6 die after eating mushrooms: 5 side effects of mushrooms

Mushrooms are said to be nutrient-rich superfood packed with surprising health benefits. They are low in calories and fat, and are a great source of B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and powerful antioxidants that support immunity and fight inflammation. But, did you know that if not selected carefully and correctly, and used rightly after sanitization, they might result in severe health issues. As per reports, 15 cases of mushroom poisoning have been reported in East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya in the last one month, with six of them tragically resulting in death.

As per a report by a local website, these incidents have been reported from rural areas where wild mushrooms are often collected from forests and consumed as part of the daily diet. As per experts, such poisoning happens due to consumption of toxic mushrooms, which closely resemble edible ones in shape, size, and colour. The poisoning can cause a range of symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, liver damage and more. And these toxins are naturally produced by the mushrooms and cannot be removed through cooking, boiling, freezing, or any other form of preparation.

The symptoms of mushroom poisoning differ based on the species ingested. Some of the common symptoms include inflammation of the stomach and intestines (causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and possibly diarrhea), hallucination, liver toxicity, headache, flushing, seizures, and hypotension, among others.

As per experts, if the mushroom turns green or purple when cut, and has a bitter taste, or unpleasant smell, they are likely to be poisonous. There are other ways to identify wild mushrooms too.
Cap & Gills: Observe the shape, color, texture, and underside of the cap. Poisonous mushrooms often have white gills or a skirt-like ring on the stalk.​
Spore Print: Place the cap gill-side down on paper to check the spore color—this can help distinguish species.
Smell: Some mushrooms have a strong or distinctive odor (sweet, earthy, or chemical-like). However, it is also important to observe the appearance before considering it fit to eat.

While wild mushrooms are a total no for human consumption, even the edible ones can have some serious side effects and hence once should be mindful of eating them.
Gastrointestinal Issues: It is said that some mushrooms, when consumed in large amounts or raw, can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea due to chitin—a tough fiber in their cell walls that’s hard to digest for some people.​Allergic Reactions: They can also trigger allergies in sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms like skin rashes, runny nose, or even asthma-like responses due to fungal spores or proteins.
Toxicity from Wild Varieties: Misidentifying wild mushrooms can lead to serious poisoning. Toxic species like Amanita phalloides (death cap) contain amatoxins, which cause liver and kidney failure, and are often dangerous for the human body.
Psychoactive Effects: Psilocybin mushrooms, while studied for mental health benefits, can also cause anxiety, hallucinations, or psychosis, especially in unregulated or recreational use. However, it is best to avoid consuming certain mushroom varities without knowning to avoid the side effects.