Congressman Bedell was involved with his friend, Senator Tom Harkin in the establishment of the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. With his friend Senator Tom Daschle, he wrote The Access to Medical Treatment Act. He is the founder of The National Foundation for Alternative Medicine. When it comes to his commitment to natural health and advancing our health care rights Bedell is the real thing.

He continues in our foreword, "My Lyme disease was cured by a special colostrum from a cow after conventional treatments were not effective for me. This has started me on a life journey of investigating alternative treatments for disease. We are sending teams around the world to visit alternative clinics and practitioners to see if we can document effectiveness of treatment. We are finding science and treatments that we believe will change the way the world looks at and treats health and disease.

"The colostrum treatment that cured my Lyme disease was a special colostrum in which the pregnant cow had been injected with killed spirochettes, the germs that cause Lyme disease. The theory is if the cow had actually been infected with this disease, the unborn calf would contract the disease before it was born, and Mother Nature would cause the colostrum to have ingredients to cure the calf. It worked for me.

"As more and more people turn to natural health remedies, as I did, a plethora of scientific studies on all types of health supplements has become available to inform us. One of those items is colostrum. Colostrum is the nutrient-rich liquid all mother cows impart to their suckling calves when they are born, prior to the release of milk. Its role in nurturing new life, including that of humans (breastfeeding moms also produce colostrum for the first few days after birth) is to impart essential nutrients that boost the health of a newborn, as well as to pass on immunities from mother to baby. These immunities protect the newborn’s delicate system from the many bacteria and pathogens that exist in their new world.

"The same nutrients so important to newborns can also rejuvenate our adult bodies. Once we pass puberty, our bodies gradually produce less of the immune and growth factors that help us fight disease and heal damaged body tissue. The result? Aging. The many nutrients present in bovine colostrum—antibodies, growth hormones, proteins, enzymes, vitamins and minerals—help restore our bodies to the optimum state of our youth. Research has shown that colostrum supplementation increases energy, stimulates tissue repair, kills bacteria and viruses and optimizes cellular reproduction. Cellular reproduction, as well as an abundance of growth hormone, have direct anti-aging effects.

"Though science has been able to isolate some of the compounds found in colostrum, their intake can be questionable. For example, when the New England Journal of Medicine  reported that growth hormone was the best anti-aging remedy, anti-aging specialists began using it on their patients in earnest. Though recipients reported many anti-aging benefits both external (smoother skin, increased energy and stamina, increased sex drive) and internal (immune system revitalization, organ rejuvenation, and less incidence of osteoporosis), it soon became apparent that there were harmful side effects as well. High blood pressure, the increased growth of unwanted cells in the body (tumors), edema and more turned into reports on the 10 o’clock news as growth hormone therapy came under fire.

"Colostrum is a nutritious whole food; the way nature intended it to be. It has been the subject of numerous studies supporting its ability to restore optimum health. We owe a debt of gratitude to the writers and experts of Healthy Living  for researching this matter, and for putting it into this easy to read book, so that people can be aware of and informed of this non-toxic food substance. In a special form it has been of great benefit to me—and, as you will see in this book, when properly prepared regular colostrum has been of great help to others.

"The moral of this story? Nature knew what it was doing when it combined separate nutrients into a whole food like colostrum. Because the growth hormones in colostrum are not isolated, its levels are safe and work together with the other beneficial compounds in colostrum."

We think that this foreword is eloquent testimony to the value of colostrum.

Colostrum - Natural Immune Health Food

No one can prevent the flu without nutritional fortification, but we can choose foods and supplements that help the body to maintain a healthy immune system.

Colostrum contains all of nature’s immune factors needed to give immunity to the newborn baby. Non-specific inhibitors, from lactoferrin to immunoglobulins that are found in first-milking colostrum, inhibit a wide range of respiratory illnesses, notably influenza viruses, say experts in published studies.

This does not mean colostrum is a cure. It is not. Or that it can even prevent a disease. By law, no such claim can be made.

