Mushrooms for Immunity Support

Michael Ventresca • September 19, 2025

One of the most exciting areas of research in recent years is the role functional mushrooms play in supporting the body’s defenses.


As summer winds down, life seems to shift to a faster pace. The return of the school year fills buses and sidewalks, community events pick up, and many of us begin to spend more time indoors. While cooler evenings can be a welcome change, they also set the stage for the start of cold and flu season.


While no product can replace a healthy lifestyle and adequate sleep, specific supplements can offer extra support when colds and flu begin to spread. One of the most exciting areas of research in recent years is the role functional mushrooms play in supporting the body’s defenses.


A big part of their effectiveness comes from compounds called beta-glucans. These naturally occurring fibers help “train” immune cells to respond more effectively. Think of it as a gentle priming effect that keeps the immune system ready when needed, but not overactive.


Beyond this shared benefit, individual mushrooms bring their own strengths. Reishi balances immune function and reduces stress, both of which improve the body’s ability to fight illness. Maitake has been studied for its ability to stimulate immune cell activity, while Chaga is rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and support immunity.


Two great options that combine these mushrooms are Organic Mushroom Immune Support by Vital Choice and MyCommunity by Host Defense. Both feature powerful immune boosters as well as additional support from Cordyceps, Turkey Tail and Lion’s Mane. Adding one now can help prepare your body for the season ahead and keep you feeling your best.


Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, located at 9243 W. Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505, or visit VChoice.com.


This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.




By Michael Ventresca • October 28, 2026
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By Michael Ventresca • October 14, 2026
Have you ever eaten a meal with garlic or onions, and almost instantly had stomach upset? Does it seem like just about everything you eat causes gas, bloating or indigestion? If this sounds like you, or if you’ve been told to try a FODMAP diet, today’s article could be the missing piece to a very frustrating puzzle. I know it was for me. Most people have heard of lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity, but far fewer are familiar with fructan sensitivity. Fructans are naturally occurring carboyhydrates found in a wide variety of foods but in especially high concentrations in everything from garlic and onions, to asparagus, wheat and even watermelon. For people who have difficulty digesting fructans, these foods can cause gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and sometimes diarrhea. The frustrating part is that fructans are found in so many seemingly unrelated foods that it can feel like almost everything you eat is causing a problem. That was my experience for years. Over the years, I tried a number of digestive enzymes. While many of them helped, none of them were a perfect match for the garlic, onion and pasta found in some of my favorite Italian meals. Then I stumbled across a product called FODZYME. FODZYME contains three digestive enzymes, including fructan hydrolase, an enzyme specifically designed to help break down fructans. FODZYME is a tasteless powder that you sprinkle directly on your food just before eating. The enzymes mix with the food and begin breaking down the fructans as you chew, before they cause problems further down the digestive tract. For me, the difference has been night and day. I am finally able to enjoy foods I have avoided for years. It’s important to note, there is still some trial and error involved regarding dosage. Because the amount of fructans varies from meal to meal, I find I need to adjust how much I use. Sometimes, one scoop is plenty, other times, I’ll use two. But if garlic, onions, wheat, or other high-fructan foods consistently leave you feeling miserable, FODZYME may be just what you need to start enjoying the foods you love. To learn more, or to try FODZYME, please stop in today. Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store located at 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. The phone number is 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com . This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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