Colostrum Powder

When mammals are born, their mothers produce a special milk that contains colostrum. The main role of colostrum is to jump start the newborns immune system and provide vital nutrients, but researchers are finding that these immune boosting properties can benefit adult dogs too.

There are well over 1000 clinical studies on the benefits of colostrum and its been shown to be safe and effective in treating many common disorders. In fact, bovine (or cow) colostrum was commonly used to treat infections and other issues before sulfa drugs and antibiotics were discovered. And it can still be used today as a safe and effective antibiotic and probiotic.

Top 5 Reasons to give your dog Colostrum

1. Colostrum and Canine Allergies

Colostrum contains a hormone called Proline-Rich-Polypeptide (PRP). This hormone can either stimulate an under active immune system or in the case of allergies, down-regulate an overactive immune system.

This down-regulation is important in autoimmune diseases, including arthritis and allergies, because the overly active immune system can either fail to reconize its own cells from foreign molecules and start attacking its own tissues (autoimmunity) or will show an exaggerate response to a normally hermless molecule.

PRP has the same ability to regulate the activity of the immune system as do hormones produced by the thymus gland.

PRP's ability to reduce allergic symptoms is thought to be partly due to inbibition of the lymphocyte (white blood cell) and T-cell overproduction that's normally associated with allergies. PRP is also thought to help create special cells (helper T-cells and suppressor T-cells) that can suppress and switch off the immune response. Other studies have shown that PRP is highly anti-inflammatory, which helps not just with allergies, nut other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

2. Colostrum and Leaky Gut

Most of the immune system function happens in the gastrointestinal (or GI) tract.

One of the major benefits of colostrum is its ability to control the health of the GI tract nad seal the lining so undigested food carn't pass through and cause inflammation and allergy symptoms.

There are several recent studies that show colostrum can help reverse gut irritation and the chronic health issues it can cause including Candida albicans or yeast.

Because colostrum contains probiotics and has anti-biotic activity, it can help restore a healthy gut flora, which is the key to healing leaky gut.

3. Colostrum and Cancer

In 1985 "Quiet Strides in the War on Cancer" was published by Steven Rosenberg. It popularized the use of cytokines to treat cancer and this therapy is still successfully used today. In fact researchers are looking at the cytokines contained in colostrum (Interleukins, Interferon and Lyymphokines) and their role in treating cancer.

Interferons and Interieukins can enhance the body's response to cancer by activating special white blood cells that can find and destroy cancer cells.

They're also thought to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even kill them (apoptosis). In fact, drug manufacturers are trying to genetically engineer and sell the interferon from colostrum at a much higher price.

Colostrum also contains a special protein called Lactalbumin. Researchers report that Colostrum Lactalbumin can cause apoptosis (death) of cancer cells, while leaving the healthy cells to thrive.

Many cancers are initiated or spread by viruses and colostrum can support the immune system and help fight viruses and infections.

Colostrum contains a large amount of Immunogloboin A, D, E, G and M (also called IgA, IgD, igE, IgG and IgM). IgG fights against bacteria and toxin buildup, while IgM destroys bacteria and IgE and IgD fight viruses.

Colostrum also contains Lactoferrin which is another substance that fights viruses and bacteria, is anti-inflammatory and has also been researched for its role in treating and preventing cancer. And the antioxidant phytic acid thats found in colostrum prevents iron from reaching and feeding cancer cells.

So colostrum can be an important supplement to prevent and treat cancer and the viruses that can cause it.

4. Colostrum and Canine Flu

A 2007 study showed that colostrum was 3 times more effective than the flu vaccine in preventing the flu.

The same immune-boosting properties that help prevent and treat cancer and allergies can also protect your dog from viruses such as bordetella (kennel cough), parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease and more.

Colostrum is passed from the mother to her newborn to protect against viruses so the RPRs found in colostrum can ramp up the immune system and help fight viruses.

5. Colostrum and Wound Healing

Colostrum contains growth factors, which help the newborn grow and develop. These same growth factors can stimulate wound healing.

When applied externally, colostrum can speed wound healing, skin growth and cellular repair. And colostrum also contains antibacterial properties which will prevent and heal infections.

Topically, colostrum can be used for:

Dermatitis and skin infections

Gingivitis and oral infections

Ear Infections

Abscesses

Cysts

Insect bites

Surgical wounds

Colostrum carries a wide range of health benefits and researchers are looking at its ability to prevent and treat everything from heart disease to leaky gut.

It's a safe and inexpensive supplement to have on hand to boost your dogs immune system or even help treat existing health issues.

Researchers are just catching on to the benefits of colostrum, but it's been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.