 1. Most of the Immune System Lives in the Gut. But How? About 70–80% of your dog’s immune cells live in the gut. This means the digestive tract isn’t just about food—it’s a major immune control center. Specifically, more than 80% of the immune function of the body is contained in Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT). Located in the intestinal lining, GALT consists of lymphocytes, macrophages, Peyer's Patches and lymph nodes. Peyer's Patches are lymphoid follicles in the small intestines. A compromised gut can influence everything from allergies to chronic inflammation. Constant assault on the digestive system by the inappropriate foods, such as gluten, or even amino acids the body cannot break down properly (like chicken for example), viruses, bacteria, or other irritants can result in damage to the delicate lining of the small intestine. This damage impairs the digestive process leading to poor absorption of nutrients and putrefaction of undigested food particles. Toxic by-products from bacteria that feed on undigested food particles add further to the destruction of the intestinal mucosa. In response to this constant assault, cells in the small intestine release a layer of protective mucus, seeking to lubricate and protect themselves from further damage. Now that's what I call smart and efficient! This layer of mucus however does prevent enzymes and immune cells to the food particles and antigens in the lumen of the small intestine. In cases like this, the gut needs to be drained, healed and repaired, so that the body can release the excess mucus, so the small intestine can heal and function optimally! If your unsure of what supplement to start your pets off with, the answer will always be a probiotic. 2. The Gut Teaches the Immune System What Is Safe. Your dog’s immune system must constantly decide what to attack and what to tolerate. The gut helps train the immune system to recognize: • beneficial bacteria • food proteins • environmental substances When this training system breaks down, the result can be allergies or sensitivities. If you want to amplify this process, add a mushroom supplement to your dog and cat's diet to better help to train the immune system with specific beta-glucans, acting as a prebiotic.  3. The Gut Barrier Protects the Body. The intestinal lining acts like a security wall. Healthy tight junctions prevent: • toxins • pathogens • undigested food particles from entering the bloodstream. When this barrier becomes compromised, immune reactions increase. The body requires specific nutrients to heal the gut wall lining. One of the whole food nutrients that does this is L-glutamine. A very special amino acid that is known to have many benefits for the lining of the gut. 4. The Microbiome Regulates Immune Balance. Trillions of microbes live inside your dog’s digestive tract. Good and bad. These bacteria produce compounds that influence: • inflammation • immune signaling • nutrient absorption • gut integrity A balanced microbiome helps keep the immune system calm and regulated. 5. Gut Health Influences Skin and Allergy Issues. Many dogs with itchy skin, ear infections, or chronic allergies actually have underlying gut imbalance. When the gut microbiome is disrupted, the immune system can become hyper-reactive, leading to inflammatory responses that show up on the skin.  6. Nutrients for the Immune System Are Absorbed in the Gut.
The gut is where critical immune nutrients are absorbed, including: • zinc • selenium • vitamins A, D, and E • amino acids • antioxidants If digestion is compromised, the immune system may not receive the building blocks it needs. 7. Gut Health Affects the Entire Body. A healthy gut influences: • immune resilience • energy levels • inflammation • cognitive health • longevity Supporting gut health is one of the most powerful ways to support overall vitality in dogs and cats. If you are struggling with your pets gut health issues, contact us to book your one on one consultation.
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 The Story Behind The Formula: Every good formula has a story- MycoMonty is no different! 'Myco' means fungi/mushroom, and 'Monty' is my beautiful German Shepherd dog. Monty lived and truly thrived his whole life, and he never had to see the vet-ever! Yes, he had always been on a great diet, but to be honest, I don't believe feeding just a good diet in this day and age is enough for our pets to truly thrive. You see, Monty had access to superfoods like the mushroom extracts in MycoMonty. These three powerful mushrooms work very effectively together, and are one of the best ones for immune support. I truly believe it was regular intake of these mushrooms that helped him to truly thrive all his life.
Why Three Mushrooms?
