Florida health department has issued a warning for people against raw milk after 21 people got sick due to it, including six children, got sick from E. coli and campylobacter bacteria. The illnesses were all linked to raw milk from a single farm.

Of those infected, seven people have also been hospitalized. The health department raised serious concerns about the farm's sanitation practices, stating, "Sanitation practices in this farm are of particular concern due to the number of cases." The dangerous bacteria, which can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, can lead to severe complications such as kidney failure, especially in children.

The US has seen an increase in the amount of people who are choosing to drink raw milk. People on social media are also encouraging others to drink unpasteurized milk and go for the ‘healthy’ and ‘all-natural’ beverage. However, drinking raw milk is a big cause of health concern. According to a 2023 survey published in the Journal of food protection, 4.4% of US adults report drinking raw milk at least once in the past year. How did this trend come to be? And why are people discouraged from drinking raw milk?

Rise Of Raw Milk Consumption In US

The survey revealed that raw milk is popular among those who prefer "unprocessed" foods, its consumption is still relatively low in the U.S. About 4.4% of U.S. adults (around 10.7 million people) reported drinking raw milk at least once in the past year. The study also found that most of these drinkers (62%) only drink it occasionally, less than once a month. The people most likely to drink raw milk are:

• Young adults (ages 18-35)
• People who live in rural areas
• Residents of states where raw milk can be legally sold in stores
• People living in the Northeast

Interestingly, the study found that frequent raw milk drinkers tended to have less education, while those who drank it occasionally were more likely to be college graduates.

Common Myths That Aid To The Popularity of Raw Milk Debunked

The FDA warns that raw milk can contain many types of germs that cause serious diseases. Scientific studies and many reported outbreaks have proven the risks of drinking raw milk. The process of pasteurization, which heats milk, effectively kills these germs without changing the milk's nutritional value.

Myth 1: Raw milk cures lactose intolerance.

This is false. All milk, whether raw or pasteurized, contains lactose. People who are lactose intolerant lack an enzyme called lactase to properly digest lactose. There is no lactase in raw milk itself. While some fermented products like yogurt can help because they contain specific bacteria that produce lactase, raw milk does not have the same bacteria in the same amounts.

Myth 2: Raw milk prevents asthma and allergies.

This is a misunderstanding of a well-known study. One study found that children who drank "farm milk" had lower rates of asthma and allergies, but it did not say the milk was raw. In fact, about half of the milk in that study was boiled. The researchers themselves warned against drinking raw milk as a preventive measure because of the risk of dangerous germs.

Myth 3: Raw milk prevents osteoporosis and is better for bones.

There is no scientific proof that raw milk is better for your bones than pasteurized milk. Studies show that pasteurization does not change the amount of calcium in milk or how well your body can absorb it. In fact, research on both animals and humans found no difference in calcium absorption between those who drank raw milk and those who drank pasteurized milk.

Myth 4: Raw milk contains good bacteria for your gut.

This is incorrect. The bacteria found in raw milk are not beneficial probiotics. Instead, they often come from unsanitary conditions, such as manure or a cow's infected udder. The presence of these bacteria often signals poor hygiene at the farm. Probiotics must be specific, non-harmful bacteria that can help human health. The bacteria in raw milk, such as E. coli and Salmonella, are known to cause disease.

Myth 5: Raw milk boosts your immune system.

Raw milk is actually not safe for the immune system, especially for children. It is much more likely to make them sick. There have been many documented outbreaks of serious illnesses like E. coli infections in children who drank raw milk.

While raw milk does contain proteins called immunoglobulins, which help fight disease, they are found in very small amounts. These levels are so low they have no real effect on the human body.

Myth 6: Raw milk is easier to digest.

This is also false. Raw milk does not contain special enzymes that help you digest it better. The enzymes found in milk, like proteases and lipases, are not for human digestion and are mostly destroyed by the stomach's acid. Your body has its own enzymes to digest milk proteins and fats, and these work the same whether the milk is raw or pasteurized.

Myth 7: Raw milk is more nutritious.

Pasteurization has almost no impact on the nutritional value of milk. The levels of protein, fat, and minerals like calcium are the same in both raw and pasteurized milk. While some vitamins can be slightly affected by heat, the main vitamins in milk (like B vitamins) are very stable. The small amount of vitamin C in milk might be reduced, but milk is not a significant source of vitamin C to begin with.

