Why Worry About Pet Immunity?
Pet immunity. Why is it so important?
Pets with weakened immune systems can face a myriad of health problems.
Pets experience weakened immune systems for a variety of reasons such as cancer, infection or inflammation.
Traditional veterinarians often recommend Western remedies, such as chemotherapy, alongside traditional treatments for immunodeficiencies.
However, pharmaceuticals often have strong side effects.
A veterinarian practicing Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) may recommend alternative options to strong pharmaceuticals to boost pet immunity, such as Eastern and Western herbs or supplements.
If your pet has a compromised immune system, he or she may benefit from a mushroom-based supplement, especially in addition to chemotherapy.
What Is in the Complement Immune Supplement?
1. Reishi Mushroom
Reishi is also known by its botanical name Ganoderma lucidum or the Chinese name Ling zhi.
Reishi has proven health benefits in addition to immune support, including liver and kidney boosting, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, allergy relieving, blood pressure regulating and blood sugar controlling properties.
Reishi mushroom’s benefits stem from four main ingredients: triterpenes, β-glucans, the Ling-Zhi-8 protein, and antioxidants.
In Eastern medicine, Reishi mushrooms are known as a “three treasure” herb.
Reishi mushroom harmonizes Jung (life force), qi (energy), and Shen (spirit).
In fact, scientific documents from as far back as the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 B.C. to 8 A.D.) classify Reishi as “Superior,” the highest designation for medicine.
Reishi mushroom contains multiple bioactive polysaccharides (carbohydrate chemical units) and triterpenoids (soap-like plant-based compounds).
Studies in animals show Reishi’s effects in boosting the immune system, reducing the blood supply to cancer cells and having a low negative impact on pets.
Research suggests the polysaccharides in Reishi mushroom demonstrate anti-tumor and immunostimulating activity.
Reishi can also help prevent secondary cancers.
Studies show reishi reduces the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatment, making it an excellent supplement for pets undergoing cancer treatment.
Additionally, the Japanese government officially lists Reishi as an adjunct herb for cancer.
2. Shiitake Mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms, part of the Lentinula edodes species, contain l-ergothioneine and the immune-boosting polysaccharide lentinan.
Shiitakes, an edible mushroom from East Asia, are a medicinal, edible mushroom used in traditional herbal medicine for thousands of years.
Shiitake mushrooms provide an excellent source of B vitamins, selenium, vitamin D, niacin, pantothenic acid, and other important nutrients.
According to one study, shiitake mushrooms have powerful anti-tumor effects.
During the study, researchers gave 10 mice suffering from sarcoma shiitake extract.
Throughout the study, six of 10 mice had complete tumor regression.
With the addition of higher concentrations of supplementation, all ten mice experienced complete tumor regression.
Other studies show the powerful effects of lentinan and other polysaccharides in the mushroom.
The polysaccharides increase the phagocytotic activity of the peritoneal macrophages, or the body’s anti-inflammatory and tumor-inhibiting properties.
3. Turkey Tail Mushroom
Turkey tail mushroom, also known as trametes versicolor, is very common in North American woods.
Turkey tail is found on dead hardwood logs and stumps as well as conifer wood.
Turkey tail is part of the polypore family because they contain tiny pores to release spores.
Turkey tail contains beta-glucan polysaccharides.
Polysaccharides aid in activating immunity.
Research suggests polysaccharides may reduce bacterial infections due to communication with T cells, part of white blood cells fighting off infection.
In one study published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine, an 83-year-old woman diagnosed with advanced, metastatic inflammatory breast cancer was cancer-free after using turkey tail mushroom in combination with continued chemotherapy.
Another study in humans showed turkey tails efficacy in treating the human papillomavirus (HPV).
In a study of patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma, a skin cancer often affecting those with HIV/AIDS, the use of turkey tail mushroom, in conjunction with other wild medicinal East African mushrooms, proved beneficial.
Turkey tail also contains prebiotics, aiding the growth of good bacteria in the body.
4. Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms, also known as Grifola frondosa, “sheep’s head” or “hen of the woods,” are polypores growing at the base of oak, elm and maple trees.
Maitake mushrooms grow wild in Japan, China, and North America during autumn months.
Maitake mushrooms contain:
- Beta-glucans
- Vitamins B, C, and D
- Antioxidants
- Amino acids
- Copper
- Potassium
- Fiber
- Minerals
Animal studies show maitake mushrooms have the ability to enhance macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and cytotoxic T-cells.
Additionally, maitake mushrooms contain polysaccharides and b-1,6-glucan, which have anti-tumor effects.
Studies show immune enhancement and anti-inflammatory properties, boosting anti-tumor effects against syngeneic, allogeneic tumors.
The bodies of maitake mushrooms also contain D-fraction, a polysaccharide shown to be effective at inhibiting tumor growth and restoring suppressed immune functions.
5. How the Complement Immune Supplement Alleviates Dog Pain
Not only will Complement Immune boost pet immunity, it also helps with pain.
Mushroom benefits are best when combined with other compounds.
For example, a supplement including Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, and Maitake mushrooms would most effectively help your pup.
Does Complement Immune Supplement Have Side Effects?
Contact your veterinarian before giving your pet any supplement.
Safe use in pregnant animals or animals intended for breeding has not been proven.
Use with caution in animals on steroids, with cardiac issues, or with kidney issues.
If animal’s condition worsens or does not improve, stop product administration and consult your veterinarian.
Due to the tasty nature of our products, please do not leave the product unattended around pets.
PET | TAO’s Complement Immune Supplement should not negatively impact your pet.
If you notice any harmful side effects, please consult your veterinarian immediately.
Seeking an all-natural supplement to boost your pet’s immune system?
