Raw milk, long debated as healthier and nutritious than pasteurized milk by enthusiasts but strongly cautioned against by health practitioners, is now a hot topic in health and wellness circles with the increasing popularity of "natural" and "unprocessed" foods. The dangers surrounding raw milk have been brought to the forefront with the outbreak of H5N1 bird flu, highlighting the risk of contamination in raw milk supplies. All about raw milk, its risks, and the latest science.

What Is Raw Milk?

Raw milk is unpasteurized milk taken directly from cows, goats, or other similar animals. Unpasteurized milk does not go through the heat treatment process meant to destroy harmful pathogens and bacteria. Raw milk proponents say that pasteurization kills nutrients and enzymes. And that might be one false claim after another, as science continues to disprove it.

According to Dr. Meghan Davis of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, pasteurization does not significantly alter the concentration of minerals or the quality of proteins in milk. In fact, it's a critical step to ensure food safety, particularly for animal-derived products prone to contamination.

Wellness influencers have in recent times advocated for raw milk as the "clean" and "natural" alternative to commercial milk distributed in stores, using claims from improved digestion to the stimulation of the immune system. However, these claims are not scientifically proven. Although raw milk contains antibodies, the amounts are too small to be worth anything for health.

Health Risks of Drinking Raw Milk

Raw milk consumption poses immense risks. It can become contaminated in two major ways:

1. Internal Contamination: Pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter can seep into milk through infected animals.

2. External Contamination: Polluted water, dirt, manure, and contaminated equipment introduce harmful microorganisms.

The infections acquired from raw milk include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fever, and severe effects can be experienced by infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and even immunocompromised people. Some other rare but serious diseases like hemolytic uremic syndrome, which may bring about renal failure or stroke, have also been associated with raw milk.

Bird Flu Impact on Raw Milk Safety

Raw milk has become a focal point of the latest bird flu outbreak as preliminary genetic analysis indicates the H5N1 virus, which causes avian flu, may have begun infecting cattle earlier than thought. And the CDC says viral particles have been found in raw milk, which adds one more risk to consuming unpasteurized dairy.

A notable case was with sick and dead cats on a Texas dairy farm that resulted from ingesting unpasteurized milk from infected cows. This presents how unpasteurized milk can be a vector for transmitting diseases.

Legal Status of Unpasteurized Milk

To reduce the risk, the FDA prohibited the interstate sale of unpasteurized milk in the United States. Different states, however, have their respective regulations on this matter:

- 20 states completely banned the sale of unpasteurized milk.

- 30 states allow raw milk sales under specified conditions.

Although these laws exist for protection of public health, many consumers are not even aware of the dangers associated with their consumption.

Why Pasteurization Is Important

Pasteurization destroys harmful bacteria without affecting the nutritional content of milk. Several studies in *Nutrition Today* report that pasteurization does not change the nutrient profile of milk. Pasteurized milk is free from pathogens and, therefore, also a safer alternative for all consumers, especially vulnerable ones.

Myths About Raw Milk Products

It's not just raw milk that's hazardous. Cheese, yogurt, and ice cream with unpasteurized milk carry the same dangers. To anyone tempted by the supposed health value of raw dairy, experts say in one voice: stick to pasteurized, and avoid illnesses like bird flu or salmonella infection.

Should You Drink Raw Milk?

Health organizations, including the FDA, CDC, and American Academy of Pediatrics, strongly advise against consuming raw milk. Beyond the personal health risks, drinking raw milk can also endanger others by increasing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.

The emergence of H5N1 in cattle and its link to raw milk calls the world to wake up to better preparedness. Like COVID-19, bird flu has demonstrated vulnerabilities in our food safety systems. The presence of avian flu in raw milk underscores the imperative for strict rules, public education, and investments in the prevention of these diseases.

Could this outbreak push governments and health organizations to step up surveillance and vaccination efforts against zoonotic diseases? The lessons learned from COVID-19 suggest a coordinated approach is essential to prevent future pandemics.

On the other hand, raw milk is far riskier and has far fewer benefits than its apparent healthy, "natural" choice. From bacterial contamination to the allowance of viruses like H5N1, there is evidence that is clear: pasteurization cannot be wished away. As we face new health challenges, it will be science over trends that safeguard public health.

