A-Z immune health Articles

What Is Beta Glucan?

Beta glucan can be classified as a soluble or insoluble fibre, and varies in terms of viscosity and mass, depending on the source. While it can be found in some foods such as, bran of some cereal grains, including oats, wheat, and barley. Beta gluten can also be derived from medicinal mushrooms and some yeasts or taken in supplement form.

Key Health Benefits of Beta Glucan Supplements

As many fibres can, studies have shown that beta glucan can modestly improve cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels. In regards to cholesterol specifically, studies have shown beta glucans to be effective in lowering both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

They have also been shown to have some immune activating properties, specifically in terms of gut mediated immune activity or GALT (gut associated lymphoid tissue). As an immunostimulant, beta glucan has been used for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, physical and emotional stress and as an adjunct to radiation treatment protocols, particularly a specific beta glucan called lentinan. PGG glucan, another specific beta glucan, has also been shown to have effective infection fighting properties.

Many studies have also confirmed the effectiveness of beta glucan in terms of blood sugar regulation. Yeast derived beta glucans have also been implicated in the treatment of both allergic rhinitis and arthritis, although more studies are needed to confirm effectiveness and dosage.

Beta Glucan Supplement Varieties

Forms & Formats

As a fibre, beta glucan is often found in supplements derived from sources that naturally contain these fibres. Many medicinal mushroom capsules and powders contain beta glucan such as Maitake capsules by Host Defense or New Roots, Organic whole Maitake mushrooms from Organic Traditions or 5 Mushroom Blend powder from Wild Rose.

Dosage

As it is found in many grains/cereal products, beta glucan can be taken as food, or in a more potent supplement form. It can be found alone or as part of an immune supporting (especially fungal beta glucans) or cholesterol lowering combination product. For the treatment of hyperlipidemia, a dosage of 3-16 g has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol. Considerably higher doses have been used in studies to promote better blood sugar control. Otherwise speak with your healthcare practitioner for a protocol that would suit your needs or follow the directions from the manufacturers label.

Safety Information

Both yeast and fungal beta glucans are considered to be well tolerated with little to no side effects associated with their use. Do not co administer with aspirin or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as this combination has been shown to cause severe gastrointestinal damage.

As with any fibre, do not take any other medications or supplements with a beta glucan supplement, as it will reduce transit time and can alter the effect the medication/supplement has on the body. Beta glucan supplementation is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of available scientific evidence.

Cold and flu season can take a toll on your energy, immune system, and overall well-being. With increased exposure to viruses and environmental stressors, many people look for ways to strengthen their defences and recover more quickly. Alongside proper rest, hydration, and nutrition, cold and flu supplements have become a popular way to manage symptoms. 

Let's explore typical cold and flu symptoms, conventional treatments, and natural ways to support your body and immune system during illness.

What Are Cold & Flu Symptoms?

Cold symptoms include congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, swollen glands, and often low-grade fever. As the cold progresses, discharge may increase and become green or yellow in colour. The duration of a cold is usually 7 –10 days. Flus usually have the same symptoms as a cold, but are more severe. High fever, chills and body aches also occur. Flus can also attack the gastrointestinal system and cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The duration of the flu is usually one week, but full recovery can take longer.

How Can I Treat Cold & Flu?

Conventional Treatment Options

The only conventional treatment for colds and flu is to take antibiotics, but ONLY if there is a bacterial infection present! Antibiotics being used to treat non-bacterial illnesses, such as cold and flu viruses, have created significant problems, including the emergence of strains of antibiotic-resistant organisms. By only using antibiotics when a bacterial infection is present and by making sure the entire course of antibiotics are followed, you can help to lessen the amount of resistance.

Cold & Flu Supplements & Herbs

Oregano Oil

Oregano is a VERY effective anti-bacterial. Use it at the first sign of a sore throat, and if it’s bacterial in nature, it’ll be GONE! Chronic use of oregano oil is powerful enough that it will eventually affect healthy gut flora. It's best to use oregano oil for 5-7 days at the first sign of a cold, not as a long-term immune support.

Vitamin D

It's no coincidence that cold and flu outbreaks increase during the winter months, when North Americans are no longer able to get the sunshine vitamin from SUN. We now know the crucial role that vitamin D plays in balancing and optimizing immune system function. Up your intake temporarily if you feel a cold or flu coming on. As a fat-soluble vitamin, D3 should always be taken with food.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is effective at preventing cold and flu symptoms in those under heavy physical stress, and arguably, stress in general. Regular supplementation with vitamin C has also been shown to reduce the average duration of a cold.

