How I Healed My Leaky Gut

9/3/2014

As long as I can remember I always had some sort of ailment of gas, constipation or pain, and it occurred for so long that I accepted it as normal. While switching to a real food based diet nearly eliminated these issues, I wasn’t completely free of something that I began to refer to as “flare ups”. It’s simply a term I made up to describe what would happen to my gut when I ate something that my body didn't agree with. My mid-section would swell, I experienced some water retention, and a feeling of discomfort that usually went away by the next morning. At this point, the reactions were tolerable, extremely mild, and intermittent compared to what I was about to experience.

By January of 2014, my body began to have negative reactions nearly every single time I ate. This was especially frustrating because by this point I was maintaining a pretty consistent 80/20 lifestyle, and my 20% was usually in the form of wine or homemade treats. I wasn't frequenting fast food joints and throwing back a half dozen craft brews like I use to. I was eating the healthiest I had ever eaten in my entire life and at the same time felt the worst I had ever felt. At this point I even joked about reverting back to my old eating habits because I actually felt better then than I did during this time. Of course I didn't though. I knew this wasn’t going to go away on it’s own, so thus began the Google research to find out what the hell was wrong with my gut.

Signs/Symptoms With Pictures

To give you a better idea of what I was experiencing, I’m including some photos (see below) that I took to document just how bad my response to foods were. Now keep in mind, I know what it looks and feels like to be overweight. Weight is something I have struggled to manage nearly my entire life, this was not that. It was a sudden onset of swelling around my waist (up to 10” was my personal best) and discomfort that left me feeling short of breath because of the pressure that would increase against my diaphragm (that thing that makes you breath). By now I was having back to back flare ups with little time for relief in between. Not to mention the fact that it started taking up to a week for my body to restore back to normal. I remember a good friend gently asking me, “At what point are you going to decide to seek out professional help?” The night I had a response to a handful of blackberries (refer to "pregnancy" photo above and below), I immediately scheduled an appointment to meet with a naturopathic doctor the very next day.

Side note: I don't recommend you wait as long as I did. Seriously, don't.

Docs Visit and Test Results

After a series of tests we discovered three major things. One was that blood tests showed I was having IgG responses to a broad range of foods. This means, that when I ate things such as almonds, bananas, green beans, cauliflower or raspberries (among several others), my body would react with an allergic response. This is much different than a food intolerance when someone is simply missing the enzyme required to properly digest the food, such as lactose. Second, my IgA was extremely low. This confirmed what both my doc and I suspected about my gut. It was leaky. Lastly, I also had 1 colony of healthy bacteria that was MIA in my gut. Literally, the value was "NG" on my lab reports, indicating that there was no growth of this colony to be found. Clearly my GI tract was in distress.

So there I was, with some answers and guidance, tons of supplements and digestive aids and a list of dietary recommendations to aid in the healing process. By this point I was now paleo, grain free, gluten free, soy free, nut free, caffeine free, dairy free, alcohol free, FODmaps free, as well as that list of allergy foods that were now off limits. Unfortunately I also began to have reactions to several fruits and nearly all vegetables, most likely due to the insoluble fiber. So those were now off the menu as well and I was basically limited to protein and fat. And no, I didn't lose any weight because of this, which confirmed what I’ve always thought about weight loss: It's a lot more complicated than calories in/calories out. On top of my digestive aids and elimination-of-everything diet, I was also making sure to get in plenty of omega 3's, fermented foods, collagen and homemade bone broth, which is known for it’s gut healing properties.

Feeling Stuck

Fast forward a few months later and still not much had changed. While eliminating nearly everything from my diet (my boyfriend use to joke that at least I could still have water) helped to alleviate the symptoms, I wasn’t convinced I was doing enough to heal my body. I kept reminding myself that I needed to be patient and if my body could just catch a break, it would be the time it needed to allow for a healing process to take place. But still a flare up would break through and I would feel hopeless that this was going to forever be my fate (I tend to get dramatic when I’m ill).

I was just about to start an AIP approach (I was nearly following it by this point anyway) when my friend contacted me and introduced me to the idea of supplementing with Colostrum. I immediately started to do some research on it. What did I find? Absolutely nothing at first. My usual Google approach of “insert topic + blogger I follow" yielded nothing on colostrum for the treatment of leaky gut. So I dismissed it and didn't look any further, thinking it wasn’t likely going to help if the trusted experts I follow had not recommended it. However, after the 3rd time of my friend calling me (I mean, who actually calls anyone these days? Clearly it was something he believed in) I purchased some colostrum capsules and decided to dive in.

The Results

By summer time I was diligently avoiding any foods that I knew would cause me GI distress (we went ahead and added coconut milk to the list by now). My stress levels were significantly down so I wasn’t quite sure if it was the colostrum that was making the difference or my reduction in stress. Then in July things got really hectic as life often does, and I stopped taking my colostrum. Can you guess what happened? Yup, a flare up. I immediately started back up and haven't stopped. In fact, after that I started up my research again and found 3 articles on the topic. I was amazed at what I found and I highly recommend you take the time to read them, too.

Here are just some of the things I learned about how supplementing with colostrum can help heal a leaky gut:

"Colostrum has been proven in both animal and human trials to prevent and heal leaky gut syndrome, and it's the only substance conclusively proven to provide this kind of result. Food elimination and herbal products can't do the job because they don't contain the antibodies, immunoglobulins, and growth factors necessary to heal the gut lining and provide the nutrition and hormones for cell repair, growth, and differentiation."
Continue reading, here.

