Have you ever heard of colostrum? As in As explained in parts 1 & 2 of this colostrum series , it is the first milk of female mammals. This potent colostrum is not only important for the development of newborns, but also has amazing health benefits for the entire life of a human or mammal. In this article, part 3 of the colostrum series, we take a closer look at how colostrum affects the human gut flora and what science supports this claim.

This article is about:

• This damages our intestines
• Excessive sugar and fat consumption
• Processed foods
• Lack of diversity
• antibiotics & medications
• Colostrum as a cure for the intestines
• IgG antibodies, lactoferrin, lysozyme and cytokines, IGF-1
• How Colostrum Helps with Digestive Problems
• study results

Did you know that more than 15%  the Swiss have regular digestive problems? The number of unreported cases is much higher, as many people do not even go to the doctor when they have digestive problems, but rather "sit it out" or accept the unpleasant trips to the bathroom as an incontrovertible fact. But digestive problems can be counteracted and intestinal health is essential for our general health.

But why are more and more people suffering from digestive disorders? Intestinal problems can be caused in particular by our modern eating habits, as foods today are highly processed, rich in sugar, preservatives, unhealthy fats and chemical additives. Worldwide, more than 5 million people have now been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and the numbers are continuing to rise. Researchers even fear that our intestinal bacteria will become extinct.

In this article, we would like to look at the causes of digestive problems as well as a natural and efficient solution to the problem – colostrum.

Species extinction in the intestines – How modern nutrition damages our intestines

An unbalanced intestinal flora is anything but pleasant. Bloating, stomach pain, mood swings, diarrhea and constipation - the list could go on and on. But where do these intestinal problems come from and why are more and more people affected by them?

While intestinal problems have long been dismissed as "I can't tolerate that" or "I must have eaten something wrong," more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of a balanced intestinal flora for general well-being. These people often opt for diagnostic procedures to check the health of their intestines. Intestinal bacteria analyses not only provide insights into the intestinal flora, but also into possible intolerances or overgrowths of pathogenic bacteria, which means that they are now available to us as a valuable diagnostic tool for improving intestinal health and making personalized dietary and lifestyle changes.

The result of these diagnostics is often incorrect colonization of the intestine or intestinal inflammation. When you know how important our intestine is for our general health, this is frightening. It is so frightening that a biobank of endangered intestinal bacteria is being created at the University of Zurich. Because the microbes in our intestines are also threatened with extinction. The bacteria in our intestines are important for our survival and the researchers at the University of Zurich want to secure the biodiversity of these microbes for the future.

Our gut flora plays a crucial role not only in the digestion of food, but also in the absorption of nutrients, the function and strengthening of our immune system and the regulation of inflammation in the body. Imbalanced gut bacteria can lead to digestive disorders, nutrient deficiencies, allergic reactions, obesity and even mood disorders and depression.

Explaining the results of these diagnostic procedures is often distressing for patients. Many people destroy their intestinal flora through nutritional trends that were actually intended to be healthy, such as liquid food, vegan eating, or unbalanced diets. These diets are not fundamentally unhealthy, but they must be viewed holistically and implemented in a particularly varied manner so that the intestines do not suffer. A long-term diet of smoothies and juices, like other introductory diets, can lead to leaky gut syndrome and should only be done for a limited period of time, if at all.

But it is not just dietary trends that can harm the intestinal flora, but primarily our modern diet. The western, modern eating style is the cause of potential intestinal disorders. Our food has undergone drastic changes in recent decades, and these changes have a significant impact on our digestion and intestinal health. Indigenous peoples in the Amazon jungle, for example, have more balanced and diverse intestinal cultures than people who live in western cities.

Consequently, we would like to discuss some of these aspects of modern nutrition in the context of damage to the intestinal flora:

fiber deficiency

One of the most striking features of modern diets is the lack of fiber. Many people today eat too few fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

Fiber, which is abundant in these foods, is crucial for healthy digestion. Fiber is not only the "broom" of the intestines that carries out waste products, but it also plays a role in promoting intestinal motility. It helps to support the movements of the intestines and prevent constipation.

Intestinal motility refers to the ability of the intestine to move and transport food and digestive waste through the digestive tract. It is an essential part of the digestive process and allows the body to absorb nutrients from the food consumed and excrete indigestible components.

Excessive sugar and fat consumption

Another problem with modern, western diets is the excessive consumption of sugar and fat. Foods and drinks rich in sugar can cause digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhea and a disturbed intestinal flora. This is because excessive sugar can increase the osmotic load in the intestine, which can lead to increased water absorption and thus diarrhea.

Fats, especially saturated and trans fats, can slow digestion and cause heartburn because they can reduce relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophageal sphincter.

