Mushrooms have recently found themselves making headlines as they make their way into our daily cups of coffee, too. Mushroom coffee combines medicinal mushrooms with ground coffee beans to produce an energizing and healthful beverage. Common varieties of mushroom coffee include Chaga, Reishi, Turkey Tail Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane varieties, known for boosting immune system functions as well as improving cognitive health.

According to Four Sigmatic, mushroom coffee first emerged during World War II when chaga mushrooms were used as an alternative coffee drinker. Chaga contains powerful antioxidants which have been proven to prevent cancer, reduce tumor size and support immune function; similarly reishi and lion’s mane mushrooms have both been proven as adaptogens that help cope with stress and anxiety in humans.

Reishi and lion’smane both boast anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve heartburn pain. Furthermore, these herbs are believed to support gut health by shielding it against acidity or any potential irritations from acids in your stomach and providing protection from these sources of discomfort. Furthermore, Reishi is also recognized for having anti-aging benefits and being an effective insomnia treatment option.

While mushroom coffee may provide some temporary relief from heartburn symptoms, if your symptoms become severe or persistent it’s important to visit a physician immediately. Furthermore, certain species of mushrooms have been known to interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications, so those suffering from serious medical conditions or diseases should avoid consuming mushrooms that contain these medications as it could interact negatively and cause allergic reactions that range from minor itching up to life-threatening complications.