How Beta Glucan Works for a Better Immune System
A balanced immune system is vital for a long, quality life. In a look at the innate immune systems versus adaptive immune systems (spoiler alert: they work together, not against each other), the “innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against germs entering the body.”(2)  In other words, it protects you from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins – all the things that could make you sick.

Trained Immunity (TRIM)
To further understand how it works on your immune system, you can look at Trained Immunity (TRIM). This describes a functional reprogramming of these aforementioned innate immune cells.Trained immunity is the ability of the innate immune system, or immune cells, to “remember” a first challenge or foreign invader and then respond faster and with more vigor when faced with that invader the second time around.Something needs to stimulate the immune cells the first time around, however, in order to unlock this trained immunity. Current evidence has shown beta glucans can cause this direct stimulation of immune responses and act as “training agents” within the cells, helping them respond faster when combating foreign invaders.As you can tell, this little supplement goes on quite a powerful journey to help boost your immune system and overall health.So how does that benefit your everyday life, in layman’s terms? Trained immunity is the ability of the innate immune system, or immune cells, to “remember” a first challenge or foreign invader and then respond faster and with more vigor

Long-Term Benefits of an Immune System Powered by Beta Glucan
It works through Natural Killer (NK) cells.For context, Natural killer (NK) cells represent the first line of defense against infections to spontaneously kill virus-infected cells. Meanwhile, the effect Beta Glucan has on chronic illness has been studied, most notably stating that “as [an] immunostimulating agent, [it] acts through the activation of macrophages and NK cell cytotoxicity.” (4)It’ll help shorten the common cold.In two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, “yeast-derived β-glucan was shown to significantly reduce the number of common cold episodes by 25% and led to a milder progression of severe common cold episodes.” (5)It can be hypoglycemic.Beta Glucan can become gel-like which slows down the digestion and absorption process. This, in turn, increases satiety – or that wonderful “full” feeling. In addition, short-chain fatty acids produced from bacteria that ferment Beta Glucan fibers may also increase satiety! (6)It could help fight viruses and infections.There are various studies, but it’s been shown that beta glucans can bolster the immune system to protect against infections, while a separate study at the same method can help reduce flu symptoms. (7)It helps fight seasonal allergies.Tired of drowse-inducing medications when it comes to allergy relief? Beta Glucan is a holistic solution to help support the immune system, which is key to regulating allergies caused by ragweed and cedar pollen. (8) (9)It helps with recovery and endurance in athletes.Any endurance athlete can relate to the cycle of intense training followed by intense illness. It turns out, there is a greater incidence of URTI among marathon runners. As we’ve reported before, a 2020 study found that marathon runners (with an ongoing history of URTI) who drank a beverage containing Baker’s Yeast beta glucan daily 45 days before the race and continuing for 45 days after, experienced fewer symptoms, including less nasal discharge and sore throat. (10)It was also shown to help relieve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, lower inflammation, and help with mental focus. That’s something all athletes could benefit from during training

How Long Does it Take for Beta Glucan to Work?
We have discussed these “long-term” health benefits, but now you may be wondering how long it actually takes to actually see results. What length of time are we talking about here? Your curiosity is understandable!As mentioned in the very sophisticated processes of how Beta Glucan moves through your body, it takes about three days for your immune system to achieve a “peak” level thanks to the supplements. Although, you may feel an immediate influence on your immune system when you begin taking it.It’s important to keep in mind that Beta Glucan is not a short-acting drug intended for immediate relief, such as when taking an anti-histamine for allergies or a Tylenol for a headache. As mentioned, it's a supplement intended to be taken daily in order to achieve its maximum benefits.That’s because Beta Glucans remain in your digestive tract for a few days before flushing out. Once you stop taking beta glucan, the immune response returns to its original level of effectiveness – so it's an ongoing solution.

The Quality of Beta Glucan Matters When it Comes to Optimal Health
Not all forms or supplements of Beta Glucan are created equal. Beta Glucan in supplement form is divided by purity class. And here’s the kicker: only 10% of the supply is labeled as the “pure cut” for pure form.A study done by the University of Louisville cross-compared hundreds of immune supplements for both potency and efficacy. Glucan 300 Beta Glucan was found to be the most effective. Including:

• 8x more effective than Maitake Gold 404®
• 16x more effective than Pure Synergy® SuperPure® Beta 1,3-Glucan Algae Extract
• 32x more effective than Immutol®
• 64x more effective than Glucan Elite (BGF-Immune™)
• 160x more effective than Immuniton™ NSC-100™