A number of things can bog down your pet’s immune system. Stress, inflammation, free radicals—these factors and more can dampen their immunity, opening the door to allergies, infections and even cancer. No matter which obstacles your pet faces, every furry companion could use a little extra immune support.

An increasing body of research confirms that the Turkey Tail mushroom is an effective, all-natural way to boost the immune system. When combined with conventional medicine, this medicinal mushroom has the power to prevent and treat diseases that range from minor to life-threatening.

Turkey Tail’s immune-boosting powers

Turkey Tail mushrooms contain a variety of compounds that can improve your pet’s immune system. For instance, this particular mushroom species is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are crucial for eliminating free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage and mutate healthy cells. This damage creates what’s called “oxidative stress” and puts extra strain on the immune system.

By getting rid of free radicals, antioxidants can alleviate some of the stress on your pet’s immune system. While antioxidants are busy destroying dangerous molecules, the immune system can focus on protecting your pet from viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Antioxidants also reduce oxidative stress, which allows the immune system to stay in top shape.

The antioxidants in Turkey Tail mushrooms might also inhibit tumor growth and prevent the spread of cancer cells. Too much oxidative stress can turn healthy cells into cancer cells that multiply and spread to other parts of the body. Antioxidants support the immune system’s ability to protect healthy cells and prevent cancerous growth.

In addition to antioxidants, Turkey Tail mushrooms also contain a specific type of polysaccharide called beta-glucans. Beta-glucans bind to receptors on immune cells, which carry them to various lymph nodes and vital organs. Their ability to bind to immune cells allows beta-glucans to repair damaged tissue all over the body.

Beta-glucans are also what give Turkey Tail mushrooms their anti-microbial properties. They have been known to bind to macrophages, a type of immune cell that kills off viruses and bacteria. Beta-glucans activate macrophages and enhance their ability to neutralize disease-causing pathogens. Beta-glucans can also bind to and activate other immune cells, such as T-leukocytes and natural killer cells.

The many uses of Turkey Tail in pets

Turkey Tail mushrooms can prevent or minimize the effects of various ailments. Every pet has something to gain from the Turkey Tail mushroom’s immune-regulating properties. From the common cold to cancer, this medicinal fungi can help your pet fight back against the most life-threatening diseases.

Turkey Tail can boost your pet’s immune system in the following ways.

• Everyday immune support: You can give your pet a daily Turkey Tail mushroom supplement to help them maintain a healthy immune system. You don’t have to wait until your pet develops an infection or chronic disease. Daily immune support is important even among healthy pets so that they have a lower risk of disease in the future.
• Allergies: Allergies are the result of an overactive immune system. The immune system mistakenly labels a harmless substance as a threat to your pet’s health. When your pet comes in contact with the allergen, their immune system floods the body with cytokines that create an inflammatory response. Turkey Tail mushrooms may reduce allergy symptoms by regulating cytokine production.
• Stress: Many external factors can trigger stress in pets. Certain events can put your pet in a prolonged state of stress, such as being home alone or staying at a boarding facility. This extra stress can dampen your pet’s immunity and make them more prone to getting sick. Prepare for stressful events by giving your pet some extra immune support. Turkey Tail can help the immune system stay strong until your pet can return to their normal routine.
• Cancer treatment: Turkey Tail is praised for its ability to mitigate cancer growth. In fact, the mushroom is listed as an official anti-cancer drug in certain countries. One study found that Turkey Tail can increase the survival time and delay the spread of cancer cells in dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. Turkey Tail might also reduce tumor size and enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments.

Not all pets suffer from the same illnesses, but they all share something in common, and that’s the need for immune support. Turkey Tail mushrooms can provide the support you’re looking for, whether your pet is battling cancer or keeps catching a cold. With the help of a vet, you can pick out a Turkey Tail supplement that will keep your pet’s immune system healthy and strong.