Stress is a part of everyday life. We feel stressed as we run late for work or prepare dinner for hungry kids. We stress over relationships, our physical well-being, or even thoughts of the future. The list goes on, sometimes in a healthy way, because it makes us aware of our needs and alerts us of risks. Often, when these issues are resolved, stress levels go down and we are able to relax and restore balance in our body and mind. However, some people are chronically stressed, and this takes a toll on then; both physically and mentally.

Chronic stress causes serious damage to the body and can lead to disease such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or even a stroke. When we are stressed, our bodies release so-called stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, to help our bodies adapt to the stimulus that is causing an imbalance in our body. This biological stress response is also initiated and controlled by the immune system and by the central nervous system. These processes affect the way our heart beats and how our blood pressure rises in times of stress. Our digestive system also reacts, which can result in diarrhoea or loss of appetite. But with chronic stress, our immune system becomes weaker over time and we become more susceptible to inflammation.

Studies show that chronic inflammation is associated with various types of diseases including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, various gastrointestinal problems, and even cancer. Our immune system is also less able to fight against common infections such as the flu. We become easily tired, we sleep less soundly, and our bodies ache. It even hastens the aging process! Therefore, the longer we suffer from chronic inflammation, the more detrimental the effects are on our health. This is why we need to prevent stress from developing into a chronic inflammatory state, as it leads to illness, disease and premature aging.

What is MIP Colostrum?

The first milk produced by mammals, such as cows, is called colostrum. Colostrum provides new-born calves with nutrition well as necessary protection from disease. It contains a large variety of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains special proteins called immunoglobulins, which are key molecules that sustain the body’s immune balance. Bovine colostrum is similar to the colostrum human mothers produce for their babies, but it contains far more nutrients, including growth factors and immune boosters than human colostrum.

Studies show that immunoglobulins from bovine colostrum enter the body through the epithelial layer of the intestine and unfold their regulatory effects within the massive immune system of the digestive system. Within the gut, they scavenge bacteria and other toxins, and inside the body they exert immune regulatory functions. MIP Colostrum also contains lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase, which are natural antibacterial agents that protect the gut.

Another important component of MIP Colostrum is the proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs), which act to modulate the complex immune system of the body. They work as regulatory hormones that stimulate the thymus gland (the central command organ of the immune system) if the immune system is underactive. On the other hand, PRPs may down-regulate an overactive immune system to reduce inflammation.

How does MIP Colostrum help protect against environmental, physical or mental stress?

Although Colostrum is nature’s perfect food for new-borns, it also has a lot of health benefits for children and adults when taken as a dietary supplement. These benefits include protection against the negative effects of physical, mental and environmental stress.

Stress among athletes and other active individuals can lead to reduced energy levels and weakened immune systems. Some high performance athletes develop heat stroke and gut leakiness that often leads to diarrhoea and vomiting. Therefore it is no wonder that Olympic coaches and trainers advise athletes to take colostrum as a supplement to their diet. It boosts their performance and enhances their immune resistance to physical stress and gut leakiness. Scientists have found that athletes who take colostrum two weeks before heavy training develop gut stability, thermobalance and improved athletic performance. Studies also suggest that Colostrum can reduce skeletal muscle damage due to oxidative stress following intense exercise.

Emotional and mental stress resulting from life events such as death, personal relationships, and general conflicts can lead to the deterioration of physical and mental health. Individuals who are exposed to various forms of chronic stress factors benefit from the richness of the nutrients found in bovine colostrum. MIP Colostrum has been found to increase energy levels as well as improve moods during periods of anxiety and stress. Its growth factors and immunoglobulins have also been found to be of significant benefit to people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, an incapacitating condition characterized by general weakness, muscle pain, headache, reduced mental concentration, insomnia, and digestive problems.

People who undergo surgery experience physical and emotional stress before and after their procedure. Studies suggest that the nutrients in bovine colostrum plus its immunoglobulins and growth factors promote tissue healing, immune system recovery and protection against bleeding and infections.

Environmental stress such as heat, pollution and chemical toxins are associated with premature aging, oxidative stress and even genetic mutations that lead to chronic disease. Other common environmental factors include pollen, dust, mould, animal hair, and chemicals that can lead to allergies. MIP Colostrum is known to boost one’s immunity against these environmental health hazards because of its rich PRP content. PRP is a powerful regulator of the immune systems over reaction to allergens. Its lactoferrin content also aids in the regulation of the immune system with its anti-inflammatory properties, thus reducing inflammation caused by allergic reactions.

References

Appukutty M, Radhakrishnan AK, Ramasamy K, et al. Colostrum supplementation protects against exercise – induced oxidative stress in skeletal muscle in mice. MCResearchNotes 2012,5:649.  http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1756-0500-5-649.pdf

Moorhead, J. How does colostrum help athletes? The Guardian. http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jun/24/how-colostrum-help-athletes

Marchbank T, Davison G, Oakes J, et al. The nutriceutical bovine colostrum truncates the increase in gut permeability caused by heavy exercise in athletes. American Journal of Physiology – Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology Mar 2011,300(3)G477-G484;DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00281.2010. http://ajpgi.physiology.org/content/300/3/G477