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I’ve Tried Everything for My Gut—Probiotics, Bone Broth, Elimination Diets. Why Does Nothing Work?
I've Tried Everything for My Gut—Probiotics, Bone Broth, Elimination Diets. Why Does Nothing Work?
Functional Medicine RN Discovers the Missing Link Between Your Gut Lining and Why Supplements Keep Failing You
By Brooke Alpert, Head of Product Research | Last Updated: January 22, 2026
You wake up bloated, even though you barely ate dinner.
You spend the first 20 minutes of your morning in the bathroom, running late for work… again.
You’ve tried probiotics—the expensive refrigerated ones, the shelf-stable ones, the ones with “clinically proven strains.”
You’ve done bone broth every morning for three months straight.
You’ve eliminated gluten, dairy, soy, nightshades, and basically everything that makes food enjoyable.
And yet… nothing changes.
Here’s what nobody told you:
You can’t rebuild a house on a broken foundation. And right now, your gut lining has microscopic holes that are letting undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria leak directly into your bloodstream.
Why Choose Colostrum Instead Of Other Options?
Enhances skin: According to studies, colostrum contains powerful growth factors that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while improving skin elasticity and radiance.
Stronger Hair & Nails: The bioactive nutrients in colostrum have been shown to nourish hair follicles and nail beds from within.
Cellular Regeneration: Research shows that colostrum’s regenerative peptides work at the cellular level to support repair and renewal throughout the body. This fundamental regeneration process addresses aging at the source.
Improved Gut Health: It can help heal your gut lining and balance your microbiome, eliminating the inflammation that causes both digestive issues and premature aging.
Powerful Immune Support: Colostrum supports your body’s natural defenses without helping you maintain the energy and vitality that keeps you looking and feeling younger.
Environmental Protection: Colostrum strengthens your body’s natural barriers against environmental toxins and stressors that accelerate aging, so your beauty results compound over time instead of fading like with ordinary supplements.
Why I Started Investigating Colostrum (And Almost Gave Up)
Hi, I’m Brooke Alpert. I’m the head of product research here at Shopper Advocate.
Six months ago, I was the skeptic reading colostrum marketing claims and rolling my eyes.
“Nature’s first food”? Sure. “400+ bioactive compounds”? Show me the independent lab tests. “Repairs leaky gut”? Every supplement says that.
But here’s what made me stop scrolling: I was working 60-hour weeks, living on coffee and stress, and my body started falling apart. Chronic bloating. Brain fog so bad I’d forget words mid-sentence. Acne that showed up at age 34 when I’d had clear skin my entire life.
I tried everything. Spent over $2,000 on functional medicine testing. Cut out every “inflammatory” food. Took 14 different supplements every morning.
Nothing worked.
Then my functional medicine doctor said something that changed everything:
"Brooke, you can't absorb any of these supplements if your gut lining is compromised. It's like watering a plant with a hole in the pot—everything just leaks out."
She recommended colostrum. I was skeptical. But I was also desperate.
What Happened When I Actually Tested It (Not Just Took Their Word For It)
Here’s where my professional paranoia kicked in.
I wasn’t going to just buy whatever brand had the best Instagram ads. I’m a product researcher—I test things for a living.
Here’s where my professional paranoia kicked in.
I wasn’t going to just buy whatever brand had the best Instagram ads. I’m a product researcher—I test things for a living.
Most colostrum supplements are basically expensive milk powder.
The processing methods destroy the bioactive compounds. The sourcing is questionable. The dosing is too low to do anything. And the price markups are absolutely criminal.
But three brands stood out from the pack. And one of them became my daily non-negotiable.
The Three Colostrum Supplements That Actually Passed Our Testing
ColSilk by SRI (Skin Research Institute)
The only triple-action formula combining colostrum, collagen, and polypodium leucotomos
4.8/5.0
Formula: Premium Bovine Colostrum + Hydrolyzed Collagen + Polypodium Leucotomos
What Makes It Different:
- Collected within 6 hours of calving for maximum nutrient density
- Triple-action approach: gut repair + skin support + cellular protection
- Low-temperature processing preserves bioactive compounds
Ethically sourced from grass-fed cows - Superior mixability—dissolves completely with no clumping
My Personal Results:
- Week 1-2: Subtle reduction in morning bloating
- Week 3-4: Significantly less brain fog, more consistent energy
- Week 6-8: Noticeably thicker hair and glowing skin
- Mumbai Mumbai Chronic acne cleared up, digestive issues 80% improved
PROS:
- Only formula combining colostrum + collagen + polypodium leucotomos
- Ethically sourced, collected earliest for highest potency
- Superior mixability—no clumping or chalky aftertaste
- Visible results within 6-8 weeks (hair, skin, gut)
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Third-party tested for purity and potency
- Actually SAVES money vs. buying collagen separately
CONS:
- Only available online (not in stores)
- Currently only offered unflavored
- High demand sometimes affects stock levels
The Bottom Line:
ColSilk is the perfect balance of science-backed ingredients, visible results, and exceptional value. After testing 10 brands, this is the one that consistently delivered on its promises without the premium pricing insanity of brands like ARMRA.
