Dr. Brozina: Beta Glucan, Olive Leaf, and Their Benefits

Why Do We Use Immunomodulators?

I believe most people have heard of (and used) beta glucan at least once in their life to ‘boost’ their immune system. I often like to emphasize that we cannot ‘boost’ the immune system, but there are certain supplements that are excellent immunomodulators. In other words, they work on our immune system by modulating the immune response. Therefore, such supplements are called immunomodulators, rather than something that ‘boosts immunity’. Beta glucan is one such supplement.

What Exactly Is Beta Glucan?

Beta glucan is a polysaccharide found in yeast, mushrooms (e.g., shiitake, reishi, maitake), some cereals (oats, barley), and certain algae. You might think that eating oats, barley, or shiitake mushrooms will be enough to ‘fill up’ your beta glucan reserves, but it’s not that simple. Beta glucans are a highly heterogeneous group of molecules and depending on the binding of atoms in the molecule, we talk about β 1,3 glucans, β 1,4 glucans, and β 1,6 glucans. In cereals and algae, we find β 1,3 glucans, while in yeast and mushrooms, we can find β 1,3/1,6 glucans. It is the synergy of β 1,3 and β 1,6 glucans that shows beneficial effects on the modulation of our immune system.
Beta glucans are most commonly used as supplements during the cold season and periods of frequent respiratory viruses, but did you know that the use of beta glucans is also recommended for the following conditions:

• Fatigue, weakness (especially in chronic fatigue syndrome)
• Improving physical and mental performance
• Faster and better recovery from illness and strengthening the body after surgical procedures
• In cases of tumors and during anti-tumor therapy
• In therapy for elevated cholesterol and diabetes
• For infectious diseases (infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi)

 

 

What Makes Olive Leaf Special?

In addition to enjoying a nice tea made from dried olive leaves, the pharmacological properties of olive leaf are recognized as a significant therapeutic tool in the prevention and treatment of diseases due to its favorable composition (primarily its phenolic content). One of the most important compounds in olive leaf is oleuropein. Numerous studies have been conducted to prove the beneficial effects of oleuropein, and a large number of studies have confirmed its positive actions, including:

• Anti-inflammatory Action: By increasing the levels of nitric oxide
• Anti-atherogenic Action: Reducing the likelihood of plaque formation in blood vessels (known as atherosclerotic plaque), which improves cardiovascular health and prevents the development of atherosclerosis
• Anti-tumor Action
• Antimicrobial Action: Effective in fighting bacteria and viruses
• Anti-aging Effect
• Hypotensive Action: Reducing blood pressure