Bacteroidetes vs Firmicutes: Gut Balance According to Medicinal Mushrooms

In recent years, research on the gut microbiota has highlighted two key players in human health: the bacterial phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Their balance is associated with a state of well-being, while imbalances in their proportion are linked to obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.

The polysaccharides in medicinal mushrooms are proving to be natural and powerful tools for regulating this balance. Let's see how.

The balance between Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes

In a healthy microbiota, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes make up about 90% of the gut bacterial flora. Bacteroidetes are associated with fiber fermentation and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while Firmicutes are linked to greater efficiency in energy absorption. An imbalanced ratio favoring Firmicutes has been connected to obesity and dysbiosis.

The role of fungi: documented effects

Numerous studies have shown that fungal polysaccharides can influence this ratio:

• Inonotus obliquus (Chaga): increases Bacteroidetes and reduces Firmicutes in chronic pancreatitis models.
• Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi): increases the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio in models of colitis and hyperlipidemia.
• Auricularia auricular: promotes the growth of Bacteroidetes, particularly the Porphyromonadaceae family.
• Grifola frondosa (Maitake): stimulates beneficial genera such as Alistipes, Prevotella, and Bacteroides.
• Agaricus bisporus: in animal models, it increases the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes.

An effect that depends on the context

Not all fungal polysaccharides act in the same way. Some, such as those from Pleurotus eryngii and Morchella esculenta, have shown a decrease in Bacteroidetes in certain contexts. This highlights the importance of tailoring the intervention by selecting fungal species based on the host's specific conditions.

Practical and Therapeutic Implications

Modulating the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio through medicinal mushrooms means:

• Counteracting intestinal dysbiosis
• Promote weight loss (in cases of obesity)
• Improve insulin sensitivity
• Reduce chronic inflammation
• Promote the production of SCFAs (butyric, acetic, propionic acid)

Smart supplements for a balanced microbiota

Supplements containing selected polysaccharides from medicinal mushrooms can help rebalance the bacterial profile of the gut. Depending on the extract, they can promote Bacteroidetes or reduce Firmicutes, restoring the intestinal ecosystem to a composition more favorable to health.

Targeted formulations that include extracts of Ganoderma, Inonotus, Auricularia, or Grifola offer a natural, yet scientifically validated, approach to supporting intestinal well-being.

Conclusion

The mindful use of medicinal mushrooms is a smart strategy to support the balance between Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. This balance is the foundation for a healthy microbiota, efficient metabolism, and a well-regulated immune system.

When choosing your supplements, also think about your microbiota: small organisms, big effects.

Discover our products

Do you want to help your gut regain balance and well-being?

Go to the shop

Discover our medicinal mushroom formulations designed to improve microbiota health and restore balance to your gut flora.