100 to 150 years ago, large amounts of beta-glucan were still ingested mainly from vegetables and fruits. Our food today is treated with fungicides and sterilised, so beta-glucan has disappeared from the table. The body's response to this deficiency is: reduced resistance to infections, more allergic reactions, more stomach and intestinal inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
The immune system recognizes yeast beta-glucan
Back when humans didn't use so many chemicals and fungicides for higher yields, our food was contaminated with yeast, fungi and moulds.
That is why our bodies are very familiar with the beta-glucans 1,3/1,6 in the cell walls of yeast. Glucan receptors are found on immune cells, acting on both innate (ancestral) and adaptive immune responses.
8 reasons to use brewer's yeast beta-glucans
- increase the activity of immune cells in the body against pathogenic viruses and bacteria
- have been shown to reduce the recurrence and severity of bacterial and viral respiratory infections
- help to build up the gut microbiome, promote the proliferation of good gut bacterial species and displace pathogenic species (prebiotic fibres)
- complement autoimmune therapies (e.g. Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- for leaky gut syndrome (which underlies all autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases)
- reduce allergic (Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)) symptoms and inflammation in excessive immune system response
- improve stress tolerance, which is very important for a healthy immune system response (belong to the group of adaptogens)
- cancer-preventive nutrients (stimulate white blood cells (lymphocytes) that bind to tumours and viruses and release chemicals to kill them).
What are beta-glucans?
Beta glucans come from many sources, such as cereals, seaweed, mushrooms and yeast. However, their activity varies considerably. They have different bonding, purity, solubility, molecular weight, tertiary structure, degree of branching, polymer charge...
Why is it important that the brewer's yeast beta-glucan we consume is trademarked?
Beta glucans, which have been the most researched and proven to have immunomodulatory properties, are supplied by the cell wall of brewer's yeast. Only trademarked raw materials should be chosen as they guarantee 1. high purity, 2. insolubility, 3. the presence of standardised beta-1,3/1,6-glucans.
Beta glucans from brewer's yeast cell wall
Beta-glucans from brewer's yeast, prebiotic fibres with adaptogenic properties, recognised by immune cells in the intestinal mucosa. This helps to protect against invading pathogens and induces an important immunomodulatory effect.
Beta-glucans affect homeostasis, the immune system and its associated organ systems (nervous system, endocrine system). Their deficiency is associated with reduced (weak immunity) or impaired (autoimmune complaints, allergies) immune functions.
Immune support with brewer's yeast beta-glucan
There is a lot of research on the ever-increasing civilisation of health complaints such as allergies, food sensitivities, poor immunity or autoimmune diseases.
These ailments and diseases are clearly linked to the fact that we are producing more and more food in smaller and smaller areas, at the expense of its nutritional and biological values, one of the victims of which is beta-glucan. There is also increased stress, environmental toxins and the misuse of antibiotics.
There are already over 6,000 studies on beta-glucans lost to fungicides and their importance. These demonstrate the immunomodulatory properties of prebiotic brewer's yeast beta-glucan. The active substance, which belongs to the group of adaptogens, balances the immune system, supports the microbiome, helps to defend against viruses and bacteria and to reduce inflammation.
Beta-Glucan interesting facts
80% of people with coeliac disease are not sensitive to oats, although they are not free of gliadin, but are rich in beta-glucans
Fungus does not attack the crop today, but it does increase our production of lectin. Lectins weaken the microbiome and when released from the gut are a trigger for autoimmune and permeable bowel syndrome diseases
Beta glucans isolated from yeast reduce the permeability of epithelial cells in the digestive tract, a process that is also aided by added zinc
Beta glucans act synergistically with vitamin C in enhancing the immune response to infections
When is it recommended to fortify the diet with brewer's yeast beta-glucans?
- During viral and bacterial respiratory infections and colds
- Back to school, starting kindergarten, against community-acquired infections
- All diseases and complaints associated with inflammation (obesity, insulin resistance, autoimmune diseases)
- For people exposed to chronic stress e.g., environmental stress (UV, cigarettes, alcohol), personal stress (worry, fear), social stress (trauma, bereavement)