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Q: If I am allergic to mushrooms, can I use the Juice Plus Complete formula?
A: If you have an allergic reaction to mushrooms then it is best to avoid using the Complete shakes.
Juice Plus® Complete shake mixes now contain juice powder from Agaricus bisoporus – commonly known as the Portobello mushroom (when mature) or the button or crimini mushroom (when smaller) – the most widely consumed mushroom in the world. The recent addition of mushroom powder to the Juice Plus® Complete formula has raised some questions about those with “allergies” to mushrooms.
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In making a shake mix, previously a plant-based source of vitamin D2 was added to the Complete to provide a small, safe daily dose. Epidemiological studies show that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk for certain chronic illnesses, including various cancers, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Much of the biologically active vitamin D comes from skin exposure to sunlight. Yet, the increased widespread use of broad-spectrum, high sun-protection-factor (SPF) sunscreens in recent years may also contribute to the rise in vitamin D deficiency. In cases of severe deficiency, vitamin D3 is used to quickly raise levels, and vitamin D2 is not as effective in these severe situations. [1] However, it is possible to get too much vitamin D3 supplementation as well. [2]
So, vitamin D2 is a safe choice in making Juice Plus® Complete. Many people drink more than one shake a day and they may additionally be taking vitamin D3 supplements. Using vitamin D2 ensures that their levels do not rise too high from using the Complete shakes.
The improvement of adding mushrooms as a whole food source of D2 is more in alignment with the company’s philosophy of marketing whole food and whole food derived products. Recently mushroom powders with standardized amounts of vitamin D2 became available, and the company chose to make this change. No matter what food group you look at, a very small percentage of people will have serious allergies associated with certain foods.
Mushrooms have also have been associated with additional health benefits including supporting brain, liver, and immune function. [3]
In terms of those with allergy concerns, it is important to understand the difference between a food allergy versus a food intolerance [4] as the latter may be healed by focusing on healing the gut lining. A food allergy involves the immune system making antibodies to the allergy and the release of histamine. This can be life threatening and it is an immediate reaction–such as an anaphylactic shock–that can be triggered through smell, taste or touchshock. Surprisingly, a very small percentage of the population has this type of allergy: fewer than 2% of the entire cohort of those who have such allergic reactions have a mushroom-specific allergy. If you know you have this kind of reaction to mushrooms immediately, then it is best to avoid using the Complete shake.
The sensitivities that are due to food intolerance are not so immediate and are unlikely to be life threatening. Furthermore, it is my belief (based on experience) that by healing the gut and changing our gut biome, we can reverse much of the food intolerances that exist.My experience is that most people have leaky gut due to the use of dairy and gluten combination of foods. Our children grow up eating macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with cheese, cheeseburgers, quesadillas, pizza – all of which have this deadly combination of dairy and wheat. This creates a constantly inflamed gut for starters and leaky gut over time. Down the road, much more serious conditions occur As always, Juice Plus+ will never offer medical advice, if there are allergy concerns, it is best to refer you and your customers to a trained medical professional.