My Jack got in the car after school the other day and said, "Momma, I've got good news and I've got bad news." I loved how he managed to find the silver lining in his rock throwing story which was ultimately all bad news but I appreciated the positive delivery of it. So my dear readers...I've got good news and I've got bad news.
Let's get the bad over with first.
MILK PROTEINS
The two categories of milk proteins are casein and whey. Casein makes up about 80% and is the main source of amino acids in milk. Sounds okay so far. But for some people casein can cause a histamine response such as headaches, tummy issues, increased asthma, and allergies. Okay. So I know a lot of you suffer from allergies. I know this because you all walk around with watery eyes and stuffy noses. You blame it on the wind or the storm or a particular growth season of a plant. Which is probably true but what if dairy is making the whole experience worse? What if you could eliminate dairy and no longer have to wear waterproof mascara? (I hate that stuff. It is like superglue on my already very sad little eyelashes.)
The other protein category is whey. Whey is a bunch of smaller proteins and hormones such as immunoglobulins, insulin, IGF-1, and estrogen. All these things are really awesome if you are a tiny little infant and trying to grow big and strong. They all promote aggressive growth. This is also why you will see IGF-1 in workout supplements. There is an argument that we don't need to continue sending the growth hormone signals to our bodies once we are weened off our mother's milk. I'm not saying I agree with that argument I'm just saying there is one. You can read more about it in It Starts with Food.
Whey also causes our bodies to have an increase in insulin response. Insulin is a good thing. It pushes nutrients into our cells. But too much insulin for too long can be bad and can lead to insulin resistance and it just gets really bad from there.
MILK SUGAR: LACTOSE
We all have heard of lactose-intolerance. If you watch Big Bang Theory you have heard of lactose-intolerance. It is why the guy that was on Roseanne gets teased about his digestive issues when consuming dairy. There is actually a really large percentage of people that have a hard time digesting lactose. The severity of the symptoms vary from just bloating to embarrassing bathroom explosions. I have read that we are all naturally lactose-intolerant but because we force so much dairy on ourselves our bodies have learned to adapt. For those of us that have been off dairy for awhile when we choose to have a dairy treat we usually experience worse symptoms than before we got off the dairy train.
Now comes the good news! YAY!
Raw milk has been found to be very tolerable to our digestive systems and also provides us with wonderful minerals, probiotics, and healthy fats. Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized (a process of extreme heating to kill any bad stuff in the milk) or homogenized (a process of straining the fat globules in the milk allowing it to blend.) Some people claim that switching to raw milk actually improved their health. Actually a lot of people claim this. The crazy thing is there hasn't really been a ton of research on this. When I started to prepare for this blog I did lots of Internet searches. I found two very different sides of the raw milk coin. Anything related to the government stated very strongly, like in a weird way, that raw milk was dangerous and life-threatening. The articles were very negative and several used really strong scary words that really had me second guessing things and feeling like a bad mommy. A lot of the articles made a strong point of debunking raw vs pasturized myths in the exact same bullet point format in almost the same wording. I started to wonder if these articles were just regurgitating other articles and then which of these articles were actually based on research or facts?
Let's discuss these myths. I'm going to copy and paste they actual "myth" from one of the many articles I found. The following comes from www.foodsafetynews.com.
"Myth #1. Raw milk has been consumed for thousands of years without a problem.
This myth reflects a lack of understanding about the historical impact of infectious diseases transmitted by raw milk for centuries, especially tuberculosis, brucellosis (undulant fever), and scarlet fever (1-5). Raw milk has caused numerous deaths of infants throughout history. Pasteurization was developed to prevent these well-documented illnesses and deaths from contaminated raw milk. In developed countries, the use of pasteurization has been directly correlated to reduced infant mortality (6). In developing countries today, from India to Africa, raw milk is routinely boiled before being fed to babies, children, and other family members to protect them from deadly milk-borne infections."
It is my understanding that raw milk is never marketed or recommended to infants. Most every article I read that discussed raw milk as being beneficial was very clear on the fact that those that have compromised immune systems, including infants, elderly, those undergoing chemo, should not drink raw milk or should use great caution and possibly drink a low heat pasteurized milk instead.
"Myth #2. Pasteurization destroys all the nutrients in milk.
Since the dawn of pasteurization (using heat to kill pathogens), this myth has prevailed without scientific evidence. When pasteurization started to become more mainstream early last century, some people were suspicious of the technology. Subsequent analyses of the nutritional components of raw and pasteurized milk revealed no significant differences for the major nutritional components such as proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins (7-10). View comparison of raw and pasteurized organic whole milk labels: "
Okay, maybe this is just my tiny little brain not fully comprehending everything but I'm pretty sure the biggest advantage of raw milk's health benefits is its probiotic nature and the fact that the lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, still remains. These two things alone are pretty important in combating a lot of those unfortunate digestive issues. And in a study titled, "Effect of processing on contents and relationships of mineral elements of milk," it showed that minerals such as iron, manganese and copper were decreased with pasteurization. There is also evidence that the bioavailabilty of B6 and Vitamin A is decreased after pasteurization. I understand that these features are not listed on the Nutrition Facts label but if we are going to dispute something lets be thorough.