What sets it apart is the triple-action formula. While other brands only offer colostrum, ColSilk adds hydrolyzed collagen (for skin/hair) and polypodium leucotomos (cellular protection). Since I was already spending $40-50/month on collagen separately, ColSilk actually SAVES me money while delivering superior results.
Current Price:
- 1 jar (365g):
$69$59 - 2 jars:
$139$111
Cost Per Day: ~$0.98/day (60 servings)
ARMRA Colostrum
Premium physician-founded brand with proprietary processing
4.2/5.0
Formula: Proprietary Cold-Chain BioPotent™ Colostrum
What Makes It Different:
- Founded by Dr. Sarah Rahal (pediatric neurologist)
- Proprietary processing claims 32% more bioactives retained
- Convenient travel stick format available
- Unique flavor options (Blood Orange, Watermelon, Peach Persimmon)
- Casein-free, fat-free formulation
What Real Users Report:
“I have been subscriber of ARMRA almost 2 years now. It’s made a huge difference in my everyday life. I have it on auto ship because I can’t live a day without it!” — Teri N.
But Also This:
“I’ve used this for the past three months and haven’t really seen any difference nor felt any different. Maybe it did something but I can’t tell. I think I’m tapping out, too expensive.”
— Maria P., Thingtesting Review
My Personal Results:
- Week 1-2: Subtle reduction in morning bloating
- Week 3-4: Significantly less brain fog, more consistent energy
- Week 6-8: Noticeably thicker hair and glowing skin
- Month 3: Chronic acne cleared up, digestive issues 80% improved
PROS:
- Physician-founded credibility (Dr. Sarah Rahal)
- Convenient travel stick format
- Unique flavor options for better taste
- Proprietary processing technology
- Strong brand reputation and loyal customer base
CONS:
- Extremely expensive ($0.91/gram vs. competitors at $0.20-0.54/gram)
- F Rating with BBB (1.14 stars from 29 reviews)
- Mixed results—works amazingly for some, nothing for others
- Numerous customer service complaints about subscription cancellations
- Recommended serving size may be too low for therapeutic benefits
- No-return policy on opened containers
The Bottom Line:
ARMRA is a premium product with devoted fans and genuine results for some users—particularly around hair growth and immunity. The flavor options and travel sticks are genuine competitive advantages.
However, the extreme price premium (450%+ more expensive than value brands), inconsistent results, and serious customer service issues make it hard to recommend as a first choice. The F rating with the BBB is concerning, with complaints centered around impossible-to-cancel subscriptions and unresponsive support.
Current Price: $94 for 60 servings
True Daily Cost: $1.57-$6.28/day (at recommended 1-4 servings)
450% more expensive per gram than value competitors
WonderCow Colostrum
Best value option for budget-conscious buyers
4.0/5.0
Formula: Unflavored Bovine Colostrum Powder
What Makes It Different:
- Exceptional value: $64 for 60 servings
- Available at major retailers (Walmart, Amazon)
- Grass-fed bovine colostrum, USA-sourced
- Low-heat processing
What Real Users Report:
“This product has changed my hair so much!! My hair is thick and full, it’s growing so fast. It’s helped my digestive system so much but the biggest difference is my skin and hair.”
— Walmart Verified Reviewer
“I have a host of G.I. issues, brought on by chemo, and this colostrum powder corrected one of the most serious issues inside a week, I couldn’t believe it.”
— Walmart Verified Reviewer
PROS:
- Exceptional value ($0.20/gram vs. premium brands at $0.50-0.91/gram)
- Effective for basic gut health and immunity support
- Accessible pricing makes long-term use sustainable
- Available at major retailers (easy to find)
- Positive user reviews for hair growth and digestive improvements
CONS:
- Basic formulation lacks additional beneficial compounds
- Less transparent about sourcing and processing methods
- Mixing quality not as smooth as ColSilk
- May require higher doses to match premium brand results
- Limited flavor options
The Bottom Line:
WonderCow is an excellent entry point for colostrum supplementation, especially if you’re price-sensitive or want to test colostrum benefits before investing in premium formulations.
However, if you’re dealing with complex health issues (chronic gut problems, autoimmune conditions, stubborn skin issues), the basic formulation may not deliver the comprehensive support you need. In those cases, ColSilk’s triple-action formula offers significantly better value despite the higher upfront cost.
