Has anyone heard of Beta Glucan

[Guest guest]

While researching the Zylitol, the Beta Glucan caught my eye. It

appeared excellent for immune system at first, but it is derived from

the walls of yeast cells, so I'm not sure if, as a candida sufferer,

I would use it. Although, it could be termed almost a holistic

medicine for us, since they say the organisms are dead. Of course,

it could just make a lot of people worse, or create more candida

sufferers.

Here is the information.

What is Beta Glucan?

Beta Glucan is a unique compound derived from the cell walls of

yeast. Beta Glucan triggers an immune response in the body creating a

system of defense against viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic or

neoplastic invaders. It also has potent anti-oxidant and free radical

scavenging capabilities.

History of Beta Glucan

In the 1940s research yielded a substance that had immune activating

properties called Zymosan. It was not known until the 1960s which

element caused the response, when DiLuzio at Tulane

University experimented with Beta-1, 3-D Glucan. In the 1970s,

experiments with Beta-1, 3-D Glucan in humans began.

Scientific Validation

In one study, conducted by Dr. Mansell, yeast beta glucan was

injected into subcutaneous (under the skin) nodules of malignant

melanoma. Subsequent biopsies of the sites found no evidence of

melanoma, only a collection of obviously activated macrophages.

Countless other studies have shown positive effectiveness of beta

glucan on a myriad of conditions, including malignant ulcers of the

chest following mastectomy, HIV infections, infectious complications

from severe trauma, and radiation exposure. Beta glucan has been

shown to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics and antiviral

medications.

In the 1980s, a Harvard study described that there is a cascade of

events that is triggered because of the Beta-1, 3-D glucan, making

the body into an " arsenal of defense " .

Beta glucan may be the only and first true anti-aging supplement. It

is a defense against the negative effects of infections, tumors,

radiation exposure, (including UV radiation from the sun). It is a

safe and potent nutritional supplement, with free radical scavenging

ability, as well as a non-specific immune enhancing effect.

How Does It Work?

Immune Activator

Beta glucan works by activating the macrophages, or immune cells,

which trap and engulf foreign substances, similar to the way a " Pac

Man " works in the popular game. Also, the activated cells start a

cascade of events that cause the entire immune system to be alerted

and mobilized, in an entirely naturally activated sequence. The

result is an amplified immune system response until the " invaders "

are defeated.

Anti-Oxidant

Beta glucan is a powerful free radical scavenger.

Radioprotective

Beta glucan activated macrophages were able to scavenge debris and

cellular breakdown caused by radiation. In today's world it is

impossible to avoid some forms of radiation, such as:

Airline Travel

X-rays

Routine Mammograms

High Tension Power Lines

Proximity to Nuclear Facilities

Computer Terminals

UV Rays from the Sun

Tissue Regeneration and Repair

Beta glucan helps speed up the recovery of damaged tissue.

Adjuvant Effect

Beta glucan helps other substances like antibiotics, antifungals and

antiparasitics to work better.

Antineoplastic Effect

Beta glucan makes the macrophages recognize and destroy mutated cells.

Who Needs Beta Glucan?

People with impaired immunity from any cause: including people who

are susceptible to infectious diseases, people with HIV infection,

people undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, people over 40 whose

immune system begin to slow through the aging process, geriatric

patients.

People who are exposed to radiation from external sources such as UV,

or electromagnetic fields.

People who are in a chronic disease state or who have diabetes.

People with poor nutrition or who consume food preservatives.

People under physical or emotional stress, athletes and those who

work out extensively.

People with high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Common Questions About Beta Glucan

What is beta glucan?

Beta Glucan is a compound extracted from the cell walls of a baker's

yeast, with extraordinary immune enhancing capabilities.

Is it safe?

Beta glucan is completely safe and nontoxic.

I am allergic to yeast. Will this cause a problem?

Although derived from a baker's yeast, beta glucan is a pure isolate

and does not contain any yeast proteins that would cause an allergic

reaction.

Are there any drug reactions that occur with Beta Glucan?

Beta Glucan enhances the effect of many antibiotic and cholesterol

reducing drugs. There are no known adverse effects with

pharmacological drugs.

Are the effects of beta glucan backed by scientific research?

Numerous scientific studies originating from prestigious institutions

such as Tulane University and Harvard Medical School, attest to the

immune activating and protective effects of beta glucan.

Quotes From Actual Scientific Research:

" Glucan (Beta-1, 3-D) has been shown to enhance macrophage production

dramatically, and to increase nonspecific host resistance to a

variety of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. "

M. L. Patchen, Ph.D.

Department of Experimental Hematology and Radiation Sciences

Armed Forces Radiobiology Institute

" Beta-1, 3-D Glucan is a potent macrophage stimulant and is

beneficial in the therapy of experimental bacterial, viral and fungal

diseases. "

Browder, M.D.

Department of Surgery

Tulane University School of Medicine

" A cascade of interactions and reactions initiated by the macrophage

regulatory factors can be envisioned to occur and to eventuate in

conversion of the glucan treated host to an arsenal of defense. "

Joyce K. Czop, M.D.

Department of Rheumatology and Immunology

Harvard Medical School

" Glucan was found to be an effective drug in inducing macrophage-

mediated destruction in malignant lesions in animals and humans. "

P. Mansell, M.D.

McGill University Cancer Research Center

Hospital, Montreal, Canada

" The broad spectrum of immunopharmacological activities of glucan

includes not only the modification of certain bacterial, fungal,

viral, and parasitic infections, but also inhibition of tumor growth. "

DiLuzio, Ph. D.

Department of Physiology

Tulane University School of Medicine