Beta Glucan is an extremely potent, immune activating substance taken from the cellular walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast). The extraction is so pure that consumption of Beta-Glucan is harmless, unlike consuming large amounts of yeast. So, even if you have yeast related problems, including overgrowths and infections, Beta-Glucan is a perfectly safe immune supplement to take.
In the late 1980s, Dr. Joyce Czop of Harvard University describes how cells known as macrophage, which are the front line defense of the immune system, contain a special receptor for yeast in Beta-Glucan. In addition to recognizing and eliminating tumor cells throughout the body, macrophage cells also produce several essential cytokines that help to fortify the immune system's natural defences against infections and viruses. The more activated macrophage cells there are in the body, the better the immune response, thus the medical community has a great ongoing interest in Beta Glucan.
According to an article by Donald J. Carrow, M.D., in a 1996 Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, "There is now evidence to show that Beta-Glucan is, from an evolutionary point of view, the most widely and most commonly observed macrophage activator in nature."
Dr. Carrow has said that Beta-Glucan is an excellent supplementation option for people who have impaired immunity from any cause, including chronic fatigue, recurring stress, fibromyalgia, persistent viruses, or even environmental pollutants. Beta-Glucan is generally accepted as safe, has no known toxicity or side effects, and was approved by the FDA in 1998.
In addition to its immune boosting qualities, Beta Glucan has been shown to lower cholesterol by as much as 20%. If you are looking for a long-term health-enhancing supplement, Beta Glucan definitely has the potential to be an excellent choice.
Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of http://www.immunewellness.com - your source for high quality information about a variety of health products, including Beta Glucan.
This Week's Helpful Health Hint
How to Eat More Vitamin B
The B vitamins are essential for healthy nerves, skin, eyes and hair, and for a healthy liver.
Steps:
1. Eat leafy green vegetables, cantaloupe, asparagus, beets and brewer's yeast to get enough folic acid.
2. Add enriched whole-grain products, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, leafy green vegetables, Brussels sprouts and grains such as millet to your diet for adequate B-2, or riboflavin.
3. Spike your diet with soy products, yeast and cereals for biotin. Beef liver and clams are also a good source.
4. Eat whole grains, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, oysters and enriched bread for B-1, or thiamine.
5. Feast on chicken, salmon, potatoes and whole-grain products for B-3, or niacin. Peanuts and peanut butter are also good sources of niacin.
6. Eat brown rice, soy products, whole grains, bananas, strawberries, leafy green vegetables, wheat germ and oatmeal for B-6, or pyridoxine. Other sources include broccoli, asparagus, fish, chicken and watermelon.
7. Eat foods of animal origin for B-12, or cobalamin. Vegetarians can get B-12 from fortified products, some fermented soy foods such as miso, and Red Star brand Y3365 yeast.
8. Find pantothenic acid in a wide variety of plant and animal sources, including eggs, avocados, mushrooms, chicken and oranges.
Warnings:
If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