"We have found the swiftest approach, however, to be the use of Colostrum. Professor Playford of Imperial College and Hammersmith Hospital conducted trials on indomethacin-induced gut hyperpermeability, and noted that Colostrum healed leaky gut even while the gut was being attacked by this NSAID.6 A key growth factor in Colostrum is Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), a polypeptide that stimulates growth and repair of epithelial tissue that is widely distributed in the body. Purified EGF has been shown to heal ulceration of the small intestine.[7] He noted that the growth factors contained in Colostrum, including EGF, repaired damage to the gut, and should also work to improve inflammatory and ulcerative conditions of the gut. Colostrum also contains Secretory IgA, which is essential to the maintenance of the integrity of the mucosal lining of the gut."
Continue reading,here.

"Douglas A. Wyatt, Founder of the Center for Nutritional Research, strongly encourages anyone suffering with allergies, gastrointestinal ailments, or other autoimmune diseases to consider supplementing with bovine colostrum. Halting and reversing autoimmune diseases depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Colostrum is the only substance that can close the holes in the intestinal lining."
Continue reading, here.

Side note:
I intend to write a follow up blog post that's all about colostrum, but in case you're wondering, this is the brand I currently use.

I am absolutely amazed at how well my body has responded to the colostrum. I've always had dry, cracked cuticles that are finally healing for the first time in my life. I no longer have reactions to any foods, my skin is clearer, and my hair and nails are growing like there's no tomorrow. Even my moods are elevated. I couldn't be happier about my results and I hope that by sharing my experience it can help someone else, the same way my friend helped me.

Now I would like to hear from you. Do any of my symptoms sound familiar or have you successfully healed your leaky gut? I would love for you to share your experience in the comments below. Also, be sure to share this post. You never know who might benefit from it!

94 Comments

9/3/2014 11:02:57 pm

Awesome- I have been on such a strict diet for a couple of years trying to heal my gut. I have been doing collagen everyday, pancreatic enzymes, HCL, handfuls of other recommended supplements, and bone broth. I still feel a little 'off' somehow. I know I am not absorbing protein very well at all because I had a ferritin test run and it was extremely low even though I eat plenty of grass fed beef. I will try the colostrum. Thank you for sharing!

Alex

9/4/2014 02:57:11 am

Thanks for reading, I hope it helps out! You sound exactly like me. I'm actually almost off HCL all together now, too.

Connie Masson

10/10/2016 11:51:52 am

What is HCL? Thanks, Connie

andrew

12/20/2014 09:55:55 am

Ive had tons of this colostrum, no major changes but im desperate so been continually taking it

Jessica

9/3/2014 11:25:26 pm

Is it still beneficial to supplement with colostrum if you're still eating something you could be having a reaction to and not realizing it? The only thing I know I have a reaction to is gluten so I definitely stay away from that. Is it pointless to take colostrum if I don't first see what is causing my problems? Thanks!

Alex

9/4/2014 02:56:21 am

I believe it was incredibly helpful to have blood tests done to see what foods I was reacting to. However, I also feel that when you react to that many foods, it's the gut thats the problem, and not necessarily the foods. I would do some research on it and try it out for yourself. The links I listed were very helpful. Let me know how you do.

Jessica

9/4/2014 05:03:58 am

Thanks! How much do you take per day? The amount on the label or more/less?

Alex

9/4/2014 06:24:19 am

I started with the recommended dosage and am now up to 2-3tsp per day.

Jessica

9/6/2014 03:31:02 am

All at once or throughout the day?

Alex

1/14/2015 07:30:33 am

Throughout the day, only on an empty stomach.

joel

1/26/2016 01:14:46 am

hi, how far away do u take it from meals?
do u mix the powder with water or just swallow it?
did u tried glutamine for leaky gut?

Kelli link

9/3/2014 11:49:05 pm

I seriously could have written this post myself! Well, I have :P unfortunately I have yet to find relief, I'm very excited about giving colostrum a shot. What's one more supplement right???
Thank you so much for writing this post; while not much gives me hope anymore (because nothing has worked!), this does.

Alex

9/4/2014 02:24:48 am

Yeah, whats one more is exactly what I thought. I was taking 100's of $$$ worth of supplements. Now Im down to just this one. It's incredibly freeing.

I'm so glad I could give you a bit of hope, I truly hope it helps. Whats the blog post you wrote. I would love to check it out.

leah link

9/4/2014 01:41:54 am

Just curious about the lactose in this particular colostrum. A couple of the reviews mentioned that lactose intolerant folks experienced symptoms from this. Thoughts? And if I were to try a different brand because of this, what does one look for in finding a good source of colostrum? And THANK YOU for this post. I'm at the point you were at. Have eliminated almost everything except a few root veggies, grass fed/pastured meat, duck eggs, fish, butter, olive oil, tea, bone broth. It's keeping me mostly symptom free, but the healing just isn't happening, even with the standard supplementation/probiotics, etc. So I'm excited to try some colostrum! Did you experience any "die off" symptoms?

leah link

9/4/2014 01:47:28 am

THANK YOU! I'm close to where you were at with all the eliminated foods. Down to a few root veggies, duck eggs, grass fed meats, fish, butter, olive oil, bone broth. Plus the gut healing standard protocols supplements, but the healing just isn't happening. What about the lactose for those who are intolerant? A couple reviews mentioned symptoms when taken by lactose intolerant folks. And did you have die off symptoms? If I were to look for another brand to try, what are you looking for in an optimal colostrum? Thank you for the hope today. It's nice to feel that!

