Colostrum (kulos'-trum), sometimes called "mothers' milk," is a thick yellow fluid produced from the mammary glands during the 24-48 hours after birth. This fluid is so important that without it, many newborn mammals would simply die. It is not only a source of nutrients such as proteins, calcium, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals, but it also contains several biologically-active molecules which are essential to the body's immune and growth functions. For obvious reasons, human colostrum is not an option. So researchers had to look elsewhere for supplies. After nearly 10 years of research, scientists now believe that bovine (cow) colostrum is the only safe alternative for human consumption. Not only are the immune and growth factors found in bovine colostrum virtually identical to those in human colostrum, the immune factors are reportedly four times richer. Moreover, bovine colostrum contains special glyco-proteins and protease inhibitors, which are found extremely effective in protecting colostrum's active components from the destructive forces of the human body's digestive system.

 
Colostrum - Nature's Perfect Immune Booster!

Colostrum has been shown in numerous clinical studies to have both probiotic (organisms that have a beneficial effect on animal and human intestinal health) and antibiotic effects. It has also been shown to help repair intestinal tissue, support immune function, and increase vitality and stamina. It is one of the broadest-spectrum ¡§superfood¡¨ supplements known to medical science. There are over 90 known compounds (with estimates of up to 250) components in colostrum that effect over 50 processes in the body ranging from immunity to regeneration and growth. All of these factors work together in perfect synergy to restore and maintain health. The primary components, divided into two classes, are immune factors and growth factors. Colostrum also contains a precise balance of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

 
Clostrum's Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Of the two to three pounds of calcium contained in the average body, 99% is located in the bones and teeth. Calcium is needed to form bones and teeth and is also required for transmission of signals in nerve cells, and muscle contraction. The importance of calcium for preventing osteoporosis is probably its most well-known role, and it also increase bone density, stimulates proliferation of chondrocytes (cartilage cells).

Although calcium plays at least some minor role in lowering blood pressure, the mechanisms involved appear complex and somewhat unclear. The level of calcium in the blood is tightly regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH), and low intake of calcium causes elevations in PTH, which in turn have been implicated in the development of hypertension. It may cause arthritis, Atherosclerosis, Diabetes and heart disease

Calcium also appears to partially bind some fats and cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract. It May help lower cholesterol levels.

 
Colostrum's Immune Factors

Immune factors in colostrum have been shown to help the body fight off harmful invaders such as viruses, bacteria's, parasites, yeast's and funguses. Each factor plays a specific role in our body's defense against these attackers. Immune factors in colostrum balance the immune system and regulate the thymus (a key component of the immune system), control inflammation and protect against allergic reactions. Immunoglobulins in colostrum (neutralize pathogens) such as: bacteria, viruses, yeast's, funguses and other systemic toxins and are the primary active components in bovine colostrum.

Human colostrum only contains 2% of this critical immunoglobulin. Bovine colostrum contains 38% immunoglobulins, specifically IgG (a protein that acts as an antibody). It is considered to be one of the body's most important immunoglobulins because it is so effective against so many different microorganisms, many of which are resistant to current antibiotics. Bovine colostrum contains the highest levels of immune and growth factors possible, up to 4 times more immune factors than human colostrum. Colostrum also contains PRP (Polyproline-Rich-Peptides). Medical studies show that PRP in colostrum supports an under active immune system. PRP's (support and regulate the thymus gland) the body's master gland for the immune system. They stimulate an underactive immune system by helping it to move into action against disease-causing organisms. PRP in colostrum also helps balance an overactive immune system present in autoimmune diseases, making it a very valuable addition to help correct this devastating condition. Colostrum helps rebuild the immune system. Plus colostrum functions like a supplemental immune system, it is especially good for people with chronic depleted immune systems, or for those who have had long lasting or recurring infections.

 
Colostrum Growth Factors

The growth factors contained in (bovine) colostrum have been shown to be identical to those found in humans-not just identical but many times more potent. They are responsible for rebuilding and repair of cellular tissue. Growth factors are compounds whose primary effects are to promote healing by, building, maintaining and repairing bone mass, muscle, nerves and cartilage and improve nutrient uptake. These factors have also been shown to help increase lean muscle, help the body burn fat for fuel (stimulate fat metabolism assisting in weight loss) and assist in wound healing. Colostrum also helps to increase memory and balance blood sugar levels and help regulate brain chemicals that control moods (helping to overcome depression). Colostrum is especially effective as an anti aging agent. The growth factors in colostrum have been shown to help slow the signs of aging and return elasticity to the skin (skin tissues will firm up and wrinkles will often disappear). It's perfectly balanced anti-aging hormones make it more effective and safer than hGH (human growth hormone). With consistent use, the growth factors in colostrum, continually regenerate and rebuild the entire body. Colostrum has a cumulative effect (the longer it is used the more benefit). The growth factors in colostrum have also been shown to regrow the thymus gland to youthful proportions. This is extremely important as the thymus gland is one of the key organs in the immune system. Besides rebuilding the organs crucial to proper immune function colostrum has also been shown to rebuild heart muscle, lung tissue, cartilage and aid in critical nutrient uptake. Whether your battling a serious health concern or want to strengthen your immune system, colostrum makes a big difference. Colostrum is used by many athlete's to help build lean muscle, repair and restore injured muscles etc., improve stamina and increase energy levels.