Echinacea

Echinacea has several immune-specific actions in the body, including antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and antiparasitic effects. It’s also a decongestant, lymphatic, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant. How’s that for cold and flu treatment? Echinacea is most effective when used at the first sign of a cold and/or flu.

Elderberry

It’s ANTIVIRAL!!! To all of those “let it run its course’’ proponents, who say there’s nothing you can do for cold and flu… think again. Elderberry is an effective anti-viral, and as such can help decrease the duration and severity of a cold and flu.

Probiotics

The gut is the HEART of the immune system, with more immune cells than any other area of the body. As such, we need to ensure that our healthy gut bacteria outweigh the pathogenic bacteria (also normally present) in the gut.

Astragalus

In Asian medicine, Astragulus is one of the most widely used herbs. It has the potential to increase the activity of immune cells, enhancing the immune response. Astragalus also has anti-viral properties.

Andrographis

Native to India, Andrographis may not be as well known as some of these cold and flu busters, but it soon will be! Studies show that it can significantly shorten the duration of cold and flu, as well as being effective for prevention.

What Is Colostrum? Discover The First Food of Life

Colostrum is the “first food of life” because it is excreted from the mammalian breast during the first 72 hours after birth. It is rich in nutrients and substances that help strengthen an infant's immune system. Now a colostrum supplement is also available to reap their health benefits. 

Key Properties Found in Colostrum

Colostrum supplements possess many medicinal properties which include, antimicrobial, anti-allergenic and properties that protect against toxins. They also include key properties, immunoglobulins and lactoferrin. Immunoglobulins and lactoferrin support the maturation of the immune system, a process that is not completed until the second year of life in humans. It also contains lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, or fat that carries important vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Top Health Benefits of Colostrum Supplements

Natural health practitioners recommend this supplement for a variety of conditions including:

• Colds and flu
• Chronic and frequent infections
• Wounds, burns & ulcers
• Diarrhea
• Intestinal inflammation
• Obesity 
• Blood sugar imbalances

Colostrum Supplement Varieties: Formats, Dosage & More

Colostrum can be purchased in capsules, as a powder, in a spray or a cream. It can also be found in combination supplements for immune boosting or digestive health. The best source for colostrum products is from New Zealand, where the cattle and sheep are free from pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics and disease.

Final Considerations & Cautions When Using A Colostrum Supplement

Do not use colostrum if you are allergic to dairy products or if you are pregnant or nursing because colostrum has not been studied for these uses. 

The amino acids that the body cannot produce and need to be taken in through the diet, are called essential. Lysine is one of these amino acids and should be taken as a supplement or through dietary choices. Lysine plays an important role in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fatty acids. Thus it builds muscle (athletic enhancement) and rebuilds muscle after periods of illness or inactivity. It is also a component of connective tissue and brain chemicals.

Top Health Benefits of A Lysine Supplement

Lysine is involved in growth and bone development because it increases the absorption and deposition of calcium. Lysineand another amino acid, methionine, form carnitine. Carnitine helps cells use fats for energy production.

By competing with arginine for absorption, lysine limits the reproduction of herpes virus and prevents herpes outbreaks (cold sores). Lysine improves cardiovascular health by removing components of atherosclerotic plaques. It has been shown to increase the diameter of vessels and improve blood flow. Natural health practitioners for angina, poor circulation, herpes simplex, osteoporosis, improved athletic performance, convalescence and high triglyceride levels recommend lysine.

Discover Lysine Supplement Varieties & Formats

The biologically active form of lysine is L-lysine. It is commonly found in capsules. Lysine and arginine compete for absorption so supplements of these amino acids should be taken at different times. It is often combined with vitamins and anti-viral agents for the prevention of herpes outbreaks. Take amino acid supplements at least 1/2 hour before or after a meal to maximize their absorption. If you take an individual amino acid supplement for longer than one month, add an amino acid complex to the protocol to prevent the deficiency of other amino acids.

Potential Side Effects & Key Considerations

While lysine in the diet is considered safe, excessive doses may cause gallstones. There have also been reports of renal dysfunction, including Fanconi syndrome and renal failure. High arginine intake will lower lysine levels. Individuals with kidney disease should use lysine cautiously. 

Talk to your doctor before taking supplemental lysine if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a perennial plant in the ivy family that is native to eastern North America and has a long history of use by the Native North Americans. Because of its adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS), endocrine, and energy-boosting effects, it began to be cultivated in China.

