---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beta Glucan ReviewBeta glucans are polysaccharides in the cell walls of certain cereal grains, bacteria, fungi, and algae. Once ingested by humans, the immune system recognizes the beta glucans as pathogen-associated molecular patterns or PAMPs. This means beta glucan activates both innate and acquired immunity, which is a good thing. Innate immunity is what you’re born with. It consists of cells like neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and 30 blood proteins known as the "complement proteins." Together, they wage war on invading pathogens. Adaptive immunity, however, involves cells that require "training." Each infectious exposure teaches T-cells and B-cells to produce antibodies that attack specific infections. These cells "remember" the infection and produce long-lasting immunity to it. We initially thought that beta glucans only activated innate immunity, which is great by itself, but the recent discovery that they also activate acquired immunity is really exciting. In practical terms, it means beta glucan has immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and radioprotective properties. And since beta glucan is essentially insoluble fiber, scientists think it might also have cardioprotective effects through increased cholesterol management, body weight, and glycemic response. Beta glucan modulates the immune system by interacting with immune cells in the gut. This helps reduce systemic inflammation associated with mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Psychobiotic (a class of probiotics and prebiotics that improve mental health by influencing the gut-brain axis) strains work synergistically with beta glucan to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and support a balanced immune response. Beta glucan also enhances the overall health of the gut environment by promoting the growth of psychobiotic bacteria, improving gut barrier integrity, and reducing "leaky gut," linked to neuroinflammation. A healthier gut environment allows psychobiotic strains to more effectively produce beneficial metabolites and neurotransmitters that impact the brain. Some psychobiotic strains, like Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus helveticus, preferentially utilize beta glucan as a food source, leading to more beneficial byproducts. Beta glucan even enhances the adhesion of psychobiotics to the gut lining, improving their colonization and longevity. Oats, barley, yeast, and certain mushrooms contain beta glucan, but their cellular walls are thick, making it hard for your body to extract and utilize the good stuff. The best source of beta glucan is actually algae, particularly Euglena Gracilis. Algal beta glucan has much thinner cell walls, making it easy to digest. Biotest Beta Glucan Immune-Boosting Fiber contains 600 mg of this form per serving. Bonus benefits:
There's nothing else like it. Beta glucan is a breakthrough for anyone wanting to maintain a strong, healthy immune system. If you are a lover of all things health and fitness, or if you'd simply love to learn more about these topics, please subscribe to Coach John's newsletter below. |