Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a type of palm tree, also known as the dwarf palm. Its primary medicinal value lies in the oily compounds found in its berries. Most dietary supplements are composed of an extract from the berries or a berry powder.

Beta-sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is a mixture of plant-derived cholesterol-like compounds called sitosterols and their close relatives sitosterolins.

What It Does:

Saw palmetto dietary supplements may provide mild to moderate improvement in symptoms of prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). Men with BPH often experience difficulty with urinary flow, increased frequency and urgency of urination, and a fullness of the bladder after urination.

The evidence of saw palmetto's benefit is somewhat conflicting. A recently published study (2006) did not show a benefit with saw palmetto in men with moderate to severe symptoms. However, other, more limited, studies have shown benefit — although one found little benefit in men with mild symptoms. Some research suggests saw palmetto may be as effective as the prescription drug finasteride (Proscar), but with fewer side effects. Alpha-blockers, meanwhile, may be more effective than saw palmetto.

Perhaps the best approach to using saw palmetto is that applied in Europe, where saw palmetto is often the first course of therapy in men with mild to moderate symptoms, particularly due to the lack of side effects of saw palmetto relative to other therapies. If patients do not have effective relief, then stronger medical therapies or surgery is recommended.

Saw palmetto is believed to inhibit the actions of testosterone on the prostate that cause prostate enlargement and interference with urinary flow. It shrinks the inner epithelium of the prostate, but not the prostate's overall size. Saw palmetto has also been used to treat bladder inflammation (cystitis), chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, and asthma-associated nasal inflammation, among other conditions.

Among the main constituents of saw palmetto berry extract are fatty acids and sterols. The sterols (which include beta-sitosterol) are also present in other herbs (such as pygeum bark, stinging nettle root, and pumpkin seed extract) that are used in treating symptoms of prostate enlargement. Depending on the form of saw palmetto used, e.g., extract or whole dried berry, certain percentages of its weight should be expected (or "standardized") to be specific fatty acids and specific sterols. These amounts are based on the composition of saw palmetto products that have been shown to work in clinical trials.

Beta-sitosterol
Most studies of beta-sitosterol, although not all, have found significant improvement in perceived symptoms of BPH and in urine flow rate. Like the BPH drug finasteride (Proscar), beta-sitosterol might inhibit 5-alpha-reductase activity in the prostate.

At a much higher dosage and in combination with other sterols, beta-sitosterol can also lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels . In this case, beta-sitosterol works in the gut, where it reduces cholesterol absorption.

Preliminary evidence suggests that beta-sitosterol may also help strengthen immunity (and prevent the temporary immune weakness after exercise). Preliminary evidence also suggests an anti-cancer effect.

Quality Concerns
Currently, saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol and other dietary supplements are not considered drugs, and not required to be tested for quality by any governmental or independent agency prior to sale. The quality of plant-based ingredients can vary significantly.

