Benefits of Camel Milk: Help for Diabetes, Allergies & Autoimmunity

 

 

Camel’s milk has a similar flavor to cow’s milk, and it can be used in the same way that regular milk can.

Perhaps the most enticing aspect is that one will not likely experience allergic or sensitive reactions to camel milk that they may get when consuming cow’s milk.

Generally, someone who has become allergic to the casein protein in cow’s milk will react to the dairy products of other animals, such as goat, sheep, and cow milk.

The rate at which proteins in goat’s milk and sheep’s milk are similar to cow’s milk proteins is between 60-75 percent. A large amount of people who experience a reaction to milk derived from cows will likely have a similar response when consuming milk originating from goats and sheep. If someone becomes allergic to the protein in dairy products, they could have a reaction to all dairy-based food items.

A study revealed that only 18 percent of people who had an allergy to cow milk experienced an allergic reaction to camel milk. It is estimated that 80% of those having an intolerance to cow’s milk may be able to digest camel milk without issue. (5, 6)

It is possible to understand why this is so, to some extent, because of the dissimilarity between the two principal proteins in dairy items: casein and whey. Researchers have determined that the type of casein protein uncovered in camel milk is similar to that of human milk, however, the casein molecules present in cow, sheep, and goat milk have an entirely different structure. Unlike other kinds of milk, camel milk doesn’t contain β-lactoglobulin, a part of whey protein that causes allergic reactions, excluding breast milk. (7, 8)

Camel’s milk has a lower amount of lactose when compared with cow’s milk, which has reportedly caused it to be easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance. Scientists are uncertain as to why, but it appears that the body processes camel milk more quickly. For those with extreme difficulty digesting lactose, taking a digestive enzyme such as lactase may be beneficial.

Benefits of Camel Milk

The distinct traits of camels make their milk advantageous for humans in numerous ways.

Help for Diabetes

Research has indicated that the milk of camels can be very worthwhile for diabetics. In contrast to other milks, it should not lead to an increase in the sugar level in the blood, but the positive effects reach farther than that. In fact, some researchers are even using this milk to reduce the amount of insulin needed:

Dr Uma S Dubey, a senior author of the review from BITS Pilani’s Rajasthan campus, declared that research has indicated that consuming camel milk can be advantageous in diminishing the amount of glycosylated or glycated haemoglobin in the bloodstream. This is haemoglobin that has glucose linked to it, and it is often found in increased amounts in individuals who have diabetes. Drinking camel milk can help lessen the amount of insulin that diabetic individuals have to take.

A piece on the therapeutic potential of camel milk, which was published in the Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, conducted by scholars from India’s Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, states that areas where camel milk is an important part of the diet have significantly lower incidences of diabetes.

In 2005, an investigation conducted in India examined the consequences of drinking camel milk on individuals with Type 1 diabetes. This investigation determined that drinking camel milk regularly caused a decrease in the quantity of insulin needed and enhanced overall blood sugar stabilization over time.

Immune Boost

The same immunogenic components present in human milk are also in camel’s milk. Nursing can be beneficial as an addition to breastmilk for this purpose.

This substance is filled with high levels of immunoglobulin A and useful enzymes such as lysozyme and lactoperoxidase, which can assist the body in warding off infection.

Alleviate Allergies

It is possible that the most noteworthy advantage of this specialized milk could be its impact on people who suffer from allergies.

It has been suggested that not just those with a dairy sensitivity can benefit from it, but that using it may even aid in alleviating allergies.

This milk does not contain the A1 casein and lactoglobulin that is found in cow’s milk, two elements that can often cause people to have allergic reactions. Research has indicated that consuming camel milk has the potential to diminish allergic reactions due to its impact on immunity.

A research project published in the Israel Medical Association publication in 2005 looked into the impact of camel’s milk on children with serious sensitivities that didn’t have any reaction to different medicines. The researchers asked these kids to drink camel milk monitored by their healthcare professionals. They watched the outcomes, which were more remarkable than anticipated.

The reports from the study showed that all of the kids had completely cured from their allergies. More research is necessary, however the investigators in that investigation stated that camel milk was more productive than pharmaceuticals in those explicit circumstances with no noted negative reactions.

This reveals an amazing opportunity for those suffering from life-threatening allergies.

Heart and Blood Health

Camel milk contains monounsaturated fats, especially oleic acid, which give it properties similar to those of olive oil. In addition, it contains A2 beta casein, which is distinct from the A1 casein normally located in cow’s milk. Goat milk also contains A2 casein, meaning that for those unable to consume dairy from cows, goat-based products could be more digestible.

It is thought that the A2 beta casein found in camel milk may play a part in the heart and immune system strengthening properties it is known for. From Live Science :

BCM-7 is an opioid-like peptide which is a product of breaking down A1 beta casein. Lori Chong, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, mentioned that BCM-7 has been demonstrated to have the ability to lower the immune system, create inflammation in the gastro-intestinal tract, as well as leading to the development of arterial plaque. It is suggested that it is involved in the emergence of Type 1 diabetes, likely thanks to its capacity to decrease the immune system and its involvement in inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Studies show that the properties of fatty acid in camel’s milk could be beneficial when it comes to heart health and keeping cholesterol levels in check.

Autism Connection

Many people have shared stories about the positive effects of using camel milk for treating autism. This information is quite anecdotal.

This article investigates the potential advantages of camel milk and dairy products in the treatment of autism. Some scientists think that autism is comparable to an autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s immune system harms healthy cells.

