By Thomas E. Stone, ND, CNHP
In 1995, an article in “Scientific American” concluded that traditional disease fighting methods were not effective in fighting the HIV virus - otherwise know as AIDS. Instead, this author recommended that we focus on finding ways of stimulating the immune system and reducing the viral load. Colostrum can be very effective in both of these ways.
Colostrum stimulates and strengthens a weakened immune system and those who take it on a regular basis, have a heightened ability to resist and fight infection - exactly what the AIDS patient needs. Colostrum activates or “turns on” the immune system in the newborn and it can do the same thing for the AIDS patient - or anyone, for that matter. It contains over 40 different immune factors which work in harmony to support
a stronger defense mechanism. This is so critical for the AIDS patient, who dies - not from the HIV virus - but from secondary infections which the immune system is no longer able to control.
One of the immune components in colostrum falls into a category called immunoglobulins. These are “functional antibodies,” ready to combat a host of bacterial pathogens. In this way, colostrum can actually be a sort of secondary immune system for the AIDS patient.
Colostrum and colostral components can also be effective in reducing viral populations.
A 1995 study conducted in the Netherlands, indicated that the immune factor, lactoferrin, is one of the best ways to reduce viral levels in the body. It inhibited the HIV virus of certain body cells and was able to completely block the Cytomegalovirus infection. This same study concluded that bovine (cow) lactoferrin was up to 2.5 times more effective than human lactoferrin. Several other immune factors contained in colostrum have been shown to have anti-viral activity as well. In fact, a 1990 study reported in the Journal of Tropical Pediatrics identified a “non-specific virus-neutralizing activity” in non de-fatted colostrum.
One of the most serious problems with AIDS is something called “wasting.” It is brought on by chronic diarrhea and results in a loss of vital nutrients and fluids. It also depletes the supply of intestinal antibodies, leaving the patient even more vulnerable to dangerous pathogens. A 1992 study showed that out of 37 immuno-deficient patients with chronic diarrhea, 72% experienced significant improvement with the use of immunoglobulins from colostrum. Another study stated that colostrum immunoglobulins have been able to treat diarrhea-causing infections associated with AIDS, where no other treatment was effective.
Wasting occurs when the AIDS-infected body begins burning muscle for fuel. Here again, colostrum can help. The growth factors, contained in colostrum, also play a big role in supporting AIDS patients. Treatment with IGF-1 and growth hormone (GH), both contained in colostrum, produce an increase in muscle mass, preventing the severe weight loss associated with wasting. If colostrum were used for no other reason than to reduce the diarrhea-induced wasting and to prevent the loss of muscle mass, it would greatly enhance quality of life for those who suffer from AIDS. However, in my
experience, colostrum can do so much more than this.
Eight months ago I treated a patient with full blown AIDS, who had been sincerely searching and doing everything in his power to regain his health. When I initially met with him, he had a T- cell count in the high teens, despite the fact that he had been following a strict health regime for a matter of months. With mega doses of colostrum (60 capsules/day) and an herb called Maca, we eliminated many of the other things he was doing.
He continued to eat healthfully and take ample amounts of green juices. Within 2 weeks, both he and his medical doctors were shocked to find that his T-cell count had risen to 350! His doctor even insisted on a retest to verify these results. Now, 8 months later, he has been declared HIV free and doctors are saying that they must have misdiagnosed him in the first place. This man is so dedicated to helping other people that he now owns a health food store and is sharing his knowledge with hosts of other people.
A desire to get well is a critical factor in healing. This man was totally dedicated and when he found the additional nutritional help of colostrum, he made fast progress.
Can colostrum assist AIDS patients? In a variety of ways, the answer is a resounding,
Yes!
References:
1. Bogstedt, A.K.; et al. “Passive Immunity Against Diarrhea,” Acta Paediatr 8:125-128,1996.
2. Bricker, D. S. “Colostrum: Implications for Accelerated Recovery in Damaged Muscles and Cartilage, Prevention of some Pathogenic disease,” The American Chiropractor. Nov. 1991.
3. Harmsen, M.C.; Swart, P.J.; Bethune, M.; Pauwels, R.; DeClercq, E.; et al. “Antiviral Effects of Plasma and Milk Proteins: Lactoferrin Shows Potent Activity Against Both Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Human Cytomegalovirus Replication In Vitro,” Journal of Infectious Diseases. 172:380-8, 1995.
5. Nowa; McMichael. “How HIV Defeats the Immune system,” Scientific American. Aug:58- 65, 1995.
6. Plettenberg, A. et al. “A Preparation from Bovine Colostrum in the Treatment of HIV- Positive Patients with Chronic Diarrhea,” Clinical Invest. Jan. 1993.
7. Richie, J.; “Update on the Management of Intestinal Cryptosporidiosis in AIDS,” Ann. Pharmacother 28:767-778, 1994.
8. Rump, J.A.; Aarndt, R.; Arnold, A.; Bendick, C.; Dichtelmuller, H.; Franke, M.; Helm, E. B.; Jager, H; Kampmann, B.; Kolb, P.; et al. “Treatment of Diarrhoea in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients with Immunoglobulins from Bovine Colostrum,” Clinical Investig. 70(7):588-594, 1992.
9. Stephan, W.; et al. “Antibodies from Colostrum in Oral Immunotherapy,” J. Clinical Biochem. 28:19-23, 1990.
10. Unger, B. L. P.; et al. “Cessation of Cryptosporidium-Associated Diarrhea in AIDS Patients After Treatment with Hyperimmune Bovine Colostrum,” Gastroenterology. 98:486-489, 1990.
11. Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 1990. “Virus neutralizing activity” complete reference not available.
**This is not medical advise.
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