What to Consider When Buying Consumers seeking products most similar to those shown to work in clinical trials should seek saw palmetto berry extract products, although crushed berry (non-extract) products are also available. Products should contain fatty acids and sterols standardized for the specific compounds and generally summarized on labeling as a minimum of 85% fatty acids and a minimum of 0.2% sterols. For example, a 160 mg pill of saw palmetto extract would have a minimum of 136 mg of fatty acids and 0.32 mg of sterols per pill. Also shown to work is a dried extract standardized to 25% fatty acids and sterols taken at a higher dose than the 85% extract, as described further below. Some products may contain saw palmetto in combination with other ingredients. Pygeum bark, for example, has been shown to also provide moderate improvement in prostate symptoms, particularly in reducing the frequency of urination at night. There is also some evidence of an effect for pumpkin seed oil. Stinging nettle root may also help with symptoms, although the research is stronger for saw palmetto. However, it is not clear whether these ingredients in combination with saw palmetto provide more benefit than saw palmetto alone. One product, containing 106 mg of saw palmetto extract along with nettle root extract and pumpkin seed oil extract and other ingredients was not effective. Beta-sitosterol Be sure to purchase a product designed for treating BPH rather than for cholesterol- lowering — the dosage and use instructions will be quite different. Look for products that list the specific amount of beta-sitosterol and not just total sterols. What to Consider When Using The standard dosage of saw palmetto extract is 320 mg per day, usually taken as 160 mg twice per day. Another type of saw palmetto extract in supplements is a spray dried extract containing approximately 25% fatty acids and sterols typically taken as 800 mg per day — 400 mg twice daily. For crushed berry products (not extracts), the dosage is about one to two grams of berry per day. Improvements can take from six to eight weeks to three to four months before noticeable and further improvements may be seen throughout the first twelve months. Beta-sitosterol A typical initial dosage of beta-sitosterol is 60 to 130 mg divided into 2-3 servings daily. It should be taken on an empty stomach to increase its absorption. Effects usually take 4 weeks to develop. The dosage can be reduced to 10 to 65 mg daily after symptoms improve. Beta-sitosterol is also used, at a much higher dosage (800 to 6,000 mg per day), along with other sterols to help lower cholesterols. These sterols work by competing with cholesterol absorption in the gut, so they are most effective when taken before meals. Other ingredients Pygeum bark: The standard dosage for pygeum bark as a single ingredient is 100 mg per day (at once or as 50 mg twice per day) of an extract standardized to 14% triterpenes/sterols and 0.5% n-docosanol. This is taken in cycles six to eight weeks in duration. Pumpkin seed: The typical dose of pumpkin seed is 5 grams of ground pumpkin seeds taken twice daily. Nettle root: The dose for nettle root is 4 to 6 g daily of the whole root or an extract made from the equivalent amount of nettle root — but be sure that you are using nettle "root" and not nettle "leaf," which is used to treat allergies. Concerns and Cautions: Consumers should check with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis before using saw palmetto or beta-sitosterol, particularly as the typical symptoms of enlarged prostate may signal other, more serious conditions that require prompt treatment. Neither is a treatment for prostate cancer. Saw Palmetto Saw palmetto is generally safe. A one-year placebo-controlled clinical trial using 160 mg twice daily of an extract showed no evidence of toxicity or adverse events. However, in a limited number of individuals, saw palmetto can cause nausea and abdominal pain — which can also occur with pygeum bark, nettle root, and beta-sitosterol. Dizziness and headache have also been reported. Saw palmetto may prolong bleeding time and reduce platelet activity, which is why you should inform your doctor if you are taking saw palmetto. Beta-sitosterol Like saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol is usually well tolerated but, in some patients, it can cause nausea, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. Erectile dysfunction and loss of libido have also been reported when taking beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol may reduce absorption and blood levels of alpha- and beta-carotene and vitamin E. Beta-sitosterol is contraindicated in patients with sitosterolemia, a rare disorder in which total body stores of beta-sitosterol are significantly increased.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid or dehydroascorbic acid) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that the human body can't manufacture. It must, therefore, come from foods or supplements. Fruits and vegetables are the richest food sources of vitamin C. Dietary supplements are typically sold as ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate (Ester-C®), sodium ascorbate, or a combination of these forms. Supplements also commonly contain natural sources of vitamin C such as rose hips (the pear-shaped fruit of the rose, without the flower's petals) and/or acerola (a cherry-like fruit).

Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen, a basic component of connective tissue. Collagen is an important structural element in blood vessel walls, gums, and bones, making it particularly important to anyone recovering from wounds or surgery. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, scavenging potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Although not established by clinical trials, this antioxidant activity is theorized by some to help protect against cancer, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration of the retina, age-related skin changes and other chronic diseases. Vitamin C intake may be particularly helpful to smokers, who may suffer from oxidative stress and cell damage, which can deplete the body's store of vitamin C.

Vitamin C supplements may boost the immune system. Regular use of vitamin C can not prevent colds but may slightly reduce symptoms and the duration of a cold. An exception is that vitamin C can reduce the chance of getting a cold after endurance exercise, such as a marathon, when taken for a period of time prior to the event. It may also help maintain the effectiveness of nitrate drugs, such as nitroglycerin. Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption from supplements and plant foods.

