Medicinal Mushrooms

Wonder no longer! This is how they look like as they grow on tree trunks and fallen logs. Their proper name is Coriolus Versicolor and they pass along their remarkable health benefits to pets and people alike. This mushroom is incorporated into many of our pet treats, and is also available as inForce capsules for humans. Those who have issues swallowing pills will appreciate the ability to open the caps and pour the powder into coffee or other food or beverage.

Key benefits [1]:

• supports a healthy immune system with compounds that enhance its ability to fight off infections and illness
• immunomodulation helps stimulate an underactive immune system or calm an overactive one, ensuring better overall immune function 
• prebiotic properties promote a healthy balance of gut flora and provide nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria for good digestion and overall health 
• fosters healthy cellular activity to help balance the immune system and inflammation responses, and support the body's natural ability to heal and repair itself, enhancing overall wellness and recovery from various conditions

Reishi, the longevity mushroom, is added to the Coriolus Versicolor in our inForce Plus caplets to create a powerful combo to support the immune system.

Key benefits [2]:

• both reishi and coriolus versicolor are known for their immune-boosting properties, helping the body fend off infections and illnesses more effectively
• promotes relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it easier to get restful sleep
• reduces occasional blue moods, helps uplift mood and reduce occasional feelings of sadness 
• adaptogenic properties help the body cope with stress and promote a sense of calm
• supports respiratory and lung health, aiding in better lung function
• promotes balanced and stable blood sugar levels, contributing to overall metabolic health 

Organic Reishi is available as a single mushroom capsule or powder, allowing the dosage to be easily modified for pets. It's also one component of a blend called 5 Defenders capsules or bulk powder.

The most potent strain of Maitake, a.k.a. the Dancing Mushroom or Hen of the Woods, comprises inForce Restore caplets. It's also available in organic capsules and powder form, where dosage can be easily modified for pets.

Key benefits [3]: 

• supports the immune system and enhance the body's immune response
• aids in maintaining the health and function of the liver and pancreas
• contributes to maintaining optimal blood pressure levels
• may help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels [4] (individuals taking medication to regulate blood sugar should consult a physician before using any form of Maitake) 

Lion's Mane, the key ingredient of inForce Clarity, has been a staple for overall wellness support in Eastern cultures for centuries. Additionally, Western clinical studies have demonstrated several beneficial properties of Lion's Mane [5].  

Key benefits: 

• reduces "morning brain fog"
• supports memory, cognitive function, and nerve growth
• aids in maintaining the stomach and colon, and overall health of the digestive system

After extensive research, inForce Clarity uses a specialized extraction process to produce the most potent product, effectively highlighting these benefits. Organic Lion's Mane is also available in capsule and powder form.

Our newest mushroom product, inForce Shield, features the Shiitake mushroom. Some of its medicinal properties are attributed to a sugar molecule named lentinan, on which extensive research has been done. In laboratory tests, lentinan does not kill cancer cells directly, but enhances a number of aspects of the immune system, which may aid in the slowing of tumor growth. Lentinan also kills viruses and microbes directly in laboratory studies. Most studies of lentinan involve intravenous or intramuscular injections. It is uncertain whether the ingestion of shiitake mushrooms provides similar effects. One clinical trial has shown shiitake extract alone is not an effective treatment for prostate cancer.

Key benefits: 

• lower high cholesterol levels
• stimulate the immune system
• antiviral and antibacterial properties

According to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, small studies have evaluated shiitake mushroom extract, with mixed results. Lentinan, a polysaccharide extracted from shiitake, may help extend the survival of patients with some cancers when used with chemotherapy, but additional studies are needed. [13]

Cordyceps are thought to increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles.

Key benefits [6, 7]:

• may improve how the body uses oxygen, especially during exercise
• research in mice suggests Cordyceps have anti-aging properties 
• may have anti-tumor effects, as well as helping alleviate some side effects of cancer treatments*
• may help manage type 2 diabetes
• may benefit heart health by helping prevent arrhythmias and lowering levels of triglycerides and “bad” LDL cholesterol
• decrease inflammatory markers in animals.* 

*These effects have not been shown in humans, more research is needed. This should not be interpreted as a claim to cure anything.

Often referred to as a mushroom, Chaga is actually a fungal canker that grows mainly in cold climates on birch tree bark. This dense, woody mass is packed with beneficial compounds such as beta-glucans, melanin, inotodiol, and birch-derived substances like betulin and betulinic acid. 

Key benefits:

• antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-tumor potential [8] 
• may boost immune system and lower inflammation [4]
• may be helpful in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• may prevent and fight cancer [9]

Tremella have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for disease prevention, boosting immunity, and improving skin appearance. This is due to their high polysaccharide content, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

Key benefits:

• may protect against oxidative stress and fight inflammation
• may help improve brain function by protecting nerve cells in the brain from damage 
• may promote heart health by reducing triglycerides and total cholesterol levels while improving HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels in mice with type 1 diabetes [10]
• may improve skin appearance by helping to retain moisture and reducing collagen loss [11]
• may help with blood sugar management [12]

Coffee is a potent source of health-supporting antioxidants. In fact, coffee shows more antioxidant activity than two antioxidant superstars; green tea and cocoa. Scientists have identified approximately 1,000 antioxidants that are an important part of staying healthy. But to really give your immune system the support it needs, NOTHING beats Coriolus Versicolor. So we wondered how can we get the antioxidants found in coffee and the powerful immune system support of Coriolus Versicolor merged into a single product? 

We've successfully merged Coriolus Versicolor into some of the finest coffee around! Each cup contains about 20% of the recommended daily amount of Coriolus Versicolor. It is a great way to get even more Coriolus Versicolor when added to your daily inForce regimen. This, coupled with naturally occurring antioxidants found in unprocessed coffee beans and hundreds more that are developed during the roasting process, add up to one powerful immune supporting cup of coffee. What a great way to start every day!  

Your choice: 

• Med Roast:  Kings Canyon Blend >
• Dark Roast:  Rogue Woods Blend >
• Decaf:  Gold River Blend >
• Limited time offer:  Christmas Blend Coffee >

The mushroom powder in inForce capsules can also be given to animals. Simply open the capsule and sprinkle over their food based on their body weight. But we also have treats, food, and other products developed specifically for: 

• Dogs >
• Cats >
• Horses >

Years as a pet mom have made me passionate about feeding my fur babies the best food I can afford to keep them healthy and living their best, longest lives. Financially, feeding high-quality food pays off in the long run by giving them shinier coats, fewer allergies, better absorption of nutrients, healthy gums and teeth, smaller "neater" poops, and fewer trips to the vet!

If you'd like an analysis of the food you're currently feeding your pet, or if you plan to change their diet, email me with details and I'll send you back a report on your choice. We offer some excellent food for both dogs and cats. They are pricey, but when you consider that they contain  glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as pre- and pro-biotics -- many of us pay extra for supplements that are already included. And best of all, it's delivered to your door so you don't have to lug around!