Flu Peak Pending? Strengthen Immunity with Reishi

Currently, many regions are entering the peak period for respiratory diseases, affecting all population groups. Emergency departments and fever clinics are overwhelmed... The challenge of multiple viruses is imminent. It is predicted that the peak of hospitalizations and severe cases may occur around New Year's Day.

On November 24, the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council issued a notice, pointing out that this winter and next spring, China may face the situation of co-epidemics of various respiratory diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, and mycoplasma pneumonia.

Dr. Zhang Zhenhua, Director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, stated that as the base number of infections continues to expand, the number of elderly infected individuals will increase by mid-December. Consequently, the number of severe cases may rise, and a peak in hospitalizations is expected around New Year's Day 2024.

"This year's influenza and mycoplasma pneumonia have been particularly severe, setting a historical record," said a doctor from the Department of Infectious Diseases at a top-tier hospital in Shanghai.

1. How to prevent infection or avoid severe illness? It's essential to get vaccinated and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How can we strengthen our immunity and avoid infection or severe illness before the peak of this flu season arrives?

For adults, getting vaccinated may be a good way to prevent the flu and quickly boost immunity. However, vaccination is like attending a tutorial that only strengthens mathematics and ignores other subjects. It only enhances certain specific immune abilities. How can it cope with the ever-changing viruses?

To truly coexist peacefully with viruses, whether to prevent infection or severe illness, you must have stable and comprehensive immune functions.

How to boost immunity? It lies in daily body maintenance, including balanced nutrition, physical exercise, regular rest, and the use of traditional Chinese medicine. The traditional Chinese medicinal concept of reinforcing the fundamental and cultivating the vital energy with Reishi greatly benefits the enhancement of immunity.

2. “Reinforcing the fundamental and cultivating the vital energy” is the key to anti-virus.

Even during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, many friends reported that, perhaps due to the protection offered by Reishi mushroom, they were spared from infection and severe illness. This allowed us to truly appreciate the unique effects of Reishi in enhancing immunity.

Since ancient times, Reishi has been classified as a top-grade herb in "Shen Nong's Herbal Classic". Today, various pharmacological studies have confirmed Reishi's all-round immune-regulating effects. The function of Reishi is to reinforce the fundamental and cultivate the vital energy, which is key to fighting viruses.

In a retrospective paper published in August 2021 in the journal "Nutrients" by Wroclaw Medical University, the main mechanisms of how Reishi polysaccharides regulate immunity were summarized (as shown in the above figure):

Reishi polysaccharides can both strengthen the immune system's first line of defense against various pathogen invasions (innate immunity) and initiate specific immune responses (adaptive immunity) against specific pathogens. It's like casting a net to fully activate the immune response, leaving pathogens with nowhere to hide.

The paper concurrently collated the scientifically validated active effects of Reishi polysaccharides and Reishi triterpenes (as depicted in the above figure). This evidence suggests that a comprehensive composition of Reishi has the potential to facilitate our coexistence with not only viruses, but also with cancer, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hyperglycemia (collectively referred to as the "three highs"), allergens, and the process of aging.

Viruses will not disappear, thus fortifying our immunity is crucial! Building upon the foundation of vaccine protection, balanced nutrition, regular routines, and a healthy lifestyle, we can incorporate the daily, consistent use of Reishi. This comprehensive approach paves the way for the prospect of lifelong health.

References:

- "Professor Ruey-Shyang Hseu's Viewpoint | How to fight viruses if your immune system is imbalanced?", GanoHerb Organic Reishi, March 1, 2022.

- "More Adults Are Getting Fevers! Will There Be Another Wave of Hospitalizations This Winter?", Medical World, November 26, 2023.