Colostrum (χολιάστρα ή πρωτόγαλα)

By Nicolas Partassis*

WHAT IS COLOSTRUM

Colostrum, also known as the first milk is a highly concentrated form of milk. This is produced by the mother within the first 72 hours after giving birth. It is a highly nutritive substance that provides high protection against diseases and infections. It is easily digested and causes a laxative effect which helps the baby to pass its early stools, aiding in the excretion of excess bilirubin, which prevents jaundice. Colostrum is thick and sticky generally yellow to orange in colour. It is low in fat but high in protein, carbohydrates and antibiotics designed to keep the babies’ immune system strong.

Within the first two weeks after birth, the colostrum gradually changes to mature milk. During this time, the mothers’ volume of milk increases but the colostrum levels decrease. However, the disease-fighting properties of human milk do not disappear with the colostrum, and as long as the baby is breastfed it will receive immunological protection against viruses and bacteria.
Bovine or cow colostrum is used as a therapeutic agent because its constituents are almost identical to those present in human colostrum. Bovine colostrum is collected within the first 72 hours after the cow gives birth, as this is when the nutritional components are at their peak. Bovine colostrum is an excellent source of nutrients, powerful antibiotic and anti-inflammatory compounds that are used by humans during infancy and after they’ve been weaned. Known for its immune boosting properties called transfer factors, colostrum has been used for years for the treatment of many immune related chronic diseases including AIDS and cancer.

HISTORY OF COLOSTRUM

Colostrums transfer factors were first discovered in 1949 by Sherwood Lawrence while he was treating tuberculosis patients. Since this time, science has discovered that taking colostrum greatly increases the immune systems response, decreasing the length of healing time.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT COLOSTRUM

• Studies show that colostrum destroys viruses, toxins, bacteria, yeast and parasites
• Colostrum does NOT contain the Antigens that are present in Cow’s Milk
• Bovine Colostrum is the active ingredient in some topically-applied Skin Creams

INTERNAL BENEFITS
Colostrum is beneficial for:
• Antiviral
• Antifungal
• Antioxidant
• Antibacterial
• Reduces Pain
• Increased Growth Factors
• Burns fat instead of muscle
• Enhances Lean Muscle Mass
• Regulates Cholesterol Levels
• Enhances the Immune System
• Enhances Feeling of Well Being
• Skin, Muscle and Cartilage Repair
• Aids Digestion and Bowel Function
• Improves alertness and concentration
• Eliminating viruses, bacteria and parasites

EXTERNAL BENEFITS

Colostrum is known to be helpful for many different ailments.
Colostrum Externally:
• Weight Loss
• Fibromyalgia
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Alleviates Diarrhea
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Enhances Energy Levels
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Heals burns without scarring
• Accelerates the Healing Process
• Burns Fat, Increasing Lean Muscle

COLOSTRUM COMPOUNDS
• Lactose
• Trypsin
• Proline
• Proteins
• Peptides
• Carnitine
• Cytokines
• Lactoferrin
• Leukocytes
• Amino Acids
• Carbohydrates
• Interleukin 1 and 6
• Lysozyme research
• Proline Rich Polypeptide
• Epidermal Growth Factor
• Immunoglobulin antibodies
• Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, 2
• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
• Transforming Growth Factor-beta

O Νικόλας Παρτασσής είναι διατροφολόγος