Should you go vegan?

It’s no secret that chronic pain and disease is caused by inflammation – and a good diet goes a long way towards lowering inflammation. A diet to strive for is one low in saturated fats and added sugars, high in fruits, veggies, lean protein (such as omega-3-rich wild salmon) and whole grains. Many also believe that avoiding animal products altogether – going vegan - makes for a healthier diet. But does it really?

Sounds great – where’s the problem?

When you first go vegan, you’ll most likely feel amazing. This is most likely due to the fact that you are cutting out a lot of garbage that is in the standard western diet. You’ll also likely be increasing your Omega-6 fatty acid intake, which can be beneficial however, too much Omega-6 (many studies show typical patient ratios of 20:1 or higher!) can lead to an imbalance to between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which can trigger your body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals (causing chronic inflammation, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, heart attack, and many of the other common health problems).

Another common problem is that many vegetarians replace meat protein with a lot of grains and beans AND worse processed carbs! That sends your lectin load through the roof. And creates glucose/insulin issues.  A vegetarian who eats an EXCESS of  grains, legumes and processed carbs will feel a lot worse than a vegetarian who focuses on eating real vegetables with low lectin starches and healthy fats.

The case for meat

We metabolize micronutrients differently from animal protein than vegetable protein.  They are absolutely NOT the same. If vegan is your unwavering commitment dial up protein sources, amino acids and annually check blood panel for hidden anemias, inflammation, etc.  Lastly, remember toxin load changes, hormones change, stress levels change etc therefore what may work for you today may not be optimal for you ten years from now!

If there is one universal truth, it is that different foods will have different effects on different people. In the Bulletproof Diet roadmap, four classes of plant toxins are identified that may or may not be biologically compatible with your body and cause inflammation, which in turn causes aches and pains.

Still want to go or  remain vegan? Here are some important things to keep in mind.

• Choose foods that will keep your blood sugar level. People generally do better on a lower carb vegan diet than on a regular vegan diet.
• Grab a list of high-lectin and high-oxalate foods, and pay attention to how you react when you eat them.
• Opt for real vegetables instead of falling into the common trap of becoming a grain-itarian. You’ll deplete your nutrients and wreck your biology that way.
• Until you know your way around plant proteins, work with a nutritionist (I can help you with this!) so you know you’re getting a full range of amino acids. I can also suggest supplements of vitamins and minerals that you can’t get from plants, like Vitamin B-12.
• Remember that your body uses the animal form of some nutrients better than the plant form. You might need a higher dose or cofactors to help you absorb nutrients.
• Make sure that you are honest with yourself about how you feel, especially after the three-month mark.
• Processed food is terrible for you. Meat replacements are no exception. They’re full of garbage and inflammatory soy. Eat real vegetables.

Schedule a nutrition consult with me – I’m happy to help make suggestions on dietary changes that will have you feeling better and living longer!