The body is aided in fighting off disease by natural yeast.

Do you often find yourself getting more than your fair share of colds and other bothersome illnesses?

In today's society, staying free from diseases and avoiding colds, viruses, and severe illnesses is a constant challenge. Even a common cold can cause body aches, fever, congestion, and a cough that can leave you sidelined for a week or longer due to your immune system's efforts to combat the infection.

Thankfully, there is a scientifically proven immune-boosting supplement that can assist your body in fighting off viruses, bacteria, and other germs that may make you sick.

We are referring to a fermented yeast supplement known as EpiCor®, which was discovered by chance many years ago.

In the 1990s, the company that manufactured EpiCor was originally marketing it as a health supplement for farm animals. However, observant managers noticed something intriguing: Employees at the manufacturing plant were taking fewer sick days compared to employees at other plants.

The company's management theorized that exposure to EpiCor® might be the reason behind this. Something in this animal feed additive seemed to be providing protection against diseases to the workers.

Upon testing this hypothesis, studies revealed that EpiCor® had significant effects on human immune response and defense against infections.

Overview

Your primary defense against infections are your mucous membranes, which line the inside of your nose, mouth, and eyelids to prevent harmful agents from entering your bloodstream.

While mucous membranes are not foolproof, as evidenced by the common cold and flu, medical experts recommend avoiding touching your face unless your hands are clean. Failing to do so may allow bacteria or viruses on your skin to enter your body through these membranes or infect them.

In addition to acting as a physical barrier to pathogens, mucous membranes offer other forms of protection. For instance, your tears contain lysozyme, an enzyme that can destroy bacteria and aid in preventing eye infections.

Moreover, these membranes contain immunoglobulin A (IgA), the most abundant antibody produced in the body, which can be found throughout the body, including the digestive tract. Although not all functions of IgA are fully understood, it is believed to attach to pathogens to assist immune cells in destroying them.

IgA also supports the survival and growth of probiotic bacteria. IgA is recognized as an essential first line of defense against various invading pathogens.

Here is where EpiCor® plays a role: The saliva in your mouth contains a specific type of IgA called sIgA.

A study involving over twenty individuals found that taking EpiCor® for one month significantly increased the levels of sIgA in saliva. This led researchers to conclude that EpiCor® could enhance the protection of the body's mucous membranes against pathogens.

Strengthens Your Immune Cells

EpiCor® also influences your immune system in various ways, starting with your body's most potent immune cells. Studies indicate that EpiCor®:

• Boosts immune defense through natural killer cells (NK cells): Natural killer cells are a type of white blood cells that can aid in combating illnesses caused by viruses by eliminating infected cells. They also release pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body to coordinate the immune system's response against viruses and bacteria. Research suggests that EpiCor® can enhance natural killer cell activity and help boost the antioxidant capabilities of substances in the blood.
• Aids in regulating harmful inflammation: Chronic inflammation, characterized by destructive actions from immune cells, has been associated with an increased risk of conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Studies demonstrate that EpiCor® can assist in resolving skin inflammation and potentially reduce the risk of inflammation in the digestive system.

How Can Yeast Combat Diseases?

EpiCor® originates from baker's yeast, the same microorganism used in producing beer, wine, bread, and other foods. During the manufacturing process, yeast is deprived of oxygen, leading to the production of immune-supporting compounds such as proteins, peptides, antioxidants, polyphenols, organic acids, and nucleotides.

Through fermentation, beneficial yeast cell compounds like 1-3 and 1-6 beta glucans and mannans are formed. Scientists believe that all these natural compounds work together to enhance overall immune health. (Other sources of immune-boosting beta glucans include mushroom supplements and the popular beta 1-3D glucan supplement from BetterWayHealth.)

Researchers have conducted eight human clinical trials and two in vitro studies on EpiCor® to date. It is worth noting that almost all the research has been conducted by the company marketing EpiCor® as an immune supplement for human health. Despite this and the fact that I have not personally used this supplement, the research findings are impressive.

I first learned about Epicor over three decades ago from the renowned Dr. David Williams. It seems that it may not have gained widespread popularity, but the reasons for this are unclear to me.

Irrespective of whether you decide to incorporate EpiCor® into your immune-boosting routine, it is crucial to have such a regimen in place, which should include a healthy diet and lifestyle.

In a world where dangerous viruses, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and other harmful microbes are becoming more prevalent, maintaining a robust immune system remains your best defense for staying healthy and, in some cases, could even be a matter of life and death!