Colds or a flu-like infection are acute infectious diseases affecting the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses, throat and bronchial tubes. Triggers are viruses which the body’s own immune defence is not sufficiently armed against at a certain point in time.
The viral load varies depending on the season. It is highest in the winter months and at the beginning of spring. There are hundreds of different types of viruses, each with its own attack strategy. The main causes of colds are the extended families of rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and adenoviruses. While rhinoviruses like to attach themselves to the nasal mucosa, coronaviruses attack the entire respiratory system right up to the lungs. Adenoviruses, on the other hand, not only cause rhinitis and coughing, but can also infect the eye.
Moreover a very serious disease is the flu. It is caused by influenza viruses. Influenza is a highly contagious infectious disease with sometimes massive progression. The most common and at the same time most dangerous is the influenza type A virus, which regularly changes its surface structure and can thus repeatedly outwit the body’s own immune defence.
A well-functioning immune system can ward off the attack of viruses quickly and successfully. For this purpose, a network of cells and substances is available which, if necessary, upregulates the defence processes and makes the pathogens harmless. Many plant substances and micronutrients – e.g. vitamin D, zinc, selenium and vitamin C – are known to support the immune system in its defence against viruses and bacteria. Betaglucan also makes a name for itself in this context. This natural substance helps the immune system to prepare for the confrontation with viruses and bacteria.
The triggers are viruses which the body’s own immune defence is not sufficiently prepared against at a certain point in time
Betaglucan trains the immune cells
Betaglucans are natural polysaccharides, which are mainly found in yeasts, algae, bacteria and fungi, but also in oats and barley. There, as a component of the cell walls, they are responsible for structure and stability. Betaglucans, which have a special compound within their molecules (namely the (1,3/1,6)-beta-compound), are known to stimulate the immune system and thus increase its defensive performance.
These beta-glucans from food activate the immunological defence via various processes, e.g. the scavenger cells, which in turn communicate with other immune cells such as the lymphocytes via messenger substances. The defence cells prepared in this way can then react faster and without delay to invading viruses or bacteria. This shortens the reaction time and the microorganisms can be effectively combated before they spread in the body.
This effect is also used in mycotherapy. In order to strengthen the immune system, vital mushrooms such as Reishi (Ling Zhi), Shiitake, Coriolus or Maitake are traditionally used, whose valuable ingredients include beta-glucans. In the clinical field, betaglucan from yeast cells is used, as these can score points with standardised dosages. Depending on the area of application, quantities of 100 – 1000 mg per day are recommended.
Many plant substances and micronutrients – e.g. vitamin D, zinc, selenium and vitamin C – are known to support the immune system in its defence against viruses and bacteria.
Yeast beta-glucan reduces the number of colds by 25%
Several clinical studies have investigated whether the targeted use of betaglucan from yeast cells has an influence on the duration, severity and frequency of colds. A study involving 100 participants was able to show that the betaglucan group showed significantly less frequent cold symptoms than the placebo group in times of high viral load. If an infection occurred, it was less pronounced and disappeared more quickly.
A further study confirmed the results. It showed that the number of colds in the betaglucan group was 25% lower than in the placebo group and the symptoms were 15% less pronounced. In addition, the participants who used beta-glucan reported fewer sleep problems during the cold phase. It should perhaps also be mentioned in this context that betaglucan promotes wound healing and can increase the effectiveness of vaccinations. It is also used as an immunomodulator in competitive sports. We will certainly hear and read more about the potential of this natural substance in the future.
A study involving 100 participants showed that the beta-glucan group showed significantly less frequent cold symptoms in times of high viral load than the placebo group
Conclusion:
Betaglucan is a still widely unknown natural substance from yeasts, fungi or cereals that prepares the immune system to fight viruses and bacteria and supports the defence cells in their work. Particularly in times of high immunological stress, for example caused by cold viruses, supplement products containing betaglucan can increase resistance to infections and reduce the severity and duration of colds.