Alex

9/4/2014 02:22:49 am

So good to hear from you! I was in the exact same place. Sticking to my limited amount of foods managed the symptoms, but I could just tell I was never fully healed. This was a total game changer-- and within days! I actually have blood tests that show very high allergic reactions to whey, lactose and casein and I have absolutely no problems digesting the brand I listed at the end of the blog post. There were zero die off symptoms but I know that they can occur. I will be doing a follow up post soon about what I look for in an optimal colostrum. I did a lot of homework and found that the brand I currently used was the best I could find at this time.

Let me know how you're doing, I really hope this helps you!

Tina

9/4/2014 10:44:54 am

Thank you, thank you!! I could not be happier to see this post (found via your Instagram feed)!! My stomach looks exactly like your photos. I've been 80/20 paleo for about 1.5 years and while I feel better and noticed immediate elimination of some of my digestive issues, I've struggled with the bulge around my midsection that refuses to go away or shrink in any way. I'm careful to avoid side pictures because I think I look pregnant (never been, though). It's been extremely frustrating!! Thank you again for this post. I will be diving in to more of the research you mention...and working to find/see a naturopath or other nutritional practitioner.

Alex

9/8/2014 03:37:14 am

You're welcome! I hope it helps to bring some relief to your digestive issues.

Kiersten @ vibrantlifearmywife.com link

9/5/2014 06:44:50 am

I think I said this on your IG feed of that first picture but I have that EXACT problem and it's so reassuring to know that a. I'm not the only one and b. there can be relief. I've been mostly paleo for about a year and it's definitely helped a lot but obviously I'm still reacting to something/not fully healed yet and I'm kind of at a loss. I haven't had to cut out a bunch of stuff like you have fortunately but maybe that's what my body needs. I just have a hard time pinpointing what causes my issues because there are so many confounding factors. I'm planning on trying AIP soon to help with my Hashimoto's and I'm hoping it will help with my digestive issues as well. I'm totally getting the colostrum now too! I'm so glad you've been able to find relief. That's gotta feel amazing! Thank you so much for sharing Alex :)

Alex

9/8/2014 03:38:38 am

Good luck Kristen! I really hope this helps you. I was so beyond frustrated because I felt like I couldn't eat anything. Elimination of foods only kept the symptoms at bay. They didn't really heal me the way this did. Not to say things like fermented foods and broth won't work. They absolutely will. But this worked the best for me.

Alex

12/27/2015 11:23:11 am

Kiersten,

I just realized I totally spelled your name wrong. Sorry about that! ;)

Lauren

9/6/2014 01:51:40 am

Wow! So interesting. Glad you have found something that works for you. Ps- I googled "colostrum high on fat "before I asked you about it on your IG page-- nothing. Haha. Thanks for kindly pointing me to this article!

Alex

9/8/2014 03:39:14 am

Thank you! And no problem!

Veronica

9/18/2014 04:59:24 am

How do you take the colostrum?

Alexandra Jabr

9/18/2014 05:07:16 am

I take a tsp and put it in a little water and shake it. It doesn't dissolve very well, but someone shared that an immersion blender helped it dissolve better than my method.

Lina

9/18/2014 07:12:50 am

Hey ! I recognize myself in a lot of your symptoms but the last year my symptoms , that initially started off as yours ( well a little worse since I've been having them since I was 7 ) got a lo worse . And my " flare ups " come with histamine reactions too , and I'm now histamine intolerant , and in my reactions I also get brain fog severe edema / water retention . I swell up like a ballon .. Is this something u had too ? I was thinking it's mastocytosis , systemic mastocytosis .. But now I'm not sure :/ thanks !!!

Alex

9/18/2014 07:50:38 am

I'm sorry to hear about that. A lifetime of flare ups has to be a big challenge. I believe my flare ups were histamine reactions in nature. I remember one time I actually took Benadryl and it helped my swelling go down. But I didn't want to rely on it obviously. I had the scant same symptoms as you.

Lina

9/18/2014 03:04:05 pm

Thank you for your reply !! Do you believe that what I have could be leaky gut too ? And that it could be healed ? I'm in such bad shape I react to everything I've gained 12 kg in 4 weeks I feel like a monster :( so I figured it has to be something systemic and I was going to turn to " conventional medicine " for help , but now I'm confused .. Thanks !!

josh link

5/13/2016 09:33:04 am

I take Benadryl every day....I have a very restricted diet and drink a lot of water, so keeps me flushing toxins out, but I have not and do not have adverse effects from Benadryl everyday. It works and many have said that. I have gone without Benadryl but my histamine reactions/intolerance and other inflammation is so bad, even with a restricted diet, its totally worth taking it every day. Life is not worth living in pain or a "fog."

Alex

9/19/2014 12:33:18 am

Always believe you can be healed. The body is an amazing machine that knows how to heal itself if you know how to eliminate the foods that are causing this and repair the lining of your intestine. Finding a naturopathic doctor in your area can run some tests to determine it. If you're going the conventional medicine route, at the very least insists an IgG blood test of common foods to see what it is you're reacting to.

Lina

9/19/2014 07:36:27 pm

Thank you for your encouraging words ! right now i have 3-4 '' safe '' foods whih include rice potatoes beef and lamb . If i eat anything else than that i flare up and my face gets flushed and my body totally swollen :( They did igG at the hospital and they were fine, actually all my iG's were okbut they never measued it in connection to food ... Does the igA have to be low for it to be leaky gut ? Or can it be leaky gut anyways ? I think i will turn to a naturophatic doctor before i go to conventional medicine . Thank you for your post !

