Can Colostrum Fight Swine Flu Naturally?

Immune Boosting Benefits of Bovine Colostrum Against H1N1 Virus

Aug 24, 2009 Subha Ekambaram

H1N1 Swine flu is termed a pandemic by WHO. Immune boosting Colostrum, the liquid that precedes breast milk,might be instrumental in fighting the influenza virus.

H1N1 is a virus that causes the swine flu in humans. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway, on June 11, 2009.

It is believed among some medical professionals that colostrum, the pale colored liquid that is available before breast milk is produced, could be one way of boosting one's immunity against the H1N1 swine flu.

What is Colostrum?

Colostrum is the pale colored liquid that precedes breast milk. Its produced by all female mammals just before giving birth. It is available for the newborn for approximately three days after birth.

Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins or anti-bodies and has several anti-microbial properties. Colostrum also contains high concentrations of leukocytes, protective white cells which can destroy disease-causing bacteria and viruses.

Today, colostrum from bovine sources (cows) is available in natural food stores as a immune system booster because of its superior disease fighting qualities.

Some Health Benefits of Bovine Colostrum

The following are some of many health benefits when supplementing with bovine colostrum.

Better Immune Health - People caught fewer colds or flus and if sick, recovery time was much faster than average.
Protection Against Auto Immune Conditions - Diseases like diabetes, asthma, lupus, allergies are dealt with better.
Regulation of Inflammatory Response - Increases white blood cells to boost resistance and down regulates inflammatory responses.

How to Fight the H1N1 Influenza Virus? Can Colostrum be an Answer to the Swine Flu?

Several practitioners of alternative medicine have recommended the use of colostrum to fight the swine flu.

According to Dr.Kathi Fry - a Phoenix based Board Certified OBGYN and Homeopathic practitioner, colostrum might be helpful in mitigating the effects of swine flu, because of its immune boosting properties. Dr.Fry mentioned in a radio interview that, one of the trade names of Colostrum, the Immulox spray, is available in health stores and can be used to enhance one's immunity against the H1N1 virus.

According to Dr.Vijay Bhatkar, founder of Institute of Integrative Health Care in Pune, India, there is evidence of the use of colostrum, in the ancient Indian medicine of Ayurveda, to boost immunity against influenza causing viruses. Dr.Bhatkar mentions that the bovine colostrum has many vital ingredients including a component called "interferon", which can have an effect on viruses such as H1N1.

There are several advantages to supplementing a compromised immune system with colostrum. However, pregnant women should avoid immune boosters, including colostrum. As with any supplement, colostrum is best used, under the direction of a physician or a qualified medical professional.

Sources

A Guide to Understanding Supplements by Shawn M Talbott
Colostrum: Nature's gift to the Immune System by Beth M. Ley-Jacobs, Beth M. Ley
Radio Interview with Dr.Kathi Fry - 99.9 FM KEZ on 8/21/09
OutlookIndia News
Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The copyright of the article Can Colostrum Fight Swine Flu Naturally? in Natural Medicine is owned by Subha Ekambaram. Permission to republish Can Colostrum Fight Swine Flu Naturally? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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