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4. Salmonella Poisoning
Salmonella has become a sort of household name, albeit in a bad way. The bacteria causes salmonellosis or what most of us know as “salmonella poisoning”. Statistics show that at least 1 million people are infected with Salmonella in the United States every year. Even more horrifying is the fact that it causes 19,000 hospitalizations and nearly 400 deaths in the same span of time.
Why drinking milk is bad for you: Salmonella is a rather common strain of bacteria, though it isn’t normally found in milk. Times have changed, however. The increasing demand for raw milk has led to the rise of salmonella poisoning. Studies reveal that Salmonella infection is associated with the consumption of raw milk. This is because raw milk doesn’t undergo pasteurization, a heating process that’s supposed to get rid of most bacteria.
Salmonella poisoning occurs within 72 hours after drinking milk and could last up to 7 days. You will experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever throughout the course of the disease. In worst cases, salmonellosis may cause dehydration and require medical attention. This is particularly true for kids who are at greater risk for severe water loss.
How to prevent disease caused by milk: Opt for pasteurized milk and milk products (i.e. cheese, yogurt). Always serve them in properly sanitized containers. Since Salmonella is common, you should also promote healthy practices at home. These include keeping the environment clean and washing hands before and after eating.
