Colostrum for Cold and Flu Season: Boost Your Immunity
One of the most natural methods to boost your immune system for cold and flu season is colostrum.
A traditional superfood, this ancestral food has been used for ages to promote health and support the body in diverse ways.
When the weather changes and germs are spreading, you need an extra layer of support.
Colostrum provides a powerful line of defence which modern nutrition tends to get by the wayside.
And it’s not just for babies — it could help make adults stay healthy all winter too.
What Exactly Is Colostrum and Why Does It Matter?
The liquid we’re talking about is colostrum, which is the precursor to breast milk that humans and other mammals produce when they give birth.
It’s packed with antibodies, immune factors, and nutrients.
Mother Nature intended that colostrum would provide an immediate shield against infections for the newborn.
In adults, the same compounds may help boost defences against illness during the changing seasons.
It contains immunoglobulins, growth factors, and lactoferrin — super-strong molecules that build and protect your immune system.
How Can Colostrum Help You During Cold and Flu Season?
What makes colostrum special is that it includes antibodies that help your body identify and attack viruses.
It does so by boosting both the innate and adaptive arms of your immune system.
Evidence also suggests that bovine colostrum can decrease the incidence of respiratory infections (1).
It also helps your body react more quickly when it is exposed to flu viruses.
In addition to combating invaders, it contributes to balance by slowing runaway immune reactions.
That makes it ideal for fortifying resilience without flooding your system.
Colostrum For Adults Vs. Babies: Different Benefits, Same Strength
For newborns, colostrum is a survival elixir.
It shields their immature immune systems from deadly infections.
Adults don’t need colostrum in the same sense, but we can still reap the rewards of its immune-upping powers.
Adults who take a colostrum supplement get fewer colds and recover more quickly from them, according to research (2).
It’s a natural way to boost your body’s defenses against seasonal threats.
Does Colostrum Prevent Colds and Flu?
Clinical reports are showing colostrum to be more effective in some cases than the flu shot (3).
In one of the studies, subjects who added colostrum to their daily diets suffered from far fewer cases of flu than those whose sole prevention was the vaccine.
Other research confirms that colostrum fortifies the upper respiratory tract, so it’s tougher for a virus to seize hold (4).
That’s not to say you should stop with traditional prevention, but colostrum adds another potent layer of defence.
When you eat well and exercise, the benefits are even greater.
Using Colostrum During Cold and Flu Season
Colostrum is available in different forms — powder, capsules, and even functional foods.
Powder can be mixed into smoothies, coffee, or warm beverages.
Pills are convenient for travel and uniform dosing.
People usually consume anywhere from 500 milligrams to 2 grams a day, based on their individual needs (5).
Supplement at the onset of cold and flu season for best results.
Consistency is key — regular use day in and day out creates stronger immunity.
Choosing a High-Quality Colostrum Supplement
All colostrum is not the same.
Supplements are best when they are derived from grass-fed cows that are free from hormones and antibiotics.
These should be cold-processed to maintain the nutritional integrity of the delicate immune-mediated compounds.
Seek out products that don't contain fillers, artificial flavors, and other nonessential ingredients.
At Wild Foods, importing matters most.
It's our mission to give you pure, healthy colostrum that honors both nature and your health.
When you opt for responsibly sourced goods, you are safeguarding your body and uplifting ethical farming practices.
Colostrum Side Effects and Safety
It is good for most people to use colostrum at a moderate dosage.
Some may also experience some slight digestive upset at the beginning of supplementation.
If you’re lactose intolerant, you might want to try small doses to see how you tolerate it.
When you have a milk allergy, you should not take colostrum at all.
As always, consult a health care professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have preexisting conditions.
Final Thoughts
Your biochemistry, such as it is, has evolved to flourish in the presence of actual food.
Colostrum for cold season and flu season is one of the surest ways to bolster your immune system.
It contains antibodies, immune factors, and nutrients that work with your body.
When you choose sustainably-sourced colostrum, you’re not just looking out for yourself — you’re contributing to a healthier planet.
This season, reWild your immunity just one step at a time.
Fortify your natural defenses and feel confident that your body is prepared.
Ready to experiment with the power of colostrum for yourself?
Browse Wild Foods responsibly sourced supplements and experience nature’s first superfood!
🌞 Rise Stronger Every Day! Support your gut, boost your immunity, and feel more alive. Your rewilding journey starts here. 🌞
FAQs on Colostrum for Cold and Flu Season
Is colostrum good for a cold?
Yes, there are antibodies and immune factors in colostrum that can help your body ward off cold viruses more effectively.
Can colostrum prevent the flu?
Studies indicate that colostrum provides relief from flu episodes and prevention when taken consistently.
Can I express colostrum while ill?
Yes, colostrum is perfectly safe for most people and may help you recover from illness.
Does colostrum help with p sinus and nasal congestion?
Colostrum could help alleviate congestion and aid in recovery due to its potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
What is the best colostrum supplement for adults?
Source grass-fed, minimally processed colostrum with no additives and obtain it through a sustainable source.
Related Studies
1. Title: Six Weeks of Supplementation with Bovine Colostrum Effectively Reduces Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Pre-School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This RCT showed that bovine colostrum supplementation significantly reduced the frequency and severity of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms by up to 50% in healthy children.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37630816/
2. Title: Concentrated Bovine Colostrum Protein Supplementation Reduces the Incidence of Self-Reported Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Adult Males
A double-blind placebo-controlled study showing adults taking bovine colostrum protein had fewer self-reported upper respiratory infection symptoms compared to placebo.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12923655/
3. Title: Prevention of Influenza Episodes with Colostrum Compared with Vaccination in Healthy and High-Risk Cardiovascular Subjects: The Epidemiologic Study in San Valentino
This study found bovine colostrum to be at least three times more effective than flu vaccination at preventing influenza episodes in both healthy and high-risk cardiovascular subjects.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17456621/
4. Title: Effects of Bovine Colostrum on Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Randomized Trial
The trial demonstrated that colostrum supplementation significantly reduced the frequency of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and was well tolerated.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5402550/
5. Title: The Effects of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation on In Vivo Immunity Following Prolonged Exercise: A Clinical Trial
This double-blind clinical trial used a dosage of 20 g/day of bovine colostrum for 58 days and found enhanced in vivo immune responsiveness in healthy adults.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6425115/
