Answer:   Not all raw milk is dangerous for consumption; you have to distinguish between the two types. One being milk that is legitimate healthy raw milk, produced by farmers that have to adhere to strict state standards and the other is raw milk that is meant for pasteurization from farmers not adhering to these guidelines below.

True healthy raw milk is legal in six states (California, Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Pa, Washington). These strict standards meet or exceed the pasteurization standards and the following apply:

1) Cows are only fed grass not grains. Grains can alter the nutritional content of the milk.

2) Bacteria is tested and the bacteria count of the milk is low and of the healthy probiotic varieties.

3) Milk is chilled quickly

4) No antibiotics or hormones are used in the cattle

5) Farms are clean; cows roam freely and are treated humanely.

The dangers of consuming raw milk from farmers not adhering to these guidelines are that the milk can contain high levels of bacteria and pathogens. This can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever and illness especially in the immune compromised such as infants, elderly and pregnant women and any one else with an immune disorder.

Answer:  Raw Milk has much more nutrition due to the fact that it is not heated to high temperatures.  It contains a much more absorbable calcium, more iodine, enzymes which help to break down the milk and help it better assimilate in the body. It also contains more CLA an essential fat that helps promote fat burning and it has higher levels of omega 3 fats, B12 and B6. Most importantly it contains high levels of beneficial bacteria, which can help contribute to better intestinal health and overall health and immunity. Many of the issues people have such as lactose intolerance, rashes or cramps are not a factor when consuming raw milk due to the above nutrients and healthy bacteria.

Answer:   I would advise patients to consume raw dairy only from certified farms that adhere to the standards mentioned above, if a patient can find this milk I believe it has many benefits which are mentioned above. The dangers of raw milk produced not adhering to the above are that it can contain high levels of bacteria which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever and illness especially in the immune compromised such as infants, elderly and pregnant women and any one else with an immune disorder.

Answer:  Other foods to consume would be yogurts, kefir, and fermented foods such as sauerkraut, soy sauce, and tempeh. Another option is to take probiotic supplements.

Answer:   Diseases that may be transmitted by microorganisms in raw milk or raw milk products include salmonellas, campylobacteriosis, brucellosis, yersiniosis, listeriosis, staphylococcal enterotoxin poisoning, streptococcal infections, tuberculosis and E. Coli. Remember this is in raw milk that has not been tested.