Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I saw a thread on acne.org talking about success with a colostrum supplement. The idea being that it will heal any leaky gut issues which will result in less inflammation and less acne. I'm concerned because it seems to basically be dairy and I know that dairy makes me break out.

I have been eating paleo for about 5 months and have been able to control my acne somewhat lately by avoiding a lot of foods. There is so much that I have eliminated, however, that I can't see this being sustainable long term. I am bound to slip up and thus break out again. Apparently some people have had success with colostrum and have fixed their gut issues to a point where they can occasionally go off their strict diet and remain clear. This is where I would like to be.

Colostrum also seems to be good for building muscle so I was thinking I could just use it instead of a post-workout protein shake.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Do I need to worry about the IGF or hormones?

It also claims to boost the immune system and in general just seems to be good for you. Would love to hear everyone's thoughts on this.

flag	asked Aug 26 2010 at 5:10 chris 21●1●3

We have used breast milk on baby's acne for ages and also for conjunctivitis - works a treat - – Vivalapaleo Aug 26 2010 at 6:55

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I respectfully disagree @newtopaleo. That's a very popular old wives' tale that breastmilk applied topically cures everything from cradle cap to baby acne, but actually, these things all just go away on their own. I think it just makes folks feel like they're doing something. Just like all those "sure fire" methods to induce labour - NONE of which actually work - but each of which has ardent supporters who will argue you down that what they did REALLY started their labour. ;) – Blue -the Thrifty Mom Aug 26 2010 at 11:32

Yeah I should have clarified that I will be drinking this, not using it topically. It comes in powdered form - something like this amazon.com/… Also forgot to mention that I was on antibiotics for about 2 years so I'm assuming that wasn't the best thing for my gut. – chris Aug 26 2010 at 12:14

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Probably wouldn't hurt to try it and see what happens. – Eva Aug 26 2010 at 14:34

Babies are notoriously pimply and they drink colostrum. :) – Ambimorph Aug 26 2010 at 19:07

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Eric · Answer 1 · 2011-03-30 15:17:30Z UTC

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lactoferrin 250mg has been proven to reduce acne lesions.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10744199

http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/20/suppl_5/389S

answered Mar 30 2011 at 15:17

Eric
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folks who are quick to dismiss colostrum should take a deeper look at these and other studies – Justin Mar 30 2011 at 21:13

Ikco · Answer 2 · 2010-08-26 07:34:53Z UTC

My current standpoint on acne is that, if you have been taking any (acne) antibiotics in the past, you need to restore the variety of your gut flora. Avoiding something will cause the absence of the bacteria which is in charge of processing that particular matter.

Tools : Inulin, pectin, lactulose, variety of vegetables also small amounts of raw vegetables.

Payam · Answer 3 · 2010-08-26 16:12:50Z UTC

not sure about acne, but I have found grass fed raw colostrum to be an amazing post workout drink. I don't think its a placebo effect either, because I can honestly see a benefit in my soreness the next day. Clearly if u have problems with dairy, then you may want to avoid it, but particularly when its raw and grass fed, I think colostrum beats all other dairy products.

Blue -the Thrifty Mom · Answer 4 · 2010-08-26 11:34:58Z UTC

Are you talking about drinking it or putting it on your skin? Colostrum IS dairy, so if dairy makes your acne worse, then drinking colostrum seems foolish (to me).

I frankly don't see how drinking colostrum could improve gut function since most of the good stuff - like the antibodies - in it are digested by the adult stomach.

I also would question the efficacy of applying it to ones skin. (see my comment above) :)

PaleoLover · Answer 5 · 2011-03-09 06:01:34Z UTC

I also break out once I consume dairy, in particular, when I drink milk. However, when I drink RAW milk, the opposite seems to happen and my acne seems to clear up.

I believe that the probiotics that are found in raw milk are the reason for this, as well as the fact that raw milk is also said to raise your body's glutathione level, which also gives you clear skin. That said, colostrum is more nutritious than plain milk so I would imagine it would be even better for acne problems.

No more. · Answer 6 · 2011-03-30 15:27:05Z UTC

Robb Wolf talked recently, three of four weeks back, about a study in which colostrum was shown to help repair tight junction in the gut. This would reduce inflammation in person who has gut permeability (leaky gut) which in-turn should improve acne. Give it a try!

Justin · Answer 7 · 2011-03-30 21:47:59Z UTC

My family and I have taken colostrum powder for over a year (roughly 1-2 tablespoons/day...double that on after training...with other protien)

I used to get sick 3-7 times a year. I used to have significant issues with lactose sensitivity from pasturized dairy (gas, bloating, etc) including yogurt.

I cut out pasturized dairy and started taking colostrum...no GI issues, and no illnesses. I also work in social services, so I come in contact with lots of crap...and if I start to feel something...I take colostrum...no sicky sicky.

My kids are never sick and highly vital...much more than when I was a kid.

...and about three months ago, I ran out of colostrum and haven't bought another jug. I have started to experiement with keifer (store bought) and have developed consistent achne for the first time in my life (under eyes/upper cheeks & nose). ...this keifer has been pasturized with added cane sugar (second or third ingredient)...so its basically crap and my gas and achne are reflective of that.

...so no more cheap keifer...and waiting on my next tub of colostum

I would take a deeper look at the links Eric mentioned above and these too:

studies comparing whey protein and colostrum: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12848392

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12500989

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11312068

Here is a link to the colostrum I buy and there are some decent interviews and a pdf about colostrum: http://www.surthrival.com/colostrum.html

~ cheers!

joe · Answer 8 · 2013-04-27 17:08:05Z UTC

You're worried about dairy but you take a post protein shake is it whey? Cause if it is whey is a MILK/DAIRY protein so I do not understand your logic. Protein doesn't build protein it removes it. AMINO ACIDS synthesize protein in the human body. Colostrum also contains antibodies, vitamins, minerals, etc all lost in commercial milk. Pasteurization kills most of the "nutritional" value of milk. Colostrum is the first "fresh" lactation from a calf. Most colostrum is expensive b/c it is processed to ensure colostrum isn't destroyed.

Colostrum for acne?

8 Answers