Alex

9/20/2014 12:40:04 am

Keep in mind that lab results will only confirm what you're already feeling. Something is wrong and it occurs when you eat food. It's likely to be leaky gut but it could also be a number of other things like SIBO, gut disbyosis, candida. It would be extremely wise to find a naturopathic Doc in your area. The IgG test you want done is the one that tests for reactions to food. Have you tried adding colostrum to your regimen?

Lina

9/20/2014 12:56:04 am

No i haven't yet , I dident even know about it until I read your blog 2 days who . I am thinking about giving it a try c problem is that as it is right now I react to everything , all medications and even vitamins and quercitin . I am self medicating with anti histaminefree and take up to 7-8 per day only to keep the symptoms away , but it still doesn't take away everything . Did you ever react to any supplement ? And did you ever have anaphylaxis ? I do believe I must have some kind of " alternative " problem as well , as leaky gut , but your post gave me hope that maybe what u have is only leaky gut and then it would be curable. Hopefully ... I will definitely get in contact with a naturopath . Did you ever turn to medical doctors ? Thanks so much for your reply ! Your help Means a lot !!

Alex

1/14/2015 07:29:37 am

That sounds intense. I never had a reaction to supplements the way you have. My guess is you may react to colostrum at first, but once the healing begins to take place, they should elevate. I went to a traditional MD when I was younger and I was told to either take antacids or that I had IBS. No real answers so I didn't return to them as an adult.

Simon

12/5/2014 05:59:37 am

Dear Alex,

thanks a lot for your informative post. I am 23 now and I have suffered from histamine and salicylate intolerance for over 2 years now, which I definitely got through an overuse of antibiotics, aspirin and chorinated water. Right now it feels like reacting to any kind of food.
I did an IGG-test of 88 aliments with the result that I react to all kinds of milk and cow's milk in particular, as well as almendras and garlic. A stool test showed that I have a highly decreased number of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and enterococci in my gut but apparently no candida but and increased pH level. The alpha-1-antitrypsin was elevated as well, indicating an inflammation in the gut, which leads to leaky gut. To me it is pretty obvious that I need to restore my gut health in order to get rid of my intolerances as those are a direct result of an increased permeability of my gut mucosa. I have been trying to eat paleo, which is more than difficult having those intolerances and sensitivities.
I have started to supplement with probiotics: VSL3 and prescript assist and saccharomyces boulardii
MSM
omega-3 fish oil
lecithine
l-glutamine
multivitamin
slippery elm and marshmallow root and DGL
gelatine
seacure

I would have liked to add in bone broth and kefir but due to my milk intolerance and my general histamine inolerance I could not. Coconut would be another gut healing food, which seems to be hard for my gut due to salicylates. Nonetheless, I am preparing my own ghee, which contains butyrate for the colon.
Do you think it is still recommendable to take colostrum even though I seem to react to milk proteins it in the igg-test? I saw that you have had great results and I have read positive stuff all over the internet in relation to leaky gut. I got seacure as it contains some kind of growth factors as well but I feel really tempted to take the risk with colostrum. If I do so should I take the decaseinated form? I would really appreciate any help as I would like to have my life quality back! :-)

thanks a lot for your support from Europe
Simon

Alexandra Jabr

12/7/2014 01:18:19 pm

Hey Simon! Wow from Europe, I love hearing that this post has made its way internationally :)

Have you tried consuming raw dairy? I, too, have severe reactions and allergy tests indicating sensitivities to all components of dairy. However, this is not the case with raw. The colostrum I recommend in my post is raw, therefore I don't have any issues digesting it. If you find that this brand doesn't work for you I would look into defatted colostrum. It's not as good but definitely better than nothing. Colostrum helped tremendously and I would highly recommend adding it to your regimen.

Hope this helps! Message anytime.

Cheers.

Alexandra Jabr

12/7/2014 01:19:58 pm

I should also add, the casein found in colostrum is different from that found in actual milk. If it's a high enough quality of colostrum, it should have no trace of lactose or whey which is found in "transitional milk" which is not 100% pure colostrum.

Simon

12/7/2014 08:29:49 pm

Hi Alex,

thanks a lot for your answer and advice!! Yeah, in fact, it has made all its way to Austria ;) Despite coming from a farming village I have never used any raw dairy unfortunately but this would have definitely saved me from some antibiotics.

I would absolutely go for Surthrival Colostrum as I have read amazing reviews on it as well beside your recommendations. Unfortunately, it is insanely expensive to get in Austria :( Before writing you the last time I purchased 21st century colostrum but haven't received it yet.
There is one reasonably priced colostrum I found from myprotein. It is a 12-hour colostrum and freeze dried as well. http://www.myprotein.com/sports-nutrition/ultra-colostrum-30-igg/10530738.html

Do you mind taking a look at this colostrum and tell me what you think? What do you think of 21st century's colostrum?

My protein's colostrum seems to contain 1,5g lactose per serving of 10g, which seems to be rather high, the igg and IGF content are fairly higher than in Surthrival.

I am definitely gonna give colostrum a try!!

thanks a lot for your effort and everything!
greets :)
Simon

April Wolfe

12/22/2014 03:37:08 pm

Fantastic love!!! I was introduced to Colostrum one night by my boyfriend feeding me a spoonful with honey on top, highly recommended!!;) after years of hpylori treatments, cleanses, candida cleanses, etc., one week of this and my inflammation is gone, I've lost weight, and I'm finally hungry, a lot. If I keep one thing in the cupboard it will be this..... and honey ;)

Alex

1/9/2015 01:06:25 am

Thats fantastic to hear! Thank you for sharing and I'm thrilled you had such great results.

