Effects of Alcohol While Using Chaga
Alcohol can potentially alter the beneficial properties of Chaga and may interfere with the absorption of Chaga, reducing its effectiveness.
What is Chaga?
Chaga, or Inonotus obliquus, is a special type of fungus that forms sclerotia (a compact mass of mycelium). Usually, it is found on birch trees in climates found in Eastern Europe and Asia [1].
Traditionally, it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries in countries like Russia, Poland, and Baltic countries [1].
Chaga is typically consumed as a tea or extract but can be consumed in powder form as well.
It has been particularly recognized for a range of health-beneficial properties like anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative activities.
Chaga is rich in vitamins (including folate, B6, C, and others), nutrients, and minerals (like potassium, zinc, and iron) but also includes bioactive compounds including phenolic ingredients, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides, all contributing to its beneficial properties [2, 3, 4, 5].
Importantly, although Chaga has many potential benefits, it also contains high levels of oxalate. Therefore, overconsumption can contribute to kidney damage [6].
Does Chaga interact with alcohol?
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