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How Beta Glucan supports immunity in seniors?

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As people continue to enjoy longer, more active lives, maintaining their independence and cherished lifestyles becomes increasingly important. However, aging brings with it changes in the immune system, necessitating extra support to ensure it remains robust and resilient. A strong immune system is the cornerstone of protection against infections, disease prevention, and an overall improved quality of life and well being.

Considering these needs, an increasing number of elderly individuals are turning to dietary supplements to support their immunity, enabling them to maintain their vigor and well-being.

This is where the remarkable natural compound Beta-Glucan comes into play, providing valuable immune support for seniors. In this blog, we’ll explore how Beta-Glucan can benefit aging adults.

A healthy and happy senior couple

Understanding the Aging Immune System

As people age, their immune system undergoes significant changes that can impact their health. This is known as immunosenescence, involving alterations in both innate and adaptive immune functions. This can lead to chronic, low-level inflammation, increased susceptibility to infections, and a higher prevalence of chronic diseases among older individuals. Here’s an overview of the main changes that occur in the aging immune system:

  • Reduced production of immune cells: This includes a decline in the production of new immune cells, reduced responsiveness of immune cells to threats, and changes in the way immune cells communicate with one another.
  • Decreased Immune Memory: The ability of the immune system to remember and recognize past infections or vaccinations may decline with age, resulting in reduced protection against diseases one has been exposed to in the past.
  • Inflammation: Older individuals often have higher levels of chronic, low-grade inflammation in their bodies. This chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of age-related diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

These immune system changes may lead to:

  • Increased Susceptibility: Older adults are generally more susceptible to infections, including respiratory infections like the flu and pneumonia. They may also be at a higher risk of complications from these infections.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: While the immune system’s ability to fight infections may decline, the risk of autoimmune disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, may increase.
  • Decreased Healing: The immune system plays a crucial role in the process of wound healing. In older adults, the healing process may be slower, increasing the risk of complications such as infections following injuries or surgeries.

Overall, these changes in the immune system can make older individuals more vulnerable to infections, slower to recover from illnesses, and at a higher risk of certain health conditions.

The immune enhancing ingredient: Beta Glucan 

Beta-glucans are naturally occurring glucose polysaccharides that have been recognized as immune modulators for decades. They help prime immune cells and support and balance natural immunity, preparing the immune system to respond stronger and faster to pathogens. Humans can’t digest beta-glucans because our digestive system lacks the necessary enzymes. Consequently, they reach the gut and are recognized by immune cells in the intestine leading to immune response.

How Beta-Glucan Work?

  • Macrophage Activation: Beta-Glucan activates macrophages, which are immune cells that engulf and neutralize pathogens effectively.
  • Cytokine Production: It stimulates the production of cytokines, signalling molecules that coordinate immune responses.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Beta-Glucan’s antioxidant properties help protect immune cells from oxidative stress, enabling them to function optimally.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Beta-Glucans enhance the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine.

Benefits for elderly:

  • Support against susceptibility to viral infections: a clinical study showed a reduction of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) following the consumption of beta glucans.
  • Enhanced Immune Function: Beta-glucans are renowned for their immune-boosting properties, supporting effective defense against pathogens. This is particularly important as people age and their immune response tends to weaken.
  • Inflammation Control: Beta-glucans support anti-inflammatory immune mechanism properties that can help mitigate chronic inflammation, promoting overall well-being.
  • Joint Health: Joint discomfort is a common issue for older individuals. The anti-inflammatory effect of Beta-glucans may support joint health and improve overall mobility.
  • Gut Microbiome: Beta glucans promote beneficial bacteria in the gut. Gut bacteria have an important effect on the immune system and body organs. A healthy gut microbiome promotes healthy aging.

In conclusion, Beta-Glucan emerges as a powerful ally for the aging population, offering substantial support to the immune system and contributing to better health and vitality in the later stages of life.

BioGlena™ by Solabia – Algaetch Nutrition presents an optimal source of beta glucans extracted from microalgae. Comprised of 100% natural whole Euglena gracilis microalgae. BioGlena™ boasts a minimum of 55% linear 1,3 beta-glucan content. This product stands out for its purity as it necessitates no extraction process, ensuring it remains free of additives or solvents.