Nane mushrooms during pregnancy is vital. Allergies can cause serious health problems, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Moreover, if this is the first time you plan to use these fungi, talk to your doctor before using Lion’s mane supplement to prepare mushroom coffee. Your doctor will look at your unique situation, considering everything from your current health situation and morning sickness episodes to your due date, to determine if the mushroom is safe for you.

Read More: Read our detailed guide on mushrooms safe to eat during pregnancy.

What Are Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Benefits During Pregnancy?

Lion’s Mane, a medicinal mushroom, has several potential health benefits for pregnant women:

1. Boosts Immune Function

Lion’s Mane has been shown to boost immunity—one research study conducted in 2017(1) confirmed the immunomodulatory benefits of Lion’s mane mushrooms. This is due to beta-glucans in the mushroom, which enhance the immune system and protect against infections.

The immune system is more vulnerable during pregnancy, suggesting the importance of adding Lion’s mane mushroom to a pregnant woman’s diet and nutrition profile.

2. Lion’s Mane Supports Brain Health

Lion’s Mane promotes the growth of nerve cells and improves cognitive function. One research study(2) confirmed Lion’s mane neurogenesis benefits which promote NGF production in the human body. Another study conducted in 2019(3) demonstrated Lion’s Mane’s ability to improve memory.

This benefit could be helpful for pregnant women who may experience brain fog or memory issues, which are common during pregnancy. In addition, lion’s Mane’s ability to improve brain health can make these fungi an effective treatment for depression and anxiety, often affecting women with a child in their uterus.

3. Fights Pregnancy Inflammation

Lion’s Mane has anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce pregnancy inflammation. A research study conducted in 2015(4) confirmed Lion’s Mane’s anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, another study(5) in the same year confirmed that the ethanol extract of a Lion’s Mane fruiting body could also fight inflammation.

Inflammation is a common issue during pregnancy and can lead to complications such as preterm labor.By alleviating inflammation, Lion’s Mane could help women with babies under development in their uterus avoid preterm labor.

4. Fights Gestational Diabetes

Lion’s Mane has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. This benefit could be significant during pregnancy, as high blood sugar levels can lead to gestational diabetes and other complications.

Read More: See how Lion’s Mane fights diabetes.

5. Boasts Nutritional Benefits

The growing baby in the uterus takes nutrients from the mother through the placenta. Therefore, expecting parents should improve the quality of their food to ensure they have enough nutrients for a healthy newborn.

Lions mane mushrooms provide essential supplemental nourishment with their vital nutrients, including prenatal vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin D (primarily when grown in sunlight), minerals like selenium and potassium, protein, and fibers. As an added benefit, Lion’s mane consumption gives your body everything you need to feel full for longer, eliminating cravings and lowering your pregnancy weight gain risk.

6. Fights Preeclampsia

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a relatively common condition during pregnancy. The most common type is gestational hypertension, which develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery. However, gestational hypertension can sometimes progress to a more serious condition called preeclampsia, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Lion’s Mane has blood pressure-lowering effects due to bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides and ergosterol that can relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. In addition, Lion’s Mane has antioxidant activity that protects the cardiovascular system from oxidative stress, which is associated with hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.

Can You Take Lion’s Mane While Breastfeeding?

Yes, you can eat mushrooms during your postpartum period while breastfeeding. You do not have to worry about side effects if you follow the proper Lion’s Mane dosage.

The functional mushroom will provide vital nutrients you can easily pass on to your breastfeeding toddler. However, if you have not used Lion’s Mane while breastfeeding, talk to a doctor to get guidance on how to take this functional mushroom safely.

Read More: Our detailed guide on Lion’s mane use while breastfeeding delves deeper into this topic.

Alternatives to Lion’s Mane during Pregnancy

While the question of whether Lion’s Mane is safe during pregnancy remains unclear due to limited research, there are several alternatives expecting mothers can consider:

Prenatal Vitamins and Minerals

Prenatal vitamins and minerals are essential for pregnant women, providing nutrients for the mother and the developing baby. They often include folic acid, iron, and calcium, crucial for a healthy pregnancy.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, flaxseed, and chia seeds, can support brain development in the fetus and help regulate mood in pregnant women. Many health benefits are associated with omega-3s, making them a safe and effective alternative to lion’s Mane during pregnancy.

Probiotics

Probiotics can improve digestion and boost the immune system, promoting overall well-being. Pregnant women may consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or take probiotic supplements to support their health.

FAQs About Lion’s Mane Pregnancy

References

  1. Immunomodulatory effects of Hericium erinaceus derived polysaccharides are mediated by intestinal immunology, (1)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28266682/
  2. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia, (2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24266378/
  3. Hericium erinaceus Improves Recognition Memory and Induces Hippocampal and Cerebellar Neurogenesis in Frail Mice during Aging, (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6521003/
  4. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lion’s Mane Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) in a Coculture System of 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and RAW264 Macrophages, (4)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26559695/
  5. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract of Lion’s Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Agaricomycetes), in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis, (5)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27481156/

This post was last modified on November 30, 2024 6:57 am