"Myth #3. Homogenization produces dangerous changes in milk.
This is another old myth dating back to the first years of milk processing during the last century. Homogenization is simply the process of physically breaking up the fat globules in cow’s milk to make a “homogenous” fluid milk beverage (11-12). Unhomogenized cows milk will develop a cream layer at the top of the container. Goat’s milk is “naturally homogenized” and does not form a cream layer during storage. There is no proven health difference between mechanically homogenized cow’s milk and naturally homogenized goat’s milk."
I haven't read or heard anyone state the homogenization process is dangerous. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places? From what I have read and experienced is that non-homogenized is much creamier and richer. I will say that I was told by an owner of a raw dairy farm that when the milk is non-homogenized the fat molecule is too large to get absorbed and passes through the digestive system. I never came across any research stating that but mostly the raw milk research is focused on pasteurization not homognization.
"Myth #4. Raw milk kills pathogens.
This myth evolved from a partial truth based on experimental data where researchers inoculated “bad” bacteria into raw milk and measured its survival. In one experiment, a few strains of the bacteria Campylobacter died sooner in raw milk compared with sterile milk (13), but most strains survived long in enough in both types of milk to make someone sick. Other experiments have shown survival and even growth of E. coli O157, Salmonella, and Listeria in raw milk and raw milk products (14-17). Live bacterial pathogens are routinely found in bulk tank milk on farms, which proves that “bad” bacteria are not reliably killed by “good” bacteria, enzymes or other components of raw milk (18-21). Raw milk also does not kill or reduce foodborne viruses or parasites."
True. So basically bacteria can grow in both pasteurized and raw milk.
"Myth #5. It is safe to leave raw milk at room temperature.
This myth appears to come from a revival in the interest in traditional diets and practices. Clabbered milk is raw milk allowed to naturally sour and thicken (22). The raw milk is allowed to warm, which can be very dangerous if the milk was accidently contaminated with pathogenic bacteria that grow at warm temperature (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli O157, Staphylococcus aureus). Bacterial pathogens thrive on the nutrients in fresh milk and can outgrow the “good bacteria” once given the advantage of increased temperature. Not all raw milk contains pathogens, but because you can’t see or smell them, there is no way to know if it is safe to take this chance. A safer alternative is to buy cultured dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, and kefir made with pasteurized milk. View charts of pathogen growth from experiments conducted at room temperature and under refrigeration:"
Gross. Not really interested in room temperature milk anyways.
"Myth #6. Raw milk is healthier than pasteurized milk for babies.
Raw milk activists in developed countries, especially the United States, mostly perpetuate this myth. In contrast, most parents in developing countries recognize the dangers of raw animal milk and boil milk to destroy pathogens before feeding to babies or young children. Numerous studies show that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for infants (23). A human mother’s milk is designed to be the best source of nutrition and immune-giving factors for her baby. When breastfeeding is not an option, there is nearly unanimous agreement in the medical and public health communities worldwide that only pasteurized animal milk should be given to infants and young children (1-2, 24)."
This is pretty much a repeat of Myth #1.
"Myth #7. Millions of people purchase raw milk every year in the United States.
This myth appeared recently in an intense marketing campaign by raw milk advocates. Their estimate is based on a 2007 CDC FoodNet survey that found ~3% of people surveyed in 10 states reported drinking raw milk in the last 7 days (25). The survey did not differentiate between raw milk consumed on the farm vs. purchased by a customer. Most raw milk is consumed by rural dairy farm families and their workers who drink raw milk directly from their own animals (26-27). Estimates of non-farm, urban and suburban consumers who purchase raw milk from stores or farmers markets are drastically lower compared with farm family consumption. Commercial raw milk sales make up less
than 1% of milk sales overall (28). Retail commercial raw milk is a highly specialized niche product that is legal in only a few states and sold mostly in small natural food stores and co-ops. Major retailers do not sell raw milk because of the well-documented food safety risks. Whole Foods discontinued sales of raw milk in 2010 due to liability concerns (29).
I'm not sure what the point is? Because raw milk is really difficult to get obviously there are not going to be a lot of people drinking it. In Texas raw milk must be sold from the farm. This means the farmer cannot take the milk to the farmer's market or even deliver it to your home. You have to drive to the farm and purchase it there. I also think that those intense raw milk campaigners were not so concerned with the actual purchases as much as the fact that there are lots of people drinking raw milk whether they live on a farm or not and they are not falling ill or dying. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe these raw milk activists care more about the huge bucks that these small local farmers are getting paid with every $5 to $8 purchase of raw milk.
Myth #8. Deaths attributed to drinking raw milk were from “bathtub cheese” and factory farms, not legal or “certified” raw milk.
This myth goes back to at least the 1980s when a single certified raw milk dairy in California was ultimately shut down after numerous illnesses and deaths from Salmonella Dublin (30). These deaths included immunosuppressed persons with AIDS, a then newly recognized syndrome. From 1980-1983, 15 deaths from salmonellosis in California from certified raw milk were documented (31). Stricter federal regulations were put in place during the 1980s to curb the high rate of illnesses and deaths from legal raw milk (4). There are also documented deaths from listeriosis and salmonellosis due to contaminated Mexican-style cheese (e.g., queso fresco) made with raw milk, and processed milk contaminated after pasteurization (32-33). No deaths in the last decade have been attributed to legal raw milk, but E. coli O157:H7 infections and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) cases have been linked to a number of pasture-based raw milk farms and herdshares in states where raw milk sales are legal (34-36). Advances in medical treatment of HUS likely prevented death, although some patients may suffer from permanent kidney damage and other chronic health problems caused by the original E. coli O157 infection. "
I don't know what to say to this. Doesn't the fact that there have been NO deaths in the last DECADE attributed to legal raw milk kind of speak for itself? According to a report done by Center for Science in the Public Interest approximately 5,000 deaths are reported to be from foodborne illness EVERY YEAR. And we just read that no deaths have been attributed to raw dairy in the last 10 years. Cantaloupe killed more people than the "dangerous" and "life-threatening" raw milk. Hmmm.
Myth #9. European researchers recommend raw milk for treatment of child allergies.
This myth originates from large population-based studies of rural farm factors that affect allergic and other conditions in Europe. A correlation between drinking farm milk and reduced childhood allergies has been found in epidemiological studies (37-41). However, the authors admit that causation has not been proven, and it is unclear if farm (unboiled) milk or other farm factors such as being around animals and barns influence the development of allergies in children. The European researchers recommend that raw milk not be used as a “treatment” for childhood allergies due to the risk of pathogens and serious infection.
So we have discussed this issue of epidemiological studies. Just because people are carrying umbrellas and it is raining doesn't mean when large amounts of umbrellas are pointing to the sky it rains. So sometime the things we observe don't always give us a clear conclusion. But sometimes it does...or at least it may get us thinking in the right direction. I have listened to and read testimonies of lots of people that started drinking raw milk and allergy symptoms disappeared. Maybe it was a placebo affect? Whatever the reason these people are no longer snotty, sneezy, red nose messes like some of you who are starting to really consider this raw milk thing if it means no more allergies.
"Myth #10. Pathogens only come from factory farms (“confined feeding animal operations” or CAFOs).
This myth blossomed after publication of a small study in 1998 that showed a possible relationship between grain feeding and E. coli carriage in cattle (42). This lead to a widespread unsubstantiated belief that a grain diet (typical of a feedlot) affects the acidity of the stomach and promotes the growth of E. coli O157:H7. There is still much more research needed to understand how diet affects an animal’s likelihood of shedding pathogens in their feces (43-50). Higher rates of carriage have been found on feedlots where animals are crowded and when high rations of distiller’s grains are fed, but the specific influence of feed remains unclear. Furthermore, pathogens have been found in the guts and feces of cattle and other animals (including free-roaming wildlife) living on pasture with no exposure to grain."
I have read A LOT about E. coli from grain and corn-fed cows. I actually didn't know that this was an "unsubstantiated belief." There is lots of evidence for this. Now whether or not their poop has more pathogens I would assume so. Does that even need to be tested? Wouldn't it make sense that if E.coli is in the cow then it is also in its poop? And yes, I'm sure pathogens are found in feces of some pasture raised cows. I've never heard anyone say that every single pasture raised cow is perfectly healthy 100% of the time. But it just seems obvious, especially after you watch Food Inc, that those cows that are all crowded together eating food that God never intended cows to eat would have more bad bacteria in their gut as well as their poop. Just saying.
I'm not sure all of that was good new so here is the REALLY good news...In the end you don't have to freak out over whether or not to drink raw milk. You can just simply give dairy up. You will survive. It is not that big of a deal. Hey, you no longer eat crackers, bread, or pasta so what do you need cheese for? Oh that's right...for the cauliflower crust pizza. Mmmm. So if it is that important to you do some research. Chris Kresser did a four part raw milk review covering all the important points. Please read it. Be informed. Also, the movie Farmageddon is on Netflix as a play now option. Watch it. Then check out my next post. I'll let you know all about my family's experience with raw milk and give an amazing recipe for paleo Girl Scout Samoa copycat cookies.
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