Thymus - Center of Youth and Immunity

The thymus gland is an organ which sits behind the breastbone in the upper chest. At birth it is about half the size of the lungs, but by the time old age sets in, it is practically nonexistent, (an elderly person may have no more than a bit of connective tissue left.) Thus, a person's ability to generate a strong immune response diminishes with age as the thymus shrinks. The fact that the thymus is a key to the proper functioning of the immune system and that it begins to shrink in size after adolescence, explains why so many diseases and health problems seem to be age-related.

The thymus regulates the immune system. It is the core of a web of interconnected organs and tissues that function together to coordinate our immune responses. It is essential in the early programming of immunity as well as for the most important aspects of daily immune function. And when it comes to regulating the immune response, this little gland is the major player. The thymus is also responsible for balancing the immune response and making sure that it does not turn against itself, as in cases of autoimmune disease. Thus, the thymus has been called the center of youth and immunity. Certain types of lymphocytes, known as T-cells, mature in the thymus and are released from there into the bloodstream. Some of these cells (killer T-cells), destroy invading organisms. Others, called Helper/Suppressor T-cells, regulate the immune system by controlling the strength and quality of immune responses.

The activities of the thymus are directly influenced by the paired alpha and beta chains of a hormone called thymosin - both contained in complete colostrum. This hormone helps maintain a fully functional thymus - even as an adult. A second substance, called proline-rich peptide (PRP), also contained in colostrum, helps to keep the thymus from over-reacting and releasing too many mature T-cells. PRP is the single most important regulatory factor in the immune system. Without the balance it sustains, the body actually releases too many T-lypmhocytes; a contributing factor to autoimmune disease where lymphocytes attack the tissues of the body. Besides containing the alpha and beta chains of the hormone thymosin and the regulating substance known as PRP, colostrum has been shown to have some profound effects on the thymus gland - actually returning it to youthful function and proportions!

This fact alone has some thought provoking implications on aging. If the thymus gland can be regrown with the use of colostrum, then age related decreases in immune function can be a thing of the past! More than any one thing, having a fully functional thymus is the most valuable support the immune system can have and it explains why those who regularly take high quality colostrum report fewer colds, fewer injections and fewer immune related health problems.

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