Top 5 Health Benefits Of Colostrum For Dogs
1. Support Your Dog's Allergy Symptoms
Colostrum contains a hormone called Proline-Rich-Polypeptide (PRP). This hormone can either stimulate an under-active immune system or, in the case of allergies, down-regulate an overactive immune system.
This down-regulation is important in autoimmune diseases, including arthritis and allergies. This is because the overly active immune system can either fail to recognize its own cells from foreign molecules.
And this means it can start attacking its own tissues (autoimmunity) or will show an exaggerated response to a normally harmless molecule.
According to Staroscik et al, 1983, PRP can regulate the activity of the immune system in the same way that hormones produced by the thymus gland do.
Researchers believe that PRP’s ability to reduce allergic symptoms comes from its ability to inhibit lymphocyte (white blood cell) and T-cell overproduction. These are the cells that overreact in an allergic reaction.
It’s also thought that PRP can help create special cells (helper T-cells and suppressor T-cells) that can suppress and switch off the immune responses that trigger allergies.
Other studies have shown that PRP is highly anti-inflammatory, which helps not just with allergies, but other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Colostrum can also be effective in helping with one of the primary causes of allergy symptoms, leaky gut.
2. Colostrum And Leaky Gut
Most of the immune system function happens in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
One of the major benefits of colostrum is its ability to control the health of the GI tract. It can help seal the lining so undigested food can’t pass through and cause inflammation and allergy symptoms.
There are several recent studies that show colostrum can help reverse gut irritation and the chronic health issues it can cause including Candida albicans or yeast.
And because colostrum contains probiotics and has antibiotic activity, it can help restore a healthy gut flora, which is key to healing leaky gut.
3. Colostrum And Cancer
In 1985, “Quiet Strides in the War on Cancer” was published by Steven Rosenberg. It popularized the use of cytokines to treat cancer and this therapy is still successfully used today.
In fact, researchers are looking at the cytokines contained in colostrum (Interleukins, Interferon, and Lymphokines) and their role in treating cancer.
Interferons and Interleukins can enhance the body’s response to cancer by activating special white blood cells that can find and destroy cancer cells.
They’re also thought to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even kill them (apoptosis). In fact, drug manufacturers are trying to genetically engineer and sell the interferon from colostrum at a much higher price.
Colostrum also contains a special protein called Lactalbumin. Researchers report that Colostrum Lactalbumin can cause apoptosis (death) of cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells to thrive.
And finally, many cancers are initiated or spread by viruses and colostrum can support the immune system and help fight viruses and infections.
Colostrum contains a large amount of Immunoglobin A, D, E, G and M. There are also called IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM. IgG fights against bacteria and toxin buildup, while IgM destroys bacteria and IgE and IgD fight viruses.
Colostrum also contains Lactoferrin. This is another substance that fights viruses and bacteria, is anti-inflammatory and has also been researched for its role in treating and preventing cancer.
And the antioxidant phytic acid that’s found in colostrum prevents iron from reaching and feeding cancer cells.
So colostrum can be an important supplement to prevent and treat cancer and the viruses that can cause it. Which leads us to the next point.
4. Colostrum And Canine Flu
A 2007 study showed that colostrum was three times more effective than the flu vaccine in preventing the flu.
The same immune-boosting properties that help prevent and treat cancer and allergies can also protect your dog from viruses such as bordetella (kennel cough), parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Lyme disease and more.
Colostrum is passed from the mother to her newborn to protect against viruses so the RPRs found in colostrum can ramp up the immune system and help fight viruses.
5. Colostrum And Wound Healing
Colostrum contains growth factors, which help the newborn grow and develop. These same growth factors can stimulate wound healing.
Studies show that when applied externally, colostrum can speed wound healing, skin growth, and cellular repair. And colostrum also contains antibacterial properties, which will prevent and heal infections.
Topically, colostrum can be used for:
- Dermatitis and skin infections
- Gingivitis and oral infections
- Ear infections
- Abscesses
- Cysts
- Insect bites
- Surgical wounds
It’s easy to use colostrum for dogs topically. Mix it with distilled water until it forms a paste. Then you can apply it directly to the infected area.
Article courtesy of FourLeaf Rover