Because of this, it has been incorporated into Traditional Chinese Medicine as well. The active constituents in Panax quinquefolius are ginsenosides, similar to other genuine ginsengs of the Panax family.

Top Health Benefits of North American Ginseng

North American ginseng has been widely studied and has been shown to have several beneficial effects. It has been shown to promote the regulation of blood sugar levels in diabetics and is successful in preventing influenza infection in the elderly. It has also been studied for its ability to enhance libido and sexual performance, although the exact mechanism of action is not yet understood. Interestingly, in males, ginsenosides have been shown to directly facilitate penile erection. Recently, the University of Hong Kong identified North American ginseng as having anti-inflammatory effects as well. Interestingly some ginsenosides can act as weak phytoestrogens, a term used to describe plant compounds that can mimic the female hormone estrogen in the body. 

Key Medicinal Properties of North American Ginseng

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), American ginseng promotes yin energy, cleans excess yang and calms the body. This means that it is a more nourishing and cooling herb that can be used more in the summertime or by those with "hot" conditions such as acne, red rashes, mouth ulcers and anxiety.

Shopping For Quality Ginseng Supplements

North American ginseng is often found as powdered dried root or as a concentrated extract. Raw herbs, teas, single-serving liquid vials, tinctures, encapsulated herbs or capsules are all widely available. It comes as a single herb or in combination formulas for the treatment of a variety of conditions. Dosing recommendations are 600-3000mg of raw herb three times a day, or a cup of tea made using 3g of raw herb taken three times a day. Concentrated extract can be taken as 100-300 mg extract (standardized to 7% ginsenosides) three times daily for 3-4 weeks. North American ginseng can also be found in energy drinks and other commercial products, although this is often the tea form and is too dilute to have physical effects.

Important Information, Potential Side Effects & Considerations

North American ginseng, like other ginsengs, contains components that have blood thinning, blood pressure altering and blood sugar-altering properties. 

Ginseng supplements should be used with caution by individuals with active bleeding, blood clotting disorders, high or low blood pressure, diabetes and hypoglycemia. For the same reason, ginseng supplements should be discontinued before surgery or dental work. 

Ginseng can alter the effects of caffeine, stimulants, decongestants, blood thinners (including aspirin), anti-hypertensives, sedatives, insulin, and oral hypoglycemics. Ginseng may also lead to the induction of mania in depressed patients who mix it with antidepressants. 

Estrogenic symptoms have been reported in pre and post-menopausal women, and this may be due to weak phytoestrogenic activity of some ginsenosides. It would be prudent to avoid the use of North American ginseng during pregnancy, lactation, and in cases of estrogen-sensitive conditions, including estrogen-sensitive cancers.

As fellow pet lovers and dog owners, we understand that you love your dogs and want the best for them. At National Nutrition, we want what's best for your pets too, which is why we have a range of high-quality natural supplements for dogs to support all breeds. You will be happy to learn that we have recently expanded our pet health section to include even more natural products to help give your dog everything they need for a long and healthy life.

Every day, we get a lot of questions about which products are best for your furry friend. That's why we created this list of our top supplements for dogs, so you can make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need to thrive in every area of their life.

Continue reading as we answer some of the most common questions we get from pet owners, including those about joint health, digestive health, coat and skin health, fleas and ticks, mood support, and our top pet supplement picks.

Joint Supplements for Dogs

For those of us who have dogs who love to play and run around, joint health is an important thing to keep in mind. Your dog can't tell you when their joints are hurting, so it's important to support their joint health before it becomes painful. 

There are several supplements for dogs out there that can help with joint pain and discomfort, but we like NaturPet's Joint Care. This product is an all-natural formula that supports joint health in dogs (and cats, too!). 

We love it because it cleanses calcium deposits from the joints and reduces inflammation, plus it alleviates the arthritic pain associated with aging in your furry best friend, allowing them to spend more time doing what they enjoy; running, jumping, and playing.

Dogs' Digestive Health

The digestive system is an important part of any animal's health, including dogs. If your dog has trouble digesting food or has irregular bowel movements, it could mean they need attention. With dogs, we don't always know what they have been eating, which makes taking care of their digestive systems super important.

BiologicVet's BioDigest is a plant-based probiotic and prebiotic formula designed to support the digestive and immune systems. BioDigest helps maintain proper gut pH, intestinal health, and flora in the digestive tract. Most human probiotic strains are not acid-resistant enough to survive the digestive tract of cats and dogs, so using a clinically proven, acid-resistant strain like Pediococcus acidilactici is essential to get the benefits and results pets need.