Halloween may bring an abundance of sweets and chocolate, but a few of these treats could carry health risks that have nothing to do with sugar. Mixing certain confectionery with prescription medication can cause unexpected side effects, especially for people being treated for depression, anxiety, or heart conditions. Kiran Jones, a Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, explained which medicines could be affected, ranging from stronger adverse reactions to reduced drug effectiveness, and what ingredients should be avoided.

Avoid Halloween Sweets If You Are on Medication

While enjoying Halloween treats in moderation is harmless for most people, those taking regular medication should be cautious. Some common ingredients in candies, especially artificial sweeteners, caffeine, liquorice, and food coloring can interfere with how medicines work. Even small amounts can alter absorption, increase side effects, or counteract the intended effect of the drug.

Depression, Anxiety and Parkinson’s Medications

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame can interfere with neurotransmitters affected by Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). These medicines are prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s disease by preventing the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain.

When combined with aspartame, these drugs can lead to an excessive build-up of neurotransmitters, resulting in high blood pressure, headaches, nervousness, or trouble sleeping.

Jones explained, “People taking these medications should avoid or limit foods containing aspartame to prevent these potentially serious reactions.”

ADHD, Anti-Anxiety and Blood Pressure Medications

Sugar-free sweets, diet drinks, and low-calorie snacks often contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame, while caffeine is commonly found in chocolate and coffee-flavoured candies. For those on ADHD medication, anti-anxiety pills, or blood pressure drugs, caffeine can significantly alter how the medicine behaves.

It can heighten the stimulant effects of drugs such as Adderall while weakening the calming impact of SSRIs. Similarly, caffeine may counteract beta-blockers used for blood pressure control by raising heart rate and blood pressure. This interaction can cause symptoms like palpitations, restlessness, poor sleep, and in severe cases, an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.

Blood Pressure, Diuretics and Antiarrhythmics Medications

People taking medication for blood pressure, water retention, or irregular heart rhythms should be cautious with liquorice sweets. Liquorice contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that reduces potassium levels and increases sodium retention in the body, which can lead to higher blood pressure and fluid retention.

This effect directly interferes with blood pressure and heart medications, making them less effective and potentially causing uncontrolled hypertension. Regular or excessive consumption could also worsen heart rhythm problems.

Allergy Medications

Those taking antihistamines for allergies should watch out for colourful candies like M&Ms or Skittles. Artificial food dyes in such sweets can trigger the release of histamines—the same compounds antihistamines are meant to block.

This can weaken the effectiveness of the medication and, for sensitive individuals, cause allergic responses such as itching, hives, or swelling. Even if the reaction is mild, repeated exposure can reduce the benefit of the medicine over time.

We all have habits we know are bad for us, yet we don’t stop doing them. Most smokers know that smoking is bad for their health, and even say they would like to quit, but something stops them. The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains how 70% smokers say they would like to quit, people who abuse drugs and alcohol also wish to give up their addiction but find it extremely difficult.

As such, there are many habits, people think do not harm them, but can take a toll on their body. In a recently posted video, Cardiologist Dmitry Yaranov, listed 5 habits that are slowly chipping away at your health.

‘Innocent Habits’ That Are Hurting Your Health

In the video caption, Dr Yaranov explained that these habits, often picked up by mistake, can make your body weaker and more susceptible to illnesses.

Running on Empty Fuel

Telling yourself, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," is a shortcut right to that outcome. Chronic lack of rest isn't just tiring; it’s physically damaging. Skimping on sleep constantly raises your blood pressure, makes you gain weight, and guarantees a serious burnout that you won't be able to recover from easily. Prioritize rest now.

Sitting All Day, Scrolling All Night

From your office chair to the car and the couch, sitting for too many hours is silently wrecking your health. Being constantly still tightens your back, slows down your metabolism, hurts your digestion, and weakens your heart. Your body needs regular movement to survive, not just a ten-minute walk. Get up and move more often.

Brushing Off Stress

Saying "I'm fine" while carrying the weight of the world is a dangerous habit. Eventually, your body will stop listening to your mind. Stress you try to ignore explodes into physical problems, like unexplained chest tightness, constant gut issues, severe insomnia, and sudden panic attacks. Acknowledge your stress before it breaks you.

Eating Whatever's Fast

Skipping your morning meal, grabbing drive-thru lunch, and relying on sugar for quick energy creates chaos inside you. This erratic eating causes your blood sugar to swing wildly, stressing every major organ. Your body needs consistent, nutritious fuel, not a constant roller coaster of sugar and grease. Feed your body well, not fast.