For years, weight loss advice has been dominated by a single message: eat less. From crash diets to extreme calorie counting, the assumption has been that consuming fewer calories is the ultimate solution to obesity. While reducing excessive calorie intake can contribute to weight loss, the reality is far more complex. Sustainable weight management requires understanding the science of metabolism, behaviour, hormones, sleep, stress, and long-term lifestyle patterns rather than relying solely on restriction.

Why Restrictive Diets Don't Help

The human body is not a simple mathematical equation. It is an adaptive system designed to protect itself. When calorie intake is drastically reduced, the body often interprets this as a potential threat and responds by slowing metabolism to conserve energy. Hunger hormones such as ghrelin increase, while hormones responsible for satiety decrease. As a result, people often feel hungrier, more fatigued, and less motivated over time.

This explains why many restrictive diets may show short-term success but fail to deliver sustainable outcomes. Initial weight loss is often followed by plateaus or weight regain, leaving individuals frustrated and blaming themselves for lacking discipline. In reality, biology plays a significant role in resisting prolonged calorie deprivation.

Food Quality and Lifestyle Factors

Equally important is the quality of food being consumed. Two meals with the same calorie count can affect the body very differently. Diets rich in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to rapid blood sugar fluctuations, increased cravings, and poor satiety. On the other hand, balanced meals containing adequate protein, fibre, healthy fats, and micronutrients help regulate appetite and support metabolic health.

Lifestyle factors also play a critical role in sustainable weight management. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which may contribute to increased fat storage and emotional eating. Poor sleep disrupts hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, often increasing cravings for high-calorie foods while reducing energy levels for physical activity. Sedentary lifestyles further compound the issue.

Weight loss is also deeply connected to behavioral and emotional health. Many eating habits are influenced by stress, social environments, routines, and emotional triggers rather than true hunger. Advising someone to “just eat less” overlooks these underlying drivers. Without addressing behavioral patterns, sustainable change becomes difficult.

This evolving understanding of obesity has shifted the conversation from blame and willpower to science and personalized care. Today, obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic, multifactorial condition that requires comprehensive management strategies tailored to individual needs.

Lifestyle modifications such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, sleep optimization, and behavioral counselling remain the cornerstone of treatment. However, for some individuals, especially those struggling with obesity-related health concerns or repeated cycles of weight regain, lifestyle interventions alone may not always be sufficient.

Endoscopic Procedures

In recent years, minimally invasive endoscopic procedures have emerged as additional tools within medically supervised weight management programs. Procedures such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) help reduce stomach volume to promote early satiety, while intragastric balloons can aid portion control and behavioral modification. Transoral outlet reduction (TORe) may also help individuals experiencing weight regain after bariatric surgery.

These procedures are not shortcuts or substitutes for healthy habits. Instead, they work in conjunction with long-term dietary and lifestyle interventions to support sustainable outcomes in appropriately selected patients.

Sustainable Weight Loss

Ultimately, sustainable weight loss is not about punishing the body through extreme restriction. It is about understanding how the body functions, identifying the biological and behavioral factors influencing weight, and creating realistic, long-term strategies that support overall health.

The future of weight management lies not in simplistic advice, but in compassionate, science-backed, and personalized care. Only by moving beyond the outdated “eat less” narrative can we create healthier and more sustainable approaches to obesity management.

(Dr. Saransh Jain, Consultant Gastroenterology at the BLK Super Speciality hospital)

India's food regulator, FSSAI, has issued notices to six beverage brands, including Red Bull and PepsiCo India, for claiming to be "energy drinks," citing misbranding and misleading claims.

The brands include:

• Red Bull Energy Drink
• PepsiCo – Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink
• Reliance Consumer Products – Campa Energy Gold Boost
• Sting Energy Drink
• Hell Energy
• Coca-Cola-backed Monster

Why FSSAI Issued Notices

The FSSAI, in a post on social media platform X, noted that it has not notified any standard for "energy drink" or similar products.

The regulator stated that these brands have "marketed using descriptors such as 'energy drink' on product branding and labelling."

The FSSAI further said that the Food Category System under the FSS Regulations is not intended for product naming or labelling purposes.

"Functional or therapeutic claims, including but not limited to 'vitalizes body and mind', 'enhancing focus', 'boost energy levels', 'aid in general weakness', or similar conditions, are not permissible for food products under the FSS Act 2006 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder," the regulator said.

Recently, Maharashtra State FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal told the Assembly that the state is set to ban the sale of Sting energy drink within 500 meters of schools.

