- 100mg
- Beta - 1,3/1,6 D-Glucan Powder (min.60%) (from Saccharmyces cerevisiae)
- 160mg
- Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa)
Brown Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate
Format
Veggie Caps
90 V-caps
Dosage
As a dietary supplement, take one Vcap daily.
Important Information
Free of all common allergens, including: wheat, dairy, eggs, corn, and yeast.
- Activates white blood cells
- Boosts immune function
- Enhanced with Maitake Mushroom
- An aid in the prevention of unhealthy cell growth and diseases
- Easy to swallow Vcaps
Related Videos
No Related VideosArticles by a naturopathic doctor.
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Immune response relies on the stimulation of macrophages white blood cells that scour the body on search and destroy missions targeting harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, these "special forces" are not always on duty - they must first be activated. And that's the role of beta-glucans. They give the "go order" to the body's macrophages. The more beta-glucans in the system, the more macrophages will be called into action.NOW Beta 1-3 Glucan formula is comprised of the most concentrated sources available Saccharomyces Cerevisae (the inner cell walls of baker's yeast) and Maitake mushroom. As research evolves, consumers are increasingly turning to beta-glucans to give their immune function added firepower.
What is Beta-Glucan?
Beta-glucan is a fiber-type complex sugar (polysaccharide) derived from the cell wall of baker's yeast, oat and barley fiber, and many medicinal mushrooms, such as maitake. In their natural states, yeast and mushrooms contain a mixture of beta-1,3-glucan and beta-1,6-glucan. Oats and barley contain a mixture of beta-1,3-glucan and beta-1,4-glucan.
The two primary uses of beta-glucan are to enhance the immune system and to lower blood cholesterol levels.
1-3 beta glucans are especially valuable to immune system response, though they're increasingly lacking in today's typical diet. Scientific studies have demonstrated that the 1,3 form of Beta Glucan found in mushrooms possesses remarkable abilities to support both innate and adaptive immunity. A strong, responsive immune system is the foundation of good health.
Immune System Health
The immune system is the police force of the body. It is a complex system of cells that defend the body from invading organisms, regulate inflammation and control abnormal cell growth. Many organs are involved in the immune response, the bone marrow, lymphatic system, thymus, liver and spleen. Bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
The spleen is a location where immune cells can monitor the blood for foreign matter. It also speeds up red blood cell production and activates blood clotting. The liver can increase body temperature and induce sweating to help fight off infections. The thymus produces B cells, which make antibodies, and T cells, which are part of the immune response.
The immune system is capable of fighting off intruders and remembering them so that they are killed off quickly if they invade again. The immune system must be able to differentiate self from non-self in order to know what to attack. If it does not recognize the body's own tissue than autoimmune diseases occurs.
Physical and emotional stress has been shown in studies to depress the amount of circulating immune cells. Examples of possible stressors are excessive exercise, surgery, a long illness, and loss of a job or death of a loved one. The sympathetic nervous system is activated by stress and causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a heightening of the body's senses. It decreases the functioning of systems that are not essential for fighting or fleeing a situation. This includes immunity. Stress also causes increased inflammation and a build up of damaging agents called free radicals. These substances can interfere with normal immune functioning.
Poor dietary habits inhibit the immune system by creating deficiencies in protein, vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet, with sufficient protein intake, supports the immune system because the immune cells are made of protein and are in a constant state of renewal. The immune cells use a variety of vitamins and minerals to carry out their jobs. The most important nutrients are vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc and essential fatty acids. For example, vitamin C strengthens white blood cells and prevents the multiplication of bacteria and viruses. Deficiency of any one of these nutrients impairs the immune response.
Dietary sugar, especially white sugar, has been directly linked to depression of the immune system, immediately after its consumption. One study showed that eating three and a half oz. of simple sugar reduced the ability of white blood cells to destroy bacteria. Sugar also provides fuel for invading organisms, like bacteria and fungus, thus strengthening their attack.
Choose lean meats, fermented dairy products and legumes to fill your daily protein requirements. Supplement with protein powder or amino acid complex if you cannot consume enough protein. Eat fermented products to increase the amount of friendly bacteria in your system. A diet high in raw fruits and vegetables provides a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for the immune system. Onions and garlic are good sources of substances that make up anti-inflammatory compounds and help to kill microbes. Flaxseed and fish oils contain essential fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory. Avoid excess animal products, dairy products, processed foods, white flour and sugar products all of which decrease the immune system.
Optimize Your Immune System by:
- Consuming a nutrient-rich diet from a wide variety of foods.
- Exercising regularly.
- Maintaining regular sleeping habits.
- Limiting exposure to environment toxins and medications.
- Supplement with immune supporting and nutrients.
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