We must always have our immune system in good condition, but it is true that with the arrival of winter and low temperatures it is even more important. It is easy for our body to attract viruses and bacteria in cold weather, which is why we end up getting sick. Therefore, the best option is to prevent it and remedy it before that common cold or some other infection can arrive. In this article we will talk about betaglucans , an incredible component for our immune system, which will provide us with great benefits to protect us from external agents that are harmful to our body.
What are betaglucans?
Betaglucans are a substance found in bacteria, plants, and certain foods such as baker’s yeast, cereal grains, and fungi. It is a type of polysaccharide composed of a sequence of glucose molecules linked together.
We can find them in different foods such as:
- Fungi: sun mushroom, lion’s mane, cordyceps , coriolus versicolor , reishi , shiitake , maitake , coprinus , polyporus …
- Cereals: barley, oats, rye, corn, rice…
- Seaweed: kombu seaweed or nori seaweed, are very rich in betaglucans
Main properties and benefits: how betaglucans act in our body
Beta -glucans , in general, have been associated with anti-aging , anti-inflammatory and healing effects, although depending on their origin, the benefits may vary.
Cereal betaglucans : this type forms a kind of gel within the digestive system, which means that the stomach takes much longer to empty and absorption is much slower. At first we may think that it is something negative, but it is quite the opposite, it manages to control cholesterol levels and blood sugar.
Furthermore, thanks to several studies carried out, it has been seen that they are used as prebiotics, since it has been seen that they help the growth of “good” bacteria in the intestine. Even if you have been consuming it for a while, it helps reduce inflammation and abdominal pain.
Betaglucans from yeast and fungi: these betaglucans are important because they are capable of stimulating the body’s defenses and combat infections. They achieve this by promoting the functioning of cells and molecules that detect and eliminate viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms.
Another type of benefit they may have is that they may help prevent and treat cancer. But this is not only due to the stimulation it achieves on the immune system, but because betaglucans also contribute to reducing the growth and expansion of tumors and destroying malignant cells.
How can betaglucans be activated?
Beta -glucans are part of the foods we consume daily, although it is true that we can access them through food supplements, where the concentration of betaglucans will surely be much higher, since the necessary dose is introduced.
Once betaglucans have been consumed from certain foods, they are digested in the large intestine and are capable of activating the immune system in a gentle and balanced way, stimulating the activity of phagocytes, a subclass of white blood cells that have the function of trap and destroy foreign substances, such as fungi, viruses, parasites and bacteria.
Contraindications of betaglucans
In general, betaglucans are a component that helps the vast majority of people, but like everything, it also has its part in which there are contraindications that we must take into account.
- Allergies: there are people who are allergic to betaglucans , especially if they have allergies to mushrooms or oats.
- Drug Interactions: Betaglucans may interfere with the absorption of certain medications, such as those for thyroid or diabetes. Therefore, it is always better that you contact your doctor to avoid certain situations.
- Digestive problems: for some people it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, bloating, stomach discomfort. If at any time you experience these symptoms, it is best to reduce the dose.
- Intestinal obstruction: in specific cases, excessive consumption of betaglucans could cause intestinal obstruction in people with pre-existing medical conditions. If you already have a history of intestinal obstruction, it is best to talk to a health professional.
- Immunosuppressive medications: People who are taking immunosuppressive medications due to an autoimmune disease or transplant, it is best to not consume betaglucan supplements .
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: betaglucans have not been shown to be harmful at this stage, however, it is best to contact a health professional before taking them.
At Vitae we care about your health and that is why we try to offer the best of us, providing valuable ideas for your daily life. Many times, to achieve full well-being, supplementation is necessary, and below we tell you our proposal.
Vitae solution
ImmunoVita and ImmunoVita kids. They are a food supplement formulated with latest generation yeast betaglucans, vitamin D3, vitamin B6 and Zinc to increase defenses, strengthening the immune system naturally.
In these cold times, it is essential to have our immune system in the best conditions. Therefore, with the help of these supplements, rich in high-generation yeast betaglucans, we can achieve this and provide our body with an increase in defenses and reinforcement of the immune system.
