The gut-healing power of colostrum
Breast milk may be the most well-known source of nutrition for a new baby, but there is another that may rival its benefits: colostrum. This buttermilk-like substance, produced uniquely by mammals, is the first milk that a mother feeds her newborn. Colostrum is produced in the body before breast milk comes in and is important to help babies develop their immune systems and grow healthily. In the past, colostrum was essential for babies’ survival. The precious few drops of liquid gold often determined their chances of living past childhood.
Today, colostrum remains a valued substance and can be consumed by people of all ages. By healing the gut and boosting the immune system, colostrum can have a positive effect on a wide range of diseases, from inflammatory bowel diseases to leaky gut syndrome.
A baby’s first nutrient
Colostrum plays a critical role in building a baby’s first bodily functions. Every organ, particularly the brain, eyes, and heart, relies on the perfect combination of nutrients from colostrum in order to grow healthily.
Fun fact: It is only after a baby drinks colostrum that they are able to pass their first stool. Colostrum can further help in the prevention of jaundice by helping the baby break down excess red blood cells before they become toxic.
A multivitamin for all ages
Colostrum can be considered one of the world’s best superfoods. It contains the ideal ratio of fats, carbohydrates, and protein, as well as magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, and E.
Fun fact: The nutrients in colostrum even beat those found in grass-fed cow’s milk, in both the number of nutrients and the number of nutrients per serving!
How colostrum heals the gut and beyond
Your gut microbiome says a lot about your overall health. It acts as your immune system’s first line of defence. When you strengthen your gut health, you also strengthen your immune health.
Reduces inflammation in the digestive tract
Inflammation in the gut can result in compromised digestive conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. These conditions can cause unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, and rectal bleeding. Over time, inflammation in the intestinal tract can impair nutrient absorption and cause food intolerances. This chronic inflammation is the result of an uncontrolled immune response.
Fun fact: Colostrum contains a special protein called proline-rich polypeptides (PRP), which decreases chronic inflammation by regulating an overactive immune system. When inflammation is reduced, digestive symptoms will improve.
Heals intestinal cell walls
Fun fact: Our intestines have thin walls – they’re only one cell thick!
This makes it easy for nutrients to be absorbed by the cells. On the other hand, the thin intestinal wall is prone to damage such as holes and cracks. If undigested foods pass through these cracks, inflammation and digestive symptoms can worsen. Many people with gastrointestinal disorders are given colostrum to speed up their healing process. The growth factors in colostrum help the intestinal cells repair themselves, strengthening the intestinal lining. Furthermore, studies show that those who supplement with colostrum are able to prevent 80% of the increase in intestinal permeability.
Supports healthy gut flora
The gut is a central location for many microorganisms that live together in harmony. When a baby is born, the colostrum they receive from their mother is used to build their own healthy microbiota. Colostrum contains two important healthy bacteria – lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium, as well as antibodies to help fight bad bacteria and pathogens like H. pylori and E. coli.
A healthy gut flora contains a balance of both good and bad bacteria. An overgrowth of bad bacteria or not enough good bacteria can cause problems such as leaky gut and food intolerances. To protect against this, adults can also benefit from taking colostrum supplements to restore their gut microbiome balance.
The benefits don’t stop there
It’s an immune booster
In order for your immune system to fight bacteria or viruses, they need to be marked by an antibody. There are five types of antibodies: IgA, IgD, IgG, IgE, and IgM. Together, they act as security guards, patrolling around your body. Once they encounter harmful bacteria, the antibodies create a tag so the specialized immune cells can recognize and remove the invader. The more antibodies you have, the faster your immune system can fight off infection.
A baby’s first antibodies are given by the mother through colostrum. Bovine colostrum supplements contain IgG antibodies and can be used to enhance the immune response significantly.
Improves exercise performance
Athletes who go through intense training may benefit from taking colostrum. Colostrum supplements are used to help high-intensity training (HIT) athletes maintain increased heart rates, and increase oxygen usage. It also improves the recovery process after training.
Keeps your nasal passages clear
Colostrum is one of the best nutrients to keep on hand during cold and flu season. Unpleasant respiratory symptoms such as a stuffy nose and difficulty breathing can be improved with the consumption of colostrum. Studies show that it is particularly effective for upper respiratory tract conditions such as asthma and allergies.
How to supplement with colostrum
Colostrum from a mother’s breastmilk is usually only available to newborns, but supplementation is available to adults who can take advantage of its many healing benefits. Whether your goal is to enhance gut health, improve digestive function, decrease inflammation, or protect your body against infections, a bovine colostrum supplement can accomplish all of this and more.
Bovine colostrum is comparable to human colostrum – it contains a similar mixture of vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and antibodies. Our Gut Repair formula contains 400mg bovine colostrum and calendula flower extract to soothe and mend the digestive tract.
Sources
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- Batista da Silva Galdino, A., do Nascimento Rangel, A. H., Buttar, H. S., Sales Lima Nascimento, M., Cristina Gavioli, E., Oliveira, R. D. P., … & Anaya, K. (2021). Bovine colostrum: benefits for the human respiratory system and potential contributions for clinical management of COVID-19. Food and Agricultural Immunology, 32(1), 143-162.