But what we have uncovered, and the fascinating tale of the healing of Congressman Bedell, does tell us nature has infinite wisdom and, colostrum, one of its embodiments, can help adult and children’s immune health.

Colostrum is specifically cited for its unique effectiveness against potentially deadly outbreaks of Asian flu viruses that emerge from animal or human mutations, Dr. K.F. Shortridge writes in April 1990 in Journal of Tropical Pediatrics.

In a Russian study of human colostrum produced after a flu outbreak, researchers discovered that it had those necessary immune factors to combat the virus. This, of course, is nature’s way of preventing a second-generation outbreak, quite necessary, no doubt, for the suckling newborn, and proven so in their experiment.

They write (in translation):

Antibodies against influenza virus of A, B serological types and PC-virus were detected in the colostrum collected after an epidemic. These antibodies belonged to the secretory IgA form. The secretory antibodies preparation made of colostrum, and its IgA fraction instilled intransally prevented the development of infection caused by the influenza A virus. The protective action of the antibodies of IgA class was due to its capacity to become fixed on the surface of the cells of the mucosal epithelium of the respiratory tract.

Hyper-immune colostrum is not available in America to the public, though one can imagine in this time of worldwide flu vaccine shortages how a potential safe and natural vaccination should be welcomed. Worldwide, progressive doctors, working with scant means, are using hyper-immune colostrum products, particularly in undeveloped nations where immunizations and vaccinations are not always available. And the product is working. It is curing children of rotavirus diarrhea, very common in developing nations, and saving lives.

Bovine colostrum, which is used in most nutritional supplements, should not be thought of as "immune milk" or specific "hyper-immune" colostrum. The cows from which it is taken come from different herbs subject to many different pathogens, for which the mother cow builds up immunities she transfers in her colostrum to the calf. These powerful immune factors are not as well controlled for in commercial colostrum but they are nonetheless present and can offer an unique means of health. Cows, like all of us, are exposed to a wide range of germs whether they are in the pasture or the dairy barn.

In Iowa, where much of the world’s best first-milking colostrum is collected, careful monitoring of pregnant cows ensures that the newborn calf is given plentiful amounts of colostrum. This is due to nature’s wisdom. In nature, in the pasture, the mother overproduces her colostrum because so much is lost in the initial futile and erratic suckling of the calf. But with humane bottle-feeding practices for colostrum, much excess remains. This is nature’s immune treasure, which is offered for human health.

So far, immunizations and vaccinations that date to Edward Jenner’s cowpox concoctions of the eighteenth century, are one of medicine’s major defenses against the viral pathogens.

Someday, if health freedom advances far enough in America, perhaps we will all be able to opt for natural vaccinations from hyper-immune bovine colostrum, if it is what the consumer desires, and it is safe.

Here’s what the book has to say about bovine colostrum and the body’s fight to remain healthy and free of cold and flu and other viral conditions.

"Colostrum also aids our fight against viruses. In the last few years, colostrum and a number of the components in colostrum have been seriously studied for their effects against a variety of viral diseases. As with the bacterial pathogens, colostrum’s ability to help with viral infections is more likely due to immune support and the combination of substances than to any specific antibody reaction. Colostrum has several components that have anti-viral properties.

"Lactoferrin, an iron binding protein, has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is currently being studied for its effects against the HIV virus, herpes and even cancer.

"Cytokines regulate the intensity of the immune response. They are known to boost the production of immunoglobulins, which are important in fighting viral infections.

"Leukocytes are white blood cells that engulf invading organisms, including viruses.

"Certainly, colostrum provides components that boost the immune response and build up a weakened immune system. Sometimes colostrum provides enough of an immune boost for people to turn the corner and begin to win the war against viral pathogens. In other cases the extra energy is enough to relieve symptoms even while the virus is still present."

A considerable amount of research has been done with colostrum in the area of bacterial infections that may affect the intestinal tract. Bacterial pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, shigella, streptococci and clostridium are notorious for invading the intestinal lining, causing diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress and other complications. Colostrum has a good track record where these types of infections are concerned. It is our belief that colostrum also supports our health in a time of the flu vaccine shortage by strengthening our overall defenses. Obviously, if you don’t have susceptibility to other weakening bacterial and viral agents, your body can better fend off the flu virus.

