For years, researchers and practitioners have known that mushrooms are a powerful medicinal source.

In the 1970s Japanese researchers were able to isolate a powerful extract in one mushroom in the form of a polysaccharide krestin (PSK) and found that it had strong, anti-tumor and anti-cancer capabilities. The Japanese government started providing it to patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Researchers linked the PSK extract directly to the stimulation and modulation of the immune system, showing surprising results in dealing with serious illnesses. In the 1980s Chinese researchers developed a more potent strain of a polysaccharide peptide (PSP). These developments sparked a series of over 400 medical studies around the world that has excited the medical community.

The mushroom is called Coriolus versicolor, and its PSK and PSP extracts are shown to be highly effective in boosting and regulating the immune system. It is widely understood that the immune system heals and defends the body.

World-renowned institutes, including M.D. Anderson Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, have either completed their own or cited the studies in their research of this breakthrough mushroom product. The immune system is our first line of defense. When the immune system is weakened the body may not be able to deal properly with any number of health issues ranging from the common cold or flu to the more serious of issues including, but not limited to, diabetes, fibromyalgia, herpes, hepatitis, pulmonary disorders, urinary and digestive tract disorders, liver diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, skin disorders, psoriasis, high blood pressure and even the deadliest disease that we all dread. When our immune system is weakened or compromised due to stress, age, environmental exposure or any number of factors, we tend to succumb to these health issues … and these results can be deadly. A stronger immune system is key to health and wellness. Giving our immune system the extra help it needs can help us deal with many health issues whether we are aware of them or not. Some tips to boost your immune system include:

Going herbal, try mushrooms. Try taking a herbal supplement that features the Coriolus versicolor mushroom, which is known to improve immune system function. One daily supplement, inForce is harvested at the mycelia stage, which makes for the most potent strain available.

Getting plenty of sleep. Most adults need between seven and eight hours of solid sleep a night. Giving your body the required sleep it needs will help your immune system.

Eating Healthy. Raw fruits, vegetables, fresh produce and foods high in antioxidants such as berries are quite helpful in boosting immune function.