What to Consider When Buying
Both natural and synthetic vitamin C are equally recognized and used by the body, so all-natural rose-hip or acerola products provide no added benefit if you just want vitamin C. In fact, some products stating "with rose hips" but not indicating the amount may contain far more synthetic vitamin C than vitamin C from rose hips. (Hint: A product's ingredient list gives a clue to the amount of rose hips present. Ingredients on that list must appear in the order of amount, from greatest to least. If rose hips appear last, there isn't much in the product.)

Ester-C® (calcium ascorbate) is a non-acidic form of vitamin C that may be beneficial for people who experience symptoms of acid stomach from ordinary vitamin C. Note, however, that diarrhea associated with higher intakes of vitamin C has nothing to do with acidity. Ester-C® also claims to be better absorbed than regular ascorbic acid, but this claim has not yet been supported by reliable evidence. Sodium ascorbate is also non-acidic. Products containing sodium ascorbate combined with ascorbic acid offer reduced acidity and are sometimes called "buffered vitamin C." Slow-release products may also help reduce digestive problems occurring with very high doses.

Some products claim "L-ascorbic acid" — it is just another name for vitamin C.

What to Consider When Using
When looking for a dosage, be aware that 1,000 mcg (micrograms) equals 1 mg (milligram), and 1,000 mg equals 1 gram. The RDA (Recommended Dietary Intake) is 90 mg/day for adult males and 75 mg/day for adult females. An additional 35 mg/day is recommended for smokers. For pregnant women ages 18 and younger, the RDA is 80 mg/day and for pregnant women older than age 18, it's 85 mg/day. For breast-feeding women ages 18 years and younger, the RDA is 115 mg/day and for breast-feeding women older than age 18, it's 120 mg/day.

The RDAs for children are as follows: 15 mg/day for children ages 1 to 3, 25 mg/day for children ages 4 to 8, and 45 mg/day for children ages 9 to 13. For males ages 14 to 18, the RDA is 75 mg/day. For females ages 14 to 18, it's 65 mg/day.

The RDAs are achievable with healthful diets and are also more than adequate for normal collagen production. However, some healthcare professionals recommend higher daily doses of vitamin C, such as 500 to 1,500 mg/day for adults, claiming that such doses stimulate the immune system and help prevent some chronic diseases.

Vitamin C is safe when taken in moderate amounts, but be aware that too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and other gastric disturbances. The Upper Tolerable Intake Level (UL) (a dose likely to be safe for the vast majority of healthy people) for vitamin C in adults is 2,000 milligrams/day. For children, the upper level for tolerable intake is 400 mg/day for children ages 1 to 3, 650 mg/day for children ages 4 to 8, 1,200 mg/day for children ages 9 to 13, 1,800 mg/day for teens ages 14 to 18 ages 14 to 18, and 2,000 mg/day for individuals 19 years and older. Individuals are generally advised not to exceed these levels unless under medical supervision.

The amount of vitamin C that may be helpful reducing the symptoms and duration of a cold if taken routinely during cold season is, in adults, 1,000 mg. A similar dosage is used to help prevent colds when taken for a period of weeks prior to an endurance event. See the Encyclopedia article on this site for the dose of vitamin C used for other conditions.

Concerns and Cautions:

