We’re only as strong as
our weakest link
We’re only as strong as our weakest
link! I’m sure we’ve all heard that
phrase at one time or another, but may not have associated it into the scheme
of our overall health. The connection
that’s being made is referring to our immune system, and this remarkable
network determines what state of health we’re in at the present and what we’re
setting the stage for in the near future.
We might look upon it as our own personal army with superb troops if
given the proper training to do what appears to be a mission impossible. This can be either an elite group or a
dysfunctional one depending on our contribution – and yes, for the most part it
is contingent upon us. We wish at times
it wasn’t, for what we consume in the way of foods, nutritional supplements,
drugs – both controlled and uncontrolled, environmental influences – these all
have a direct affect on the strength of our immune system. There are also other elements that filter
into the immune system that we are often unaware of, such as: an over abundance and misappropriated use of
the vast antibiotics in the food chain today.
Devastating as it may be, we are all becoming immune to the very
substances that we are depending upon to alleviate sicknesses and strengthen
our body. So we as a society have begun
to seek clarity as to why the importance of eliminating any weak links in our
immune system, and why we must accelerate and focus our energy in elevating our
health to superiority. Let us examine
this analogy: If we were to construct a
six foot fence in a given area with the intention of creating a safe space for
our child to play in, we would be adamant about securing every link in the
chain fence, for we know that if there were any weaknesses that would allow for
an opening to present itself, it would create a threat of security for our
child. No matter how strong a fence is
built, the weakness will always make it unreliable. The same holds true for our immune
system. Many factors battle war within
us and threaten our superiority in overcoming viruses, bacteria, or any foreign
molecules, often referred to as antigens.
Weaknesses are elevated by poor diet, toxins in food supply, additives,
stress, genetic predisposition, and environmental influences that are in
control. In order to reverse these
adverse negative influences that we are constantly dealing with we want to
offer the body something to work with. A
healthy lifestyle of positive thinking would weigh heavier on the list than
most can ever imagine. For what we think
and believe we attract to us – that is Universal Law. On the physical there is our diet or food
intake. This is an established fact:
that food is a medicine or it can be the opposite - a poison to the body. What we consume will determine how we will
operate on a daily basis and in the near future. There is also physical activity – this will
create the circulation and flexibility that the body so desires. Another substance that has stepped up more
recently is beta 1,3/1,6-D-glucan, which we will refer to as simply beta
glucan. It profoundly and positively
activates a powerful immune system response.
Although the more active beta glucan comes from yeast it does not
contain any yeast proteins that would cause an allergic reaction or disturb
those sensitive due to candidiasis. What
beta glucan does is activates macrophages which are white blood cells that
constitute a critical element of the immune system. Macrophages’ main function is to identify and
kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi, or enemies that do not belong in our body
and can make us sick. Beta glucan
activates these immune cells, so they function more efficiently and
effectively. Interestingly with this
product, more is not better as we sometimes believe. It should be taken as directed on the bottle
and on an empty stomach so that it does not pass through the stomach to the
upper intestines. If taken with food, it
may pass through the system and not be exposed.
It can however, be taken right along with other supplements as long as
they are void of fiber. A usual dose is
7.5mg daily, sometimes higher when the system has been compromised
greatly. As with everything else
quality is top priority. Fortunately, a
standard of purity and effectiveness has been established, and will sport the
trademark symbol YB13G. This symbol is
designed to let consumers know that the product has been standardized for
potency and that it is pure and protein free.
With this you can be assured of the most power at the lowest dosage. It also lets you know that the product
contains insoluble 1,3 beta glucan with the triple helix configuration. This is very important in terms of
effectiveness. Because there are a lot
of different sources of beta glucan, this symbol is your assurance that you are
purchasing beta glucan from the yeast cell wall, which is also important in
terms of insolubility and effectiveness.
You will want to purchase your beta glucan product from a reputable
company that has a history of working with beta glucan.
Keep in mind that it takes a comprehensive
approach to obtain optimal health. When
you combine a diet of natural foods, positive attitude, improved lifestyle
changes, beta glucan can serve as a phenomenal immune system activator. Everything is based on the immune
system. In this challenge world we live
in, we need to draw from every support possible. Don’t let any weakness jeopardize your
strength. For without question: We’re only as strong as our weakest link!
By: Dr.
Terri Hawkins
