Wellmune

Sherry Torkos, fitness expert and holistic pharmacist, dropped by Breakfast Television at City-TV Toronto to discuss natural ways to keep healthy.

Sherry isn’t all work and no play; she shared a sneaky way to get healthy by eating Praeventia cookies that are great for kids and adults alike. The cookies contain whole oats, polyphenols (antioxidants) and Wellmune WGP^®, a natural ingredient that improves resistance to stress and mobilizes immune cells without over-stimulating the immune system. These are ideal for school lunch boxes.

Ever notice how lethargic you become when you’re feeling under the weather?  With a healthier immune system, chances are that you’ll notice an increase in energy. Try Praeventia or other Wellmune WGP^® products today.

What you eat can be responsible for contributing to, or helping to prevent, health problems. But some foods may cause intolerance or allergic responses. You also want to avoid most processed foods, such as cereals, because they typically contain excess amounts of sugar and salt. Some also contain preservatives, such as sulphates, that may negatively impact the immune system. And try to stay away from foods that are high in fat – particularly saturated fats – and cholesterol, as well as low density foods (sometimes called “empty calories”).

Just as you might think about eating better and choosing ingredients to prevent serious diseases, you may also rely on good nutrition and healthful products to reduce your risk of getting miserable coughs, sore throats and fevers associated with cold and flu.

It seems everyone these days wants advice on how not to get a cold or the flu. Protective gloves and a face mask aren’t exactly practical or fashionable. The good news is that once you know how your immune system is set up to attack germs, viruses and other potential pathogens, it’s easier to understand how you can reinforce its power.

Your immune system has two primary actions: innate and adaptive. The innate response is your body’s generic first line of defense. When your immune system senses a potential pathogen such as a cold virus, it sends white blood cells and other warriors to surround and kill it. There are well-researched nutritional supplements that can help ensure that your innate immune system is fully functional and ready to protect you against harmful infections.

The adaptive or memory-based response is more specific. For example, it is the immunity your body might have after getting a flu vaccine. Your body recognizes this germ and uses very specific and efficient tactics to get rid of it before it makes you sick.

It is possible to prime your innate immune response so that it’s ready when you need it. Functional foods, beverages and supplements that contain Wellmune WGP are now available. Wellmune works by tapping into the most abundant immune cells in your body, and it is a safe and easy way to prime the immune cells that help keep you healthy. Products include: Leclerc’s Praeventia Cookies available in Ginger and Dark Chocolate Chip with Cranberries Cookies, Lassonde OASIS Health Break Immuniforce as well as Coldmune, Healthmune and Stressmune dietary supplements from Sisu.

Unbelievably, some researchers claim that eating dirt is good for you. Their hypothesis is that the millions of bacteria and other microbes found in dirt help our bodies to develop a healthy immune system. Mud may be beneficial for beauty treatments, but there are easier, scientifically-proven ways to replenish your body’s defenses and create a safety net for your health.

These include:

• Serve a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. A large body of evidence indicates that the ‘Neo-Mediterranean diet’, which contains high levels of flavonoids, anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients, lowers the risk of heart disease and cancer, and supports good immune function. This diet is high in fruits and vegetables; whole grains, beans and other legumes; olive oil, nuts and seeds; garlic; oily fish and a moderate intake of red wine.
• Make adequate sleep a priority. Lack of sleep is perceived by the body as a form of stress – and stress reduces the immune response.
• Supplement with baseline nutritional support. Anyone over age 45 should take a comprehensive daily nutritional supplement that includes an optimum level of vitamins and minerals, plus flavonoids and carotenoids (derived from fruits and vegetables), Omega 3 fatty acids, isoflavones and other micro- and phyto-nutrients including Vitamin D and Selenium.
• Protect your digestive tract with prebiotics and probiotics. There is evidence that some pre- and probiotic species have a positive effect on immune health.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise is an effective immune booster and important for health generally. Being unfit is as dangerous as smoking 20 cigarettes a day!
• Take precautions to avoid germs. Colds are transmitted through the air – via coughing and sneezing, and through surface contact, such as door handles. It makes sense to wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Food preparation is another area where sensible precautions are important. Rinse all meat and fish under running water before cooking, wash your hands each time a new raw food is touched, and never cut cooked and raw meats on the same board.

• Add in other steps toward living a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the above, stop smoking if you haven’t already done so, maintain a healthy weight, control your blood pressure and drink alcohol in moderation – two glasses of red wine per day seems about right, although a third probably won’t do any harm! Children and those over 50 should get a flu shot. Regular medical checkups are also important.

EAGAN, MN — May 24, 2011 — Biothera will showcase Wellmune WGP®, the company’s clinically proven immune health ingredient for foods, beverages and supplements, at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) annual meeting and food expo June 11-14 in New Orleans. The Wellmune WGP display (#7547) will feature numerous products containing Wellmune WGP, educational videos and an opportunity to speak with Biothera scientists and sales people.

This year visitors can sample the following products containing  Wellmune WGP:

• Oasis® Immuniforce™ juices from A. Lassonde Inc.

• Award-winning functional chocolates –  Cacao SuperFood Chocolate® from Good Cacao LLC and Cocowell from Xan Confections.

• Healthy Praeventia cookies and bars from Groupe Biscuits Leclerc Ltd.

• Dr. Sears Immune Plus Fruit Chews from Dr. Sears Family Essentials.

• Healthyshot®, an immune-enhancing powder stick packs from Diamond Crystal Brands.