Sue

1/3/2015 01:41:38 pm

Hi Alex,
I had an interesting experience with bovine colostrum recently. We are regular travellers to Bali, but because I have (mild and mostly manageable) IBD I won't go without my Travelan, which a pharmacist put me onto about 4 years ago. This product is made from bovine colostrum, and the spiel says it increases resistance to e coli (the main cause of traveller's diarrhoea, or the dreaded "Bali belly"). Last year, my 4th trip to Bali, I unfortunately had the initial symptoms of a colitis flare a couple of weeks before. Hoping I wouldn't need medication, I was just very cautious with my diet in the days leading up to our trip, and of course took along my trusty Travelan.
I didn't get Bali belly (have never had it) and the huge bonus was that my colitis symptoms cleared up in no time. We had a great time, as usual. When I got home I Googled "Travelan and colitis" and found a few vague articles, but your references are brilliant. Thank you so much for your post.
Sue
PS. I think Travelan is an Australian product, but there is probably a similar product in other countries. http://www.travelan.com.au/index.php/how-does-travelan-work/

Alex

1/13/2015 09:17:17 am

Sue,
Thanks for sharing! I didn't know about this product, and in fact my next international trip has Bali all over my radar. I'm sorry to hear about that flare leading up to your trip, but glad it cleared up and you were able to enjoy yourself. I'm glad to hear the topic spreading, maybe more people will hear about it, be able to relieve their symptoms and even heal themselves.

Silvio Fontana

6/28/2016 11:51:18 pm

Immuron Australai makes Travelan and now a name change to Protectyn which is Bovine Colostrum with antibodies to gut pathogens which contribute to many of the Asian gut conditions, I am trialing it for LG and other gut issues as many have mentioned above, this treatment for me is slow, but indicates the degree of gut damage. thanks

Dana

3/24/2015 01:13:49 am

Hi Alex!
I stumbled upon your blog a few days ago and am so happy I did! When I saw your picture of your bloated tummy I was like "that's me!."
I have had stomach problems all my life and they just seemed to get worse as I got older. Ive taken numerous tests and blood work and all any doctor can come up with is that I have IBS.
I already ordered the colostrum and can't wait to start taking it. I pray that it works for me as I don't want to live like this anymore.

Question - I take a probiotic and fish oil in the morning. Would it be ok for me to take all 3 products at the same time?
What has been your expeirence with taking other supplements along with the colostrum?

Many thanks!
Dana

Alex

12/27/2015 11:20:18 am

Dana,

Sorry to hear you're dealing with these stomach issues, but glad you've discovered you're not alone! I take probiotics with my colostrum in the morning and I take digestive enzymes with my food. I've recently added essential oils and will be starting a regimen of coconut oil each morning. I don't see it being a problem for you to mix supplements. I just try and take the colostrum on an empty stomach. Hope this helps!

Debra T

3/25/2015 11:37:05 am

Omg. This is me to a tee. Like most who have left comments before me, this has been a long term battle. My belly gets so bloated I look 5 months pregnant. I just bought my colostrum to add to my l glutamine, fish oil, quecertin, s boiulardii and reg probiotic. I am starting bone broth and colostrum ASAP. What are your thoughts on the GAP diet of food elimination / gradually introducing foods little by little?
Also do u think Benedryl would help my body swelling even just temporarily for a wedding this weekend?
Thank you for making the effort to share your experience. So many of us are fumbling in the dark out here. 😢

Alexandra Jabr

3/25/2015 02:00:49 pm

IBS tends to be a blanket term for "I don't know"-- I'm sorry you've had to deal with that, I know your pain. I haven't had experienced taking all those supplements at once. I would say taking colostrum on an empty belly is most important. I have mixed some in my morning routine without any issues.

Good luck and keep me posted!

Griselda

3/28/2015 05:10:43 am

Is in ok to take this supplement as a capsule? I have all of these symptoms and started to get test done and I want to do everything I can to heal. This is very depressing.

Alexandra Jabr

3/28/2015 08:28:43 am

This brand I recommend actually sells in a capsule form. It's more convenient, but also more expensive. Good luck to you and let me know how it works :)

corrie

4/10/2015 02:45:00 am

I can't get this colostrum to mix in anything. It is preventing me from taking it. What is your protocol?

Alexandra Jabr

4/10/2015 03:22:32 am

It doesn't mix well, unfortunately. Some people use an immersion blender. Using room temp water helps and I just chug the clumps. Or you can make your own capsules if you prefer. But it's much more of a hassle.

Dawn

4/21/2015 06:41:03 am

Have you ever tried the capsules?

Dawn

4/21/2015 12:15:33 pm

Sorry for the above question , I know see someone else had asked about capsule form. Thanks . I also love that I stumbled upon you blog. As some if the other people that made comments about seeing your belly and saying that's me. Me too, I am in a constant battle with blockages due to a resection I had 19 years ago due to Crohn's disease.

Dawn

Alexandra Jabr

5/3/2015 04:10:28 am

Thank you for reading Dawn. I hope that this helps you find some relief. Keep me posted!
Alex

Sadha link

8/16/2015 04:25:59 am

My daughter has GI issues and we're waiting on appointments to get tests done. With the colostrum is it a continuous supplement you'll take forever or will your gut eventually heal and you'll be ok again?

Alexandra Jabr

8/16/2015 04:28:58 am

You will eventually heal. I continue to take it at a smaller dose, every other day, for maintenance for now. Took me a lifetime to get this way, so I imagine taking it for a few years is in my future.

Lisa

6/19/2016 03:29:34 pm

How long did it take you to heal approximately? How did you know it was time for maintenance dose?

Cassie

9/10/2015 07:57:13 am

Oh my god!!! I can't believe I have found someone who has the same as me!! I generally thought I was the o my person in the world with this!! I my belly looks abnormal!!! Please can we get in touch? If love some advice email is 09009018@hope.ac.uk

Alex

12/27/2015 11:17:01 am

Cassie,

You are not the only one, trust me!

Would love to get in touch. Sorry for the delay.

Megan

9/17/2015 08:19:30 pm

This is a wonderful article and helpful to so many! I have all similar symptoms and on a mission to heal. After extensive research, I think this may be the most helpful article I have found. I will definitely be giving the colostrum a try. I am curious, how long have you been taking this product and at what point did you feel comfortable enough to lower your dose? Thanks!

Alex

12/27/2015 11:15:48 am

Thank you for reading!

How are you doing now?

It was quite a few months before I lowered the dosage, I don't recall specifically. However, I have just upped the dose back up to twice per day due to a candida overgrowth I am dealing with.

Kenna

10/12/2015 02:34:57 pm

Oh my! FINALLY I feel hopeful! I've been dealing with this for about 6 years not knowing what in the world was going on. I've tried everything I could think of to change up my diet. I didn't go to the Dr because of $, and figured eating healthy would help. I understand now why it hasn't. Thank you for posting this. It's very helpful. :)

Alex

12/27/2015 11:12:23 am

Glad you found it helpful! Eating healthy is really just one part of a bigger picture. It is so important but limiting foods sometimes isn't enough for the gut to heal. Best of luck!

aubs

11/23/2015 09:07:44 am

Hi there,

How long were you taking colostrum before noticing a difference/were able to eat foods again? and how much did you take daily?

thanks so much in advance! I have been dealing with similar problems, which have taken over my life. I've poured so much money in to doctors and supplements and I'm hoping colostrum helps me, too.

aubs

11/25/2015 08:23:57 am

never mind, I found the amount in the comments.

How long did it take you before you felt better and could re introduce new foods though?

Alex

12/27/2015 11:11:33 am

For myself, I waited about 6 months to a year, depending on the food. Some I still haven't tried because I don't really miss them.

Abdulla

12/25/2015 10:29:18 am

Hi Alexandra,

How long does it take for colostrom to fully heal the gut ?

Alex

12/27/2015 11:09:33 am

Hi Abdulla,

I think we have connected on other sources. Let me know if you received my emails.

Take care!

Sara

1/8/2016 07:37:22 am

Omg this has been my life for years now! I'm now fodmap free, gluten free, lactose free. My biggest issue has been itchiness, I know when I've eaten something I shouldn't. I have been doing well but I can't seem to actually HEAL my gut, i will be trying the colostrum! Going out to get it today for certain!

Rachel

1/25/2016 06:09:43 am

Hi Alex , so glad I came across this. My stomach has always been bloated specially after dinner and for years I thought it was normal. I went to the doctor A couple months ago and told her that I finally realise that it doesn't seem right and when I drink it gets really painful and get reflux acid and trapped gas. I don't drink often at all but I remember I could drink 6 vodkas in my teens with no problems(I'm 22 now) so my doc is sending me to get the camera into my stomach. A few weeks later my lips got really dry and got a red ring around the lining of my lips and it was really itchy, it then spread to a rash all around my mouth. I went to my doc again and got tested against lupus dairy gluten,wheat and few other things and it all came back negative. She didn't know what was causing it so she referred me to a derm which I'm seeing tomorrow. I've waited months for this. I now have the rash on my cheeks, forehead, eyelids and my neck. I have always had good skin and never got allergic reactions or rashes before. I researched and found I have perioral dermatitis and now I'm convinced it's from a leaky gut. I was put on many antibiotics like minocin and none of them worked and it just got worse. The last 3 weeks I have been on a gluten and dairy free diet and noticed it had lessened the inflammation but rash is still there. After reading this I realise there's a lot more I have to stop eating. I'm takin probotics every morning and digestive enzymes with meals. I also read that lglutamine powder is excellent for healing the gut so my bf is picking that up for me this week. I'm interested in trying this colostrum powder too. At this point il try anything as now my immune system is no help I'm getting chronic sinus infections and constantly catching flus, my anxiety was really bad too. It really does affect your whole body. I have a feeling the derm will try perscribe me antobotics, I hope not as it's 200€ 😫. I should have gone to a naturopath instead. Anyway sorry for this extremely long rant it's my first time ever to talk about it over the internet. One q though..are you always going to be on colostrum do u kind of rely on that or is it something you think will eventually come off and be healed for good?

Jenn from UK

2/23/2016 01:42:45 am

Hi I found this article from Sott.net and wanted to say thank you so much for writing it, recently I've had a strange virus that has left me with diarrhea for 18 days, been to the doctors and the stool sample came back fine, I'm having blood tests done today so it will be interesting to see what my IgA etc are like. I started supplementing with colostrum three days ago and have seen a massive improvement, it's not back to normal yet but after reading this article I'm going to keep up with the colostrum and see if it helps :)

Thanks again for sharing your experience!

Andrea

3/6/2016 09:01:56 pm

I feel like you just described everything that I've been through as if you knew me intimately. Thank you so much for posting this. I found some colostrum, ordered it and started taking it and then I found your article 2 days later and confirm that I'm doing the right thing and my body is going to be healed.

