The source classifies allergies as autoimmune disease caused by an exaggerated immune response, with excessive antibody secretion in an attempt to neutralise an antigen. In people with allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as a threat and releases histamine to attack and neutralise it. Histamine causes most allergy-associated symptoms.
In seasonal allergies, the immune system is hypersensitive to environmental substances such as ragweed, grass or trees. Histamine release causes unpleasant reactions including sneezing, breathlessness, nasal congestion, eye irritation, inflammation, rashes and other skin irritation. Food allergy involves a similar immune response that may affect skin (eczema and rashes), the respiratory system (asthma and runny nose), digestion (cramps, bloating and gas) or the cardiovascular system. People do not always connect these symptoms with a particular food.
The source states that about 70% of the population has LGS, also called leaky gut syndrome, describing digested food passing from the digestive system into the lymphatic system through abnormally large microscopic “holes”, allowing allergens and infectious pathogens to enter more easily.
“Leaky gut syndrome can cause food allergy, and food allergy can cause leaky gut,” Dr Sherry Rogers wrote in Wellness Against All Odds. The relationship between food sensitivities and leaky gut is complex and circular. According to Dr Leo Galland, leaky gut sharply increases exposure to allergy-provoking foods. Release of atopic mediators such as histamine and serotonin from mast cells aggravates leaky gut syndrome (3).
The source quotes gastroenterologist Dr Donald Henderson as calling colostrum “the ideal solution for leaky gut syndrome” (5).
It describes infants as having natural colostrum protection against intestinal allergens, and cites research suggesting some colostrum components may help people with allergies (6). Colostrum is presented as important to intercellular immunity. It contains proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs), also called colostrinin, which help moderate an excessive response to allergens, and various antibodies against allergens. The source states that cows develop antibodies transferred to people consuming colostrum, helping prevent allergic responses.
It presents colostrum as a healthier alternative to some holistic remedies containing herbs that may provoke allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
New studies cited in the source found that PRP helps regulate thymus activity, potentially helping prevent allergies and other autoimmune conditions such as arthritis and lupus. Some believe this regulation relates to PRP’s ability to suppress excessive lymphocyte and T-cell production. Other studies describe PRP as an important anti-inflammatory substance (2)(7).
Researchers reported that bovine milk and colostrum contain antibodies to ryegrass pollen, dust, wheat protein and other substances. They also contain antibodies reacting with important allergens and contributing to prevention of conditions associated with Helicobacter pylori, Candida, E. coli and Salmonella.
The source identifies IgE antibodies found in colostrum as responsible for regulating allergic responses and suggests they inhibit allergy by limiting the histamine response.
Colostrum is described as protecting the intestinal membrane and mimicking the body’s natural colostrum secretion system, improving nutrient absorption and helping against intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome) (10).
In conclusion, the source describes colostrum as supporting the immune system and maintaining a healthy balance. Alongside PRP’s proposed benefits in preventing allergies, colostrum contains various antibodies directed against allergens affecting humans.
References:
1. Henderson, D. (2000). Colostrum: Nature’s Healing Miracle. CNR Publications, Sedona, Arizona. ABSTRACT: Along with other autoimmune conditions, colostrum helps with allergies. The PRP has the power to regulate the immune response, and keep it from becoming over-active (which is the case with allergies). The antibodies in colostrum can attack specific antigens that affect humans. Anecdotal reports state that colostrum can provide immediate relief from allergies.
2. Rona, ZP. (1998, March). American Journal of Natural Medicine. ABSTRACT: “PRP from colostrum can work as a regulatory substance of the thymus gland. It has been demonstrated to improve or eliminate symptomology of both allergies and autoimmune diseases (MS, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and myasthenia gravis). PRP inhibits the overproduction of lymphocytes and T-cells and reduces the major symptoms of allergies and autoimmune disease: pain, swelling, and inflammation.”
3. Galland, L. (1995, Aug/Sept) Leaky Gut Syndromes: Breaking the Vicious Cycles. Townsend Letter for Doctors, 62. ABSTRACT: Toxins of many kinds can increase intestinal permeability. These include alcohol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, arthritis medications, and many others), cytotoxic drugs used to treat cancer, corticosteroid drugs, and, by their action on bowel flora, antibiotics.
4. Collins AM, et at, (1991). Bovine milk, including pasteurised milk, contains antibodies directed against allergens of clinical importance to man. Int Arch Allergy Appllmmunol; 96(4):362-7. ABSTRACT: Pasteurised and raw bovine milk and bovine colostrum samples were assayed by enzyme-linked immunoassay for the presence of antibodies directed against a selection of allergens of importance in human atopic disease. Samples were tested for the presence of antibodies directed against or cross-reacting with ryegrass pollen, house dust mites, Aspergillus mould and wheat proteins. Antibodies of each specificity were detected in every sample tested.
5. Walker, WA. (1987). Pathophysiology of intestinal uptake and absorption of antigens in food allergy. Ann Allergy, 59(5 Pt 2):7-16. ABSTRACT: An important adaptation of the gastrointestinal tract to the extrauterine environment is its development of a mucosal barrier against the penetration of proteins and protein fragments. To combat the potential danger of invasion across the mucosal barrier, the infant must develop within the lumen and on the luminal mucosal surface an elaborate system of defense mechanisms that act to control and maintain the epithelium as an impermeable barrier to the uptake of macromolecular antigens …. Fortunately, nature has provided a means for passively protecting the “vulnerable” newborn against the dangers of a deficient intestinal defense system: mother’s colostrum and milk. It contains not only antibodies and viable leukocytes, but many other substances that can interfere with bacterial colonization and prevent antigen penetration.
6. Radosevich JK, et al. (1985). Delayed-type hypersensitivity responses induced by bovine colostral components. Am J Vet Res, 46(4):875-8. ABSTRACT: Transfer factor-type substances obtained from leukocytic cells and fluid portions of bovine colostrum caused effective passive transfer of delayed-type hypersensitivity responses across species barriers. Passive transfer of Brucella abortus sensitivity was obtained when using components derived from colostrum of dams sensitized at 3 and 9 months of age. Colostral feedings to calves caused the passive transfer of delayed-type hypersensitivity as early as 2 days after parturition. The findings indicated that colostral components were important in the process of cell-mediated immunity.
7. Crago, Mestecky. (1983). Molecular Immunology, 20(12)1:1277-82. ABSTRACT: Dr. Starosik and his associates discovered a small protein chain PRP of 9 amino acids in colostrum. This chain has the same ability to regulate the activity of the immune system as the hormones of the thymus gland. It activates an underactive immune system, helping it move into action against disease-causing organisms. PRP also suppresses an overactive immune system such as is often seen in the autoimmune diseases. PRP is highly antiinflammatory and also appears to act on T-cell precursors to produce helper T-cells and suppressor T -cells.
8. Tortora, et al. (1982). Specific defenses of the host: Immunology. Microbiology, 403-5. ABSTRACT: The IgE (immunoglobulin) found in colostrum is thought to be responsible for regulating allergic response.
9. Petzoldt K, von Benten C.(1978). Passive allergisation of calves and lambs due to colostral antibodies. Ann Rech Vet, 9(2}: 235—8 ABSTRACT: This study demonstrates that newborn calves are passively sensitized by oral intake of maternal anaphylactic antibodies.
10. Robert D. Milne, MD. PC Liposmol Encapsulation Technology: Proven Nano0chemistry that can make health and longevity supplements many times more efficient and effective. Life Fountain Books, Henderson, NV 2004