Colostrum is a type of milk produced by all mammals within the first four days after giving birth, according to functional dietician Jenn Volpe, RDN, LD, CLT. Its purpose is to give newborns high quantities of available vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins. Colostrum acts as an immunization shot for the baby because it is rich with bioactive molecules to protect the infant from diseases.
Although it is essential for newborns, experts say it is also beneficial to all ages as it boosts immunity, gastrointestinal tract health, and energy. Dr. Sarah Rahal, a double-board certified pediatric and adult neurologist, said that over 5,000 studies back up colostrum's healing powers that stem from healing up the immune barriers of the body.
What is Colostrum? Here are 5 Health Benefits of This Trending Gut Health Supplement
5 Health Benefits of Colostrum
An online life magazine called Bustle has listed five health benefits that colostrum could give not only to newborns but also to people of all ages. Below is the list of how colostrum help supports health:
- Improve immunity - Studies have shown that colostrum repairs the immune barrier, which often needs a boost because it is bombarded by environmental pollutants that a person encounters every day. Rahal explains that the colostrum in this way acts like skin that protects the body from the outside.
- Good for Gut Health - Registered dietician Alicia Galvin said that taking colostrum is helpful in clearing up gut-related issues, such as bloating, constipation, gas, and even fatigue. A paper in the journal Nature claims that it helps balance intestinal permeability that helps prevent leaky gut-related symptoms.
- Reduces Inflammation - Colostrum contains anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation, which is the core of many health issues. As Galvin says, colostrum could repair the root cause of any illnesses and help the person feel better overall.
- Promotes Better Skin Health - Previous studies show that taking colostrum improves skin complexion as it reduces inflammation, quashes breakouts, and even out skin tone. Rahal pointed out that the supplement can be used to treat breakouts, rashes, and eczema.
- Helps Muscle Recover Faster - Taking colostrum also has a positive effect on exercise performance, as studies have shown. Galvin said that athletes have been using bovine colostrum to help increase athletic performance and build muscle mass because it helps their muscles recover faster after a workout and help them put on lean muscle tissue that improves their strength.
Choosing the Best Colostrum Supplement
According to Very Well Health, the colostrum is generally considered safe for use in which side effects are uncommon, although some may experience nausea, skin rashes, gas, and diarrhea.
Moreover, the colostrum dietary supplement is available in pills, powders, and nasal sprays and can be purchased online or through some stores even without a prescription. Usually, the recommended dosage daily is from 10 to 60 grams depending on the person's specific needs.
In choosing the best colostrum supplement, people should be cautious and should talk first to a doctor to make sure it is safe given the person's medical history. In the US, colostrum dietary supplements are not strictly regulated and there are already large-scale clinical trials underway that investigate the benefits of colostrum. Therefore, always be cautious about any supplements that claim to cure anything or everything.
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