Mushrooms are beneficial for health and provide many essential nutrients. They aid weight loss and prevent metabolic diseases as well. However, eating too many mushrooms can cause physical and mental symptoms in some people. In fact, the results can be so severe that it can lead to severe complications as well. There is a type of mushroom called psychedelic mushroom and its overdose can lead to signs such as anxiety and panic attacks! Eating mushrooms with shrimp, buttermilk, and mustard oil is also not allowed for humans. Therefore, one needs to be very careful with food combinations and while choosing the type of mushroom they are having. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dietician Arushi Gupta, Associate Dietician, Dayanand Medical College and hospital, Ludhiana, to know about the side effects of mushrooms.
Mushroom side effects
Although, mushroom is a low calorie food and contain enough amount of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. But, it can be consumed in moderation. You can talk to your dietician about the quantity that should be consumed. This vegetables has some potential risks of developing severe health conditions, such as Alzheimer's, cardiovascular problems, cancer, and diabetes. Here are the 5 main side effects of mushrooms:
1. Stomach problems (Diarrhea, nausea and vomitting)
The most common side effect of some mushrooms is symoptoms of stomach problems such as diarrhea, nausea and vomitting. In some people, diarrhea can ge trigger right after eating mushrooms. Mushrooms do not go well with everyone's body. It is important to talk to your doctor if experiencing any gastrointestinal issues after eating mushrooms. A lot of people may experience some issues related to the digestive system such as diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea after having mushrooms. Thus, if you go through any of these symptoms, then try to avoid the consumption of mushrooms.
Also read: Mushroom Guide 101: Types of Mushroom and Their Health Benefits
2. Skin allergies
Did you know that skin allergy is also a side effect of mushrooms in some individuals? Mushrooms can help in strengthening the immune system. In some cases, eating this vegetable can lead to allergic reactions causing symptoms such as skin rashes and irritation. In fact, nose bleeding, dry nose and throat are other issues experienced by people when they overconsume mushrooms.
3. Drowsiness
After taking mushrooms, a lot of people feel tired and drowsy at times. You might feel extremely uncomfortable and your energy levels can go significantly low. These side effects can be avoided if you reduce the daily quantity of mushrooms. Therefore, drowsiness is also one of the common side effects of mushrooms.
4. Hallucinations
Lastly, there are specific mushrooms which are made up of psilocin and psilocybin material which can cause hallucinations. Some experts suggest avoiding mushrooms during pregnancy as well, but Dt. Arushi does not agree to that. There is no specific evidence or study that proves the harmful effects of mushrooms during pregnancy.
Also read: Check Out The Nutritional Facts And Health Benefits Of Mushrooms
Why can't all types of mushrooms be consumed?
There are many types of mushrooms and usually cannot be differentiated with each other. Both poisonous and non poisonous species of mushrooms exist in the world. The toxins involved in mushroom poisoning are metabolites produced naturally by the fungi themselves which differ from one species to the other. Hen-of-the-woods, oyster, and sulphur shelf mushrooms are safe, delicious, and nutritious wild varieties prized by mushroom hunters. While these and many other mushrooms are safe to consume, eating varieties like the death cap, false morels, and Conocybe filaris can cause serious adverse health effects and even death.
There are more than thousand species of mushrooms, however, only around 100 species of mushrooms can leade to the above listed side effects when consumed by human beings. There are just 15-20 mushroom species are potentially lethal when ingested. No simple rule exists for distinguishing edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms. Only about 3% of known mushroom varieties are poisonous.
All image credits: Freepik
