I have struggled with digesting dairy my entire life. As a child, I recall my mother rewarding me with ice cream for dessert. It was a treat I simply couldn't resist (Moose Tracks or Cherry Garcia, anyone?). However, I paid the price dearly, experiencing severe cramps and bloating almost every time I indulged. Unsurprisingly, not much changed over the years. Until...
Fast forward to my mid-30s, when I decided to clean up my diet, get to the root of my digestive issues, and pursue a career as a nutritionist. Knowing that I had such a terrible time with dairy, I was dairy-free at the time I began my studies. However, through my education at the Nutritional Therapy Association, I learned that there was an option for me that I hadn't previously considered- raw milk.
Now I know what you're thinking. Wouldn't raw milk be even more difficult to digest? And here lies the truth of the matter... NO... raw milk is actually more easily digested and waaay healthier than traditional pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized milk.
What is raw milk exactly?
Raw milk comes from grass-fed cows, raised with plenty of space and sunlight. It is an unprocessed, living food. A natural probiotic. Macro-wise, it is almost equal parts fat, protein, and carbs. Truly one of nature's perfect foods. The properties of raw milk help build our immune system and fight disease. It is one of the most nutrient-dense, wholesome foods there is!
What is the issue with pasteurized milk, anyhow?
Milk that is pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized has been heated to very high temperatures, denaturing the enzymes and destroying their biological activity. The body sees these flattened enzymes as foreign proteins and mount an immune defense. This is how pasteurized milk works against our bodies... an overactive immune system leads to inflammation, which is the root of many diseases and conditions, such as allergies and asthma (westonaprice.org).
Milk from cows raised on pasture will be much richer in vitamins, especially A, D, and K (vs.cows raised in confinement). Vitamins A, D, and K are essential fat soluble vitamins, necessary for overall health and a host of functions. In addition to vitamins, raw milk also contains minerals, enzymes, naturally occurring CLA, and other omega-3 fatty acids (organicpastures.com).
But shouldn't milk be pasteurized to protect us from pathogens?
Produced under clean conditions, raw milk contains biological components that protect us from pathogens. One of the best known protective systems in raw milk are the beneficial bacteria Lactobacilli and Bifidus bacteria. This bacteria crowds out the bad bacteria and also produces lactic acid that kills the bad bacteria. In addition, the beneficial bacteria:
- destroy pathogens in the milk
- stimulate the immune system
- build a healthy gut wall
- prevent absorbtion of pathogens and toxins in the gut
- ensure assimilation of all the utrients (westonaprice.org).
What happens once raw milk is digested?
The proteins in the milk carry vitamins and minerals through the gut and into the bloodstream. The nutrients take all of the actions mentioned above, building the immune system and protecting against disease. However, this level of immunity boosting is not possible with the denatured character of pasteurized milk.
Takeaway: when milk is heated during the pasteurization process, the protective systems inherent to raw milk are destroyed.
But is it safe?
Raw dairy farmers are required to meet rigorous standards to ensure milk production occurs without pathogen growth. These standards are set forth by the Raw Milk Institute, so you can check to make sure that your farmer is affiliated. Currently, raw milk is legal in 43 states, and it must be sold in the state in which it is produced. You can read more about the RAWMI standards here.
Bottom Line
The characteristics of raw milk provide for an ease of digestibility, giving those that experience discomfort with dairy a natural, healthy option. If you haven't already, it is well worth giving raw milk a try. I'd love to hear about your experiences with raw milk! You can contact me here.
In good health and food freedom,
Alyssa
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