21. THE TRUTH ABOUT RAW DAIRY | Understanding the Pros + Cons of Local Raw Milk

Have you ever wondered about the raw dairy hype and what the controversy is all about? Are you wondering what the difference between raw and pasteurized dairy is, or if it really matters? 

Join your host Kelsey Conger, a Clinical Herbalist + Holistic Nutritionist on PLANET SPOONIE, the podcast for lymies and spoonies healing themselves and the world. 

On today's episode, I share the four main reasons why I consume raw dairy. This is a personal choice that everyone must make for themselves, so let's talk about what raw dairy is and why it matters! 

When we consume raw milk and cultured dairy products like yogurt, kefir, and sour cream, we're getting loads of beneficial microbes (aka probiotics) and enzymes that help support digestion. Raw milk and cream must be purchased from local farms that follow stringent rules about caring for their animals. In my experience, small local farms have quality standards that go above and beyond any in industrial agriculture. This enables us to support and get to know local farmers, while also seeing firsthand that the animals are living happy and healthy lives. We might even meet the mama and baby who are generously sharing their milk! 

Ultimately, safety and wellbeing of both the animal and the people consuming raw dairy is paramount. It goes without saying that if an animal is potentially sick, or there’s a sickness going around, we wouldn’t want to consume their milk. And while dairy products are highly nutritious foods that many people enjoy and benefit from, there are those who it isn’t a great fit for. Always listen to your gut, and seek out a qualified functional or holistic nutrition professional if you are in need of more support. 

This is a big topic and I have much more to share on it, from quality sourcing to culturing at home, so keep an eye out for an upcoming hands-on workshop on cultured dairy! Follow us on instagram below to be the first to sign up. 

This episode is meant to be empowering and educational, but it is not medical advice. Please seek the support of your primary care provider or a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any changes.

As you navigate life with chronic health conditions, my goal is always to provide you with foundational tools to support you and help you feel your best. In addition to these educational episodes, working with clients 1:1 is one of the most powerful ways to initiate change - ensuring that you receive deeply personalized, compassionate, and inclusive care.

If you’re living with lyme disease or complex chronic illness and you feel ready to take your power back, begin healing, reconnect to yourself + nature, and find your *SHINE* again…

Book a FREE Q+A call with me to learn about working with me in 1:1 herbal consultations! And to stay tuned with upcoming offers, sign up for my newsletter and find me @kelseytheherbalist 🌼

Thanks for tuning into the PLANET SPOONIE podcast 🌎

Acknowledging that this podcast was recorded on the unceded land of the Kumeyaay (Iipai-Tipai-Diegueño) people, who have called this land home for 600 generations. This is now commonly called San Diego County in Southern California.