Parasites are also a common reason for digestive upset in dogs. Parasites can be transmitted through contact and ingestion of contaminated food, water, and feces. They can also be carried by fleas or lice. If your dog has become infected with parasites, you may notice a change in appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. NaturPet's Intesti Care is an all-natural way to de-worm your pet by working with the parasites' life cycle and supporting joint health. The simple supplement can do double duty for dogs and cats.

Supplements for Dogs' Skin & Coat Health

Many dogs are prone to itchy, dry, and flaky skin, which can be a sign of underlying health problems. 

BioSkin & Coat from dog supplement maker BiologicVet provides a source of antihistamines and nutrients that support the skin of your pet. When used regularly, it helps alleviate allergies, stops skin irritations, and supports healthy immune and hormone function. BioSkin & Coat is tasty and easy to give to your dog, and it contains BioFibre for optimal absorption. Simply mix into raw, moist, or dry food.

Another excellent supplement by BiologicVet for coat and skin health is BioFats Omega 3-6-9, an all-natural source of fatty acids. It helps your dog maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Fatty acids are known for their ability to reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and promote proper brain function.

Lastly, if something's bothering your dog's paws, you may want to try NaturPet's Paw & Skin. Paw & Skin is a natural healing cream that was formulated to support cracked feet, itchy skin, infections, and hot spots.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks are a common problem for dogs, especially in the summer when they spend more time outside in warmer temperatures. 

NaturPet's Fleeze Topical is an all-natural supplement for dogs that works as a preventative measure against ticks and fleas. It contains essential oils that help ward off these pests without harmful chemicals or pesticides. Simply sprinkle on your dog's fur or bed to help ward off those unwanted bloodsuckers.

Dogs Mood Support

One of the most important benefits of feeding your dog a healthy diet is that it helps improve their day-to-day mood. However, certain situations can cause anxiety in your pet. If your best friend gets stressed during travel, daycare, kennels, thunderstorms, fireworks, or simply being left alone at home while you're at work, Be Calm by NaturPet can help. Thanks to all-natural calming herbal ingredients like valerian root, black cohosh, lemon balm, and passionflower, Be Calm can help calm and soothe your dog when they experience anxiety.

Be Calm is also safe for dogs of all ages and can be given daily to help your dog stay calm and relaxed. If you have a dog that suffers from separation anxiety or is just a little bit nervous around new people, this calming supplement could be the answer you've been looking for.

Best of all, all products from NaturPet and BiologicVet are natural and completely safe for your furry best friend, so you can feel good about giving your dog the very best from these product lines.

There have never been more options than before to support your dog's health naturally. At National Nutrition, we have recently expanded our pet care section to include all of these effective products that we know you'll love. If there's a concern that we haven't addressed, one of our expert educators can help guide you to the right product for your furry friend. Either stop by in person or online and speak with one of our educators to find the right product for your fur baby.

What is The Thymus Gland?

The thymus is a small organ in your chest, just behind your breastbone, that plays a big role in your immune system when you're a child. As you grow older, it gets smaller and less active, often almost disappearing by adulthood. The thymus is key for creating special immune cells called T-cells, which help fight viruses and keep abnormal cell growth in check. Because of this, thymus extracts are sometimes used to support the immune system.

Symptoms of Thymus Deficiency

There is no condition caused by an insufficient thymus. In fact, the thymus gland performs its function of prepping our T-cell immune base to completion during childhood. Function slows in puberty, and by adulthood, the thymus has been mostly replaced by fat cells. There is no evidence of the thymus performing any function after puberty. Interestingly, children who have their thymus removed prior to puberty grow up to become adults who go through premature immune system aging, resulting in more opportunistic infections at an earlier age. It is suggested that their thymus did not complete its immune training prior to removal. This is the closest to a deficiency that has ever been reported.

What is Thymus Glandular?

It is theorized that supplementing with thymus glandular extracted from bovine (cow), porcine (pig), or ovine (sheep) sources can help to supplement the immune system. There is very little evidence available from research, which may be due to the research limitations shared by all glandular extracts. Also, the fact that the thymus does not play a large role in the adult immune system leaves this supplementation less supported.

How Do I Take Thymus Glandular?

Generally speaking, thymus glandular is found in combination products with other glandular extracts in small doses. There is no generally accepted dose, and each label's suggested dosing recommendations should be followed unless otherwise recommended by a healthcare professional. Check out our top-selling Thymus Glandular supplements

Important Information

There is little supportive evidence for the use of thymus glandular to help promote immune health. The thymus plays the largest role in immune health during childhood, but safety testing has not been performed on supplementation in children.