Acne Q & A Archive: Ling Zhi (Reishi mushroom)

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Author	Topic: Ling Zhi (Reishi mushroom)
TheTamperer 01-26-2003 04:17 PM	Hi, First of all I'd like to express my sincere thanks for the phenomenal information you have taken the trouble to publish on the web. Thus far, my experiences with the diet have been entirely consistent with your indications. I intend to use the diet on an ongoing basis - I am convinced that it will materially improve my quality of life. I was wondering if you have heard of a supplement called Ling Zhi (also known as Reishi mushroom or Ganoderma). It is available in capsule form generally and is said to promote general health and well-being. The active ingredients include polysaccharides, organic germanium, triterpenoids, adenosine, LZ-8, and an array of amino acids besides numerous mineral types. I perdonally know some folks that distribute it - they can attest to its efficacy in treating a range of ailments and improving general well-being. I am wondering if you know about it and/or have an opinion on its effectiveness and whether it can be integrated with your diet. Thanks!
Wai 01-27-2003 01:36 PM	Hello Tamperer, quote: I was wondering if you have heard of a supplement called Ling Zhi no, i haven't quote: is said to promote general health and well-being. ah, just as all the other supplements. yet another supplement that God forgot to give us in the form of a fruit (i'm sorry for being sarcastic...) quote: The active ingredients include polysaccharides, organic germanium, triterpenoids, adenosine, LZ-8, and an array of amino acids besides numerous mineral types. Polysaccharides are chains of glucose / fructose molecules, which are available in all fruits Germanium is a semi-metal, a semiconductor material, which is also found in grains and tubers. It has mildly toxic properties (its a chemotherapeutic agent). You certainly don't need it, but some people try to make money by selling it as "vitamin O"... the claimed anti-oxidant properties are based on its toxic properties regarding bacteria Adenosine (adenosine triphosphate = ATP) is made in the body; it is the form into which energy (such as fat, sugars, protein) is converted so that it can be utilized as energy. LZ-8 is a protein made by the body that down-regulates the number of antibodies in your blood. In other words: it co-regulates your immune system, which is something that your body should do, according to your body's needs, and should not be interfered with by taking a supplement. If this protein is totally intact absorbed into the blood, it is dangerous taking such a supplement, since it may temporarily decrease your immune system functioning. Amino acids are absorbed from all foods, in sufficent amounts, just as minerals are quote: I am wondering if you know about it and/or have an opinion on its effectiveness and whether it can be integrated with your diet. a lot of crap is sold just on the basis of the idea to make money from people's concern about their health. If you want to be healthy, you need to do 2 things: - eliminate as much toxins from your diet / environment - ingest all required nutrients by consuming natural foods supplements are not needed, and can have adverse effects. that's my opinion
TheTamperer 01-28-2003 04:16 PM	Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it. I do share your scepticism about supplements generally. This particular one (or the fungus from which it is now extracted) seems to have a long and interesting history - its use apparently dating back many hundreds, even thousands, of years. I actually have a copy of PhD thesis about it but haven't read it yet. Well, I'll try to educate myself more on the science behind diet, etc. As a matter of interest, what is your academic background (I think human biochemistry is mentioned somewhere on the site)? Thanks again!!!
Wai 01-29-2003 03:14 PM	quote: what is your academic background i only did a SELF-study biochemistry