• Concerns have been raised that long-term vitamin C treatment may increase the risk of kidney stones. However, evidence from large epidemiological studies indicate that people who regularly consume large amounts of vitamin C either experience no increased rate of kidney stone formation, or actual protection from kidney stones. However, case reports suggest that certain individuals may be at increased risk for developing kidney stones if they take vitamin C supplements. For this reason, people with a history of kidney stones, or those with known defects in metabolism of oxalate or vitamin C, might be best advised to limit vitamin C intake to RDA levels.
• One study has suggested that vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of statin-type cholesterol lowering drugs — however this has not been conclusively demonstrated.
• Another study suggests that high dose vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of the HIV drug indinavir.
• Vitamin C may also interfere with the absorption of tricyclic antidepressants and anticoagulants.
• Excess vitamin C from supplements can interfere with diagnostic tests for cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and for blood in the stool.
• The risk of liver damage from high doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be increased if you also take large doses (3 grams) of vitamin C.
• Because vitamin C improves iron absorption, people with diseases that cause them to store too much iron should use vitamin C only with caution.
• There is test-tube evidence that vitamin C can cause the production of DNA-damaging genotoxins that may promote the development of cancer — arguing against high dose vitamin C as a way to reduce cancer risk.
• One study found that taking vitamin C along with Pycnogenol (an extract of pine bark, also known as OPCs or oligomeric proanthocyanidins) might raise blood pressure levels in people with hypertension. The reasons for this unexpected finding are currently unclear.

Musuh Penuaan Yang Utama - Oksigen

Walaupun anda berjaya dalam penjagaan kesihatan yang terbaik, anda mesti mengakui bahawa musuh penuaan yang utama adalah kawan baik anda, dan inilah apa yang badan kita nafaskan - oksigen. Metabolisma oksigen menghasilkan spesis oksigen yang amat reaktif (ROS) dan merbahaya, termasuk Radikal Bebas.

Teori ini pada mulanya dikritik hebat sehingga buktinya ditemui, pada 1992 penyelidik-penyelidik di Pusat Perubatan Kentucky Universiti telah menunjukkan kepada dunia serangan ' Radikal Bebas' yang asas pada sel protein kita dan cara cara ia merosakkan fungsi fisiologikal kita.

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WHAT IS COLOSTRUM?

Colostrum (kulos'-trum), sometimes called "mothers' milk," is a thick yellow fluid produced from the mammary glands during the first hours after birth. This fluid is so important that without it, many newborn mammals would simply die. It is not only a source of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals, but it also contains several biologically-active molecules which are essential to the body's immune and growth functions.

For obvious reasons, human colostrum is not an option. So researchers had to look elsewhere for supplies. After nearly 10 years of research, scientists now believe that bovine (cow) colostrum is the only safe alternative for human consumption. Not only are the immune and growth factors found in bovine colostrum virtually identical to those in human colostrum, the immune factors are reportedly four times richer.

Moreover, bovine colostrum contains special glyco-proteins and protease inhibitors, which are found extremely effective in protecting colostrum's active components from the destructive forces of the human body's digestive system.

Since colostrum is only available during the first hours after calving, and the needs of the newborn calf must be met first, supplies are obviously still very limited. And when you consider colostrum should be taken from only cows that are free of antibiotics, pesticides and synthetic hormones, supplies of the highest-quality colostrum are even more limited. (We'll discuss the processing of high-quality colostrum and where you can find it later in this article.)

The two most important components found in colostrum are immune and growth factors. Immune factors provide immunity and protection against infections during the first weeks of life, while growth factors stimulate the growth and eventual development of a newborn.

Baby Boomers May Benefit Even More...

Because of medical advances during the fifties and sixties, many doctors recommended against breastfeeding. Thousands of babies never received the natural immune factors colostrum provides — that initial boost to our immune and digestive systems. After humans reach puberty, the amount of immune and growth factors present in our bodies begins to decline. We become more vulnerable to disease, our energy level and enthusiasm lessens, our skin loses its elasticity, and we gain unwanted weight and lose muscle tone. We also live in a toxic environment, with pollutants and allergens all around us.

Research* has shown that Colostrum has powerful natural immune and growth factors that bring the body to a state of homeostasis — its powerful, vital natural state of health and well being. Colostrum helps support healthy immune function; it also enables us to resist the harmful effects of pollutants, contaminants and allergens where they attack us.

Plus, the growth factors in Colostrum create many of the positive "side-effects" of a healthy organism — an enhanced ability to metabolize or "burn" fat, greater ease in building lean muscle mass, and enhanced rejuvenation of skin and muscle.