Numerous studies conducted over the past 25 years show that bovine colostrum contains protease inhibitors that prevent the digestive enzymes in the human digestive tract from destroying the precious immunoglobulins in colostrum, this allows them to pass unaltered to the bowel and adhere to the mucosal surfaces and do their work. Once colostrum is in the bowel its immunoglobulins stimulate the production of antibodies in the intestinal track and the lungs.

 
Colostrum and Cancer

Cancer is a umbrella term for more than one hundred diseases whose common characteristic is uncontrolled abnormal cell growth. Many different factors can cause renegade cells, including heredity, smoking, exposure to environmental toxins, excessive sun exposure, food additives, pesticides, alcohol, and viruses. Colostrum provides components that enhance the immune system and help prevent the damage caused by these risk factors. Several factors present in colostrum have demonstrated particular promise in fighting cancer. Although more research needs to be done in the area of colostrum and cancer prevention, many studies have indicated great promise in the use of the substances against cancer.

 
Colostrum and E. coli

Colostrum promotes the regrowth and recoloization of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract which help fight harmful bacteria invaders, including E. Coli. The results of a study conducted at the International Medical Center of Japan strongly suggest that the administration of bovine colostrum is effective as protection against colonization and infection by E. coli O157.

 
Colostrum is Shown Effective Against Food and Water-borne Pathogens

Recent clinical studies show clearly that colostrum help prevent infections in two ways: first by inhibiting this intestinal attachment and second, by killing the bacteria themselves. Colostrum has been proven to destroy many different bacteria including Campylobacter, E. coli, Helicobacter pylori, Listeria, Streptoccocus (5 different varieties), Straphlococcus and Salmonella. In 1978, the Journal of Pediatrics reported that research done by Drs. Ho and Lawton showed that Leukocytes in colostrum were effective against E. coli and the yeast, Candida albicans.

 
Colostrum and Aging

After adolescence, the body's production of growth hormones, which are needed for cell reproduction and maintenance begins to decline steadily. By age 60, the body's secretes little or no growth hormone and aging accelerates rapidly. The immune system also starts to decline while we are still young so that by age sixty-five function of the thymus gland and the T-cells (Two key players in immune functioning) are greatly reduced and the body's ability to respond aggressively and effectively to pathogens is about 50 percent of what is used to be. Other changes associated with aging, include wear and tear on the joints, loss of skin elasticity, decreased functioning of the endocrine glands with a resulting reduction in the number of circulating hormones, decreased output of insulin by the pancreas, and decreased activity by the adrenal glands (which are responsible for regulating the body's response to stress). Colostrum supplies the body with growth factors (hormones) as well as stimulates the endocrine system to keep producing its own supply of hormones. Research strongly indicates that the combination of growth factors found in colostrum work together to create a potent anti-aging effect. Some of those effects include tighter skin, which results in a reduction of wrinkles, and regrowth of cells and tissue of organs that normally decrease in size with age. Returns elasticity to your skin, increases your energy and endurance, improves your eyesight, elevates your moods, and increases your bone density for stronger healthier bones. Rejuvenates your organs (heart, lung, liver and kidneys), re-grows hair and restores color, improves sexual function, enhances your immune system for resistance to cold and flu, re-grows your thymus gland to normal size, helps you lose weight and feel more active and relieves aches and pains and aids in faster healing.

 
Colostrum and Obesity

Colostrum contains growth factors that can help your body better utilize the food you eat and burn more fat. These growth factors (in particular, IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor 1) are normally produced by the body, but their numbers can be severely reduced by aging, lack of exercise, exposure to environmental toxins, and poor nutrition. Colostrum restores the body's levels of IGF-1 which along with exercise and a nutritious diet, can result in better metabolization ("burning") of fat, increased rate of growth of muscle mass and better strength and endurance leading to a leaner, healthier body and appearance. Colostrum is 100% natural. It Increases metabolism safely and naturally. Colostrum regenerates your body's normal functions and naturally aids your body into producing the normal secretions needed to speed up your metabolism, helping you feel more energized. A natural reduction of cellulite.