READ: Hantavirus Outbreak Linked To Luxury Cruise Ship Over, Says WHO

Are Energy Drinks Healthy?

Energy drinks have become a fad among the youth population and are linked to rising fitness awareness. According to the IMARC Group, India's energy drinks market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2034.

However, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, said energy drinks may not actually provide "energy."

Rather, they are loaded with "caffeine, sugar and stimulants" that may not be healthy and are "not necessary for exercise, gym workouts or sports."

"Some studies suggest caffeine can improve alertness and endurance in certain athletes. But that doesn't mean everyone who goes to the gym or for a morning run needs an energy drink. Most recreational exercisers do not need energy drinks," said the noted neurologist known popularly as Hyderabad doctor.

He noted that for people working out for less than an hour: "Water is usually enough".

"If you need extra fuel, ordinary carbohydrate-rich foods, such as a banana, fruit, dates or a simple meal, are often safer and cheaper than an energy drink".

Health Risks Of Energy Drinks

READ: Excessive Energy Drinks Damaging Young Adults’ Livers, Experts Warn

Dr Sudhir also noted the downsides of energy drinks many of which contain large amounts of added sugar, high doses of caffeine and multiple stimulants whose combined effects are not always well studied.

He liked excess intake of energy drinks with:

• Weight gain
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes (especially sugar-sweetened drinks)
• High blood pressure
• Sleep disturbance
• Anxiety and palpitations
• Dangerous heart rhythm problems."

Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in young patients presenting with liver dysfunction. Energy drinks may be one of the culprit, according to Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary, President of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI) and Chairman and Head, Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation, BLK-Max Hospital, New Delhi.

"Three major contributors stand out — energy drinks, alcohol, and high-sugar beverages. Energy drinks, often perceived as harmless, contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and chemical additives that place immense stress on the liver," the doctor said.

Who Should Avoid Energy Drinks?

Dr. Sudhir suggested people should avoid or strictly limit energy drinks if they are:

• Children and adolescents
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People with heart disease
• People with hypertension
• People with anxiety disorders
• People with sleep problems.

Health officials in the United States are investigating a growing outbreak of Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis.

While the source of the outbreak is not yet clear, cases have been rising in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported on July 1 that 170 people across seven counties in Michigan had been infected as of June 30.

"Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have been occurring across the United States and now here in Michigan. Based on the unusual number of cases we have identified in a little over a week, we anticipate additional cases of illness being reported," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive.

Earlier, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 145 people, aged 5 to 86, contracted the parasite between May 1 and June 16. Twenty people were hospitalized, with infections reported across 17 states. New York recorded the highest number of cases.

New York has reported the highest number of cases, with between 31 and 80 infections, according to The Independent. Illinois and Texas have each reported between 11 and 30 cases.

Other affected states include: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin. Each of these states has reported between one and 10 cases.

Also read: Scientific Breakthrough: US Scientists Create First Synthetic Cell That Eats and Reproduces

What Foods Should You Avoid?

According to the CDC, cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the US have frequently been linked to imported fresh produce and to travelers returning from Cyclospora-endemic regions. However, investigators believe the current outbreak is associated with contaminated food consumed within the United States, as most patients had not traveled internationally before becoming ill.

Health officials have not advised people to avoid all fresh produce, as investigators have not yet identified the exact source of the outbreak. However, previous US outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce such as:

• Basil
• Cilantro
• Mesclun lettuce
• Raspberries
• Snow peas

So far, no outbreaks have been linked to commercially frozen or canned produce.

The parasite spreads through food or water contaminated with human feces and is not spread directly from person to person.

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How To Prevent Cyclospora Infection

The CDC recommends following safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Produce labeled "prewashed" does not need to be washed again.
• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Cut away any bruised or damaged areas before eating.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.

It also advises people traveling to tropical and subtropical regions, where Cyclospora is more common, should also be cautious. Routine chemical disinfectants used on food or water do not reliably kill the parasite.

What Is Cyclospora cayetanensis?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne intestinal illness. People become infected by consuming contaminated food or water.

The infection commonly causes watery diarrhea and other digestive symptoms. While many cases are mild, the illness can last weeks or even months if left untreated. Doctors typically treat the infection with antibiotics.

People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or other conditions affecting immunity, are at greater risk of developing severe illness.

Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection

Symptoms usually begin about one week after consuming contaminated food or water and may include:

• Watery or explosive diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting.