Almost every article you read about probiotics will tell you that the word itself literally means “for life”.  Probiotics are the live beneficial bacterial organisms that contribute to the health and balance of the intestinal tract and because of this, have become an increasingly popular ingredient in horse supplements.  The use of probiotics dates back thousands of years.  In fact, many people today rely on yogurt with active cultures as their source of probiotics.  But what does that mean for the horse owner? 

Horses are by definition a repository of good and bad bacteria.  Managing the delicate harmony between the two is the key to maintaining good digestive health.  The equine athlete, pony, miniature, trail horse and breeding stock all have nutritional requirements that evolved from centuries of grazing in lush pastures.  With domestication, most horses now face a diet of processed food, stored hays and grasses provided on intermittent feed schedules.  There are few grazing opportunities, especially in winter months.  Performance horses are often kept in small stalls year round and rarely turned out.  Add to this the use of worming products, rounds of antibiotics or other medications, regular vaccinations and you can begin to see that the probability of naturally cultivating an ample source of the friendly intestinal flora found in probiotics is unlikely.  

The fragile composure of bacteria in the gut is also easily disturbed by changes in weather, stall confinement, altering the diet, and stress.  The rigors of competition can cause drastic shifts in the microflora brought about by the strain of transportation, intense workouts, dehydration and nervousness.  

Feeding probiotics is a preventative therapy that utilizes good bacteria to edge out the effects of the bad bacteria.  This balancing act is necessary to maintain maximum digestive efficiency.  Providing a consistent level of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract has been proven to decrease the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders, supports the immune system and will effectively allow maximum absorption of all other nutrients. 

When considering the beneficial health effects of probiotics, it’s also important to contemplate the journey through the digestive system that the product must survive in order to be advantageous.  The process of digestion begins by grinding the food and mixing it with saliva.  It then passes through the esophagus, into the acidic environment of the stomach and finally its destination within the gut.  SMOOTH RUN probiotics are microencapsulated which allows them to survive oral ingestion and finally reach the intestinal tract where it’s potential can be realized. 

Daily feeding of SMOOTH RUN promotes efficient feed utilization and aids digestion while improving general health, temperament and performance.  Our philosophy is simple:  The reason the proprietary probiotic and digestive enzymes of SMOOTH RUN are so important to the diet is that what really matters when supplementing your horse is how well he utilizes the nutrients you take the time to give. 
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“REVEALED SECRETS OF COLOSTRUM” 

For more than 20 years colostrum has been extensively studied and has had over 20,000 scientific studies and research articles performed on one of nature’s most potent and invigorating natural immune factors.  Especially those who try it and use it are discovering more health benefits every day.

Colostrum is the pre-milk liquid produced from the mammary glands during the first 24-48 hours after birth.  During this short duration of time, the immune factors and the growth factors are still at their peak and contain several times the factors compared to colostrum taken during later milkings.

Colostrum contains over 37 different important natural immune factors and more than 8 growth factors that work with the body.  While the immune factors in colostrum work to the growth factors in colostrum work on stress and injuries.  The growth factors in colostrum have also shown to help horses well being.
 

• Improve nutrient uptake
• Return elasticity to the skin
• Improve energy
• Build lean muscle
• Increase memory
• Blood sugar levels
• Burn fat
• Elevate moods

The natural immune and growth factors found in colostrum also work together to help equine well being

COLOSTRUM IS THE SAFE ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTICS WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS

Colostrum is a whole food and is completely natural unlike antibiotics.  In fact antibiotics can actually make us more susceptible to illness.  Antibiotics kill all bacteria in our bodies, which not only causes other ailments and side effects, but also throws the body off balance since not all bacteria in the body are bad.  By killing all bacteria in our body, it makes our immune system work harder and leaves us more stressed and tired.

Antibiotics are also not naturally occurring.  It is another chemical compound added to our list of symptom suppression.  It has been proven that more than 80% of the prescriptions written for antibiotics are needless.  Viruses cause most colds, sore throats and congestion; antibiotics have no effect on viral infections. 