Andrra

3/6/2016 10:51:00 pm

I should have mentioned I've been ill since I was 3 years old. I've been mis diagnosed with about 7 different illnesses. I too finally gave up going to doctors. I have read every article I could get my hands on regarding each symptom that I've had since I was a child. My latest idea is that I was allergic to gluten. Even after cutting gluten out of my diet the other triggers that would make me violently ill. At times I would even vomit. I did the elimination diet as well and even healthy things I had to stop eating I felt like I had to cut everything out and was not living the healthy life. Any time I would go to eat even if I was extremely careful I would end up with this huge bloated stomach and it look like I was 12 months pregnant. I've only been taking the bovine colostrum for 3 days now. I purchased mine from sovereign labs in Sedona Arizona USA I hope its a good brand, if not I'll be switching to the one that you posted. Thanks again. I am praying this is the key/answer to my healing.

judy wickert

3/7/2016 03:14:27 pm

Besides colostrum (LD colostrum is good), eat fermented saurkraut (refrigerated section of stores) Bubbies is a good brand. Kefir(Lifeway). Also, read THE GUT HEALTH PROTOCOL, Herron. Ibgard or Heather's tummy Tammers are good too. and RESTORE 4LIFE.COM.

I've been healing a looooong time...relapse. KEEP AT IT.

Cathy

3/20/2016 01:18:17 pm

My story! the healthier I eat the same or worse I am. I've taken everything know to many for several years.
I've been on L-glutamine for about a year, three times a day, half hour before meals. Just added 100% pure aloe juice, three times daily before meals. So far no change. Just ordered colostrum. Hoping for the best.
I have more problems in my face with swelling, started under the brow area and went to under my eyes and some face. My skin is a wreck. Also Lot's of inflammation. Just got trigger finger and now my other fingers are be effected. The way I feel all the time is the worse thing.
Thanks for the post, I just about fell out reading it and knowing I'm not crazy with these symptoms.

Renee

3/22/2016 06:38:40 pm

Hi Cathy, you said you take L-glutamine three times a day. What dosage?

Renee

3/22/2016 07:10:04 pm

Hi Alex, I have been sick for a year now. My daughter Sara has been a good advocate for me first in finding a good nutritionist (Nutritional Weight & Wellness in Minnesota www.weightandwellness.com), she searches the web trying to find the next thing that might work, and now finding your site here. I'm a 55 yoa court reporter (somewhat of a stressful job). We went on vacation January 2015 and three months later I came down with your exact symptoms. I seen a doctor of gastroenterology for quite a few months, who tested me for everything under the sun, I was subject to xrays, CT scans, MRI's, to the tune of 22 radiated tests in 4 months and was hospitalized twice, then finally went to Mayo clinic last fall and have been through a few tests there. they know I have small intestinal problems, but really can't find anything else. they've now put me on a so called super strain of probiotics VSL#3. I've been on this a week now and not seeing a whole lot of progress. I know this product can cause bloating at first and that I've definitely experienced. This has been a very trying year for me as I've always been pretty healthy and rarely got sick besides a yearly cold. I missed 2 months of work last summer after a doctor put me on a gastroparesis diet that made me very sick and weak. Thanks to Nutritional Weight and Wellness for getting me on 2 different probiotics, L-glutamine, magnesium, zinc and putting me on a total grain free diet, with no dairy or sugar I got well and September & October were good. Then I went for testing at Mayo Clinic and back into the stressful day and night job of court reporting and things started to go backwards. Let me tell you this is very hard on a persons mental health, second guessing every thing you eat and drink, and then when the medical community can't even seem to help....
Sorry this is so long, but this is the first time I've found anyone with this similar problem. My daughter has suggested I go to a naturalist and after seeing your blog, I will definitely be making an appointment and getting a blood test to see what is triggering my flare ups. Also, I really want to try the colostrum. I believe you said you were taking 1 tsp twice a day in water is this correct? I also want to thank everyone for their posts here, what a huge breakthrough my daughter found with this site. thank you, all, so very much, especially Alex - you are definitely a gift to everyone that has been searching for help. I kind of believe God helped you create this website.

Brittney

4/23/2016 07:17:13 am

What about probiotics??

Christine

4/24/2016 07:20:25 am

Any recommendation for vegans?

Debs

4/25/2016 07:32:03 am

I'm currently trying to lose weight. Is colostrum fattening?

Kaitlin

5/12/2016 07:52:44 pm

I am a desperate soul who is very thankful for your testimony! My doctor had absolutely nothing more to offer after taking one test that did not prove anything and I have not been able to go to another doctor or specialist because of finances but I have diagnosed myself with "the burps" that have plagued me for about 6 years now. Since recently taking a very expensive brand of probiotics "Bio x4" that also has digestive enzymes in it I have been doing better but if I happen so slip up on taking one pill I instantly notice the problem coming back. I have heard of colostrum and in fact my mother takes it with a host of other supplements but I am grateful for the knowledge of its healing properties for the digestive system and can't wait to give it a try! Thank you!

Natalie Esperance

6/2/2016 08:14:11 am

Hi! So I currently have very similar symptoms to what you experienced and it really has begun to take over my life. My main issue is the bloating. I experience it almost every time after I eat even though like you this is the healthiest I have ever eaten in my life. I'm currently on the low fodmap diet and I really want to try the colostrum. Did you stay on the restrictive diet while initially starting the supplement? I just don't know what I should eat. And when did you go back to a regular diet? Thanks so much this blog post may actually really be what I was looking for!!

Zoe

6/19/2016 03:07:36 pm

Wow! This is me! I even was asked before when I was due and how do I keep working out while being so pregnant. My intolerances change almost on a daily basis and the frustration, pain,days off from work because my reactions are so bad is beyond what I can tolerate. I was researching Sovereign Labs and their colostrum products in hope of finding someone who has actually experienced benefits from it. I think I will take the plunge and try it. Thank you for the bravery in your photos. It does give hope.

