Keeping the flu bug at bay

Keep the flu bug at bay

What makes beta glucan appealing to many is there are no known side effects, and it does not interfere with other medications.

by Debbie Williams — 

Every year we see the advertisements on TV; we see the signs in the stores to get your flu shot now. Some workplaces and schools are demanding people get vaccinated. A December 13, 2013, CBS Newswatch had an article titled, “Could you be fired for refusing a flu shot?” This debate has been going on for years and for good reason. What are the risks? What are the benefits? Is there mercury in the flu shots? Do the vaccines really protect us?

At the very least, you have to consider this industry as a “for profit” one, and flu vaccines equal big money. It makes you stop and ask yourself if the industry really cares about us, or is it all just about money at the expense of our health?

I do not think the majority of the public knows that by law a pharmaceutical company cannot be sued for damages resulting from vaccines. Legal immunity was given to the pharmaceutical companies in 1986 and was upheld in 2011 by the U.S. Supreme Court.

CNN stated on December 10, 2014, that according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the flu shot is less effective this year because the current virus has mutated.

On January 11, 2015, it was reported by the CDC that “there is a flu epidemic raging in America.” The World Health Organization estimates 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide die every year from the flu.

Getting the vaccine is a personal decision, and it is not one that I take lightly. Having unknown substances injected into my body is scary. I have gotten flu shots in the past and have come down with the flu — so it seems like playing roulette.

Prevention and becoming proactive by building a strong immune system makes sense. People spend more money on drugs after they are sick than they would have by keeping themselves healthy through nutrition and supplementation. It is startling that people spend more money keeping their cars in shape than their own bodies. Our bodies, as evidenced by the alarming rate of cancer, need help. Invest in your body.

Could it be we simply need to be healthy enough to avoid the flu? If you got the flu or a cold this year, it is a sign that your body needs help. Your immune system is the key to health. If your immune system is not in top shape, it cannot fight colds, allergies, cancer or the flu and will fail to protect you. When given the right nutrition, your body is amazingly resilient and can be successful at keeping you healthy.

My family started taking beta glucan more than three-and-a-half years ago and we have not had the flu, cold or allergy symptoms since. Coincidence? I do not think so. I will take it the rest of my life. Prior to taking beta glucan, I would miss work several times a year with colds, flu, allergies and strep throat. My husband says it best: You can still get sick if you are on the beta glucan, but the frequency, duration and severity are greatly improved.

Buyer beware, not all beta glucan is created equally. Many commercial brands are worthless because they buy inferior beta glucan. Our beta glucan is university tested to be the best in the world, and it comes out ahead of the number-two brand eight times. What does that mean exactly? You would have to swallow eight pills of other brands to get the same immune response as just one of ours. I truly believe it is the most significant health supplement of our lifetime.

What is beta glucan? 

Beta glucan is a polysaccharide that is found naturally in seaweed, Japanese mushrooms, grains and the walls of baker’s yeast. One study shows that the insoluble yeast-derived beta glucan has superior ability to modulate the immune system. You are among the first people in the U.S. to read about this amazing compound. Most people, including traditional doctors, have never heard of it.

Many people ask, “Why haven’t I heard of this before if it is so great?” One reason is that 10 years ago one capsule cost $200. Beta glucan is the number one immunomodulator on the planet. It has been studied for more than 50 years — 11,000 studies from Harvard, Baylor, Tulane and other prestigious universities (documentation can be found on pubmed.gov).

Beta glucans are significant because they bind to the CR3 receptors of neutrophil cells, which are the most abundant white blood cells. Those cells are then activated to see “non-self” cells. Essentially, after taking beta glucan, trillions more fighter cells emerge inside the body. That is why people call our product “life changing” and “miraculous.” I never miss a day of taking beta glucan. If I did, one-third of my cell army would be gone because white blood cells only live three days.

What makes beta glucan appealing to many is there are no known side effects, and it does not interfere with other medications. The FDA gives beta glucan the “GRAS” rating (generally regarded as safe). Studies have shown beta glucan can actually improve the efficacy of other medicines. For example, it can improve chemotherapy and radiation treatments because it may eliminate some horrific side effects due to the fact that more fighter cells are present and good cells are protected.

Is it a silver bullet? Not at all. Beta glucan does not cure anything — the immune system does that. It simply activates trillions of cells in your body, allowing them to fight the fight.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If pregnant or lactating, consult a physician before using.

Debbie Williams is an immune health coach and is studying to become a certified nutrition coach. 623-444-0557 or vitalityforlife.youngevity.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 34, Number 1, February/March 2015.