Mushroom poisoning

We are in a country where going to is common and, even better, they are part of the culture and gastronomic offer of many regions. It is important to be a good connoisseur of these if we are going to collect them since there are some very poisonous species and that resemble edible foods in appearance.

Symptoms of poisoning

Mushroom poisoning is associated with four syndromes and seven classes of toxins. Syndromes differ according to the organs or systems they affect.

Some of the mushroom poisonings produce a neurological picture with hallucinations and autonomic nervous system disorders (sweating, lacrimation, salivation, miosis) and others produce digestive symptoms: abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The poisoning symptoms vary by species:

• Severe stomach pains
• Cold sweat
• Vomiting
• Fetid and profuse diarrhea
•  
• Alternating periods of crisis and calm
• Total immobilization.

The first symptoms may appear shortly after eating the mushrooms, usually between 30 minutes and three hours, or appear after a few hours, even 8 or 10.

What to do if I get poisoned by eating mushrooms?

 If it is suspected that a poisonous mushroom has been ingested, it should:

• closest so that it can be treated properly.
• It is important carry the remains of mushrooms that have been ingested since this will allow to identify the species and apply the specific treatment.

Some poisonings are very serious and life-threatening, so the effectiveness of treatment depends, in part, on how quickly it is established.

In addition, not only does the person affected by the poisoning have to go to the medical center, but all people who have ingested the suspicious mushroom, even if they do not present symptoms, since it is very likely that they have also been poisoned.

Tips for going mushroom hunting safely and sustainably

• Should be collect only mushrooms that are identified without margin of error, those that may be recognized without any doubt.
• If the mushroom is not known, it should not be touched, picked up or crushed.
• Catching the mushroom has its technique and, the best way is to pry with a knife or knife to obtain the complete mushroom. When collecting the mushroom blades must be kept down so that the spores fall to the ground.
• In order not to prevent the growth of more mushrooms, it is important not to remove the litter with rakes. This would injure the mycelia, the body of the mushroom.
• Good gatherers wear a Wicker basket and not a plastic bag. This helps the spores fall to the ground and contribute to its regeneration.
• Small mushrooms don't have as much flavor and have yet to grow. It is much better to collect the ones with a good size.
• If you doubt the toxicity of the mushroom, the only advice is not to touch or eat it.
• It is false that mushrooms eaten by snails or other animals are not toxic. The metabolism of some animals is different from that of humans and what can be toxic for an animal cannot be for a person and vice versa.
• Whenever you go on an excursion, you have to plan the itinerary, check the weather forecast and bring the right clothes and shoes, as well as water and food.

Nutritional benefits of mushrooms

•  Insoluble fiber: specific lignin (about 2.5 grams per 100 grams). It is a very beneficial woody fiber for the and to improve intestinal transit. In addition, the high fiber content gives it a high satiating power.
• Antioxidants: this is due to amino acid ergothein, present in the protein of mushrooms.
• Hypocaloric: Much of its composition is water and fiber. For this reason they are recommended to take care of the line.
• Vitamins and minerals: they are rich in iron, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, selenium, calcium, potassium, zinc, in addition to vitamin A and vitamins of group B (specifically B1, B2, B3), as well as C and vitamin D.
• Essential amino acids: Its protein is closer to that of the animal and, therefore, it is considered of great biological value. In some genera like the (oyster mushroom) all can be found.
• Strengthen the immune system: due to its content in beta glucans, an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory polysaccharide.
• Help regulate cholesterol: it is because some mushrooms are rich in conjugated linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that helps.

• Mushroom poisoning is associated with four syndromes and seven classes of toxins. Syndromes differ according to the organs or systems they affect.
• If you suspect that a poisonous mushroom has been ingested, you should go immediately to the nearest health center so that it can be treated properly.
• Some poisonings are very serious and life-threatening, so the effectiveness of treatment depends, in part, on how quickly it is established.

Dra. Esther Martínez García

Teladoc Health Collaborating Pediatric Specialist