Many people have reported experiencing positive results from the use of it, and there exist entire online communities focused on doing so.

Jodie Dashore—both a mother and a physician—picked up about the dairy product based on information provided by well-known neurologist Dietrich Klinghardt, who had been treating her son Brian for his autism. When Brian began drinking camel milk in 2011, it initially caused his motor tics to worsen by three to four times, something that Dashore states is a sign that the milk was eliminating the harmful bacteria in his body. But after two weeks, they started to drop off. The milk also seemed to be a remedy for a great deal of Brian’s other health issues including hives and mobility troubles provoked by an autoimmune condition (the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that many people with autism also have various other illnesses). Brian’s abdominal pains became alleviated, as did his struggle with being underweight which is a common issue for autistic children.

Other reports are equally amazing. A 2005 study in the International Journal of Human Development watched autistic patients who started consuming camel dairy instead of cow dairy and found:

• A 4-year old girl noticed a complete disappearance of autism symptoms in 40 days
• A 15-year old boy noticed recovery after only a month
• Multiple other patients were noticeably better after only two weeks

Further research is necessary to gain insight into how camel milk products could possibly be of aid to those with autism, yet the first evidence is certainly promising.

Autoimmune Disease Help

It has been suggested that autism may be akin to an autoimmune disorder. Some have proposed that this relationship might explain why there is a beneficial effect on autoimmune disorders by drinking camel milk.

It is widely accepted that autoimmune disorders are caused when the body’s natural defenses mistakenly target healthy cells as invaders or dangerous substances. Common treatments for autoimmune diseases usually involve taking medications that suppress the immune system, which often comes with significant repercussions.

Camel milk, in contrast, contains potent but minute immunoglobulins which can enter cells to enhance the immune system while only targeting harmful antigens.

Dr. Reuven Yagil, an expert on the advantages of Camel milk, states that in his studies he has noticed some people managing or even reversing autoimmune infections through the consumption of Camel milk.

Camel Milk May Help Reduce Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

An immunomodulatory therapy, oral tolerance, introduces the reactive substance in a consumable and digested form, much like allergy shots, to prove that the material is harmless. This process has been employed in thyroid disorders with thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin gathered from animal thyroid glands to decrease the amount of auto-antibodies to these proteins. (33)

It has been theorized that some people may have experienced reductions in their Hashimoto’s TPO and TG antibodies after beginning treatment with natural glandular thyroid (NDT) medications, such as Armour and Nature-Throid, extracted from animal glands which may hold minuscule amounts of thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin.

An alternate approach may be consuming camel milk. Camel milk lactoferrin might enable the body to get used to its thyroid peroxidase, leading to a decrease in the amount of thyroid peroxidase antibodies that are generated whenever the thyroid is afflicted by autoimmunity. Camel milk contains an abundance of lactoferrin, which is a protein that grants us protection from infections, compared to other sources of animal milk. (34)

Camel milk contains lactoferrin that has a similarity of 71 percent to human thyroid peroxidase. This suggests that it may be effective in enabling a person’s immune system to recognize thyroid peroxidase, which is typically considered to be a “foreign invader”, as ordinary. (35)

Potential Concerns and Drawbacks with Camel Milk

Below are some arguments against consuming camel milk or being wary when doing so.

Possibly High Iodine Content

Research conducted in the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria suggests that camel milk may have elevated amounts of iodine. It is uncertain if American camel milk has a great deal of iodine, but those suffering from Hashimoto’s should recognize that an excess can worsen their hypothyroidism. (44)

Camel Milk is Not Pasteurized

Some individuals might have worries about consuming or ingesting unprocessed foods. It is commonly believed that Hashimoto’s is safe for adults.

Some People May Still Be Sensitive to Camel Milk

Camel milk has different structures for its whey and casein proteins than other kinds of dairy milk, but it is comparable to human breast milk in this aspect. The two differences – one being the content of lactose and the other being an unspecified difference – is the cause why some people are able to handle camel’s milk but not other kinds of dairy.

Even though it is different, some individuals who are allergic to other kinds of dairy milk may still be allergic to camel milk.

Use with Caution If You Have Hypoglycemia

Although camel milk has the potential to help control blood sugar levels, the insulin it has could worsen hypoglycemia. Consult your doctor if you suffer from hypoglycemia, as it may get worse.

Camel Milk Costs More than Other Types of Milk

Camel milk often comes with a higher price tag and may be difficult to find, however there are legitimate explanations to justify the cost. Cow’s milk is much cheaper than it would likely be if not for the large availability of it due to government support. The amount charged at stores is likely less than the true cost of cow’s milk. Camels are not widely seen in the United States or European Union due to the small size of farms, their difficulty with breeding and their extended period of gestation.

Although it is presently not widely available, camel milk is increasing in availability, and a higher demand for the product could lead to a decrease in its cost.

Raw Milk May Cause a Histamine Reaction

A reader recently suggested that consuming powdered camel milk was beneficial in relieving digestive issues, however, they experienced histamine reactions after drinking raw camel milk.

It is plausible that raw milk contains more bacteria that result in histamine elevation. It is conceivable that the powdered variation has decreased amounts of these bacterium, and thus, lower levels of histamine.

Those who cannot tolerate histamine might want to choose powdered camel milk.

Takeaway

Camel’s milk can be a great pick for those of us with a dairy intolerance and likely other allergies, who are searching for a wholesome (and pleasurable!) substitute to ordinary cow’s milk. Studies done in recent years have demonstrated exceedingly encouraging outcomes when it comes to the advantages of this research.