WHAT IS IN COLOSTRUM

Immune Factors:
Medical and clinical studies show immune factors in colostrum fight viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungus, allergens and other toxins.

Immunoglobulins:
Immunoglobulins have been shown to provide a superior defense in both treatment and prevention of viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, fungus and yeast. There are five types of immunoglobulins present in colostrum, specifically IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, & IgM. Bovine colostrum contains mostly IgG with very small amounts of IgA, IgD, IgE, and IgM. Human colostrum typically contains 2% IgG content, while bovine colostrum can have from 8% to above 25% IgG content. These are protein molecules that are effective in fighting bacterial and viral infections (colds, flu, etc.), parasites, and yeast. Immunoglobulins are energizing elements in colostrum that are anti-inflammatory in nature.

Antibodies:
Colostrum has been shown to contain specific antibodies to more than 19 specific disease-causing pathogens including; rotavirus, h. pylori, cryptosporidium, salmonella, candida, streptococcus, staphylococcus and E. coli.

PRP (Proline-rich Polypeptide):
Shown to help regulate the thymus gland (bodies’ central command for the immune system). PRP can stimulate a weakened immune system, as well as balance an overactive immune system, as in the case of many autoimmune diseases.

Lactoferrin:
An iron-binding protein with antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties. Lactoferrin has been implicated in the treatment of such diseases as cancer, HIV, herpes, chronic fatigue, candida albicans and other infections.

Glycoproteins: (protease and trypsin inhibitors)
Protect the immune and growth factors in colostrum from destruction by the digestive juices in the stomach and intestinal tract.

Lactalbumins:
Research indicates tremendous possibilities that Lactalbumins can be highly effective against numerous forms of cancer and viruses. Lactalbumin has also been shown in vulnerable subjects to raise brain serotonin activity, reduce cortisol concentration, and improve mood under stress.

Cytokines:
Interleukin 1 & 6, Interferon Y & Lymphokines:
Chemicals that are involved in cell-to-cell communication, antiviral and anti-tumor activity and regulation and intensity of immune responses. Cytokines help increase T-cell activity and stimulate production of immunoglobulins. One cytokine, interleukin-10, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that has been shown to have a profound effect on pain relief. Interleukins have shown particular promise in fighting cancer.

Lysozymes:
Helps protect the body from bacterial infections. Lysozyme has actually been shown to destroy bacteria on contact. May be an effective topical antibiotic.

Growth Factors:
Medical studies have shown that the vital growth factors from bovine colostrum are practically identical to human colostrum in composition. Furthermore, it has been shown that growth factors stimulate normal growth, as well as help regenerate and accelerate the repair of aged or injured muscle, skin collagen, bone, cartilage and nerve tissues. Growth factors also stimulate the body to burn fat for fuel instead of the body's own muscle tissue in times of fasting (diet) and build lean muscle. In addition, growth factors can be used as an effective topical application for burns, injuries and skin rejuvenation.

Epithelial Growth Factor (EGF):
EGF is instrumental in protecting and maintaining the skin. Along with the other growth factors in colostrum, EGF can stimulate normal skin growth and repair cellular tissue.

Insulin-like Growth Factor I and II: (IGF-I & IGF-II)
IGF I & II are the most abundant growth factors in colostrum. They affect how the body uses fat, protein and sugar. IGF-I is one of the only substances known to stimulate the repair and growth of DNA and RNA, making it one of the most powerful anti-aging substances. IGF-I has been clinically proven to help increase lean muscle mass and may help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Transforming Growth Factors A & B: (TGF A & B)
TGF stimulates the proliferation of cells in connective tissue and assists in the formation of bone and cartilage. It is also showing promise as a therapeutic agent in bone and wound healing. TGF can help repair tissue and may support the development of growth of the lining of the gut.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor: (PDGF)
PDGF has been shown to help with cell division in connective tissue, smooth muscle, and fibroblasts. It may also assist in neuron survival and regeneration.

