About Colostrum

Colostrum is a form of milk produced in mammals just prior to giving birth. It contains antibodies that protect against disease and infection. These antibodies, called immunoglobulins, are major components of the adaptive immune system in mammals. They help direct the appropriate immune response for each type of foreign object they encounter. As you might imagine, this can be very useful for a variety of immunotherapies and applications.

Here’s a quick look at some of the key components that are found in colostrum:

Antibodies and Immune Factors

• Cytokines are biological response modifiers. They are protein, peptide, or glycoprotein signaling molecules that are used in cellular communications.
• Enzymes are proteins that increase the rates of chemical reactions; almost all processes in a biological cell need enzymes to occur at significant rates. Enzymes are essential fighting bacteria.
• Glycoproteins are integral membrane proteins that play a role in cell-to-cell interactions. Glycoproteins have been shown to help immune and growth factors survive the passage through the highly acidic digestive system.
• Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.
  • IgG is involved in antibody response. IgG identifies and protects the body against pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
  • IgA plays a critical role in mucosal immunity. It provides protection against microbes that multiply in body secretions.
  • IgM is the first antibody to appear in the initial exposure to pathogens.
  • IgE plays an important role in allergy reactions and aids in response to parasites in the digestive system.
  • IgD signals the activation of B cells to defend the immune system.
• Lactalbumin are water-soluble proteins found in milk.
• Lactoferrins are one of the antimicrobial components of the immune system of that helps fight bacteria and fungi in the body and acts as a natural inflammatory.
• Lysozymes are enzymes that help to support the immune system by causing damage to bacterial cell walls.
• Proline rich polypeptides (PRPs) are small chains of amino acids that have a powerful effect in initiating and balancing immune responses. Among the multitude of functions associated with PRPs are: modulating the immune system, acting as molecular signaling devices, promoting the growth and differentiation of B-cells, stimulating Natural Killer cell (NK cell) activity and promoting the proliferation of leukocytes (white blood cells).
• Transferrins are iron-binding glycoproteins that control the level of free iron in biological fluids.

Growth Factors

• Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.
• Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are involved in the growth of new blood vessels and wound healing.
• Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) is a protein that plays an important role in childhood growth, and has an anabolic effect in adults.
• Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is one of the numerous proteins that regulate cell growth and division, particularly playing a significant role in blood vessel formation.
• Transforming growth factors
  • TGF-alpha induces epithelial tissue development. Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective absorption, protection, transcellular transport and detection of sensation.
  • TGF-beta plays a crucial role in tissue regeneration, cell differentiation and regulation of the immune system.

Nutrition Since colostrum is naturally intended to provide energy and nutrition to newborns, it is very rich in energy (through fat and lactose) and proteins. Also present are vitamins A, D, and E, which are all important for the resistance of disease. Carbohydrates, lipids and potassium are naturally available through colostrum, along with small amounts of all other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, sodium, magnesium and zinc.

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“All disease begins in the gut.”  -Hippocrates

With the variety of things that wreak havoc on our digestive systems these days, it may seem impossible to try to get back in balance and restore yourself to optimal health. But it’s not just about digestive issues alone, as gastrointestinal health can be the root cause for many other health issues including brain and mental health. However, with a bit of planning and time, it’s entirely possible to restore the full health of your gastrointestinal system, which can have major positive effects on your entire body, from mood, to memory, and more. Healing your gut allows the body to build a stronger immune system and produce the right kind of bacteria that tells your brain that it’s okay to feel good again.

The health of your gastrointestinal system is extremely important to your overall well-being. Largely responsible for the critical functions of the body’s digestive and immune systems, beneficial bacteria in your digestive system have the capability of affecting your body’s vitamin and mineral absorbency, hormone regulation, digestion, vitamin production, immune response, and ability to eliminate toxins, not to mention your overall mental health.

Scientifically known as intestinal hyperpermeability, leaky gut syndrome is not only all too real for too many individuals, and new research shows just how strong the connection between gut health and brain health can be within the body.

