Mushroom coffee, the latest health-oriented trend, has surprised many. Combining ground coffee with extracts from cordyceps, chaga, lion’s mane and shiitake mushrooms has quickly become increasingly popular for its purported benefits such as relieving stress, strengthening immune systems, improving digestion and aiding sleep and cognition. But to ensure its safety before adding it into your daily diet.

McCutchen suggests that the answer to this question depends largely on the specific side effects and method of extraction of each mushroom in a blend, and their extraction. Chaga mushrooms contain high levels of oxalates which have been linked to kidney stones when consumed frequently (Johns Hopkins Medicine). She cautions those suffering from digestive or kidney issues may experience discomfort when drinking mushroom coffee due to difficult-to-digest extracts; other potential side effects could include bloating and upset stomach as well as general feelings of unwellness.

As part of your decision on whether or not to try mushroom coffee, other factors to keep in mind when making this choice include any preexisting medical conditions and current medications you take. Medicinal mushrooms have been known to interact with certain blood-thinning medications as well as amplify immune-stimulating properties of some autoimmune diseases such as Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis; for those taking medication for diabetes or blood pressure it’s advisable to speak to your healthcare provider first as taking medicinal mushrooms may help bring down blood sugar/blood pressure levels/both respectively.

Mushroom coffee often contains less caffeine than its traditional counterpart, making it an attractive option for those sensitive to stimulants or looking to reduce their consumption. Some mushroom coffee brands still contain some caffeine which may cause side effects like anxiety and heart palpitations in some people who are particularly sensitive. It is best to carefully read product labels to find one without or with low levels of caffeine content.

Though mushroom coffee’s popularity is increasing rapidly, it’s important to remember that its science has yet to be thoroughly evaluated and many claims made by vendors are often unsubstantiated. Furthermore, most ingredients used aren’t even sourced from mushrooms but instead include sources like stevia leaf, matcha green tea powder, cinnamon, yarrow root ginger hibiscus flowers etc. To truly ensure they offer optimal health benefits it’s imperative that they undergo extensive research.