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2. Anti-inflammatory
According to an article in the Medical Post (Colostrum Cuts NSAID's GI
Problems," September 8, 1998), bovine colostrum may work to protect the
GI tract from non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS's). In a
study at Leicester University, changes in gut permeability were
assessed in six healthy males before and after taking the NSAID
indomethacin with and with out colostrum. Colostrum was taken with
meals as a liquid supplement two days before starting the NSAID and
throughout the five days of taking the drug. Gut permeability was
assessed using a five-hour urinary lactulose-rhamnose (L/R) ratio. At
the end of five days, this ration increased 300% for those who didn't
take colostrum, but only 20% for those taking it.
3. HIV/AIDS
The interaction of foreign materials (like viruses, bacterial and
fungi) with the GI component of the immune system leads to the
production of about 75% of the antibodies in the human system. The
ability of AIDS/HIV patients to fight infectious disease is severely
compromised, partially due to damage to the gut from chronic
inflammation and diarrhea. Several recent studies show colostrum to be
helpful with this chronic problem. For example, a study published in
the New England Journal of Medicine reported that "immunoglobulin from
bovine colostrum effectively reduces and prevents viral and bacterial
infections in immune deficient subjects: Bone marrow recipients,
premature babies, AIDS etc."
4. Heart Disease
Theoretically, colostrum could be effective in the treatment and
prevention of heart disease for two reasons. First, the growth factors
in colostrum may help regenerate heart muscle. Second, recent medical
research indicates that infectious disease agents may be associated
with several chronic disorders, including heart disease. A study
conducted by the University of Utah School of Medicine shows strong
evidence that the bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae may be a major factor
in the development of coronary atherosclerosis. In fact, researchers at
the University believe that this bacterium may be responsible for as
much as 50% of all serious heart disease. Consequently, colostrum's
immune boosting, disease-fighting components could help those
susceptible to heart disease.
5. Cancer
Steven Rosenberg's 1985 book, Quiet Strides in the War on Cancer, first
popularized the benefits of cytokines in the treatment of cancer. Since
then, the same cytokines found in colostrum (interleukins-1,-6 and -10,
interferon gamma and lymphokines) have been the single most researched
factors in cancer research. Lactalbumin, also found in colostrum, has
been found to cause the selective death of cancer cells, leaving the
surrounding non-cancerous tissues unaffected. And finally, Lactoferrin
has similarly been reported to possess anti-cancer activity. And, as in
heart disease, if viruses are responsible for either the initiation or
the spread of cancer, colostrum could be one additional way to prevent
the disease.
6. Diabetes
Juvenile diabetes (Type I, insulin dependent) is thought by some
researchers to result from an autoimmune mechanism, possibly initiated
by an allergic reaction to the protein GAD found in cows' milk.
Colostrum contains several factors that can offset this and other
allergies. Colostrum IgE-1 can bind to both the insulin and IGF-I
receptors found in all cells. Moreover, human trials in 1990 reported
that IGF-I stimulates glucose utilization, assisting in the prevention
of acute hypoglycemia and lessening a Type II diabetic's dependence on
insulin.
7. Osteoporosis
Osteoclasts are cells that degrade bone structure during the normal
bone turnover and renewal process. Osteoblasts, on the other hand, are
the bone building cells in that process. As we age, the number of
osteoblasts decreases and osteoclasts increase. This is especially true
for postmenopausal women. This change creates the porosity and loss of
bone strength called osteoporosis. A study reported in Natural Medicine
shows that TGF-B, which is found in colostrum, is naturally produced by
the osteoblasts. This study also showed that TGF-B dramatically
increased the osteoblast to osteoclast ratio, thus indicating that
TGF-B could help to slow - possibly even prevent - the development of
osteoporosis. Colostrum is the only readily available natural source of
TGF-B. In addition, IGF-I increases tissue repair in both muscle and
connective tissue.
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