Digestion, mood, health, and even the way people think is being linked to their “second brain,” i.e. their gut, more and more every day. The Enteric Nervous System, or ENS, is what scientists are calling the 100 million or so nerve cells that line the entirety of people’s gastrointestinal tracts. The main role of the ENS is to control digestion, but in doing so, it communicates back and forth with the brain as to the overall health of the body’s gut, and in turn, its immune system.

The connection between gut health and mood has been known for some time, as individuals suffering from bowel-disorders such as Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or leaky gut are more likely than others to also suffer from autoimmune diseases and mental issues such as depression and anxiety. Symptoms related to poor gut health can be as obvious as abdominal pain, bloating after meals, reflux, or flatulence, but also less obvious like headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and immune system weakness.

So what’s the science behind this change in mood?

Generally speaking, the health of your gastrointestinal (GI) system is determined by the levels and types of bacteria in your digestive tract. Ideally there is a balance of bacteria, however, an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria results in gut dysbiosis.

Most often, dysbiosis is the result of too many bad “bugs,” including bacteria, yeast, and sometimes parasites, and not enough good ones. This imbalance causes damage to the mucosal layer of your GI tract; the normally smooth intact mucosal layer becomes permeable, allowing food proteins to enter into the blood stream. This consequently activates your immune system, causing inflammation, food sensitivities, and a myriad of symptoms both in the GI system and throughout the whole body.

Research has shown that when the gut is irritated or inflamed, which usually happens when the body is trying to digest foods that are overly processed or that it has sensitivity to, the ENS signals the body’s Central Nervous System (CNS), which can then trigger mood changes.  And, new studies suggest that digestive function may also affect certain cognitive functions, such as thinking skills and memory.

For mental health, a 2015 Cell Journal study found that, although serotonin is well known as a brain neurotransmitter, approximately 90 percent of the body’s serotonin is made in the digestive tract. A lack of this “peripheral” serotonin, which is cultivated by certain bacteria in the gut and affects mental health, has been linked to diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, leaky guy, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.

On the other hand, gut health can also impact mood and mental health in positive ways.

The type of food that a body processes can have a huge positive effect on the functions of the brain. And when the gut is healthy, the brain is happier. Certain microbes found in the gut can work to help heal and protect the brain in the long-term.

However, with the diet of the average American, filled with processed, sugary and fatty foods, the gut becomes damaged over time and therefore less functional. Diets that are filled with simple carbohydrates and gluten are damaging to the brain, as they allow bad bacteria in the gut to grow exponentially. This type of gut-damaging diet has been linked to mental health issues ranging from headaches and ADHD to depression and dementia.

So what can you do about it?

Through testing, nutritional changes, and supplements, it’s possible to reverse and repair the damage that’s been done to your gut over years of unhealthy diets or imbalances.

First, figure out what exactly is going on within your body with advanced diagnostic testing to determine what food sensitivities you may have that could be affecting your body’s ability to absorb nutrients or digest. And research what supplements you could benefit from that will help your gut stay healthy for the long term.

Then, make an actionable plan for yourself to get your body back to optimal gut health. Consider the “4 R’s” of gastrointestinal and digestive health – Remove; Repair; Restore; and Replace. A good program will work to first remove the problem foods and toxins from your system that could be causing issues, then start to repair and heal the gut by reintroducing a clean diet and key nutrients. With the addition of probiotics, you can then begin to restore the ideal balance of gut bacteria and finally you will replace your digestive enzymes to maintain your new optimal levels and promote healthy digestion.

With the undeniable link between gut health and mental health, the age old adage “you are what you eat” becomes more accurate every day.

What does your gut say about you?

References:

Dr. Douglas Lord, M.D.
Medical Director, Nava Health and Vitality Center (NavaCenter.com)

The post The “Gut” and its role in Health and Vitality appeared first on Lazu Manuka Health Foods.

