Overview
This webinar, featuring Dr. Michael Carlfeld and the Better Way Health team, covers the science of trained immunity, with a focus on the evidence surrounding beta glucan and its impact on immune function, gut health, detoxification, and overall wellness. The session includes education, research highlights, recommended use, safety, and an audience Q&A on practical applications.
Introduction to Trained Immunity and Beta Glucan
- Trained immunity refers to the newly discovered memory capability of the innate immune system.
- Beta glucan, particularly highly purified baker’s yeast (1,3/1,6 structure), can induce trained immunity and enhance immune cell intelligence.
- Different sources of beta glucan (oats, barley, mushrooms, yeast) provide distinct health benefits due to their molecular structure.
- Quality and purity of beta glucan are critical for biological effectiveness.
Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Evidence
- Beta glucan is recognized by CR3 and dectin-1 receptors on immune cells, activating macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells.
- Purity and source determine the immune-enhancing potential; 85% purity is a benchmark for efficacy.
- Research shows beta glucan modulates both up- and down-regulation of immune responses, making it valuable for autoimmunity and infection defense.
- Beta glucan supports epigenetic changes that help innate immune cells respond more effectively to future threats.
- Over 20,000 research studies and numerous clinical trials document its safety and performance, including landmark comparative research by Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka.
Health Benefits and Broader Applications
- Beta glucan enhances immune resilience, critical for longevity and disease prevention.
- Supports detoxification by activating immune cells to clear heavy metals and persistent chemicals.
- Functions as a prebiotic, postbiotic, and gut wall healer, improving gut health and microbiome support.
- Indirectly supports cognitive and cardiovascular health by optimizing immune allocation of energy and mitigating inflammation.
- Safe for use in cancer protocols, during chemotherapy (with physician oversight), and alongside most medications (excluding organ transplant immunosuppression).
Dosage, Use, and Practical Guidance
- Standard maintenance: 100 mg daily; higher doses (up to 500-1,000 mg) for infections, cancer, or immune compromise.
- Best taken orally, first thing in the morning, 30 minutes before food.
- No need to cycle or take breaks; immune cells have a short lifespan and require ongoing activation.
Safety and Quality Assurance
- Beta glucan is generally recognized as safe, with no documented side effects at recommended dosages.
- Contraindicated with immunosuppressive drugs for transplant patients.
- No yeast proteins or allergens remain in highly purified products; does not promote yeast overgrowth.
Research, Product Selection, and Customer Support
- Selection should prioritize source, purity, and third-party testing (not price alone).
- Baker’s yeast-derived, highly purified beta glucan performs best in comparative studies.
- Continued research is ongoing, and customer support is available for product information and personalized guidance.
Decisions
- Recommend yeast-derived, highly purified beta glucan for immune modulation and trained immunity.
- Beta glucan can be taken daily and long-term for ongoing immune support.
Action Items
- TBD – Dr. Carlfeld/Better Way Health: Follow up on specific patient inquiries and discovery calls for further guidance.
- TBD – Attendees: Consult with medical professionals before starting beta glucan, especially if on immunosuppressive therapy.
Recommendations / Advice
- Use beta glucan as a supplement, not a replacement for healthy lifestyle practices like diet, exercise, and sleep.
- Integrate beta glucan with gut health and detoxification protocols for maximum benefit.
- Seek out highly purified, yeast-based beta glucan products with transparent research backing.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Open research questions regarding beta glucan’s role in various autoimmune diseases and complex conditions.
- Attendees are encouraged to reach out for individualized support or answers not addressed in the webinar.