In addition to a positive effect against acute rotavirus diarrhea,2 3 there is also evidence that specific forms of colostrum (derived from specially immunized cows or those with confirmed presence of specific antibodies) are effective against diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium difficile.4 5 6 7 8

That may be due in part to immunoglobulins but it is also likely due to the combination of other factors contained in colostrum. The cessation of diarrhea and other symptoms is very common after supplementation with both hyper-immune and ordinary colostrum. For this reason, many people either take or increase the amount of colostrum they take prior to traveling, to avoid complications from bacterial infections. Children’s diarrhea may especially benefit from colostrum, according to clinical studies. Greg Barsten, D.C., often advises patients who travel not to forget their colostrum.

"I recommend it for people who travel a lot or who are planning an extended vacation," he says in the book. "Airplanes are notorious for spreading pathogenic organisms because of the recycled air. And, sanitation in other countries can sometimes be a problem so I recommend they start taking colostrum several days prior to a trip."

In The Colostrum Miracle , we recommend first-milking colostrum that has not been defatted because evidence we have indicates it is richest in nature’s original immune and growth factors. The company that we recommend produces a product called Colostrum6. We were able to do complete product research from cow to sublingually absorbed lozenge to verify that this is true colostrum delivered in the most absorbable manner. We reviewed specific immune tests that advance the science of colostrum. This is the product to use for general immune health. And perhaps, one day, we will indeed have specific hyper-immune colostrum available as well if we know we are entering dangerous viral times.

Colostrum6 - The Importance of First-milking Colostrum

None of the nutritional treasures in colostrum is available at desirable peak concentrations unless consumers choose true first-milking colostrum. We have discovered Colostrum6 from Dr. Anthony Kleinsmith is one of the very best and truest first-milking colostrum products available to consumers today.

Here are reasons why we think is one of the best first-milking colostrum products available today:

Colostrum6 - More Potent & Nutrient Dense

Unfortunately, some of the most popular colostrum products are not truly first-milking products and are taken as long as seventy-two hours following birth. True first-milking colostrum comes to us within the first six to eight hours (at most). Also, some products are defatted, which deprives us of valuable growth factors. Colostrum6 is true colostrum that is never defatted and obtained from a North American Grade A dairy.

According to data from Cornell University, colostrum taken from zero to six hours will contain 48 to 65 percent protein, 19 to 33 percent fat, and 8 to 13 percent lactose. According to assays we have reviewed, Colostrum6 is 56.6 percent protein, 20.3 percent fat and 10.1 percent lactose, offering proof it has been taken from the first six hours. In addition, it is laboratory assayed to be without detectable amounts of contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals or harmful bacteria.

Proven Immune Benefits

Colostrum6 has been shown to contribute statistically significant improvements in immune cell function. According to the expert who conducted these test-tube studies examining the burst of energy required to defend against biological pathogens, "The findings…provide for the first time substantial scientific evidence for what has been postulated for many years, that daily intake of a truly effective first-milking bovine colostrum will bolster the ability of the immune system to respond to microbial infections. These studies showed that this occurred by not only enhancing the number of cells capable of responding, but also significantly increasing their functional capabilities."

Better Delivery System

Colostrum6 uses a patented delivery system. Colostrum is activated in the mouth by saliva. All mammals receive colostrum orally. They don’t get it in tablet form, which bypasses the mouth and buccal (cheek) cavity.

To be most absorbable and beneficial colostrum should be quickly dissolved in the mouth and buccal cavity before going straight into the gastrointestinal tract. This allows for salivation, buffering, and enzymatic and neurological responses. A large body of scientific evidence indicates that there are numerous immunological receptors in the mouth, buccal cavity and throat that are activated by colostrum and provide protection against invading microorganisms. The process of salivation and buffering make the colostrum more resistant to the harsh stomach acids. For example, when colostrum mixes with saliva, this helps to form a protective mucous-like coating that keeps the colostrum from being degraded by digestive enzymes.