Vitamins & Minerals
The vitamins and minerals in colostrum are naturally occurring and naturally balanced.

WHAT MAKES COLOSTRUM SO BENEFICIAL

What makes colostrum so beneficial?

There are over 90 known components in colostrum. The primary components, divided into two classes, are immune factors and growth factors. Colostrum also contains a precise balance of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. All of these factors work together in perfect synergy to restore and maintain health.

Colostrum’s Immune Factors

Immune Factors in colostrum have been shown to help the body fight off harmful invaders such as viruses, bacteria, yeast and fungus. Each factor plays a specific role in our body’s defense against these attackers. In addition, colostrum contains over 20 antibodies to specific pathogens including E coli, salmonella, rotavirus, candida, streptococcus, staphylococcus, H pylori, and cryptosporidia.

In addition to immunoglobulins, medical studies show that PRP in colostrum also supports an under active immune system. PRP also helps balance an overactive immune system present in autoimmune diseases.

Colostrum’s Growth Factors

Growth Factors help build and restore bone, muscle, nerve tissue, connective tissue, skin and cartilage. These factors have also been shown to help increase lean muscle, help the body burn fat for fuel, and assist in wound healing. Growth factors have also been shown to help slow the signs of aging!

Colostrum's growth factors may:

*

Affect the brain’s mood regulating chemicals to brighten our moods. (serotonin & dopamine)
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Assist in regeneration and improve normal growth of aged or injured muscle, bone, cartilage, skin collagen and nerve tissue.
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Help burn fat for fuel instead of muscle tissue in times of fasting (diet), and build & retain lean muscle (non-diet).
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Assist the internal regulation of blood glucose levels and "brain chemicals", supporting alertness and better concentration.
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Support healing skin when applied topically
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Repair our body’s precious RNA and DNA.

Other Beneficial Components

Vitamins and Minerals are nutrients that are essential for normal metabolism, growth and development. They act as coenzymes, enabling chemical process to take place throughout the body. Vitamins and minerals are indispensable for the maintenance of health.

Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are required for growth and development. Amino acids are divided into essential (not produced by the body) and nonessential (can be produced by the body).

USING COLOSTRUM

Suggested Use:

Every person differs on the amount of Colostrum that is needed. It has been suggested that for best results, Colostrum should be front loaded (taken in larger doses initially and then lowered after desired results are obtained). If benefits decrease, go back to your initial intake.

For best results, begin with 4-6 capsules (2,000 to 3,000 mg.) taken twice a day. You could take Colostrum when you wake in the morning and your stomach is empty and then again maybe a couple of hours after lunch. If you have trouble sleeping, try to take your dosages early in the day.

Some people may experience a healing incident as the body releases toxins (digestive problems, skin eruptions, rashes or flu-like symptoms). These symptoms usually disappear in a couple of days. It's interesting that if you listen to your body, you become aware of where Colostrum has gone in your body to do its work Colostrum's growth factors may create initial pain in areas of old wounds or injuries as it heals. If this becomes uncomfortable, you may want to cut back on the Colostrum for a few days and then resume at a lower quantity, increasing your intake slowly as you reach optimum levels.

Suggested Use for Athletes:

Many people engaging in athletic activity find colostrum benefits helpful to improve performance. Body-builders like colostrum because colostrum has been shown to increase muscle mass. It's best to take the colostrum 30-45 minutes before workout. Athletes often use 3000-6000 milligrams per day. This is the recommended usage, although many body-builders use more.

DRUG INTERACTION

Drug Interaction:

Colostrum is a food. It can be consumed in any quantity without side effects or drug interactions. Although colostrum has no drug interactions, you may experience side effects from other supplements, herbs or medications you take that you never experienced before. Colostrum heals the bowel. This means you are better utilizing the nutrients from the food you eat as well as anything else you put in your body. You may want to cut back or even rethink other herbal and nutritional supplements. Medications may need to re-evaluated for dose and need by your medical professional.

Pregnancy

Ask your Doctor or medical professional prior to taking any prescription drugs, over the counter medicines, herbal and nutritional supplements.

