naturalpet
lactoferrin (a protein with antimicrobial activity); and lacto-
peroxidase (an antimicrobial, antioxidant enzyme).
Colostrum
> TREATING SKIN ISSUES due to allergies or wounds.
Colostrum speeds the regeneration of healthy skin with its
Nature’s Pet Superfood
growth factors and helps alleviate infl ammation.
by Dr. Matthew J. Heller
> REDUCING RECOVERY TIME after an illness. Colostrum’s
growth factors, which aid in stabilizing immune response,
What is Colostrum?
may shorten the term of an illness by nearly 50 percent.
After a dog, cat or any mammal gives birth and
Veterinarians often prescribe sickly puppies and kittens a
begins to nurse its offspring, colostrum, or ‘fi rst
colostrum supplement to boost their overall immunity.
milk’, comprises the newborn’s fi rst meal. In
subsequent days, even when the mother’s regu-
> TREATING LEAKY GUT SYNDROME. A ‘leaky gut’ al-
lar milk supply develops, colostrum, which is rich in proteins
lows toxins and large food molecules to escape the intestinal
and antibodies, remains an integral component of her milk.
wall and leak into the bloodstream, causing autoimmune
Colostrum is key to early development, offering a criti-
or allergic responses. Treating the syndrome with colostrum
cal defense against the viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites
helps restore and repair damaged intestinal tissues.
to which newborns are constantly exposed. At birth, the
Today, the age-old use of colostrum as a holistic preven-
immature immune system is particularly vulnerable to threats
tive and healing treatment is enjoying newfound respect, as
from the environment. The naturally occurring substances in
forward-thinking practitioners recognize its many benefi ts.
colostrum—immunoglobulins, antibodies and antioxidants—
This power-packed fi rst milk provides valuable immune
both support the immune system and aid in healthy renewal
support for small animals, particularly cats and dogs suffer-
of cells.
ing from allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, skin problems,
Although animals typically cease to partake of the ben-
cancer, arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
efi ts of colostrum once they are weaned from their mother,
Matthew J. Heller is a doctor of veterinary medicine and
science has discovered that bovine colostrum can serve as a
owner of All About PetCare, a full-service small animal veteri-
universal boon to our furry companions. It is readily available
nary hospital providing holistic and traditional care Middle-
and easily administered to pets in capsule, tablet or powder
town, OH. For more information, call 513-424-1626
form.
or 866-YOUR-VET, or visit AllAboutPetCare.com.
How Bovine Colostrum Helps
Bovine colostrum contains growth factors, immune factors,
enzymes, hormones and micronutrients, all of which pro-
mote a pet’s ability to heal when it faces illness. Prior to the
development of modern antibiotics and sulfa medications,
colostrum was regularly used by doctors to treat animals’ im-
mune problems.
Renowned holistic veterinarian Stephen Blake has
championed the use of bovine colostrum for pets for the past
decade, calling it “Nature’s forgotten miracle.” Specifi cally,
bovine colostrum may be able to help in the following situa-
tions:
> SUPPORTING GERIATRIC PETS as they experience di-
minishing growth factors, the proteins capable of stimulating
cellular growth. Colostrum’s growth factors—epithelial growth
factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)—bolster the
immunity of aging animals.
> TREATING GASTROINTESTINAL ISSUES such as diar-
rhea and bloating. Consuming colostrum helps calm the
digestive track and regulate the bowels. It also minimizes
damage to the intestinal lining from parasites, fungi and
medications, because its growth factors promote regenera-
tion of the intestinal lining.
> PREVENTING BACTERIAL AND VIRAL ILLNESSES by in-
terfering with a toxin’s ability to attach to host cells, multiply
and spread infection. Several components of colostrum aid
in this task, including Immunoglobulin A (IgA, an antibody);
www.MichiganHealthyLiving.com
November 2008
17
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