Saying Yes When You Should’ve Said No

You are always available, doing favors and taking on tasks for everyone else. But when was the last time you put your own needs first? Overcommitting drains your energy, time, and mental resources until there’s nothing left. This chronic neglect leads to resentment and exhaustion. Guard your boundaries and put yourself on the list.

How Can You Kick Harmful Habits?

Kicking any kind of habit can be difficult. The NIH explains that habits are just routines that we do without thinking. They are a normal, often helpful part of life, but they can also be things that harm your health.

While some habits are useful and do not require a lot of thinking, like brushing, showering, driving, other habits are based off-of pleasure or dopamine hit like smoking. Both types of habit use the same mechanics, but pleasure-based habits are much harder to break because of a chemical called dopamine.

The good news is that humans are not completely controlled by habit. We have other brain areas that can help us make better choices for our long-term health. There is no single solution; what works depends on the person. Dr. Volkow emphasizes that it's "not one size fits all." However, scientists recommend a few helpful techniques:

Increase Awareness and Avoid Triggers

Figure out the exact time and place where your bad habit happens. Knowing your triggers is the first major step toward taking back control. Next, make a plan to avoid those spots. If the candy machine is your weakness, take a different route. Stay away from people who tempt you.

Mentally Practice the Good Behavior

Before you face a tempting situation, close your eyes and picture yourself succeeding. Imagine choosing water over a sugary drink. Mentally rehearsing the healthy choice can prepare your brain. This practice boosts your chances of making the right decision when the real moment arrives.

Replace the Bad Habit with a New One

Don't just stop the bad habit; actively replace that routine with a new, healthy activity. Fill the void with something constructive. Many people successfully replace strong urges, even addictions, with intense exercise like running. A new ritual helps fight the old habit's pull.

As COVID and viral infections cases rise in numbers, researchers are finding out how, following the bout of cases, the risk of heart diseases has also increased in people. To explore this connection, new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals a strong link between both acute and chronic viral infections and an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.

The lead author, Dr. Kosuke Kawai, noted that while we know viruses can cause cancer, their link to non-infectious diseases like heart disease hasn't been clear. This study confirms that acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) viral infections are connected to both immediate and lasting risks for heart and brain events.

How Do Short Infections Cause Harm To Heart?

When your body fights off a virus, your immune system releases chemicals that cause inflammation (swelling) and make your blood more likely to clot. Both of these problems can linger even after the virus is gone.

This ongoing inflammation and tendency to clot can damage the heart and blood vessels, which is likely why the risk of a heart attack or stroke spikes so dramatically right after an illness.

The research details what happens to your heart risk right after you get a respiratory infection. The study combined data from many high-quality reports and found a major, temporary jump in risk:

Influenza (Flu)

In the month immediately following a confirmed flu infection, people were 4 times more likely to have a heart attack and 5 times more likely to have a stroke compared to when they weren't sick.

COVID-19

After a COVID infection, the risk was also high. People were 3 times more likely to have a heart attack and 3 times more likely to have a stroke in the first 14 weeks. Worryingly, this risk stayed higher than normal for an entire year.

What Infections Cause Long-Term Heart Risk?

This part of the study focused on people who have had certain chronic (long-lasting) viral infections, tracking their health for an average of over five years to see if their risk remained high:

HIV Infection

People with HIV had a 60% higher risk of heart attack and a 45% higher risk of stroke.

Hepatitis C

This infection was linked to a 27% higher risk of heart attack and a 23% higher risk of stroke.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Even this common virus was associated with a 12% higher risk of heart attack and an 18% higher risk of stroke.

Even though these percentage increases are smaller than the immediate post-flu/COVID jump, they are still very important because the risk lasts for years. Shingles, for example, affects about one in three people in their lifetime, meaning that this seemingly small increase in risk will lead to a large number of extra heart problems across the general population over time.

How Can We Prevent Risk Of Heart Attacks After Infections?

The study suggests a powerful way to fight these risks is by getting vaccinated. The findings strongly support the idea that increasing the number of people who get flu, COVID, and shingles shots could lower the overall rate of heart attacks and strokes in the community. As an example, previous research has shown that getting a flu shot can be linked to a 34% lower risk of major heart problems.

The American Heart Association recommends that everyone, especially those with existing heart conditions or heart risk factors, talk to their doctor about getting the right vaccines. Vaccination is a simple step that offers crucial protection to people whose hearts are already vulnerable.

It’s important to remember that this study was based on looking at people's health records (observational studies), not on controlled experiments. The main focus was on single viruses. Researchers noted that we still need more studies to fully understand how some other viruses, like dengue and HPV, might be linked to heart disease.