One of the most delicious ways to support the immune system is by using a supplement that’s not really a vitamin, mineral or a food. In fact, it’s actually part of various foodstuffs including grains, yeast and vegetables. Technically, it’s a soluble fiber and it’s one of the most ubiquitous natural substances on planet Earth. Yet as common as it is, it packs an unusually potent immune stimulating punch.
“Beta glucan” as it’s called, is a long-chain sugar that’s been shown to help lower high cholesterol, reduce blood sugar, fight cancer, lower high blood pressure, speed healing and even prevent canker sores. To this impressive list of benefits, you can also add virus slaying. In fact, because beta glucan up regulates the entire immune system, the benefits of beta glucan encompass the killing of all microbial invaders. Getting more beta glucan in your system can help the immune machinery kill viruses as well as bacteria. It’s been shown to help heal infections, especially the lungs. It’s even a component of some vaccines.
You can eat your beta glucan. Oats, barley and broccoli arr good sources. Nothing beats mushrooms (particularly flavory savory shiitakes) for enjoying a healthy dose of beta glucan. You can also get your beta glucan off supplements. Start off with 200 to 400 milligrams a day. They’re completely non-toxic after all, they’re basically just sugar so, you can take as much as you want.
