Who Should Not Drink Mushroom Coffee

So, who should not drink mushroom coffee?

Mushroom coffee may not be right for everyone. People with mushroom allergies, autoimmune problems, or low blood pressure should avoid it. Also, pregnant or breastfeeding women and those taking blood thinners or other medications might face risks. Always talk to a doctor before trying mushroom coffee.

Three years ago, I stood in my kitchen, feeling pretty proud. I had just blended what I thought was the perfect cup of mushroom coffee. I’d added speciality coffee beans, lion’s mane, and milk; the whole works. I took that first sip and thought, This might just be magic.

I'm James Bellis, founder of Balance Coffee, a coffee entrepreneur, and a biohacker. With 12+ years in the industry, I hold an SCA Coffee Skills Diploma and specialise in healthy coffee, biohacking, and adaptogenic mushrooms. My full bio is here.

For about three weeks, I felt amazing. I didn’t have frequent crashes, and my energy lasted throughout the day. So naturally, I wanted to share my mushroom coffee discovery with everyone.

I gave a bag to my friend Sarah, who has always trusted my coffee recommendations. A few days later, she texted me: "I think your coffee hates me. My stomach’s in knots." I laughed at first but then realised that this was serious.

Feeling curious (and a little guilty), I called my nutritionist, Clementine Rose. We reviewed Sarah’s health history; sure enough, mushroom coffee wasn’t a good match for her sensitive stomach and autoimmune issues.

That moment taught me something important: not all “healthy” things are healthy for everyone.

So, if you’re considering mushroom coffee, this post is for you. I’m sharing exactly who should not drink mushroom coffee based on real experiences and research. 

Understanding How Mushroom Coffee Affects the Body

When I began my mushroom coffee journey, these questions below popped into my head:

• Is mushroom coffee safe for everyone? 

• Who should not drink mushroom coffee?

• Can you drink mushroom coffee daily?

How mushroom coffee works on you depends on the type of medicinal mushrooms it contains, which could be Chaga, Reishi, cordyceps, or Lion’s Mane.

These contain a group of bioactive compounds that affect various processes inside your body.

By interacting with these body processes, you may experience a variety of mushroom coffee benefits, which include:

• Reduced brain fog

• Stress Relief

• Smooth, sustained energy boost

But how do medicinal mushrooms give all of these benefits, you may wonder? It’s because of the micronutrients in them.

Some of them include: 

Beta-glucans

A LiveScience blog states that beta-glucans are responsible for many health benefits linked to functional mushrooms.

This bioactive compound may support heart health, regulate blood sugar levels, and strengthen our body’s immune defences.

WebMD states that beta-glucans activate white blood cells, enhancing our body’s ability to fight infections.

An IEEE-published animal study found that Chaga mushrooms helped lower bad cholesterol after just eight weeks.

Additionally, studies from the National Library of Medicine suggest that Lion’s Mane mushrooms activate the immune system in the gut, fighting off infections we could get through our nose or mouth.

Triterpenes

Medicinal mushrooms contain a special group of compounds called triterpenes, which may help reduce oxidative stress and strengthen our body’s immunity.

According to a journal published in the National Library of Medicine, Reishi mushrooms contain a triterpene called Ganoderic acid, which may have immunity-boosting properties.

Another important triterpene is Cordycepin, found in high levels in Cordyceps mushrooms. 

Research in the National Library of Medicine shows that Cordycepin has anti-inflammatory, immunity-strengthening, and antioxidant properties.

Since mushroom coffee contains extracts of these medicinal mushrooms, it provides a natural way to enjoy these health benefits.

But can anyone drink mushroom coffee, or are there restrictions? 

Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid Mushroom Coffee?

Jumping on the mushroom coffee bandwagon might initially seem like a safe idea. 

But if you’ve had health issues in the past, I suggest that you look through this section just to be on the safe side.

People with Mushroom Allergies

Okay, so this one’s a no-brainer. If you already have mushroom coffee, your alarm bells should already be ringing.

Drinking shroom coffee could trigger unwanted reactions if you have a mushroom allergy, and mild symptoms may include: 

• Skin rashes or itching

• Stomach discomfort or nausea. 

So, your next question would be, ‘Are there any risks to drinking mushroom coffee?’ Like serious ones? Well, in rare cases, it may cause severe allergic reactions, such as:

• Difficulty breathing

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• A sudden drop in blood pressure

If you experience such symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Who should avoid drinking mushroom coffee? If you notice any allergic reactions, whether mild or severe, it’s best to stop drinking it and consult a doctor.

Are you curious to learn more about this?

Please check out my in-depth guide on the side effects of mushroom coffee. 

Individuals with Autoimmune Disorders

Healthline says medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Chaga boost the immune system by stimulating white blood cells.

