Nature's Best Foods addresses your Frequently Asked Questions...with answers from the Center for Nutritional Research...

WHY BOVINE (COWS) COLOSTRUM?

Scientific research, conducted in the last decade in major medical research centers and universities, throughout the world, has shown that the molecular combinations of the immune and growth factors in cow's colostrum are virtually identical to human. Research has also shown that only bovine colostrum is not species specific and can work in human and lower mammals.

WHY DO I NEED COLOSTRUM AS AN ADULT?

Research has shown that once we pass puberty, our bodies gradually produce less of the immune and growth factors that help our bodies fight off disease and heal damaged body tissue. With the loss of these vital components, we age and die. Colostrum is the only source of these life giving components ...the actual immune factors and all of our body's growth factors (hormones) in perfect combination as nature intended (synthesized and isolated hormones throw the other hormones out of balance and have been shown to have significant side effects). Research has shown that Colostrum has the demonstrated ability to kill bacteria and viral invaders, stimulate tissue repair (particularly the bowel lining), stimulate fat utilization for fuel and optimize cellular reproduction (anti-aging). No other substance on the planet can provide all of these marvelous benefits.

HOW CAN I AFFORD COLOSTRUM?

How can you NOT afford Colostrum? The next time you visit your neighborhood drug store and pharmacy, become aware of how many products and drugs are on the market that only treat the symptoms.

We must remember that a cow gives birth only once a year. High quality Colostrum is taken only during the first 24 hours after birth and only from select hormone, pesticide and antibiotic free cows. It then must be processed without excessive heat to keep its components biologically active and encapsulated in a capsule that will dissolve in the small intestine - this processing is very expensive. With all the varying qualities of Colostrum on the market, we have a perfect example of the expression - you get what you pay for.

WHAT SHOULD I BE AWARE OF WHEN SELECTING COLOSTRUM?

Colostrum should be collected only from the first five milkings after second birthing to assure maximum biological activity. Normal drying processes, pasteurizing and applying heat to thaw after freezing, compromise Colostrum's biological capability. Optimum processing of Colostrum requires refrigeration but most producers freeze the Colostrum for ease in transportation and defatting. During cooling, the Colostrum needs to be kept in continuous motion with mechanical stirring or it will gel and become impossible to air dry or remove the fat. We humans do not want additional animal fats in our diet and Colostrum's important immune and growth factors are not contained in the fat. True colostrum contains almost no lactose, so those that are lactose intolerant should have no problems with high quality Colostrum. Consumers should also make sure that products labeled Colostrum are 100% colostrum ( not colostrum whey or concentrates of milk whey). Whey is a by-product of milk, colostrum or cheese and has been processed with hydrochloric acid and heat. Colostrum mixed with other supplements or Herbs and additives dilute the Colostrum and provide little benefit.

HOW SAFE IS COLOSTRUM?

Colostrum is a food. It can be consumed in any quantity without side effects or drug interactions.

HOW DOES COLOSTRUM INTERACT WITH OTHER SUPPLEMENTS OR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS?

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.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TAKE AND WHEN?

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 result, begin with 4-5 capsules (2 to 2,500 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.

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.

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 MY CHILDREN COLOSTRUM?

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.

WHAT ABOUT PETS?

Bovine Colostrum is not species specific and works wonderfully with cats and dogs and other mammals. Open capsules and sprinkle in pet dish...most pets love the taste of Colostrum. Encourage them to drink water along with it.

I CAN'T SWALLOW THE CAPSULE. HOW CAN I TAKE COLOSTRUM?

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.

I DON'T WANT TO TAKE COLOSTRUM FROM THE CALVES. DO THEY GET ENOUGH?

The calf's needs are always met first. Most calves would simply die if they didn't get Colostrum.

HOW CAN COLOSTRUM HELP ME LOSE WEIGHT?

Colostrum contains IGF-1, the most powerful growth factor in our bodies. Medical Research has shown that without adequate amounts of IGF-1, our bodies, during times of fast (diet), will burn muscle protein before they burn fat (catabolism). The only means to increase IGF-1 levels in the body is through daily aerobic exercise or Colostrum (preferably both).

I NEED TO GAIN WEIGHT, CAN COLOSTRUM HELP?

Within about two hours of eating, our body's blood glucose levels are depleted and we utilize sources of stored fuel (fat and muscle protein) for energy. It is easier for our bodies to burn muscle tissue rather than fat. By increasing food intake along with exercise and Colostrum, weight gain will come through increased muscle mass (muscle tissue weighs more than fat per volume). If you are an athlete, this can be very beneficial for performance.

HOW IS COLOSTRUM ANTI-AGING?

After puberty our body begins slowing down the production of our body's Growth Hormones. These hormones are necessary for the reproduction of virtually all of our body cellular tissue. It has been shown that by age 80 we are producing virtually no growth hormone, and so we age and die. Colostrum's growth factors are the actual hormones that stimulate the normal reproduction of body cellular tissue. Normal reproduction means just that (normal) not aged, cancerous, wrinkled, or weakened. The New England Journal of Medicine (a few years back) stated that the most effective anti-aging process would be simply the replacement of growth hormones at proper levels to slow , possibly stop and even reverse the aging processes. Does it work? Just try and take Colostrum away from someone who's used Colostrum for a while and you'll see.

CAN COLOSTRUM HELP WITH MY DEPRESSION?

Most of us are in search of a means to increase the brain's feel-good chemicals, serotonin and dopamine. To accomplish this, we look to nicotine, drugs and certain (usually unhealthy and fattening) foods. We begin to rely on these substances to maintain that feel- good sensation. Colostrum is a natural and healthy means of stimulating the brain to release serotonin and dopamine and prolong their re-uptake. Colostrum also activates the release of other chemicals in the brain that affect alertness and concentration. In fact, for most people,Colostrum is so effective that we do not recommend taking it after 3 or 4 PM ( the increased energy may interfere with sleep).

DOES COLOSTRUM HELP WITH CUTS, AND BURNS? AFTER SURGERY OR ACCIDENTS?

Colostrum's immune factors are highly effective anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents to help reduce and eliminate infections in external injuries (cuts, burns, abrasions and surgical wounds). Colostrum also contains epithelial (skin) growth hormone that stimulates accelerated healing and powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can eliminate swelling and pain.

Open the capsule and mix with sterile water or a saline solution to form a paste. This can be applied directly to the affected area. Bandage if needed. Reapply two to three times daily until healing is complete.

DOES COLOSTRUM HELP WITH GINGIVITIS?

Colostrum's powerful antibacterial factors have been shown to help prevent and treat Gingivitis. Application is made by applying Colostrum directly to the gum area just before retiring. Reapply nightly until better. Colostrum has also been shown to help control any pain before or after dental work.

WHAT ABOUT MAD COW DISEASE?

No case of Mad Cow Disease has been reported in the US to date. No transmission of this disease has ever been connected with the diary industry, either here or abroad. US diary foods are considered a model of consumer safety and nutrition.

I'M A VEGETARIAN, I DON'T EAT ANIMAL FOODS.

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. It's interesting that That the cow has been deified in India. Colostrum is really neither animal nor vegetable but is unique unto itself - Colostrum is the first food of life - it is the gift of new life!

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