Current Price: $64 for 60 servings
Cost Per Day: $1.07/day
Why ColSilk Stands Above The Competition
The critical difference lies in ColSilk’s comprehensive triple-action approach that other products miss:
1. Gut Barrier Repair: Premium colostrum collected within 6 hours of calving to preserve maximum immunoglobulins, growth factors, and bioactive peptides that physically seal gut lining
2. Structural Support: Hydrolyzed collagen that replenishes skin, hair, and nail structure while colostrum works on internal healing
3. Cellular Protection: Polypodium leucotomos shields cells from UV radiation and environmental toxins that accelerate aging
The Real Cost Comparison: What You're Actually Paying Per Year
When you calculate the true annual investment, the value difference becomes striking:
|
Product
|
Monthly Cost
|
Servings
|
Cost Per Day
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
ColSilk
|
$59 (365g)
|
60 servings
|
$0.98
|
|
ARMRA
|
$94
|
60 servings
|
$1.57
|
|
WonderCow
|
$64
|
60 servings
|
$1.07
|
BUT HERE’S THE REAL MATH:
If you were buying collagen separately ($40/month) + basic colostrum ($64/month), that’s $104/month = $1,248/year
ColSilk combines both for $59/month, saving you $540 per year while delivering superior results because the ingredients work synergistically.
⚠ Important: The 3-6 Month Reality Check
Here’s what colostrum companies don’t emphasize enough:
gut barrier repair requires consistent daily use for 8-12 weeks to see visible results..
This is because your gut lining regenerates every 3-5 days, but building a truly healthy barrier takes months of consistent support.
Many people abandon their supplement after just 3-4 weeks, right before results would have become apparent. The brands selling $110/month colostrum rarely mention that you’ll need to invest $330-440 before seeing if it works. At ColSilk’s current sale price, that same 3-month commitment costs just $178.47 – making it far less risky to give your gut the time it needs to heal.
Don't Believe Us? Here's What Others Are Saying!
Doesn’t throw off taste
Looking for supplements to boost my skin and overall health and found this. I pair it with my vanilla flavored protein powder or fruits so I don’t know the taste by itself but it doesn’t throw off the flavor anything. I’m noticing a change in my skin as well, great product.
– Alawna Jay 🌺, June 12, 2025 ✓ Verified Amazon Purchase
Easy to mix, and tastes great with our drinks
My wife and I have been trying this out for a bit — I just throw it into my protein shake, and she adds it to her hot cocoa or milk. It’s unflavored on its own, but since we’re mixing it into other beverages, the taste ends up great. We haven’t tried it with just water (even though the label says you can), but it dissolves well with our drinks. Just waiting to see how the results go, but so far, it’s been an easy addition to our routine. Hoping to see improvements in our skin and just overall health.
– Daniel Abbott, May 23, 2025 ✓ Verified Amazon Purchase are you excited
Blends easily
I like that this collagen supplement goes above and beyond to incorporate colostrum and polypodium – two health boosting and gut friendly supplements. It is flecked with brown unlike straight collagen powders and dissolves easily into both warm and cold beverages. I use it in my iced coffee every morning and can’t taste any difference, especially once I’ve added cream and honey. The powder contributes to a smooth and creamy texture which I enjoy. When mixed with piping hot (just below boiling) liquid I’ve noticed it can clump up a little bit, but mixing with a bit of cool water or milk before adding it to something super hot eliminates that problem. The price point is a little high but otherwise I really enjoy this supplement and the convenience of getting colostrum and collagen together in one go.
– Danielle G., May 21, 2025 ✓ Verified Amazon Purchase
Your Gut Problem Isn't Permanent—It's Just Damaged
You have two choices.
Keep taking probiotics that can’t colonize a damaged gut. Keep trying supplements that leak through holes in your intestinal lining. Keep waking up bloated and exhausted.
Or try what our research shows actually repairs the foundation. What ColSilk’s triple-action formula delivers.
And what thousands of people are already using to finally heal their gut.
Many people choose to try it. Now they’re finally experiencing the transformation they’d almost given up on.
Every day you wait, more damage accumulates in your gut lining.
✓ 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Try ColSilk PPPPP for 60 days. If you don’t:
- ✓ Notice reduced shedding within 4-6 weeks
- ✓ Feel your hair getting stronger and more resilient
- ✓ See visible improvements in thickness by month 3
…send it back for a full refund. No questions.
🔥 NEW YEAR SALE: Up to 20% OFF - Only 355 bottles left at this price.
Due to ethical sourcing requirements and grass-fed New Zealand colostrum limited availability, production runs are constrained. This batch is 68% sold out.
Hurry up! Sale ends once the timer hits zero