Because good things come in 3’s! “A three-stranded cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12. “Our beloved pets have a lot going against them, especially in this day and age, let’s help make them stronger!”-Lucy These three mushrooms together send a very powerful message to the immune system and the whole body. They help to amplify one another and work well as a team, may help to target both innate and adaptive immunity. Not every mushroom works well together, MycoMonty has been expertly formulated to be made into a superior supplemental product in the medicinal mushroom sector. No grain fillers- just pure mushrooms! “The more mushrooms you eat, the harder you are to kill!”-Dr. Brokenshire. This highly beneficial organic mushroom complex is very unique in the mushroom pet market place, at 4:1 & 8:1 extract ratios, it has potent immune markers, and is highly effective. May work well as a whole body tonic that gets inside the cells, and is a great prebiotic. How is MycoMonty different than all the other mushroom supplements on the market? The difference is that we use premium organic medicinal mushrooms with high quality extracts, because an 8:1 and a 4:1 mushroom extract ratio is going to have a different effect in the body than a 1:1 extract ratio. Ergothioneine Plays a major role in the efficacy of the mushroom supplement. This vital amino acid that works as an antioxidant is recognized for its crucial longevity role in health, while at the same time may have immune modulating properties, protective qualities, may help to support detoxification processes, and may aid in energy production. Ergothioneine is known as the ‘Longevity Vitamin’. It has been shown to potentially protect red blood cells and tissue damage and may be more powerful than glutathione! Mammals have receptor cites on cells for nutrients only mushrooms can make- It’s almost like they were designed to consume them! Ergothioneine may be the ultimate antioxidant for DNA methylation and cellular regeneration support- same as glutathione. The ergothioneine in MycoMonty comes from the fruiting body of the Shiitake extract. Studies and research indicates that supplementing with authentic ergothioneine from mushrooms that contain it (because not every mushroom species has it), may help to address age related issues that arise, making it very anti-aging. In Dr. Dodd’s book, ‘Canine Nutrigenomics’, she states that these 3 medicinal mushrooms are the ones Dr. Fougere recommends for pets with cancer, and are one of the most researched and studied for severe immunological conditions, which affirms why we chose these 3 mushrooms for MycoMonty. These 3 mushrooms were chosen specifically because they work well together synergistically, which not every mushroom does, with tremendous amount of benefits. Now, let’s get into each mushroom; Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) 4:1 extract- >30% Beta-glucans: Immunologically speaking, the most active for prevention. According to the Journal of Nutrition, shiitake mushrooms have proven to provide antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal protection and may help to control blood sugar and reduce inflammation. Shiitake contains 8 essential amino acids as well as linoleic acid which is an essential fatty acid. It has been used in Japan to treat heart disease, high blood pressure and infectious diseases. Shiitake has complex bioactive chemistry but the most researched component is lentinan, which is found in both fruiting body and the mycelium. It is a shiitake- specific beta-glucan polysaccharide which is recognised in Asia as an immunotherapeutic agent. In a late 1969 research study, researchers found evidence of mouse tumor inhibition with shiitake polysaccharide extracts. Researchers have also found that when shiitake extract was given with chemo therapy treatment, they found that the immonoregulatory effects of shiitake improved the efficacy of this treatment. Studies have also noted shiitake extract to help with dental care, according to studies this extract may help to reduce the metabolic activity of dental plaque and result in significant improvement in plaque index scores. A new peer-reviewed study shows that dogs fed shiitake mushrooms were super charged with increased anti-oxidative activity. Which means that it may lower the risk of oxidative stress which has been linked to many diseases. Shiitake is also rich in ergothioneine as previously mentioned, which can truly be a supplement in and of itself. Shiitake helps to support the following;
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) 8:1 extract- >30% Beta-glucans: Reishi is known as, ‘The plant of immortality’ in some translations (although technically not a plant, but fungi). It is most revered of all the medicinal mushrooms! Reishi contains beta-glucans that may increase the immune systems T-cell levels, may lower inflammatory responses caused by stress, poor diet, and other environmental factors. Reishi also contains ganoderic acids that have been shown to lower bad cholesterol in the body and may help to lower blood pressure. Some studies have found that reishi may also help to grow hair back. Rishi is a great source of triterpines, a class of chemical compounds found in mushrooms that have a wide range of health benefits. The main biological effects of reishi have been studied to be the following;
The polysaccharides from reishi may appear to offer extensive immunological effects, promoting the humoral, innate and cellular aspects of immunity. We may see significant enhancement of immune function in healthy animals, as well as its restoration to health in models of aging and stress, or with immunosuppressive drug use. Reishi has been shown to benefit autoimmune disorders and may assist with depressing the allergic response as well. Reishi also has a particular infinity for liver health, proven by pre-clinical data tracing back to Chinese animal studies from 1974! Reishi has been shown to have strong hepatoprotective (liver protective) effects in different liver disease states (from hepatocellular carcinoma to non-alcoholic fatty liver). A 6 month human trial of reishi supplementation showed significant improvements to antioxidant protection as measured with liver and antioxidant markers. Ultrasonic examination of these people found that fatty liver status has been reduced to normal healthy tissue. There are numerous studies done with reishi and no wonder, this mushroom really does it all, and we can see why it is traditionally known as ‘The plant of immortality’. Reishi may also help to regrow damaged body tissues and cells, like heart tissue. Turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) 8:1 extract- >40% Beta-glucans: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine used a polysaccharopeptide (PSP) compound extracted from Coriolus versicolor mushroom to treat dogs with hemangiosarcoma, a very invasive and aggressive cancer that originates in the blood vessels and spreads to the entire body. The dogs achieved the longest survival time ever reported for canines with this type of cancer. (Brown & Reetz, 2012). It is simply undenying the powerful and potent benefits of coriolus versicolor, and with an 8:1 extract in Resilience, you are getting an extremely beneficial amount. Coriolus may also help to slow the aging process, may support gut health, manage inflammation and may support the immune system in a powerful way. Have a super sensitive pet? No worries! All our supplements are formulated to keep the sensitive pet in mind- our mushroom blend does not stimulate the immune system! As with all supplements, consult your veterinarian prior to use. Organic, kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free, grain and filler free. The mushrooms extracts used in MycoMonty are from 100% organic fruiting bodies which are rigorously tested and guaranteed for active compounds. MycoMonty is heavy metal tested. Click here to purchase your bottle. Your pet will thank you. |
AuthorLucy is an avid pet mom; with dogs, cats, goats and horses to keep her busy! All of her pet 'kids' are fed a species appropriate diet with proper supplementation so she can watch them thrive. Her expertise and experience lie in nutraceutical supplementation and is a health advocate for proper diet and nutrition. Her other passions in life are schutzhund and equestrian riding. 
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