Colostrum - Natures Perfect Food For Newborns And Adults
After the miracle of birth, nature provides a second miracle: colostrum.
Colostrum is the first nourishment that nature provides to a nursing baby, whether it be a human baby, a calf or a kitten. It is considered "the perfect food" because it is so easy to digest that it is immediately absorbed by the immature digestive tract.
Balanced with all the protein, fats, and carbohydrates the newborn needs for energy and weight maintenance, Colostrum also gives to the infant all of its mother's immunity. After about three days, it is replaced with mother's nourishing milk; but immunity continues throughout the nursing period and other benefits may continue through to adulthood.
Until recently, infants were the only ones who could take advantage of the natural immunity and health benefits of colostrum. But that has changed.
Referred to by one source as a "super-nutrient", colostrum is fast becoming recognized as a way to assure health and immunity. Over 100 separate studies have proven that adults' immune systems can be "reprogrammed" to become healthier with a daily supplement of bovine colostrum.
According to aboutcolostrum.com, "Bovine colostrum is nearly identical to human colostrum, but... is four times richer in immune factors than human colostrum. [It]... helps inhibit the binding of pathogens to the bowel lining, so they are unable to proliferate. "
What this means is that the viruses, bacteria and fungi that invade our intestinal tracts are unable to get a foothold and may be ejected from the body without doing damage.
Additionally, colostrum is low in fat and lactose, making it a potentially safe supplement for those who are lactose intolerant, and a good choice for those who are cutting fat calories, according to a publication of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce (Note: New Zealand is a major producer of bovine colostrum.)
Colostrum's immunization properties come from two sources: heightened levels of immunoglobulins A, G, M and E, all of which occur naturally in the human immune system; and Proline-rich Polypeptide, "a hormone that regulates the thymus gland... [and helps] stimulate an underactive immune system or calm an overactive immune system."
With "regular consumption" of colostrum, the thymus gland, which naturally shrinks as we age (up to 90% by age 40!), has actually been shown to "re-grow" to more youthful proportions. This re-growth has been shown to reduce symptoms due to allergic reactions, chronic fatigue syndrome and autoimmune diseases.
Lactoferrin is another natural nutrient in colostrum. In infants, it helps prevent jaundice and, in adults, it has been shown to "support red cell integrity". Lactoferrin, therefore, may promote youthful cell regeneration, thereby slowing the aging process.
Colostrum with Lactoferrin is a natural product, easily digested and tolerated, with no known side effects, which promotes anti-aging, enhances immunity, and increases energy. Truly nature's perfect food.
Mary Faith Hunt is a nutritional researcher and President of Golden Health Products located in Quincy, IL. An expert on probiotics and digestive health, her company's products have helped thousands of men, women, children and even their pets live happier, healthier, more active lives for over 12 years. For more information, visit http://www.goldenhealthproducts.com
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