1. with Dr. Derek Lee,
Direct Energy’s Health and Wellness Doctor
for North America.

20. Newest Research – Beta Glucans
There is another option, based on a natural ingredient derived from baker’s yeast called 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans.
These ingredients up-regulate the function of the innate immune system.
Strengthening the innate immune system can be a critically important

21. extensive body of evidence
shows that the best defense against viral infection is to enhance the effectiveness of the innate immune system, the body’s first line of defence against invasion by bacteria and viruses.
The innate immune system specifically recognises 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans (10), natural compounds found in the cell walls of fungi such as yeast.
When it recognises beta glucans it increases the responses of macrophages and neutrophil granulocyte cells - key components of the innate immune system - ( ) and moves to peak effectiveness.
In this state published research demonstrates higher levels of protection against numerous infectious agents (4 - 9), from flu viruses to the feared biological weapon anthrax (42).
This improved resistance to infection occurs in animals (4, 11, 12, 14, ) and in humans (29 – 32)

22. The Canadian Department of Defence has been taking careful note.
Starting in the early '90's they ran a test program to measure the immuno-protective effects of 1,3/1,6 beta glucans and nearly 300 other compounds thought to act on the immune system, and in 2004 reported that the beta glucans were the most effective of them all.
Not only did they protect against infection with bacteria, viruses and fungi, they also conferred protection against radiation injury (33, 34)

23. Clinical Trials
In trials with rats, the beta glucans dramatically increased resistance to flu infection and mortality (42).
In trials with pigs, beta glucans reduced the harm done to the lungs after infection with influenza, and reduced viral replication (36).
As pigs and people have a good deal in common (metabolically and physiologically speaking), the pig model is very relevant to us

24. Dr. Lee’s Recommedations
These valuable ingredients are too useful and too important to ignore.
As the new flu seasonadvances, I have started to give a purified, high-potency brand of beta glucans to my children, at a dose of 250 mg beta glucans per day; armed with the knowledge that they are safe (35) and effective prophylactic agents.
I believe this protective strategy should be considered by all front-line medical staff – and indeed their own families

25. Where to Get Beta Glucans
1-3, 1-6 Beta Glucans can be obtained from
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