Is there a benefit to bovine colostrum as a supplement?
Humans and all other lactating mammals produce colostrum, the first secretion from a mother's breasts after the birth of a baby. Colostrum is a rich source of proteins and antibodies that confer temporary resistance to disease until the infant's own immune system begins to function.
Bovine colostrum is collected from cows in the first milking after their calves are born. Ayurvedic physicians in India have been recommending bovine colostrum for thousands of years and, reportedly, Scandinavian farmers use it to make desserts to celebrate good health and the birth of healthy calves.
Bovine colostrum has been sold for many years as a supplement in pill form and as powders, bars and liquids, but I'm skeptical of the many extravagant health claims made for it: that it burns fat, builds muscle, speeds healing of injuries, regulates blood sugar, boosts mood, treats everything from depression to gingivitis, and cures the flu, as well. The supposed science behind these inducements to buy the stuff is that after puberty, the human body produces less of the immune and growth factors needed to combat disease and heal damaged tissue. That may be true, but there is no evidence to support the claim that taking supplemental colostrum can restore youthful levels of these substances and cure whatever ails you.
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I've seen no good research on the effects of bovine colostrum in humans and no data to support the many claims made for it. A few small-scale animal studies suggest that bovine colostrum has antimicrobial activity, but they were not well-designed. Bottom line: We need more and better studies before we can be sure of either the safety or efficacy of bovine colostrum supplements. Save your money.
My husband was diagnosed last year with transverse myelitis. He has been prescribed only painkillers and sleeping pills. He is seeing an acupuncturist and is trying some alternative therapies. What would you recommend?
Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder resulting from inflammation affecting both sides of one section of the spinal cord. Symptoms include a loss of spinal cord function that begins suddenly and progresses over several hours or comes on over a matter of weeks. Often the first sign is sudden lower back pain, followed by muscle weakness in the arms and legs, and burning, prickling or tingling in the legs. This can escalate quickly to more severe symptoms, including impaired bowel and bladder function and paralysis.
No one knows for sure what causes this disorder. The inflammation may be set off by a viral infection such as shingles, an abnormal immune system reaction or insufficient blood flow to the spinal cord. Some cases occur as a complication of syphilis, measles or Lyme disease, and some patients have other autoimmune disorders, suggesting that transverse myelitis may be autoimmune in nature.
Unfortunately, there's no cure. Treatment usually begins with steroids to suppress inflammation and abnormal immune activity. Later, the emphasis switches to keeping the body functioning in hopes that the nervous system will recover. About one-third of all those affected recover fully or with few after-effects. Another third may be left with some deficits. The rest do not recover at all and will remain bedridden or confined to a wheelchair.
In addition to conventional treatment, I suggest consulting a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, not just for acupuncture but for herbal therapies, as well. I would also try mind/body approaches such as hypnosis or guided imagery. To deal with any residual musculoskeletal problems, try the Feldenkrais Method, a type of body work that can increase ease and range of motion, and improve flexibility and coordination. Learn more at www.feldenkrais.com. Since transverse myelitis may be auto-immune in nature, follow my anti-inflammatory diet and take the measures below:
• Decrease protein intake toward 10 percent of daily calories; replace animal protein as much as possible with plant protein.
• Eliminate cow's milk and milk products; substitute other calcium sources.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables regularly — organically grown if possible.
• Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all partially hydrogenated oils and all foods that might contain trans-fatty acids. Use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat.
• Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Take ginger — start with one capsule twice a day.