Colostrum6 is the only colostrum product today that utilizes a proven wafer method of delivering colostrum, allowing for optimal absorption and interaction with immune receptors in the mouth and buccal cavity. Colostrum6 is delivered with nonacidic mineralized ascorbate to provide direction protection against infection in the mouth, gums, throat and larynx and to aid delivery throughout the body.

No wonder we recommend Colostrum6 from Dr. Anthony Kleinsmith!

Availability

Colostrum6 detailed in this article are available at health food stores, natural pharmacies and natural lifestyle retailers. If your store doesn’t carry these products yet please visit an online vendor at www.dockofhealth.com, or call 877-295-1269 for a vendor near you. Questions? Get the answers: www.DrKleinsmith.com.

About Bovine Colostrum

Bovine colostrum is available in capsules, tablets and powdered drink mixes. As bovine colostrum is not an essential nutrient, no deficiency state exists. Manufacturers recommend 3,000 mg per day of Colostrum6.

References

1. . Sarker SA, Casswall TH, Mahalanabis D, et al. Successful treatment of rotavirus diarrhea in children with immunoglobulin from immunized bovine colostrum. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1998;17:1149-54.
2. Sarker SA, Casswall TH, Mahalanabis D, et al. Successful treatment of rotavirus diarrhea in children with immunoglobulin from immunized bovine colostrum. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1998;17:1149-54.
3. Mitra AK, Mahalanabis D, Ashraf H, et al. Hyperimmune cow colostrum reduces diarrhoea due to rotavirus: a double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Acta Paediatr 1995;84:996-1001.
4. Okhuysen PC, Chappell CL, Crabb J, et al. Prophylactic effect of bovine anti-Cryptosporidium hyperimmune colostrum immunoglobulin in healthy volunteers challenged with Cryptosporidium parvum. Clin Infect Dis 1998;26:1324-9.
5. Greenberg PD, Cello JP. Treatment of severe diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum with oral bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in patients with AIDS. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol 1996;13:348-54.
6. Casswall TH, Sarker SA, Albert MJ, et al. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in infants in rural Bangladesh with oral immunoglobulins from hyperimmune bovine colostrum. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1998;12:563-8.
7. Huppertz HI, Rutkowski S, Busch DH, et al. Bovine colostrum ameliorates diarrhea in infection with diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, shiga toxin-producing E. Coli, and E. coli expressing intimin and hemolysin. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1999;29:452-6.
8. Warny M, Fatimi A, Bostwick EF, et al. Bovine immunoglobulin concentrate-clostridium difficile retains C difficile toxin neutralising activity after passage through the human stomach and small intestine. Gut 1999;44:212-7.
9. Brines RD, Brock JH. The effect of trypsin and chymotrypsin on the in vitro antimicrobial and iron-binding properties of lactoferrin in human milk and bovine colostrum. Unusual resistance of human apolactoferrin to proteolytic digestion. Biochim Biophys Acta 1983;759:229-35.
10. Skaar TC, Vega JR, Pyke SN, Baumrucker CR. Changes in insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins in bovine mammary secretions associated with pregnancy and parturition. J Endocrinol 1991;131:127-33.
11. Marcotty C, Frankenne F, Van Beeumen J, et al. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) from cow colostrum: purification and characterization. Growth Regul 1991;1:56-61.
12. Ronge H, Blum JW. Somatomedin C and other hormones in dairy cows around parturition, in newborn calves and in milk. J Animal Physiol Animal Nutr 1988;60:168-74.
13. Mero A, Miikkulainen H, Riski J, et al. Effects of bovine colostrum supplementation on serum IGF-I, IgG, hormone, and saliva IgA during training. J Appl Physiol 1997;83:1144-51.
14. Playford RJ, Floyd DN, Macdonald CE, et al. Bovine colostrum is a health food supplement which prevents NSAID induced gut damage. Gut 1999;44:653-8.