Iris

6/21/2016 10:57:09 am

I'm gonna order it right NOW!
U have no idea how deep my love for u is, if this works. Im so unhappy and desperate due to this bloating 24/7. Tried EVERYTHING. If this works, ur the reason why i can enjoy life again.

Anne Summers link

7/28/2016 11:51:34 pm

This story reminded me of how I finally healed my leaky gut after years of agony. My life used to be miserable. I had chronic constipation, painful headaches, and acne that was out of control. The bloating and inflammation almost ruined my career, since I am a dancer and personal trainer. Needless to say, it doesn't help to look less than fabulous in my line of work! I tried everything - including expensive supplements and so-called "healthy foods" that actually ended up causing more inflammation. I wondered if I would have to spend the rest of my life suffering and totally miserable. I knew that there had to be another way. I searched long and hard and finally came across some simple natural remedies that finally got rid of my leaky gut for good...to the amazement of my doctors. In fact, you might want to check out this article, it really helped me a lot:
http://www.bestquicktips.com/leakygut
Hope it helps anyone reading this!

8/20/2016 06:59:07 pm

Great article and I was just wondering if ANYONE has had brain fog or sleep issues (lack of , insomnia, etc.) from Leaky Gut? NO one mentioned it at all, in all these articles. I would surely like to know if I am alone or not.... b-12 does help some with this, but i also have had depression 3 x in the last 8 years, and now low dopamine....... Anyone? I have lost weight to size 4, and am trying to heal my gut, have been gluten intolerant for 20+ years. So I already don't eat that. I try to go all fruit til aft then juicing veggies and then dinner (no inflammation foods, which means no carbs) but i am so afraid i will wither away to nothing...... LIke I said, the depression is much better, i do have appetite now, and b-12 is helping with all this, along with exercise, outside time etc. BRain Fog or sleep issues anyone who feels they have leaky gut???

Aubspl

8/20/2016 07:30:42 pm

KP,
I strongly suggest you google both "brain fog leaky gut" and "gut mental health". You will find a ton out there. Your gut is called your "second brain". It affects your entire system (most of our immune systems are also in our gut). So, usually if your gut isn't working properly, you're having issues in other areas of your body too. Total health starts in the gut. I know personally I absolutely experienced brain fog among many other things with leaky gut.

Cat Gunderson

11/4/2016 01:13:25 am

I had a lab test done and it said I had the most extreme leaky gut. I have horrible brain fog, bad memory, and bad focus. I am so glad to find out about colostrum helping leaky gut. I have been trying to go on the very strict GAPS diet for over a year, but I have not done it. I will try colostrum and L glutamine for now and see. Just found out about colostrum today from a friend, and now Alex's blog is so helpful too.My problems came as a cascade of problems after I had the antibiotic called "Keflex" in 1997. And then the fluorquinaline antibiotic called "Cipro" helped me to have a ruptured achilles tendon a couple years ago, and calf has never grown back. I am hoping that I am so tried and just want to sit now, is because of leaky gut and not because of the calf muscle not coming back much.

Michael

9/7/2016 05:15:25 am

I just bought this colostrum. What kind of dosage should I do? I had one teaspoon with water today! Any recommendations for I am trying to heal my leaky gut with no improvements from previous doctor recommendations! Do you mix only with water?

bev chamberlin

10/23/2016 11:36:01 am

I had to laugh when I read your story..........sounded so familiar..........eliminate this eliminate that............nuts are good for you...........well not if you have these issues ...blah blah..............all so confusing and stressful in itself. My new doctor recommended I start taking colostrum last Friday. He recommended 4life brand. Since I had to order on line, I went and got another brand from the health store in the meantime. Within four days I can see an increase in energy level and my sinus issues are trying to resolve. This may be the magic bullet...................and I can finally clean out hundreds and hundreds and hundreds or dollars worth of supplements from my cabinet.

Babsi

12/5/2016 04:13:05 am

Can I start to take colostrum with the food?

Will

1/12/2017 07:55:13 am

Omg I pray this works. I have a gut and I have tried everything. And I'm miserable. I eat and swell. Almost anything I ingest I am
In discomfort gas and just horrible. I've tried paleo, veggie, vegan, high fat, high protein and I'm not a big person but my guy just gets bigger and bigger with the food I eat. I am going to try this. Thank you

Lynnsey

4/3/2017 07:59:31 pm

Did you supplement with anything else? Or just the colostrum? I have leaky gut and candida and even though I've been on antifungals on and off for almost two years now, I haven't beaten the candida. Ordered some colostrum today and hope that it helps because I'm down to only being able to somewhat tolerate zucchini and a protein...and that's it/

Pau

4/19/2017 08:46:34 am

Hi,
Thanks for your post. I bought some supplements a long time ago and never used them. The powder is stil good until 2018 but the chewables expired in8/2016.
I want to give this brand a try, but I noticed that they harvest within 16hours! A far cry from the 6 to 8 hours you mentioned. Should I try this brand first and follow with another brand, or just discard altogether?
Also, I remember you mentioning flare ups after you stopped? Im wondering how long we need to use this in order to heal. Its not an indefinite supplememt is it? Thanks so much

:::Author:::

I'm Alexandra; blogger, paramedic, and eater of fat.
I eat bacon daily, take my coffee with heavy cream, eat the yolks and consume coconut oil by the spoonful. Because of this, I have never been healthier or happier in my life. Welcome to my blog, where I intend to abolish the fat phobia that plagues us and give dietary fat the healthy reputation it deserves.

iG: @highonfat