While this may benefit most people, there are health conditions that make mushroom coffee unsafe, especially in people with auto-immune disorders like:

• Lupus

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Multiple sclerosis

Why? Because overactivating the immune system could worsen symptoms in these conditions.

So, is mushroom coffee good for you if you have an autoimmune disorder? In this case, it may not be, and it’s best to consult your doctor before trying it.

Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women

Currently, research is limited on how functional mushrooms affect pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Some experts suggest that certain mushrooms may influence hormone activity, which is why medical blogs recommend avoiding mushroom coffee during this period.

Who should stay away from mushroom coffee? If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid mushroom coffee to stay on the safe side.

If you need a healthy beverage, there are better alternatives you can try, such as:

• Herbal teas like ginger or chamomile

• Decaf coffee

• A warm mug of milk

These drinks can help you relax and stay refreshed without the risks.

People Taking Blood Thinners or Medications

If you’re still wondering, ‘What are the side effects of mushroom coffee?’ One side effect is that it may interfere with how medications work in your body.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that Chaga mushrooms contain a specific protein that can slow down blood clot formation.

Plus, medicinal mushrooms are known to boost our immune system and regulate blood sugar levels.

While these benefits may be helpful for some, they can pose mushroom coffee dangers for certain people taking medications, such as:

Blood thinners

Mushroom coffee may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding by enhancing the effects of blood thinners. If you take these medications, it’s best to avoid mushroom coffee.

Diabetic medicines

Studies show functional mushrooms like Lion’s Mane help lower blood sugar levels. 

If you take mushroom coffee with diabetes medication, it may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, which could bring serious health risks.

Immunosuppressant drugs

If you’re on immunosuppressant drugs, especially after a transplant or due to a medical condition, mushroom coffee may weaken the effects of your medication.

Who should not drink mushroom coffee? Anyone taking medications should consult their healthcare provider before adding mushroom coffee to their routine. It’s always best to be safe!

For a deeper, evidence-based look at how mushroom coffee works, check out does mushroom coffee work?

People with Low Blood Pressure

Do medicinal mushrooms affect blood pressure? Yes! Animal studies published in the National Library of Medicine show that Reishi mushrooms may help lower blood pressure.

Can mushroom coffee be harmful to some people? If you have low blood pressure or take blood pressure medications, drinking mushroom coffee may lead to unwanted side effects.

Since mushroom coffee contains medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, it may further lower blood pressure, causing symptoms like:

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Fatigue or weakness

• Nausea

Who should not drink mushroom coffee? If you have hypotension (low blood pressure) or are on blood pressure medication, it’s best to consult your doctor before drinking mushroom coffee.

How to Minimize Risk If You Still Want to Try It

If you’re curious about mushroom coffee but want to avoid side effects, follow these tips:

Choose a Safe Mushroom Coffee Blend

With so many brands available, how do you find the safest option?

• Look for fruiting body extracts – These have more beneficial compounds than mycelium-based blends.

• Check online reviews when trying to pick the best mushroom coffee brands – Customer experiences can help you find reliable brands.

• Verify dosage information – The packaging should clearly state the caffeine and mushroom extract content per cup. If it’s vague, that’s a red flag!

You should know how to choose mushroom coffee well to enjoy all its benefits.

If you’re still wondering, ‘Who should not drink mushroom coffee?’ and take medications or have health conditions, it’s best to consult your doctor before trying it.

Slow Introduction & Dosage Recommendations

Once you find a high-quality blend, start slow:

• Begin with one cup in the morning, at least two hours before or after taking medications.

• Keep a journal or use a health-tracking app to monitor changes in energy, focus, digestion, or mood.

When should you avoid drinking mushroom coffee? If you experience any side effects, stop drinking it immediately.

Otherwise, monitor your body for three weeks. 

If you feel good, you can increase to two cups, one in the morning and another in the afternoon or evening, at least six hours before bedtime.

Alternative Ways to Reap Mushroom Benefits

Do you sometimes want the benefits of medicinal mushrooms without having them in coffee? Then, you should try consuming :

• Mushroom drops – Mix them into tea or your favourite drink.

• Mushroom capsules – Just pop them in your mouth with some water. 

• Mushroom powder – Mix into tea or your favourite drink.

Conclusion: Should You Drink It or Skip It?

There’s no denying that mushroom coffee gives a huge list of health benefits, but who should not drink mushroom coffee?

The answer isn’t simple, but generally, anyone with autoimmune disorders, low blood pressure, pregnancy, or those taking medications should avoid it. 

If you're unsure, consult your doctor first. 

Want the benefits without having them in coffee?

Then, you can try out mushroom tinctures, capsules, or powders instead.

These provide the same nutrients without the caffeine or possible side effects.