Let’s Talk Colostrum
It seems like every influencer and wellness fanatic is raving about colostrum. This gut-health god-send supplement seemed to take the internet by storm, but what exactly is it?
In this post, we’ll answer:
What is colostrum?
How can colostrum support gut health?
Can you have colostrum if you’re lactose intolerant?
What is colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth. It's nature's way of giving newborns a powerful immune boost. But don't worry, the colostrum supplements you see advertised are derived from cows, not humans!
Bovine colostrum is considered “a rich natural source of macro- and micro-nutrients, immunoglobulins, and peptides with anti-microbial activity and growth factors.”
The advertisements are true — colostrum is packed with benefits:
Nutrients: Colostrum is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and growth factors that support overall health. It is especially high in lactoferrin, which both enhances iron absorption and strengthens the body's defenses against invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Immune Boost: Antibodies present in colostrum fight inflammation and help ward off infections. Thanks to lactoferrin, colostrum helps boosts T-Cells and white blood cells counts, strengthening the immune system and even alleviating symptoms of autoimmunity. Casein has also been found to have immune-regulatory, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Gut Healing: Colostrum may strengthen the gut lining and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, leading to better digestion and nutrient absorption. Since 70-80% of the body’s immune cells are housed in the gut, strengthening the immune system and gut go hand-in-hand.
Colostrum and Gut Health
While colostrum is meant for baby mammals, adults can benefit from its gut-boosting properties too. It might be especially helpful for those experiencing:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) & Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Colostrum may help soothe symptoms of diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, and poor nutrient absorption.
Leaky Gut: The gut-healing properties of colostrum could help repair a leaky gut lining. Studies suggest that colostrum supplements may not only prevent but also reverse gut permeability.
To learn more about leaky gut, see our blog post here.
Dysbiosis and SIBO: When there is a bacterial imbalance in the delicate gut microbiome, symptoms like bloating, acid reflux, diarrhea, constipation, malabsorption, brain fog, chronic fatigue, and even joint pain can occur. In studies with mice, colostrum was found to reduce the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria and increase beneficial bacterial.
For everything from bloating to irregular bowel movements, colostrum might offer some relief. However, as with any supplement, lifestyle changes are far more important when it comes to addressing health concerns. For IBD, IBS, leaky gut, and many other gut conditions, the priority should be nutrient dense foods and reducing stressors (this could be emotional/mental stress, overexercising, or even internal things such as bacterial imbalances and inflammatory foods).
A piece of advice (from someone who has healed from severe IBS, leaky gut, SIBO, and dysbiosis)…
To dive deeper into gut issues, I’ve found functional labs like a GI MAP provide invaluable insights to inform nutrient and supplement protocols. Knowing the kinds and counts of bacteria, bugs, and pathogens, as well as key levels of digestive enzymes make a protocol that much more tailored and targeted. This information smoothes and streamlines the healing process, bringing you relief and answers faster than just guessing what is going on in your gut.
Colostrum and Dairy Sensitivity
Since colostrum is from milk, it is dairy. If you have a dairy sensitivity or are lactose-intolerant, it is wise to avoid colostrum.
However, don’t fret — you can still reap the benefits of colostrum through non-dairy alternatives. As a dairy-free gal myself, I take an IgG powder that offers similar gut-healing properties without the dairy.
To reap the gut-lining-healing benefits of colostrum, I pair my IgG powder with L-glutamine powder. L-glutamine is an amino acid that is particularly important for maintaining gut health, as it serves as a primary fuel source for the cells lining the intestines. This helps to support the integrity of the gut lining and can aid in the prevention and repair of leaky gut (a permeable gut).
Shop my favorite gut-healing supplement duo here.
The Takeaway
Colostrum seems to be a promising addition to your gut health toolkit. Whether you’re dealing with gut issues or looking to optimize your health, it can provide numerous benefits.
Just remember: supplements are only 10% of the picture when it comes to healing and optimizing your health. Lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress reduction are 90% of the picture.
As with any supplement, it’s always best to consult your doctor before starting any new supplements.
Fed up with unanswered questions about your health?
At Wholistic Renewal, we dig deep to uncover the root causes of your concerns. Our programs combine comprehensive functional lab testing with personalized protocols and dedicated support from a nutritional practitioner. Through one-on-one guidance and education, you can finally find the answers you've been searching for and renew your health.
*The information provided above is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related questions or concerns you may have. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.
