The Benefits of Beta-Glucans

November 15, 2023

4 mins

Online primary care, right from home.

Speak to board-certified doctors and nurses across the screen.

Get Started

What are Beta-Glucans?

Beta-glucans are natural compounds found in various plant sources that hold immense potential for promoting optimal health. 

Beta-glucans are complex carbohydrates that interact with our immune system to help it become more effective at defending our body against potential threats. They send signals to the brain when invasive bacteria and other germs enter the body so that the immune system becomes active and efficient in fighting them off. This helps the body stay healthier and better protected.

Whether you choose to include beta-glucan-rich foods in your diet or opt for supplements, consistency is key. Both approaches can support your immune system, heart health, and potentially improve various aspects of your health.

What Do Beta-Glucans Do?

Renowned for their immune-boosting properties, beta-glucans activate and regulate the immune system, supporting its defense against harmful pathogens and contributing to overall health maintenance. 

Beta-glucan supplements work by supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, managing cholesterol levels, regulating blood sugar, and promoting gut health through their prebiotic properties. 

Beta-glucan is believed to stimulate and modulate the immune system. When consumed, it interacts with immune cells, particularly white blood cells called macrophages and natural killer cells. This interaction can help activate and increase the efficiency of these cells, enhancing the body's immune response to pathogens and potentially reducing the risk of infections. By activating and enhancing the efficiency of these cells, beta-glucan may potentially improve the body's immune response to cancer cells, supporting cancer prevention efforts.

Beta-glucans beyond immune support

While beta-glucans' impact on immune function stands out, it also offers other notable benefits. Beta-glucan supplements have anti-inflammatory properties. They can help regulate the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and promote the release of anti-inflammatory substances. This balanced response can help reduce chronic inflammation and its associated health issues.

Beta-glucans have shown benefits in promoting skin health and wound healing. These natural compounds stimulate the immune response, activate macrophages, and enhance collagen synthesis, leading to accelerated tissue repair and improved overall skin condition. 

By fortifying the skin's natural defense mechanisms and promoting cytokine production, beta-glucans aid in combating infections, reducing inflammation, and facilitating faster wound healing. Additionally, their moisturizing and soothing effects contribute to maintaining skin hydration and relieving skin irritations, making beta-glucans a valuable ingredient in skincare products and wound dressings

Beta-glucans have also shown potential in helping to regulate blood sugar levels, making them particularly relevant for individuals managing diabetes. By slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, beta-glucans contribute to a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. This can be highly beneficial for individuals with diabetes by promoting better control over their blood sugar levels.

Beta-glucans also act as a prebiotic. This means they serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can promote a healthy balance of gut microbiota, supporting digestive health.

In addition to dietary sources, beta-glucans can offer a practical and targeted approach to reaping the benefits of this incredible fiber. 

What Foods Contain Beta-Glucans?

Incorporating beta-glucans into your diet can be easily achieved through various food sources. 

Beta-glucans exist naturally in various food sources such as oats, barley, sorghum, and rye. 

By incorporating these foods into your diet, you not only enjoy their nutritional benefits but also harness the power of beta-glucan to support your overall well-being.

How Do Beta-Glucan Supplements Work?

Beta-glucan supplements work by stimulating and supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, promoting heart health through cholesterol management, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting a healthy balance of gut microbiota. 

They achieve these effects by interacting with immune cells, binding to cholesterol in the digestive system, slowing down carbohydrate digestion, and serving as food for beneficial gut bacteria.

Are there any side effects to beta-glucans?

Our beta-glucan supplements are safe, but proper dosage is important to avoid unpleasant side effects. The most common side effects of beta-glucan supplements are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 

Be sure to consult your healthcare provider when implementing a supplement into your diet, as they can provide guidance on proper dosage. Additionally, your healthcare provider will consider your medical history to determine if beta-glucans are right for you and your immune system.

Rex MD recommends taking 2 capsules of Beta-Glucan Prebiotic supplement per day for the most effective results.

How Long Does it Take for Beta-Glucan to Work?

While response time may vary for individuals, consistent consumption of beta-glucan-rich foods or supplementation can yield noticeable effects within a few weeks. Studies show that it can take four to 12 weeks to see the benefits of beta-glucans. 

For best results, it’s important to stay consistent with your supplementation and take the recommended dosage each day.

The improvement in immune function helps fortify your body's defense mechanisms against illnesses and promotes overall wellness.

How Rex MD Can Help

Beta-glucan offers tremendous health benefits that should not be overlooked. As you start to  incorporate beta-glucan into your lifestyle, remember to be consistent and choose quality sources or supplements. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific health needs.

Rex MD's parent company LifeMD can help you learn more about beta-glucans and how to boost your immune health. Make an appointment to speak to a licensed medical professional about your immune health concerns, and more.