The superbugs that threaten us all

What can you do against this silent pandemic?

The Sunday Times front page on September 1^st 2024 led with the rise of anti-microbial resistance – which they described as a “silent pandemic”.

“For decades doctors have warned of a dystopian future in which antibiotics are rendered useless ...”

... by bacteria that have evolved resistance to all known drugs.

The Sunday Times lamented that in some hospitals that future has come.

We shouldn’t really be surprised, because in 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) had already warned that Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious global public health threats in this century.

Ref. Antimicrobial resistance: a global multifaceted phenomenon - PMC (nih.gov).

This is echoed in Health Science Reports, headed: "Superbugs or multidrug resistant microbes: A new threat to society".

Ref. Superbugs or multidrug resistant microbes: A new threat to the society - PMC (nih.gov)

So, what can you do as the season approaches where bacterial and viral infections rise – and immune-supporting vitamin D3 levels from sunlight decline?

How AMR (anti-microbial resistance) occurs

The more antibiotics are prescribed – quite often for issues where they don’t work like viral infections – the more likely bugs evolve resistance. This is made worse because antibiotics are over-used in animal rearing.

The risk is further compounded because we now know that the bugs themselves can swap genes from one strain to another – fuelling faster and faster resistance.

The place where there are the most bacteria? Hospitals!

Where, by definition, multiple infections are treated. Meaning a simple operation like removing tonsils or a hip replacement could ultimately be life-threatening.

A Lancet report in 2022 estimated that almost 5 million deaths worldwide in 2019 were already due to AMR and this could rise to 50 million by 2050.

Your best defence is a strong immune system

A strong immune system helps protect you, and your family, not just against bacteria, but against viral and fungal infections and mutated cells – cancer.

The plan we have developed over the last 20 years contains the foods and lifestyle that support a strong immune system – as well as extending your health span! The Delay Ageing Healthy Eating Food Plan| NutriShield. Note the highlighting of mushrooms and especially shiitake.

But there is more you can do.

How beta glucans improve immune response

Beta-glucans, specifically the 1-3, 1-6 type, have been extensively studied for their immune-modulating properties.

1. Immune System Enhancement

Beta-glucans are known to enhance the immune system by activating various immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells and T-cells. This activation helps the body to better defend against all classes of pathogens – as well as mutated cells.

White blood cells overview — Immune system white blood cells

2. Mechanism of Action

The beta glucan 1-3, 1-6 polysaccharide compounds interact with specific receptors on immune cells, such as Dectin-1, which leads to a strong and beneficial cascade of immune responses.

3. Clinical Trials and Safety

Clinical trials have shown that oral intake of beta glucans – and specifically the Wellmune^TM in ImmunoShield – is safe and effective in strengthening the immune system.

4. Health Benefits

Beyond improved immune support, 1-3, 1-6 beta-glucans have been found to have other health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective (liver protective), and wound healing effects.

5. Sources and structure of beta glucans

The effectiveness of beta glucans can vary depending on their source and structure. Beta glucans derived from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) are particularly important for their potent immune-activating properties.

Ref: Beta Glucan Research : Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan

Beta sitosterol is an immune modulator

Another immune modulator is a plant sterol called beta sitosterol – food sources of which include olive oil, avocado and nuts like walnuts and almonds.

Research suggests that beta sitosterol also enhances the activity of immune cells, such as natural killer cells and macrophages. These play vital roles in identifying and eliminating pathogens and abnormal cells in the body. By boosting immune cell function, beta sitosterol can help promote a stronger immune response.

Ref. Plant Sterols as Anticancer Nutrients: Evidence for Their Role in Breast Cancer - PMC (nih.gov)

The supplement ImmunoShield is unique in combining Wellmune 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans with beta sitosterol (and zinc).

You can read more detail below – or see more on the Immunoshield website now: ImmunoShield - Beta Glucans Immune Booster Supplement | Uni-Vite Healthcare

Scientists started studying beta glucans over a hundred years ago

The beta glucans that improve the immune system are different in structure from the oat beta glucans that, in dosages of over 3 grams, can lower cholesterol levels. Both types need to come from supplements or your diet.

Studies, starting as early as the 1920s, have shown that the 1-3,1-6 beta glucans we review here are effective in doses of 250 mg a day. They trigger a cascade of events that help regulate the immune system, making it more efficient.