About Wellmune WGP
Wellmune WGP is a natural ingredient derived from the cell wall of a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).  Wellmune WGP is patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free.  The ingredient is recipient of an IFT Innovation Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.  More information is available at www.wellmune.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

EAGAN, MN — May 11, 2011 — The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies has issued a positive scientific opinion on Wellmune WGP® as a novel food, Biothera, the manufacturer of Wellmune WGP, announced today.

Wellmune WGP would be the only yeast-derived beta glucan to receive the novel food designation and be permitted for use in foods, beverages and supplements in Europe.

Wellmune WGP is a natural ingredient that is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy.  Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that Wellmune WGP mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses without over stimulating the immune system.

“We are pleased with the finding of EFSA’s review of our clinical and safety data supporting Wellmune WGP,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer of Biothera.  “We have ongoing discussions with a number of companies about product concepts in anticipation of this opinion from EFSA.”

The novel food designation from EFSA will further expand worldwide regulatory approval of Wellmune WGP.  Food, beverage and supplement products containing Wellmune WGP are sold in more than 30 countries today.  Recently the China Ministry of Health also approved Wellmune WGP by giving the ingredient Novel Foods status.

Biothera’s European distribution partner is Immicare AB, based in Sweden.  Biothera also works with DKSH for distribution of its ingredients in Italy.  Contact information for Immicare AB and all Biothera distributors is available at http://www.wellmune.com/for-manufacturers/distribution/.

About Wellmune WGP
Wellmune WGP is a natural ingredient derived from the cell wall of a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).  Wellmune WGP is patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free.  The ingredient is recipient of an IFT Innovation Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.  More information is available at www.wellmune.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

EAGAN, MN — April 27, 2011 — A new study published today as the cover story in the journal Nature features Biothera’s beta glucans and new discoveries about how these unique immunodulating compounds prime the innate immune system to protect the body.

This research confirmed that not all beta glucans are alike.  Researchers led by David Underhill, Ph.D. demonstrated that beta glucan size and molecular structure is critical to receptor binding and the resulting innate immune cell response.  Dr. Underhill and his research team found that specific beta glucan structures bind to a particular receptor (Dectin-1) while other beta glucans structures did not.

“This research demonstrates that the structure of beta glucans matters,” said William Grossman, M.D., Ph.D., Biothera senior vice president of Research & Development.  “Even slight molecular differences in beta glucans affect the signaling pathways used to induce different killing mechanisms.  These data expand on our previous research showing that some of our other beta glucan structures bind to CR3, inducing separate and unique mechanisms.”

The study shows that Dectin-1 distinguishes between direct microbial contact and detection of microbes at a distance, a distinction that enables effective microbial killing responses.  When bound to Biothera’s Wellmune WGP®, Dectin-1 signaling primed immune cells for phagocytosis, a mechanism used to recognize and destroy pathogens.

“This research was possible because of Biothera’s capability to isolate, modify and characterize these beta glucan compounds,” said Dr. Underhill, associate professor, IBD and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Biothera is a U.S. biotechnology company that is pioneering beta glucan research.  The company has developed glucans as both pharmaceutical applications and immune health ingredients for foods, beverages and supplements.  The company’s Imprime PGG® is an injectable drug that is currently in a Phase III clinical trial for colorectal cancer and multiple Phase II trials for non small cell lung cancer.  Biothera’s Wellmune WGP® is a food-grade, immune-health ingredient for functional foods, beverages and supplements in more than 30 countries.

“We’re pleased to be able to contribute to the growing body of research surrounding beta glucan structures and their relationship to functional mechanisms,” said Don Cox, Ph.D., senior vice president, Biothera Healthcare Research & Development.

The title of the Nature paper is “Activation of the Innate Immune Receptor Dectin-1 upon Formation of a ‘Phagocytic Synapse.’” The paper is accessible on the Nature website.

About Biothera, the Immune Health Company
Biothera is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health. The company is commercializing its unique technology platform through two business groups. Biothera’s Pharmaceutical Group is conducting multiple clinical trials for the development of an immune modulating drug that mobilizes the innate immune system to fight most types of cancer. The company’s Healthcare Group is a leading provider of natural immune health ingredients for the functional food and beverage, dietary supplement, cosmetic and animal nutrition markets.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

EAGAN, MN — April 20, 2011 — Hormel Health Labs, a division of Diamond Crystal Brandshas expanded its line of HealthyShot® Wellness Products to include several powdered beverages containing Wellmune WGP®, the natural immune health ingredient from Biothera.

The products combine the convenience of powdered beverages and the clinically proven immune support of Wellmune WGP.  Available in three flavors: Lemonade, Pomegranate-Cherry and Raspberry- Green Tea, they are convenient, great tasting and provide a strong immune system message. [...]

EAGAN, MN — April 18, 2011 — Biothera achieved a “Superior” rating in its recent independent AIB International audit of the company’s Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) at its distribution center in Eagan, Minnesota.  The AIB food safety and hygiene standard is one of the strictest standards in the world. [...]

EAGAN, MN — March 9, 2011 — Lassonde Specialties recently expanded its delicious line of Canton brand of ready-to-serve soups with the introduction of three soups containing Wellmune WGP®, a natural ingredient that is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep your body healthy.

The soups, which include vegetable, chicken noodle and chicken with rice, are part of the contemporary line up of Canton soups that are available in convenient readily identifiable Tetra Pak packaging or containers. Comfort food as delectable as it is refined, genuinely fresh and wholesome Canton soups are made from creative recipes using premium quality ingredients. They contain no preservatives and are produced by a well-established, Quebec-based company.

“The addition of Wellmune WGP in select Canton soups is an excellent way to deliver real immune health benefits to consumers,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer of Biothera, the manufacturer of Wellmune WGP. “We are very pleased to be associated with such high quality products.” [...]