 
Colostrum and Alzheimer's

Colostrinin, a component of colostrum, more commonly knows as PRP, is found to improve the mental functioning of Alzheimer;s patients.

 
Colostrum and Allergies

There are two types of allergies (primary and secondary). Primary allergies are characterized by different antibodies, immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). They are sometimes called primary and secondary allergies. Primary allergies are characterized by the quick onset of clear symptoms like rashes, swelling, or asthma attacks, developing within a few minutes and up to two hours of contact with the allergen. Even a minor exposure can trigger an immense, sometimes life threatening reaction. Secondary allergies whose antigen is always food. Antigen (any protein not normally present in body and which stimulates the body to produce antibodies). Antibody (a protein produced by the body which reacts specifically with a foreign substance in the body). Secondary allergies are a reaction by the body's immune system to a substance that is not normally harmful. In some cases the immune system wrongly identifies a nontoxic substance as an invader, and releases a type of chemical called histamine to attack the harmless substance and do more damage to the body than the invader itself (autoimmune diseases). The allergic response becomes a disease in itself. Some common primary allergy reactions are caused by pollen, dust particles, certain metals (especially nickel), some cosmetics, lanolin, animal hair, insect venom, some common drugs (such as penicillin and aspirin), latex rubber, some food additives and chemicals found in soap and washing powder and molds spores. Some symptoms of allergies may include sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion and coughing usually indicates asthma or drug or respiratory allergies. Itchy eyes, mouth or throat are symptoms of respiratory allergies. Stomachache with frequent ingestion and heartburn can be a sign of food allergies. Irritated, itchy, reddening or swelling skin is associated with drug, food or insect sting allergies. Stiffness, pain and swelling of joints can indicate food or drug allergies.

 
Cause of Secondary Allergies

Leaky gut syndrome is the most common factor behind most food allergies. Leaky gut syndrome is far more widespread than most people realize, and chances are, you do have it. It is a very common health disorder which is not often recognized by physicians. It is a condition in which the intestinal lining is more permeable than normal due to abnormally large spaces or "holes" between the cells of an inflamed intestinal lining. Aside from other things, leaky gut syndrome causes an inability to properly digest and assimilate food. It allows the entry of viruses, bacteria, fungi and other toxic substances to enter into the bloodstream. Leaky gut syndrome is the common factor behind most food allergies and many nutrient deficiencies. It is also linked to autoimmune diseases and can be the underlying cause of many other health conditions.Leaky gut syndrome is the result of inflammation which causes the spaces between the cell walls to enlarge. Inflammation can be caused and aggravated by a number of things such as: Autoimmune disease a (leaky gut) causes a weakened ability to resist infectious organisms. Inflammation damages the protective coating surrounding the antibodies present in a normal healthy intestinal track. This renders them inactive and unable to ward off infectious organisms in the intestines where most infections enter the body. Organisms are then able to "leak" into the bloodstream and travel to almost any part of the body. Leaky gut syndrome causes most food allergies. The enlarged spaces in an inflamed intestinal wall also allow the absorption of large molecular proteins from food, which would ordinarily be broken down before entering the bloodstream. These undigested proteins in the bloodstream are considered foreign substances and the immune system produces antibodies to get rid of them. This is what causes the allergic reaction or food allergy. Leaky gut syndrome causes a long list of mineral deficiencies. The carrier proteins responsible for transporting various minerals into the bloodstream are damaged by the swelling and inflammation of leaky gut syndrome. For example, magnesium deficiencies are a very common deficiency in conditions such as fibromyalgia, despite a supplemental magnesium intake. It doesn't matter how much magnesium you take when the carrier protein is damaged, magnesium will not get into the body where it is needed. The body can also be deprived of zinc, copper, calcium, silicon and a wide variety of micro-nutrients. Leaky gut syndrome can also block the absorption of vitamins and essential amino acids, severely hindering nutrient uptake. Leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune disease. As with food allergies, autoimmune diseases are the result of an ongoing allergic reaction. In the case of autoimmune diseases, the antibodies created in response to "Leaked" toxins, attach to the tissues in the body. When this happens, auto-antibodies are created which end up attacking the tissues themselves. Hence, the term of autoimmune disease and the idea are that the body is attacking itself. The type of autoimmune disease that results, depends on which tissues of the body are are affected. For example, multiple sclerosis affects the surrounding nerves, and rheumatoid arthritis involves the tissue of the joints.