With the use of colostrum, you can naturally help eliminate symptoms by combating the actual problem, the virus.  Strengthening your immune system naturally

COLOSTRUM CAN BUILD LEAN MUSCLE MASS, INCREASE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AND REDUCE RECOVERY TIME BETWEEN STRENUOUS WORKOUTS

For horses that work out regularly and strenuously, colostrum is a good choice for supplementation.  Not only does it help build lean muscle tissue, colostrum helps slow protein breakdown and speed up protein synthesis.  In fact, many body builders say that colostrum is the most effective muscle-building agent they have ever used – and it’s completely natural!

Colostrum Builds Lean Muscle

One of the real problems with achieving muscular development lies not just in harnessing anabolism (growth) but also in preventing catabolism (breakdown.)

Colostrum contains two important compounds which work synergistically to accomplish the building of lean muscle mass.  The first of these, called IgF-1, is a small peptide with a more anabolic effect than any known compound.  Research has shown that during exercise, 1gF-1 is the signal that triggers muscle cell proliferation.  IgF-1 works hand in hand with growth hormone (GH) for the building of lean muscle mass.

COLOSTRUM AIDS METABOLISM FOR A MORE EFFICIENT USE OF FUEL & GREATER ENERGY

In order for your horse to compete successfully, it is important to have both strength and stamina.  Anything that will enhance endurance while maximizing fuel is certainly an asset.

During heavy workouts and in times of hunger, the body burns its own protein instead of fat.  Studies have shown that colostrum shifts fuel utilization to fat, actually preventing the body from burning glucose for energy.  The additional growth factors keep GH levels in the body high enough so that protein (muscle) is not compromised during heavy workouts.  It also stimulates glucose transport in the muscle, making more efficient use of the available fuel.  Athletes and body builders often report they lose weight while gaining inches. 

COLOSTRUM REPAIRS TISSUE AND SPEEDS HEALING

Each time your equine athlete exercises strenuously this causes tiny tears in muscle tissue.  The muscle-building factors in colostrum repair this damage quickly while strengthening muscles.

The regenerative effects of colostrum extend to nearly every structural cell of the body.  In fact, IgF-1 is the best know compound for synthesis and repair of cartilage.  Other compounds known as Transforming Growth Factors A and B are known for their ability to enhance healing in the synthesis and repair of RNA and DNA.  Colostrum works to heal athletic injuries, from those that occur on a day- to-day basis within the muscle, to those of a more serious nature. 

COLOSTRUM HELPS WITH NUTRIENT UPTAKE

Colostrum helps heal the lining of the small intestine where nutrient absorption takes place.  Not only does this enhance nutrient uptake, but it also seals out invading organisms which otherwise slip through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream.  This accounts for the boost in energy when you or your horse receives colostrum.

Colostrum benefits the athlete in so many ways that it is quickly gaining popularity – especially amongst those who prefer to stay with natural substances.

PERHAPS MOST IMPRESSIVE IS COLOSTRUM’S HEALING EFFECT ON AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

Autoimmune diseases include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Addison’s disease, childhood asthma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroiditis, vasculitis, Chrohn’s disease, colitis, Raynaud’s disease and there are many more.

Autoimmune disease result when damage is done by autoimmune system, which cannot turn itself off.  The substances that trigger this hyper-response of the immune system are known as allergens.  Leaky gut syndrome, which responds to non-denatured colostrum, is almost always associated with autoimmune disease.  Reversing the direction of a disease depends upon healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.  Any other treatment is just symptom suppression.

Not surprisingly, colostrum’s many beneficial factors focus their efforts in the area where an overwhelming majority of diseases and infections enter the body in the intestines.  Colostrum contains several substances that play a role in the healing of the whole gastrointestinal tract.

The immune factors in colostrum can have an immediate effect, attacking pathogens in the intestines, inhibiting their reproduction and preventing their attack on the intestinal wall.  Several growth factors have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is a big factor in the initial healing of leaky gut syndrome.  Other growth factors repair damaged tissue and seal the mucus layer of the intestines, making it impermeable to toxins and parasites.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU START TAKING PURE COLOSTRUM?

Depending on how much colostrum you begin giving your horse and how healthy or ill your horse is, depends on what may be experienced when you first introduce the body to the healing ingredients of colostrum.  The following is some information on what to expect when supplementing your equine with colostrum:

Colostrum begins working immediately

Colostrum begins its work by being absorbed into the bowel mucosa.  It produces a healing there, which provides benefits throughout the body.  You should notice your horse beginning to feel better right away.

When taken at the recommended rate of 10,000 ~ 20,000 mg (10~20 grams) per day for your horse, you should often see a difference in a week.  However, each horse is unique and some stresses that have been endured may mean that relief (of serious ailments) will not come immediately.  The long-term benefits of colostrum are definitely worth any minor wait you may experience.

How much colostrum should you feed?

The optimal amount of colostrum will vary from individual to individual and will depend on the reasons receiving colostrum.  Factors to consider are age and overall health.

Many people build up to a higher dosage for a period of time and then reduce to a maintenance level when the desired effects are received.  More colostrum can be taken during times of stress and illness to move through the symptoms quickly.  Colostrum is completely safe (considered a whole food) and contains no toxicity levels so that you can safely feed as much as you want without side effects.  There have never been any reported side effects from taking too much.

When should you feed colostrum?

Colostrum is best taken on an empty stomach.  It is made up of large protein chains, which are designed to pass through the stomach and be released in the small intestines.  As we know it can be difficult to feel your horse on a schedule such as this, but when there is food in the stomach, it may not be as adequately digested and food in the intestinal tract can compete with the colostrum for binding sites, making it not as effective as with an empty stomach.

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‘Rising to the Occasion’

Beta-1, 3-D-glucan – immune activator

By James J. Gormley

Despite the “advances in modern medicine, we are living in an age that presents staggering risk to our immune system.”  Warns Ronald L. Hoffman, M.D. in his 1997 book, Intelligent Medicine (Fireside/Simon & Schuster). True enough.  It’s sometimes quite challenging to keep on top of all of the compromises posed to our immune defenses via the environment such as chemicals in our foods, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, insufficient sleep and disease. 

But the good news is that surprising immune-boosters are being found in the most unlikely places.  Would you believe that a complex sugar (polysaccharide).  Beta-1, 3-D-glucan – found in the cell walls of baker’s yeast (and other sources) – is proving itself to be a top-notch immune charger?  Believe it.

Beta What?  Like other glucans, (special complex sugars or polyglucose).  Beta-1,3-D-glucan is made up of sugar units linked together.

In most cases, Beta-1,3-D-glucan is taken and purified from common baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Other Beta-glucans are found in a variety of fungal cells including sources as Maitake mushroom, Reishi mushroom, Sacred Mushroom tea, barley and oats.

The immune “connection” comes into play when we realize that there is a specific receptor site on a very important immune cell called a macrophage.  When Beta-1,3-D-glucan attaches to the receptor site on the macrophage this immune cell is then “activated” allowing it to go about its business of attacking and destroying invading organisms.

So what exactly is a macrophage?  It’s a potent cell that stems originally from a genetic “soup” of DNA in bone marrow.  After this “pre-macrophage” travels from the bone marrow into the blood it becomes a monocyte (a special white blood cell of leukocyte) and then as a macrophage gets distributed into many different tissues and organs.

Macrophages: Pac-Man to the rescue?  Sort of, just as our hungry virtual friend goes his own little way by devouring invaders, macrophages engulf or phagocytose those nasty troublemakers. 

Infection:  Macrophages play a key role in fighting infections because they rapidly mobilize the infected sites and also help to recruit immune T cells to sites of infection, injury and cancerous growth.  In additions, they respond to bacterial infection by undergoing changes, which enable them to make use of “supercharged” anti-microbial (antibiotic) function.

In contrast to the inflammatory macrophages brought on by irritants or tissue damage macrophages recruited for immune response specifically display an increased capacity to kill a broad range of neoplastic (pre-cancerous) and infectious targets.  “William E Paul, M.D. clarified in Fundamental Immunology.

A complex molecule:  Superimposed on the macrophages more traditional role as a phagocytic scavenger cell is the growing realization that these cells secrete an enormous array of biologically active products.  Not only do macrophages eat up trespassers and offer their own (innate) antioxidants power against free-radicals (the hydroxy radical, especially) they release a dizzying array of critically important enzymes, proteins, lipids and other factors an energy-draining process which decreases levels of vitamin C in activated macrophages.

Some key products released by macrophages include: enzymes that break down cholesterol, triglycerides and protein: interferon-alpha and interferon-beta (“green berets” of our immune expeditionary forces used against AIDS and other diseases): other immune cells: interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha: chondroitin sulfate (proteoglycans) – critical for injury and arthritis and cyclic AMP part of our bodies’ energy equation).

Wound Healing and Inflammation:  Macrophages also participate in reducing inflammation and in the healing of tissues following injury.  The role of macrophages in inflammation is complex, involving the release of molecules that regulate activity of connective tissue cells.  In addition, macrophages secrete angiogenesis factors, that is, factors that bring on the development and growth of new blood vessels.  The same molecules promote growth of endothelial tissue and smooth muscle tissue.  Reducing the number of macrophages in tissues results in poor wound healing.

Tumor Cells:  Activated macrophages can be powerful weapons against many unrelated tumor cells, as can macrophages’ “children” such as interferon mentioned above. 

Interferon:  Not only is interferon released by macrophages, it, in turn, increases the anti-bacteria and anti-tumor capabilities of macrophages and boosts their innate immune powers.

In conjunction with antioxidants (including vitamin C) Beta-1,3-D-glucan – this yeast-derived sugar – can certainly “rise to the occasion.”

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HOW SMOOTH RUN PLUS CALMING FORMULA
WORKS FOR YOUR ANXIOUS HORSE

Studies show that the therapeutic effect of synergistically blended nutrients can work better together than one nutrient on its own.  That goal stands at the forefront of the Smooth Run product line.  The principal foundation of Smooth Run is a specially blended base of probiotics and digestive enzymes. This blend is so important because what really matters is how well your horse utilizes the nutrients you take the time to give.  Without the proper digestive enzymes and beneficial intestinal bacteria, food is not 'fermented' in the way it was intended as it passes through the digestive tract.  Instead of being digested, it remains undigested.  As you read on, you will see how important the digestive process is to maintaining a calm horse.  The Smooth Run recipe is then complimented with a full spectrum vitamin formula, minerals and a joint complex, which acts as a major building block to cartilage repair.  It is truly an all-in-one supplement.  

Smooth Run Plus Calming adds a combination of Valerian Root, Chamomile Flowers and Ginger Root to the basic nutrients in Smooth Run Plus:

• Valerian root is an herb that has been used for centuries in Asia and Europe to relieve anxiety, depression, and is also used to lessen stomach cramps. Studies of valerian confirm a mild sedative effect, one that is calming but does not usually result in sleepiness.
• Chamomile flowers are used in alternative medicine to soothe nervous excitement, as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. 
• Ginger contains many antioxidants and is perhaps the herb best known to stimulate digestion.  Because Ginger also relaxes the muscles surrounding blood vessels it has a wholesome effect on the circulatory system, facilitating the flow of blood throughout the body.

These completely natural herbs have proven time and again to help many overwrought horses conquer their distress and still make it to the pay window!  Please remember that anxiety (or what appears to be anxiety) in your horse can be the result of many factors. 

• Performance Anxiety.  It is common for angst about competition to generally be played out in the gastrointestinal system.  This stress response causes muscle tension, excess acid in the gut and even physical signs such as trembles under the skin.  For these horses, Smooth Run Plus Calming definitely helps.  
• Pain.  Other horses that become anxious before going into the arena may simply be in pain and are exhibiting symptoms of stress because they know the run might hurt. This is often a result of discomfort in a joint.  While supplementation can help to repair damaged cartilage, if you suspect your horse’s anxiety is the result, a consultation with your Vet would be in order.
• Excitement sometimes manifests itself as anxiety.  Some horses love to run and are so fired up they seem to be acting out.  If he is merely anticipating your run but has not “run off” then he is probably eager to do his job.  Often, just by taking a little bit of the edge off, your horse will be better equipped to concentrate on the job ahead.     

Our professional formula, Smooth Run PRO Plus Calming, has become very popular with skilled barrel racers who find that the constant grind of long-distance hauling, unfamiliar stalls and the strain of competition puts even more pressure on their athletic horse.  Smooth Run PRO Plus Calming combines the benefits of Smooth Run Plus Calming, Ulcer Relief, Breathe Smooth  in one easy to feed supplement. 

We've seen our product work wonders.  Not just on attitude, but also in hoof and coat condition, muscle tone (the colostrum in our formula helps here) and you'll notice that when your horse feels better, he'll generally be a better teammate. After all, Barrel Racing is a team sport.  

Whether you choose Smooth Run Plus Calming or Smooth Run PRO Plus Calming, you’ll be helping your anxious horse find his peak performance level.