Supporting, tonifying and activating the body’s natural immune response has never been more important than today. We are constantly challenged by a barrage of factors and strengthening the immune system can lead to enhanced well-being and longevity. While Anova Health preaches a balanced approach to immune challenges including Argentyn23 and appropriate SafeCareRx formulas we wanted to focus on the importance of Beta Glucan use for immune challenges.
The Immune System
In 1908 the immune system was described as the system we know today. That information and the vast discoveries that have been made since then resulted in the birth of immunology, the advancement of cellular theory and the research and development into methods of stimulating, directing and enhancing immune response in order to support resistance to disease and enhance longevity.
The amazing immune system consists of: the Lymphatic System and lymph vessels, capillaries, the spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, the thymus gland, blood and blood vessels, tonsils, Peyer’s patches (located in the small intestines), the appendix, the liver, immune response cells such as lymphocytes, phagocytes, plasma cells, and more. It is a complex network of cells and organ systems working every second of the day. Its job is to identify and defeat foreign bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic substances. The body has Innate Immunity and develops Acquired Immunity.
The Innate Response System includes:
- Phagocytosis of bacteria and other foreign invaders by white blood cells and macrophage cells.
- Destruction of organisms by the acid secretions of the stomach.
- Integumentary defense (the enveloping membrane of the body, epidermis, dermis, nails, hair, mammary glands, sebaceous glands).
- Termination of foreign organisms or toxins by chemical compounds in the bloodstream such as lysozyme, polypeptides, and natural killer cells.1
Acquired Immunity
- The human body has the ability to develop powerful specific immunity against invaders such as lethal bacteria, viruses, toxins, etc. That acquired immunity includes:
- Humoral, or B-cell immunity – production of circulating antibodies.
- Antibodies are immunoglobulin molecules with a specific amino acid sequence that have been created to react with a specific antigen.
- T-cell or cell mediated immunity where a large number of activated lymphocytes are produced, specifically targeted to destroy a foreign invader.
Beta Glucan Research
Research into Beta Glucans has provided a breakthrough in nutritional support for the immune function. They are polysaccharide molecules, some of the most active of which naturally occur in
Mushrooms and Saccharomyces cerevisiae,. Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrate (sugar) molecules that form chains. The number of glucose molecules branching off the chain determines the type of polysaccharide and its health promoting properties. The greater the degree of branching in the Beta Glucan (i.e. the longer the chain), the greater the likelihood it will reach and activate more immune cells. Research indicates that Beta Glucans are radioprotective, support the lowering of cholesterol and the management of cardiovascular health, antioxidant activity and general well-being.
In the 1940’s, Dr. Louis Pillemar, discovered that a crude preparation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae appeared to enhance resistance to disease and limit some tumor growth. In the 1980’s scientist, Dr. Nicholas DiLuzio, found that the Beta Glucans in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, were a “broad spectrum enhancer of host defense mechanisms” that activated the body’s immune response. Subsequent studies have been completed in Europe, Scandinavia, and in the United States on yeast and its active ingredients, Beta Glucans. The Beta Glucans in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been shown, in the literature, to be capable of modulating the immune system in several ways. A Harvard scientist, Dr. Joyce Czop, described the immune stimulating properties, “… there is a specific receptor for yeast Beta 1,3/1,6-glucan on the surface of certain cells called macrophages that when activated, stimulate a cascade of events turning the cells into ‘an arsenal of defense”
Macrophages
Macrophages are a special type of white blood cell, leukocytes that play an essential role in the initiation and maintenance of the body’s immune response. The macrophages are our body’s first line of defense. They can identify and destroy foreign toxins and pathogens. Involved in the body’s daily detoxifying processes, macrophages work to maintain intestinal microflora, provide anti-tumor and anti-infection protection and help maintain the integrity of the immune system. Macrophages are found in virtually all tissues of the body including the central nervous system and the intestinal tract.
When a mature macrophage encounters Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucans, it becomes activated. The macrophages that line the intestinal walls have Beta Glucan receptors that attach to the Beta Glucans, activate them and carry them to the local lymph nodes called the Peyer’s patches where systemic activation of the immune system occurs.
Summary of Biological Activity of Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae:
- Macrophage activation with increased phagocyte activity enabling effective macrophage destruction of pathogens. This process contributes to disease resistance.
- Initiation of the Immune Response Cascade, releasing essential cytokines such as interluken 1 & 2 (IL-1, IL-2), and other fighter cells such as T-cells.
- Triggers the release of the cells that stimulate and enhance the manufacture of bone marrow.
- Provides antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity.
- Supports anti-aging.
- Supports the lowering of cholesterol and the balancing of blood lipids.
- A Synergy occurs that enhances the action of antibiotics in treatment of bacterial and viral infections, reducing the levels of antibiotic needed.
- Anti-fungal activity.
- Topically heals wounds.
Beta Glucan products from Anova Health
Anova Health products that feature1,3,-1,6 beta glucans for immune support include the new Immune Response formula from Innate Response and Betammune from BioPreventics Research.
Immune Response by Innate Response contains both Alpha and Beta Glucans along with Vital Food constituents and the inherent bioactive peptides intact. FoodState™ Beta 1,3/1,6 Glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Maitake Mushroom Beta 1/6,1/3 Glucans activate the body’s natural immune response and enhance natural resistance.
Betammune is an 89% pure beta glucan (the higher the percentage the stronger the effect) that delivers the longest branched chains in 500,000 to 2,000,000 dalton weights.
Both of these products are our immune modulators of choice for fortifying and modulating the immune system for the coming cold and flu season.
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