Autoimmune Diseases and Beta Glucan

Balance of cytokine production is important. Autoimmune diseased patients frequently display low IL-2 and high gamma-Interferon. Absolute causes are not established but there are strong indications towards viruses and environmental factors (i.e., sunlight, chemicals, and certain drugs that alter recognized self to non-self cell types). Due to the high incidence of autoimmune disease in women, heredity and sex hormones are suspected since Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) responses are relative to certain genes.

There are numerous studies showing the safety and effectiveness of Beta-1,3D Glucan in a host for immune bolstering, immune dysfunction, immune dysregulation and last but not least, the selective lowering of LDL cholesterol.

In the area of autoimmune disease, the removal of diseased cells, debris, and harmful molecules from the body and blood are important. Beta-1,3D Glucan derived from the cell walls of bakers yeast plays a role here. Scavenging and debris cleansing abilitites of the properly modulated macrophage can assist these processes.

In various parts of the body, macrophages may be called:

• Alveolar cells - lungs
• Interdigitating cells - various
• Kupffer cells - liver
• Langerhans cells - skin
• Mesangial cells - kidneys
• Microglial cells - brain
• Monocyte cells - blood
• Neutrophil cells - various
• Serosal cells - endothelial layer
• Synovial cells - joints

To maximize your uptake of the Beta-1,3D Glucan, it should always be taken on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything. A small amount of pure water should be used to swallow the capsule. (No coffee, tea, juice, etc.) - source