Claims of the health benefits of mushroom coffee have popped up all over social media faster than, well, mushrooms!
Everywhere you turn, there are fervent proponents of mushroom coffee who claim it can support everything from gut health to weight loss.
Mushroom coffee is created by blending traditional coffee grounds with functional mushrooms like reishi and lion’s mane.
While these mushrooms are perfectly safe, drinking too much of any powerful health supplement could result in some side effects.
Side effects from mushroom coffee are exceedingly rare, but it's important to know what signs to look for to avoid complications.
In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the potential downfalls associated with mushroom coffee.
Side Effects of Mushroom Coffees
People react differently to eating mushrooms and drinking coffee — so it’s not surprising that some people have reported side effects after drinking mushroom coffee.
For example, a fiber found in many species of mushrooms called chitin can be difficult for some people to digest — leading to feelings of bloating and discomfort.
The caffeine levels in mushroom coffee could also result in side effects — such as anxiety, muscle tension, and jitteriness. If you have side effects from caffeine, it’s best to look for a mushroom coffee that has little to no caffeine.
The most common types of mushrooms used to make mushroom coffee are the chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, turkey tail and cordyceps. Each of these medicinal mushrooms have purported health benefits but they also come with their own possible side effects.
Chaga Mushroom Side Effects
Chaga contains high levels of compounds called oxalates. Too many oxalates could increase the risk of developing kidney stones if consumed excessively. Chaga mushrooms may also interact with certain medications.
Chaga mushrooms also contain a protein that prevents blood clotting — so most experts recommend avoiding this mushroom if you have an upcoming surgery.
Chaga side effects:
- Increased risk of kidney stones.
- May interact with certain medications.
- May increase risk of bleeding.
Reishi Mushroom Side Effects
Reishi mushrooms have been reported to cause side effects like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and insomnia — though all of these side effects are rare.
Some experts recommend avoiding reishi if you have an upcoming surgery due to some mild blood thinning qualities.
Reishi mushrooms are renowned for their immune-boosting properties, so it’s recommended to avoid these shrooms if you’ve been prescribed immunosuppressant medications.
Reishi side effects:
- May cause headaches or dizziness.
- May result in feelings of nausea or bloating.
- May cause insomnia.
- Interactions with blood thinners and immunosuppressants.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Side Effects
Some people who consume large quantities of lion’s mane have reported side effects like skin rashes and bloating. Dizziness, headaches, and nausea are all uncommon but may appear in cases where allergies are an issue.
Lion’s Mane side effects:
- May cause allergy symptoms (skin rashes, nausea, dizziness)
- May cause nausea and bloating in people with poor digestion.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Side Effects
Like most functional mushrooms, side effects after taking turkey tail are notoriously rare. However, some users have reported feelings including heartburn, constipation, nausea, and cold or flu-like symptoms after consuming large doses of turkey tail mushrooms.
Turkey Tail side effects:
- May cause susceptible individuals to experience heartburn and bloating.
- High doses have been linked with constipation.
- While very rare, some people report cold or flu-like symptoms.
Cordyceps Side Effects
Cordyceps sometimes causes mild side effects like dry mouth, nausea, and diarrhea.
This fungus has also been suggested to carry potential interactions with certain medications — particularly blood thinners.
Cordyceps is not recommended for those with autoimmune concerns like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
Cordyceps side effects:
- May cause feeling associated with indigestion (nausea and bloating)
- Some users report either constipation or diarrhea after consuming large quantities.
- May interact with blood thinners or immunosuppressant medications.
Side Effects of Regular Coffee vs. Mushroom Coffee
Both mushroom coffees and regular black coffee can bring a similar set of side effects — especially in mushroom coffees blended with real coffees.
The mushrooms added to these beverages rarely result in noticeable side effects. Functional mushrooms have been in use by humans for thousands of years in very high doses as health tonics and adaptogens. Only those with allergies to certain mushrooms are likely to experience side effects.
The main difference between mushroom coffees and regular coffees is the caffeine content — which DOES affect the chances of experiencing side effects.
Regular black coffee contains anywhere from 25 mg (decaf) to 150 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. Most people can handle 50 mg of caffeine without any issues. People who are sensitive to caffeine may start to feel side effects like dizziness, heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, jitteriness, and muscle tension the more caffeine they consume.
Mushroom coffees typically deliver between 0 and 80 mg per cup of coffee and are therefore LESS likely to produce side effects compared to regular black coffee.
When you compare mushroom coffee to regular coffee, the health impacts may be greater with mushroom coffee.
FAQs: Mushroom Coffee
We’ve covered the topic of mushroom coffees a lot over the past few years. Here’s some of the most common questions we get asked on this topic.
1. What exactly is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee is made by drying and extracting medicinal mushrooms, pulling out the beneficial compounds, and then blending those into regular coffee.
2. Can mushroom coffee cause caffeine overdose?
Mushroom coffee is generally lower in caffeine than regular coffee. However, everyone’s sensitivity varies, and some might experience caffeine-related side effects from mushroom coffee.
3. Is mushroom coffee suitable for everyone?
No, there are individuals who should avoid drinking mushroom coffee or at least speak to their doctor before trying it:
- Those with chronic health conditions.
- Those allergic to other species of mushrooms
- Those taking prescription medications.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- People sensitive to caffeine.
4. How does mushroom coffee taste compared to regular coffee?
Mushroom coffee has an overall lighter taste than regular coffee and is said to be smoother and less acidic. It’s also been described as smooth, nutty, and earthy, and as being umami or savory — one of the five basic tastes along with salty, sweet, bitter, and sour. You may notice a lighter flavor because there is typically less caffeine than regular coffee.
5. Can I drink mushroom coffee daily?
It’s best to start with a small amount of mushroom coffee to see how you react. Some people have side effects like digestive issues. If you don’t have any problems, you can drink mushroom coffee daily.
6. Are there benefits to drinking mushroom coffee?
Mushrooms have reported health benefits, such as antioxidant power — meaning they fight free radicals that can damage cells — and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits vary depending on the type of mushroom. However, the studies that show the benefits of mushrooms are not always conducted on humans and are analyzing mushrooms, not mushroom coffee. Mushroom coffee does have less caffeine, which is good for those looking for a lighter cup of coffee.
7. Does mushroom coffee interact with medications?
Yes, some mushrooms interact with medications. In particular, people taking blood thinners, those who have a bleeding disorder, or people taking immunosuppressants should talk to their doctor before trying mushroom coffee.
8. How do I start drinking mushroom coffee safely?
It's best to start with small amounts to gauge your body's response. For instance, some people have digestive issues after drinking mushroom coffee. It's also recommended that anyone with an existing health condition or those taking medications should check with their doctor before drinking mushroom coffee. You should avoid trying mushroom coffee if you're allergic to fungus or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
9. Can mushroom coffee replace my regular coffee?
Yes, mushroom coffee is a good replacement for regular coffee for certain individuals:
- Those who want less caffeine in their morning cup.
- Those who suffer from acid reflux, since mushroom coffee isn't as acidic as coffee beans.
- For those who have an existing health condition, take medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding — it's recommended these individuals check with a doctor first.
10. Where can I buy mushroom coffee?
You can purchase mushroom coffee online, but be sure you’re buying from a reputable source. Mushroom coffee is also available online in some health food stores and increasingly in cafes and supermarkets.
