27-01-2025
This diet trend could be 'catastrophic' for your health, GP warns
A doctor has slammed a TikTok influencer for his controversial diet – saying it could post significant health risks for others.
Influencers like Cheshire-based fitness coach Coach Cam are advocating raw milk as a natural alternative to supermarket-bought pasteurised milk, claiming it can alleviate conditions such as eczema, hay fever and allergies.
But experts warn raw milk can carry several harmful pathogens, meaning the trend could seriously harm your health.
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Coach Cam, who boasts over 300,000 followers on the popular platform, frequently posts videos of himself consuming raw, unpasteurised milk bought from a local farm.
Despite his endorsements, medics say his content fails to mention the serious dangers associated with raw milk, including exposure to harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Dr. Masarat Jilani, a GP working with bladder care company Jude, has since issued a stern warning about the potential consequences of consuming raw milk.
Dr. Jilani cautions against being misled by influencers promoting raw milk as a healthier alternative.
"I cannot stress enough the potential dangers associated with consuming raw milk. Unpasteurised milk can harbour harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, which may cause life-threatening illnesses, including complications like acute kidney failure," she said.
She also highlighted how certain groups could be particularly vulnerable to the trend.
"These risks are significantly heightened for pregnant women, the elderly, children and those with compromised immune systems,' she added.
'The belief that raw milk is inherently healthier lacks scientific support and can lead to serious health consequences."
According to health experts, raw milk can carry several harmful pathogens including bacteria's such as salmonella, e. coli and listeria, which can lead to severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain. In extreme cases, it can also lead to miscarriage or kidney failure.
It can also carry parasites including cryptosporidium and toxoplasma gondii, which can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and damage to vital organs.
Raw milk can also include a range of viruses including hepatitis A, linked to poor hygiene during milk handling, which can cause liver and gastrointestinal illnesses.
"The reality is that raw milk poses a risk of illnesses, long-term health complications, and, in rare cases, death,' Dr. Jilani continued.
'Pasteurisation of milk is a critical step in protecting your health and the health of your family. Don't let misleading TikTok trends put your loved ones at risk of preventable harm."