Processed foods

The widely available foods in supermarkets are often characterized by a large amount of processed products. White bread, fast food, chips, ready meals, etc. are foods that are often enriched with a variety of additives that can put a strain on our digestion.

Some of these additives can cause the intestines to react sensitively and digestive problems to develop. Emulsifiers, flavors and preservatives in particular can disrupt the intestinal flora. A disrupted intestinal flora is characterized by an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria, which in turn can lead to digestive problems and inflammation.

Lack of diversity

A one-sided diet based on few or repetitive foods can also lead to an inadequate supply of various nutrients.

An unbalanced diet can cause certain bacterial populations to dominate in the intestine while others are neglected, which can disrupt the balance of the intestinal flora.

antibiotics and medications

Another significant factor that can negatively affect the intestinal flora is the excessive use of antibiotics and certain medications. Antibiotics are designed to kill pathogens, but they can also kill beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Many doctors still too often prescribe bacteria-fighting antibiotics without diagnosing whether the infection is viral or bacterial. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, and instead the intestinal bacteria suffer, which can be attacked by the antibiotics.

This can lead to dysbiosis, in which the balance of the intestinal flora is disturbed. People who have had to take antibiotics for a long time or have undergone chemotherapy often suffer from chronic intestinal problems because the intestinal flora has been destroyed by the medication.

Overall, a healthy diet rich in fiber, whole foods, and a wide variety of nutrients can help support digestion and keep the gut flora healthy. It is also important to manage antibiotic and medication use wisely, reduce stress, and avoid harmful habits such as excessive alcohol and tobacco use to promote gut health.

If digestive problems persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist to receive an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. A particularly gentle and efficient natural remedy for addressing intestinal problems is colostrum. Colostrum is the first milk of mammals such as cows and is fundamentally different from milk as we know it.

We would therefore like to explain why cow colostrum is excellent for healing the intestines and as a means of maintaining balanced intestinal health.

Colostrum as a cure for the intestines and to promote intestinal health

Modern eating habits, which are often low in fiber, high in sugar and fat, and rich in processed foods, can cause significant digestive problems and are now even threatening the biodiversity of human intestinal bacteria. These problems can range from constipation to bloating, diarrhea, and a disturbed intestinal flora that can become chronic.

Imbalanced intestinal flora is the main problem for most people with digestive disorders, which can be caused by poor eating habits and other factors such as excessive consumption of processed foods or stress.

Colostrum has a unique chemical and biological composition that may play an important role in combating and preventing these digestive problems.

We would now like to take a closer look at the biological and chemical aspects that make cow colostrum a true blessing for human intestinal health.

Chemical & Biological Aspects of Colostrum

Colostrum is rich in bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins, including immunoglobulin G (IgG, also called antibodies), which are able to neutralize pathogens and toxins in the intestine. These IgG antibodies not only act as a defense against harmful microorganisms, but also have immunoregulatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the intestine.

In addition to IgG antibodies, colostrum also contains other immune molecules such as lactoferrin, lysozyme and cytokines. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in colostrum. It has antimicrobial properties and can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine. Lactoferrin can also reduce inflammation and strengthen the intestinal barrier. Lysozyme, on the other hand, is an enzyme also found in colostrum that has antimicrobial properties. It can weaken the cell walls of bacteria and inhibit their growth. Colostrum also contains various cytokines that may play a role in regulating the immune system and the inflammatory response in the intestine.

Furthermore, the growth factors contained in colostrum, such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), are crucial for the regeneration and repair of intestinal tissue.

How Colostrum Helps with Digestive Problems

The immune molecules and antibodies contained in colostrum help strengthen the intestinal barrier. They bind to harmful microorganisms and neutralize them, reducing the risk of inflammation and infection in the intestine.

Colostrum can therefore reduce inflammation in the digestive tract because it contains these immune regulators. This is crucial because chronic inflammation is often a cause of digestive problems.

The growth factors contained in colostrum, especially IGF-1, support the repair and regeneration of intestinal tissue. This is particularly important for tissue damaged by inflammation or other stress. Colostrum therefore promotes the balance of the intestinal flora by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting harmful bacteria.

Overall, the unique composition of colostrum shows how it can be beneficial in preventing and treating digestive problems caused by modern diets and other factors. It helps strengthen the intestinal barrier, reduce inflammation, promote intestinal repair and support intestinal flora. Colostrum is therefore increasingly seen as a valuable dietary supplement for promoting intestinal health in adults.

If you have a medical condition, it is important to use colostrum under medical supervision and to follow the recommended intake to achieve maximum benefits. In addition, colostrum should only be purchased from trusted and certified suppliers who prioritize animal welfare, only use surplus colostrum, and do not heat (pasteurize) the colostrum.

Please note that it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking colostrum or other dietary supplements, or if you make any changes to your diet.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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