Children:

The immune factors may be very important in circumstances such as lingering or reoccurring viral and bacterial infections, etc. We suggest that you consult with your health care provider.

Can't swallow capsules?

Colostrum works best if it is taken in capsule form, on an empty stomach with 8-12 ounces of water. If you cannot swallow capsules, you may open the capsule and mix it with a few tablespoons of yogurt, applesauce or other food. Don't forget the water. Do not take any other supplements with Colostrum and wait at least twenty minutes before you eat.

OBTAINING COLOSTRUM

How to Select A High Quality Product

With the growth in popularity, many colostrum products have emerged on the market. We find there is a great deal of conflicting information or should we say misinformation, about colostrum supplements. That's why, in the course of our research, we have gone to great lengths to define which elements are the most important when selecting the best colostrum supplement for your own use. With that in mind, use the following guidelines:

What constitutes quality processing?

Bottom line: Choose a product that has been processed carefully, but not “OVER-PROCESSED.”
We say repeatedly that nature created a perfect food in colostrum. Of course it isn’t practical to get colostrum fresh from the cow, so how do we find colostrum that remains as close as possible to it’s “perfect” state? Look for colostrum that has has been minimally processed at the lowest temperature possible. High temperatures can destroy some of colostrum’s vital components and denature the product. Colostrum that has been flash pasteurized and freeze-dried or spray-dried using low temperatures is the best choice. This is the simplest, most effective way of preserving all of colostrum’s vital components without over-processing it.

A note on freeze-drying: In general, colostrum is usually frozen for storage. Dairies have used frozen colostrum to supplement newborn calves for years. Freezing colostrum isn't actually the problem- thawing is. Colostrum must be thawed at very low temperatures to avoid any bacterial growth and maintain all of the biological components that benefit health. Therefore, companies that freeze colostrum would either have to spend an unreasonable amount of money in monitoring and regulating the thawing process, or find a better way to preserve colostrum’s vital components. This just isn’t probable for a company that mass produces colostrum from a milk production plant. A process like this could only be done by a company devoted to natural products that specializes in colostrum manufacturing*. To produce the highest quality product requires a state of the art process that takes the colostrum straight from freezing to freeze-drying; so the product is never subjected to the thawing process and therefore retains all of its valuable benefits. Freeze-drying is an effective process used for many components supplied to the medical industry. This technique allows the colostrum to be processed with minimal heat, keeping it as close to the way nature intended it as possible.

Colostrum FAQ

FAQ:

What's the difference between colostrum capsules and powder?

For maximum immune system benefit, the goal is to have Colostrum reach the small intestine intact where it does its work, and colostrum contains factors that protect it from stomach acids. Colostrum is beneficial when taken in either form. Research indicates that those seeking growth factor advantages (burning fat, increasing lean muscle, anti-aging) may benefit further from taking colostrum in loose powder form. It has been suggested that the growth factors in colostrum are actually enhanced by contact with saliva and digestive juices in the stomach. Taking colostrum in capsule form provides a quicker route to the intestinal tract, where colostrum works best to help strengthen immunity. For best results, colostrum should be taken on an empty stomach, with plenty of water.
What's the difference between regular colostrum and higher Immunoglobulin(Ig) colostrum?

Some colostrum is available with as much as 40% Ig. How can this be? In order to reach these Ig levels, some colostrum is manipulated to contain relatively higher Ig levels. Colostrum that naturally contains 40% Ig is rare.

Why Bovine (cow's) colostrum?

Research has shown that the immune and growth factors in (bovine) cow's colostrum are nearly identical to those in human colostrum. Since many of bovine colostrum's components are not species-specific, it works effectively in humans as well as other mammals.

Why do I need colostrum now that I'm an adult?

Once puberty has passed, our bodies begin the aging process by gradually producing less of the immune and growth factors that help us fight off disease and heal damaged body tissue. Colostrum is the only natural source of these life-giving components. Research has shown that colostrum not only supports immune function, but can help enhance fat utilization for fuel and optimize cellular reproduction). To date, no other substance on the planet can provide all of these marvelous benefits.

