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Improve Immunity with Arabinogalactans

17 October 2016

Would you believe that a sugar supplement could strengthen your horses immune system? The sugars in arabinogalactans can. Arabinogalactans are a type of soluble fiber made up of long, branching chains of sugars. These compounds, which are found in many plants including some vegetables, have a very fascinating effect on the immune system. They function as immune activity normalizers. If your horses body is battling an infection, arabinogalactans power up the attack against the invading organism or virus. Additionally, if the immune system is too revved up, as is the case in allergies and chronic inflammation, arabinogalactans can help suppress this over activity. 

Arabinogalactans have a variety of beneficial effects in the horses body. They increase the production of various cytokines, which are chemicals the immune system uses for cell to cell communication. The end result is increased activity of immune cells against tumors, viruses and bacteria. 

Arabinogalactans inhibit the ability of toxic bacteria to adhere to the intestinal wall, thereby preventing infection. Another beneficial effect produced in the intestinal tract results from beneficial bacteria feeding on this compound. Arabinogalactans are not broken down by the digestive processes, but they are a food for bacteria that normally reside in the intestinal tract.

The conditions in which arabinogalactans could be of benefit are: allergies, inflammation such as arthritis, viral and bacterial infections such as bronchitis and sinusitis.

Arabinogalactans are one of the active ingredients of medicinal herbs such as Echinacea, Astragalus, and Shitake mushroom. However, only about 4 percent of the dry weight of these herbs are comprised of arabinogalactans. One teaspoon of 100 percent pure arabinogalactan powder is equivalent to about 350gms of Echinacea tincture! 

Supplemental arabinogalactan powder is derived from an evergreen tree called the Western Larch. It has a mild pine odor, sweetish taste, and dissolves very readily in water or juice. The effectiveness of arabinogalactans can be enhanced by simultaneous use of potassium iodide and antioxidants, such as vitamin C. It is approved by the FDA as a food additive and animal studies have found it to be fantastically non-toxic.

Like the immune augmenting herbs, it may be best to periodically halt arabinogalactan supplementation to avoid it losing its effect. Such a regime might consist of two months of supplementation interrupted by two weeks of not using it. Use of arabinogalactans should not be considered a replacement for consulting a qualified professional. However, in my opinion, strengthening the immune system can only increase the effectiveness of other treatments.

Equine 2000 Herbal Mune contains 10,200mgs of Arabinogalactan per 30gm scoop.

Used by leading trainers in NZ to help treat: Viruses, Bacteria, Mud Fever, Tumors, Allergies, Coughs, Colds, Wound Healing.