Secreted in the few days immediately following birth, bovine colostrum is known to contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that may contribute to better health. If you are feeling sluggish or find that you could use more stamina in your day-to-day, colostrum may just provide you with the energy that you need. Learn more about colostrum’s energy potential below.

Colostrum’s Effect on Energy

Colostrum is a rich source of all macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates). This may provide a natural boost in energy as all of these components are necessary to provide and burn calories. Carbs are the most accessible source of energy, while fat and protein can also act as fuel when broken down.

Studies also show that bovine colostrum naturally contains higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals than cow’s milk, along with higher amounts of macronutrients mentioned above. Common nutrients in bovine colostrum include:

• Vitamin A
• B vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Magnesium
• Calcium

The sheer nutrient density may provide you with a boost in energy. Along with these nutrients, many of colostrum’s potential benefits come from three specific protein compounds: lactoferrin, growth factors, and antibodies.

Lactoferrin

An iron-binding glycoprotein, lactoferrin is considered one of the most powerful natural immune modulators. It can help to support your immune system and regulate responses to physical trauma and infectious assaults caused by bacteria and viruses.

Growth Factors

Bovine colostrum is a rich source of insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2. These are protein-based hormones that can contribute to the growth and repair of tissue.

Antibodies

Alternately known as immunogloblulins, antibodies are proteins within the body that work directly with your immune system to combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Colostrum contains three major types of immunoglobulins, IgA, IgG, and IgM.

Other Benefits of Colostrum

Colostrum’s rich nutritional content may directly provide you with energy, but its other potential benefits may promote your general health to help you feel more energized.

Supports Gastrointestinal Health

Nothing saps your energy quite like digestive issues, but colostrum may help to heal and protect your gastrointestinal tract. Studies suggests that supplementation with bovine colostrum may effectively reduce intestinal damage and clinical symptoms of colitis and similar inflammatory bowel diseases.

Supports the Immune System

Your immune system works hard to keep away disease-causing bacteria and viruses that could leave you tired and bedridden. Sometimes your immune system could use a helping hand. As mentioned above, bovine colostrum contains several compounds that may help to mediate immune functions and responses. Studies show that consuming bovine colostrum may effectively prevent pathogens from entering your system via your GI tract while modulating mucosal immunities in the GI tract. Colostrum may also affect the systemic immune system and possess anti-inflammatory properties.

In another study, distance runners were given a bovine colostrum supplement and evaluated for salivary IgA. Results show that the runners who had taken bovine colostrum had a higher concentration of IgA in their saliva compared to the placebo group. Higher salivary IgA levels suggest stronger immunities and an improved ability to fight common infections in the upper respiratory tract.

How Colostrum Gives Athletes Energy

Athletes put their bodies through rigorous punishment every single day to achieve the peaks of physical prowess. All of that training and exercise requires a constant need for energy, which is where colostrum comes in. The nutrient density in colostrum gives athletes an easy source for carbs and protein to fuel their workouts.

During intense periods of training, athletes are known to develop gut issues as a result of stress and increased body temperature. This results in a leaky gut, which is characterized by increased intestinal permeability that allows toxins and harmful microorganisms into the bloodstream. Athletes taking colostrum are shown to experience less leakiness and fewer gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea, nausea, and cramps.

In a 10-week study, 29 highly trained cyclists were provided with either a supplement containing 10 grams of bovine colostrum per day or an equivalent placebo group (comprising 10 grams of whey protein per day). After five weeks of supplementation, the cyclists underwent performance testing, followed by five consecutive days of high intensity training and further performance tests. Results showed that the bovine colostrum group showed improvements in baseline performance and time trial intensity compared to the placebo group. The bovine colostrum group also showed a decrease in ventilator threshold. This suggests that colostrum supplementation may improve physical performance while preventing fatigue.

Bovine colostrum is a nutrient-rich supplement that may help to not only boost energy, but also promote general health.

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