Why not just get colostrum from a local dairy?

You can...it needs to be refrigerated and consumed within a reasonable period of time. Raw colostrum differs from processed colostrum because it contains immune factors from just one parent. Processed colostrum is beneficial because it is pooled from hundreds and sometimes thousands of cows that provide broad based immune factors. There are very few producers of colostrum in the world that have the ability to accomplish this.

Should I take colostrum in tablet form?

It takes tremendous pressure (which creates high temperatures) to form most tablets. When you apply this heat to Colostrum, you destroy the biological activity of Colostrum's immune and growth factors. If you choose tablets, make sure the tablets are formed with low heat, so that none of the biological activity is lost.

What about liquid colostrum?

Generally, liquid colostrum on the market today is concentrated and is minimally processed. Because of this, Liquid Colostrum must be kept refrigerated after opening and used within 30 days. The lack of processing appeals to some people who prefer colostrum in it's most raw form.

What about Mad Cow Disease?

There is no evidence that BSE’s (Mad Cow Disease) are transmitted through a cow’s milk or colostrum. However, to be safe, it is best to choose colostrum from pasture fed cattle since BSE’s are transmitted when an animal consumes feed that contains body parts from infected animals. And, while there should not be a reason for concern with gelatin capsules (which are made from animal parts) it is suggested that you choose colostrum in vegetable capsules, for maximum safety. New Zealand is recognized throughout the world for their strict dairy standards. They are listed as a “lowest-risk” country for BSE’s and their colostrum is certified to be free of BSE and scrapie. Dairy standards in the United States are not as stringent.

What about interactions with medications?

We're not aware of any drug interactions. Always consult your health care professional for advice regarding prescription medications.

I've been taking colostrum for a while but I feel worse. What should I do?

We urge you to ask questions of your health care professional when undertaking a protocol of supplementation. A small percentage of people may experience flu-like symptoms, or have a rash during the first two weeks of taking colostrum. You may be experiencing what is known in the natural health community as a "healing crisis". You may wish to cut back or stop using colostrum for a period of time and then try again, increasing your use gradually. Some people choose to take more colostrum during this period to help the body continue the healing process. Our advice is always to consult your medical practitioner before deciding on a course of action.

What if I'm pregnant or nursing?

Ask your doctor or medical professional prior to taking any prescription drugs, over the counter medicines, herbal and nutritional supplements.

Can I give colostrum to my children?

We suggest that you consult with your pediatrician for proper serving size information.

Can I give colostrum to my dog or cat?

Bovine colostrum is not species specific and works wonderfully with cats, dogs and other mammals. Older animals respond especially well when given colostrum. Sprinkle the colostrum in your pet's dish, most pets love the taste of colostrum. Feed your pet water along with the colostrum. It is usually recommended that you use 1/3 teaspoon per 25lbs. of weight.

Do the calves get enough?

The first milking MUST be reserved for the calf. Unlike humans, the calf’s health and survival depends on it receiving its mother’s colostrum immediately after birth. Calves receive all of their immunity from this precious colostrum. For ethical and practical reasons (preservation of the herd) the calf’s needs must be met first. Companies that sell “first milking” colostrum are not being truthful in their claims. A cow produces significantly more colostrum than humans, so there’s plenty to go around after the calves’ needs are met!

What about us vegetarians?

The Rishis (India's spiritual leaders) vegan diet has included Colostrum for thousands of years. Today, in India, the milkman delivers Colostrum to the wealthy.

What About Lactose Intolerance?

Since colostrum contains little lactose. Generally, people who are lactose-intolerant should experience no problems when taking colostrum. Also, some lactose-intolerant people have reported being able to eat some dairy products after taking colostrum for approximately six to eight weeks.

Some liquid colostrum on the market has no lactose content because the lactose has been filtered out, and is a suitable choice for people who choose a completely lactose-free diet.