Bubble guts and runny noses getting you down? Then read this 👇🏼
It’s that time of year where germs seem to be everywhere {as can be seen by my toddler’s slimy, green face}! It’s also the time when snacks and treats start to abound (that we normally wouldn’t get a mile within due to the way our stomachs, and therefore the rest of our bodies, begin to function after-the-fact)…
And that’s why I decided to share these facts about Colostrum {specifically @wondercow}, and why I have personally made it part of my everyday routine!
For someone who doesn’t drink dairy and is almost entirely vegan, this is a far cry from what I’d thought I’d be discussing! However, when the research {and personal experience} shows how great it can be – well, I’ll just say the proof is in the {holiday} pudding and then let you decide for yourself!
What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth. Bovine colostrum is specifically from cows. This early life nutrition is very yellow in color — colostrum is also known as “liquid gold” due to high beta-carotene content. {Now you know where the breastmilk term “liquid gold” comes from!}
Colostrum is thicker than milk and packed with vitamins, minerals, and bioactive nutrients that help develop a healthy immune system and gastrointestinal tract (the gut).
Like human babies, calves are not born with a fully developed immune system, so it’s vital that they get the colostrum they need to survive and thrive. Growth factors, immunoglobulins, bioactive proteins (such as proline-rich polypeptides), bovine milk oligosaccharides, antibodies, and more, are found to be especially abundant in bovine colostrum.
But not all bovine colostrum supplements are created equal. Sadly, many are processed in a way that drastically reduces their nutritional benefits. WonderCow Colostrum Powder is simply dried colostrum that goes through a low-temperature pasteurization process to maintain as many bioactive nutrients as possible.
Is Colostrum Dairy? What if I Have a Dairy Allergy?
Lactose amounts can vary depending on how colostrum is processed. WonderCow gently processes colostrum at low temperatures – this removes casein and the majority of the lactose, while upholding the good nutrients. The total serving size of WonderCow colostrum is just 1-2 grams, (2g for adults, 1g for kids ages 1-10) and the amount of lactose in each serving is 11% or less, so the total lactose is very miniscule.
Additionally, because of the way it is processed, the quality is different (typically better and easier to digest) than standard retail dairy products. Many people, even those who are sensitive to lactose {myself included}, find that they do well with colostrum powder (especially when paired with a lactose enzyme supplement; also something I take with every meal just in case). However, please make note that colostrum is not recommend for people with severe dairy intolerances.
What are the Benefits of Colostrum?
Optimize Gut Health:
Taking colostrum powder on a regular basis provides the gut with the prebiotics and the necessary tools to strengthen the gut lining, decrease unnecessary gut permeability, and increase good gut bacteria. This helps to make the digestive system more effective in extracting nutrients and helps the body spend less energy fully processing food.
Fortify Your Immune System:
Among the many antibodies present in colostrum, lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G (IgG) play an important role in helping the immune system stay strong and ready for anything.
Fuel Exercise and Decrease Recovery Time:
One study showed that regularly using colostrum as a dietary supplement for at least 8 weeks can help increase lean muscle mass and enhance athletic performance. Studies have also shown that bovine colostrum supplementation can help reduce oxidative stress and potential damage to muscle fibers after exercise.
Gain More Energy:
With higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals than that of cows’ milk, colostrum benefits every part of the body’s systems with its sheer nutrient density. Add that to colostrum’s immune support, and your body can spend less energy on fighting bacteria and more on what matters most.
Strengthen Sinus and Respiratory Health:
When allergies, colds, and respiratory infections strike, the mucosa in the mouth, nose, and lungs take a beating. Colostrum helps to fortify the barrier that coats these important parts of the immune system with vital bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins and lactoferrin—offering relief from seasonal allergies.
Enhance Skin Radiance and Elasticity:
Growth factors and other bioactive components in colostrum can benefit the body from the inside out. Some studies have shown that colostrum can help assist with skin cell regeneration and support skin cell development. This can maintain skin elasticity and give it that warm, healthy glow.
Promote Restorative Sleep:
As an adult, there is nothing quite like getting sleep that leaves you feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for the day. When the gut is able to function at top performance, it maintains healthy hormone levels (such as melatonin), decreases stress and anxiety, and can promote better relaxation during down times.
Improve Memory, Mood, and Focus:
Did you know that approximately 95% of serotonin is produced in the gut?! That means, when you have a healthy gut, your mood actually does improve.
Among the many health benefits of using colostrum as a nutritional supplement, is the protection of proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs) in the brain and bovine milk oligosaccharides in the gut. How are the brain and gut connected, you might ask? New research is finding that declined gut health can send signals to the brain that alter mood and can have negative effects on the ability to focus. Bovine milk oligosaccharides are some of the best prebiotics that improve overall gut health.
Who Should Take Colostrum?
Colostrum is a dietary supplement that can be beneficial for specific individuals or in certain situations. These can include:
Infants:
Colostrum is crucial for newborns as their first source of nutrition and immune support. Breastfeeding is recommended for infants to receive colostrum from their mothers.
Individuals with Compromised Immune Systems:
Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins, growth factors, and other immune-boosting compounds. People with weakened immune systems due to illnesses or medical conditions may consider colostrum to support their immune health.
Athletes:
Some athletes and fitness enthusiasts use colostrum as a dietary supplement to potentially enhance recovery and improve performance. It is believed that colostrum’s growth factors may aid in muscle recovery and development.
Gut Health:
Colostrum may support digestive health due to its bioactive compounds, which can help maintain a healthy gut lining. This can be especially relevant for individuals with gut issues, such as leaky gut syndrome or irritable bowel syndrome.
General Health and Wellness:
Some individuals use colostrum as a general health supplement to potentially boost overall well-being, and include gut health, sleep, and memory, as mentioned above.
Colostrum Summary:
- Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals (including humans) immediately after giving birth.
- It is rich in immune-boosting compounds, growth factors, antibodies, vitamins, and minerals.
- Colostrum is primarily used to support the immune system, aid in digestion, and promote overall health.
- It may be taken in supplement form to help with immune health or recovery from certain health conditions.
- It contains a variety of bioactive compounds that can support the immune system, aid in digestion, and promote overall health.
- Colostrum supplements are sometimes used by athletes and individuals seeking immune system support or enhanced recovery.
If you are looking to support your immune system, aid digestion, and promote overall health, colostrum may be just what you are looking for! However, as with any dietary supplement, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered nutritionist {such as myself!} to determine which, if any, is suitable for your specific needs.
It’s essential to note that colostrum supplements can vary in composition and quality, so it’s important to choose a reputable product, and is why I have come to love that my WonderCow! Check out their website for more info on how you too can benefit from Colostrum, or check it out on Amazon where you can purchase some, today!
So tell me, have you tried colostrum before? Would you?!
