Mushrooms contain beta glucans which are complex fibres from the cell walls of plants, fungi, yeasts and bacteria. They can be used as a preventative measure to help boost natural immunity and kick start the body’s own defence system. Beta glucans pass through stomach acid unscathed to activate the innate immune system. This is done by mimicking a potential threat to immune health, therefore stimulating neutrophils and macrophages to go to the site of infection or inflammation. Together they render viruses, bacteria and other pathogens harmless by phagocytosis.
A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine shows how the physical and emotional effects of stress caused by intense physical exercise and the resulting upper respiratory tract infections can be countered by beta glucans (1). A recent review by The Journal of Nutrition reports on the beneficial effect of taking beta glucans for mouth ulcers (2).
- Talbott S, Talbott J. Effect of beta 1 3/1, 6 Glucan on upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and mood state in marathon athletes. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2009)8, 509-515.
- Ramberg J E, Nelson E D. Immunomodulatory dietary polysaccharides; a systemic review of the literature. Nutr J. 2010 Nov 18;9:54.
Fleur Borrelli PG Dip cPNI, BSc Nut Med, psycho-neuro-immunologist and nutritional therapist is one of the Uk’s first psycho-neuro-immunology clinicians. Psycho-neuro-immunology is a multi layered approach to natural medicine, which looks at recovering the (biochemical, immunological, emotional, etc…) pathways to optimal health. It is based on the latest developments in the fields od psychology, neurology, endocrinology, immunology, evolutionary biology and epigenetic – all underpinned by nutritional medicine, exercise and psychosocial techniques.
Fleur is also a health writer and her book written in collaboration with Glynis Barber ‘The In-Sync Diet’ can be purchased here.
Fleur’s website: www.nutritionandsuperfood.co.uk
You can contact Fleur by email at: Fleur@nutritionandsuperfood.co.uk
Leslie is a Master Trainer for the world renowned Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute(APPI). He is regular key note speaker at conferences and travels internationally to present on modified exercise for rehabilitation.
Leslie is the founder of Bodies Under Construction Clinics situated in Berkshire and London. A specialist Private Physiotherapy Practice for People of all ages, but especially those in their 30’s. 40’s, 50’s and 60’s and beyond, who want to keep healthy and active.
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