1. Beta glucans stimulate the activity of macrophages, which are immune cells that ingest and demolish invading pathogens and stimulate other immune cells to attack invaders.

2. Macrophages also release cytokines, natural chemicals that enable immune cells to communicate with one another.

3. In addition, beta glucans stimulate the good white blood cells (lymphocytes) that bind to tumours or viruses, and release chemicals to destroy them.

The most studied beta 1-3, 1-6 glucan supplements are derived from the cell wall of baker’s yeast. Wellmune^TM has by far the most research behind it. It is a purified extract which will not contain enough yeast protein to cause any allergic reactions.

Beta glucans and the immune system

Flu viruses, as an example, bind to and stop a part of the immune system called ‘complement’. Complement is needed to prevent viruses from taking hold. Beta 1-3, 1-6 glucans actively inhibit this binding effect, and so ensure activation of the immune system in response to the virus.

Infection from, say, a flu virus takes about 48 hours after the virus has entered the body. If the immune system is activated, it will prevent the virus from replicating, so flu is less likely to take hold.

Research on Wellmune^TM at the Mayo Clinic and Universities of Louisville, Brown and Berlin, has shown that constant stimulation of cell receptors is necessary to keep immune cells fully functional. It does not, however, lead to an over-stimulation of the immune system – which can manifest as a dangerous cytokine storm – and which has been mentioned as a potential concern with echinacea.

Wellmune^TM has been evaluated across a wide range of populations to show significant alleviation of Upper Respiratory Tract infections, allergies and age‐related immuno‐suppression.

Ref. β‐1,3/1,6‐Glucans and Immunity: State of the Art and Future Directions - PMC (nih.gov)

A natural question is – could 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans, which support the immune system, therefore help identify and fight mutated cells and thus support cancer treatment?

This has been the subject of several studies – especially in Japan, where they are approved as "adjunct therapy" – support to conventional treatments.

Beta glucans and cancer

Beta glucans may indeed have a role in fighting cancer. We know beta glucans can mobilise Natural Killer cells (NK cells) during the early stage of cancer, which are crucial to inhibiting cancer growth.

Other research indicates beta glucans may interfere with a tumour’s blood supply (a process called anti-angiogenesis). This could help reduce cancer cell proliferation and stifle metastasis (mutation and spread).

Mushroom-derived beta glucans and yeast-derived beta glucans

Most of the studies on the anti-tumour properties of 1-3, 1-6 beta glucan, however, have been conducted in Japan with beta glucans derived from various types of mushrooms. And using dosages between 750-1500 mg per day, taken between meals 500 mg at a time. These doses are substantially higher than the daily preventative use against viral and bacterial pathogens of 250mg per day.

It’s important to note that, while 1-3,1-6 beta glucans from yeast and mushrooms (especially shiitake mushrooms) are structurally similar, there are differences.

Mushroom-derived beta glucans contain higher amounts of a compound called Lentinan and researchers at Teikyo University's Biotechnology Research Center Japan, showed that lentinan helps suppress the formation and development of tumours.

In another Japanese study, mice with tumours that received beta glucans, including lentinan, experienced a rapid decrease in the number of tumour cells, as well as a notable increase in neutrophil numbers in solid tumours. Neutrophils are white blood cell that help destroy rogue cells by secreting chemicals to break them down.

Ref. Potential benefit of β-glucans as adjuvant therapy in immuno-oncology: a review - PMC (nih.gov)

However, it’s also true that the molecular structure of beta glucans derived from mushrooms is varied and often inconsistent, depending on how they are grown. Whereas beta glucans from yeast use a standardised process, ensuring consistency.

As regards safety, one key report concluded:

“Compared with conventional medical therapies, beta glucans are an affordable and safe option for preventing and healing cancer while posing no adverse health reactions.”

Ref. β-glucans as potential immunoadjuvants: A review on the adjuvanticity, structure-activity relationship and receptor recognition properties - ScienceDirect

Summary

Your immune system loses strength as you get older – which is why recovery from infections and flu usually takes longer – and cancer risk rises.

For this reason – and in the light of increased Anti-Microbial Resistance – a supplement including 1-3,1-6 beta glucans could help. And now, as Autumn and Winter approach, is the time to get it.

ImmunoShield not only contains Wellmune^TM but also beta sitosterol and zinc. See ImmunoShield - Beta Glucans Immune Booster Supplement | Uni-Vite Healthcare