How Beta Glucan Protects You From Disease, Including Cancer

[I share my trusted friend Julie Formby’s important article on beta-glucan with permission, because we both want you to be well and thrive. Julie is also a top blood analyst, so don’t miss her Live & Dry Blood Analysis information near the end].

Freaky things happen that can permanently alter the quality of life: exposure to black mold, an acute infection that suddenly erupts, an injury such as a broken hip, cancer….

Fortunately, the body WANTS to heal itself. And when given the proper building blocks, healing is easier!

Today, I want to tell you about an exciting natural compound called beta-glucan.

What Is Beta Glucan (b-glucan)?

• B-glucan is found abundantly in the cell walls of mushrooms, seaweeds, whole grains (oats, barley, rye), algae and yeasts. 

• Beta glucan has the ability to up-regulate and down-regulate the response of biological systems. The presence of beta glucan is linked to the production and activation of macrophages, NK-cells, T-cells, B-cells from the body’s natural defense system. (source)

• b-glucans are a soluble and fermentable fiber.

• Not only can beta glucans be consumed by eating these types of foods, but you can also obtain them from taking supplements:

Like other types of soluble fiber, beta glucan slows the passage of food as it travels through your intestines, which can keep you feeling full for longer (source).

Beta glucan also slows the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream, stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving blood sugar regulation.

Additionally, this fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol in your digestive tract to support healthy blood cholesterol levels. There is an established cause-and-effect relationship between the consumption of beta-glucan and reduced blood cholesterol. (Source – p. 57)

Most studies have found that consuming 3 to 10 grams daily has the most effects. (source)

How does beta glucan protect you against disease, including cancer?

B-glucans are absorbed by Peyer’s patches, the immune sensors of the intestines. Peyer’s patches transport beta glucans to the surface of immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells) in the gut which then travel throughout the body scavenging invaders.

These are some of the fabulous outcomes:

• Increases phagocytosis–  specifically immune cells that devour pathogens, including cancer cells

• Stimulates chemotaxis– recognition of chemicals produced by pathogens so that immune cells can attack and eradicate

• Boosts white blood cell count (if suppressed)– also called leukocytes, these cells fight infection

• Stimulates stem cell growth of red blood cells (hematopoiesis)– and when combined with Resveratrol and Vitamin C, beta glucan is synergized to enhance the immune system even further.

• Balances immune response– activated T-helper cells respond to cellular (th1) and humoral or bodily fluid (th2) pathogens by producing cytokines and antibodies.

“Glucans are extremely beneficial to people undergoing chemotherapy. Taking glucan will protect your immune system cells while allowing the drugs to do their job on the cancerous ones.” (Source – p. 50)

Other Health Conditions Helped by b-glucan?

Studies suggest that beta-glucan may also help:

• Chronic & infectious diseases— including seasonal illness, fibromyalgia, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, autoimmune disorders (including HIV), flesh-eating bacteria, Lyme disease

• Reduce the risk of obesity due to increasing satiety (source)

• Treat skin conditions, such as dermatitis, eczema, ulcers, sores and wrinkles (source)

• Decrease fatigue caused by impaired immune function or physical/emotional stress

• Diabetes— lowers blood sugar, prevents formation of diabetic ulcers, aids in healing of diabetic ulcers

• Wound healing— including burns, viral & bacterial skin infections, cuts & scrapes, side effects of radiation

• Wound healing in diabetics

Even better,

“There are NO adverse effects with glucan.” (Source – p. 108), (4)

Can anyone take beta glucan?

Yes! Think of b-glucan as a non-specific immune modulator– it will NOT over-stimulate your immune system, but it will give you an extra boost if you are in need of extra protection whether you are traveling, exposed to pathogens or feeling run-down, etc. I use beta glucan in place of vaccinations for my family, and we have added it to our daily regimen of supplements to maintain our health. During the winter months, or when I feel like I am fighting an illness, I will increase my daily intake of beta glucan and stave off illness!

Where can I find beta glucan?

Most health food stores carry this brand as does Amazon: Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders Capsules – Organic Mushroom Extract w/Chaga, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail, Reishi 200 Caps (100 day supply)

Another brand with no additives: Life Extension Mushroom Immune with Beta Glucans – a 30 day supply

And eat mushrooms, especially “medicinal mushrooms” (Portobello, Porcini, Shitake, Oyster, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Chanterelle, White Button) and you will get beta glucans from your diet, as well.

I personally use this 10-in-1 mushroom powder with NO fillers. This creates the ultimate superfood complex, providing essential adaptogens, antioxidants, beta-glucans, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Podcast interviews with Julie Formby on Deep Roots at Home:

• Women’s Health with Julie Formby – Part 1

• Women’s Health with Julie Formby – Part 2

Mail-In Live & Dry Blood Analysis Kits Are Now Available

Interested in checking out the health of your blood under the microscope but live too far away to come see me in-person? No problem! I now have mail-in Live & Dry Blood Analysis kits available. Order HERE.

(PS I (Jacqueline) recommend Julie’s blood analysis. I never suspected what she found in my blood and it’s led to better treatment!)

Here are a few things you can learn about your health through Live & Dry Blood Analysis:

Here are a few more things you can learn about your health through Live & Dry Blood Analysis:

Listen to Julie’s first podcast on Deep Roots at Home to learn more.

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