Vegan Diet To Eating Animals
In this blog post, I will share my personal journey from being a dedicated vegan for seven years to transitioning to an animal-based diet. Initially, I embraced veganism due to various health concerns and the influence of prominent vegan figures. However, over time, my health deteriorated, and I discovered the benefits of animal-based foods through extensive research and collaboration with healthcare professionals. This post aims to provide a deeper understanding of my transition and present academic resources that support my decision.
Why I Went Vegan
When I first adopted a vegan lifestyle, I was following a standard Australian diet that had led to health issues such as cysts on my ovary and chronic fatigue. Inspired by influencers like Freelee the Banana Girl and Ellen Fisher, I became a high carb, low-fat vegan. Unfortunately, despite my dedication, I experienced numerous health problems, including fatty liver disease, bloating, leaky gut, adrenal fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Believing that I was not following veganism strictly enough, I attempted to counter these health issues by consuming excessive amounts of spirulina and supplements.
Why I Transitioned to an Animal-Based Diet
As my health continued to decline, I sought the help of a naturopath who advocated for healing through animal foods and a high-fat diet. Additionally, a co-worker persistently shared the importance of animal products, although I was initially resistant to their perspective. Blood tests later confirmed that I had stage 2 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which posed serious risks to my well-being. Frustratingly, healthcare professionals offered no viable solutions other than maintaining a plant-based diet and exercising, which I had already been doing. Prescribed medications like Metformin and Statins seemed inappropriate for my condition.
Driven by my background in nutrition and biochemistry, I delved into my own research. I revisited studies that had originally convinced me to adopt veganism, analyzing their validity and exploring alternative viewpoints. This research journey allowed me to make informed decisions regarding my health.
The Research I Found
One prominent study in the 1950s, conducted by Ancel Keys, suggested a correlation between fat consumption and heart disease. However, Keys selectively presented data, omitting countries that contradicted his hypothesis. This academic scandal, known as the Seven Countries Study, became the basis for the lipid hypothesis, which falsely linked saturated fat and cholesterol to heart disease. In reality, numerous subsequent studies debunked this hypothesis, revealing the influence of industry-funded research, such as the Sugar Association's Project 226, which sought to shift blame from sugar to saturated fat.
Regarding dietary cholesterol, it is essential to understand its intricate role in the body. Cholesterol is a vital component of cell membranes, digestion, liver detoxification, and hormone production. Contrary to popular belief, dietary cholesterol has minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels, as it is not efficiently absorbed by the body. Even Ancel Keys himself acknowledged that dietary cholesterol plays no role in serum cholesterol levels.
Inflammation, a significant factor in many diseases, has been associated with the consumption of animal protein, particularly red meat. While observational and pseudo-mechanistic studies exist, the gold standard for establishing causality is randomized control trials (RCTs). A recent meta-analysis of RCTs published by the American Society of Nutrition in 2021 found no significant impact of red meat consumption on glycemic control or inflammation.
The prevailing belief that a high-fiber diet is universally beneficial is not supported by robust evidence. Studies comparing the removal of fiber to a high-fiber diet have shown improvements in idiopathic constipation with the absence of fiber. Additionally, a study conducted by Harvard University revealed that an animal-based diet had no adverse effects on gut microbiome diversity, challenging the notion that high-fiber diets are essential for optimal gut health.
Addressing environmental concerns, the impact of animal agriculture is often misconstrued. Ruminant animals, such as cattle, contribute to carbon capture and promote biodiversity. In contrast, monocrops used in plant-based agriculture rely heavily on pesticides and cause habitat destruction, resulting in more significant harm to animals and the environment. The claims that ruminant animals require excessive water usage and land are also misleading.
My Experience with an Animal-Based Diet
Upon reintroducing animal proteins into my diet, I discovered that my body readily accepted them. The reduced carbohydrate intake provided more stable energy levels throughout the day and improved insulin sensitivity. Moreover, I experienced a surge of bioavailable nutrients and noticed better sleep due to increased levels of absorbable B vitamins. Incorporating organ meats, such as lamb liver, has been particularly beneficial for my health, as they are rich in essential nutrients.
Transitioning from a vegan to an animal-based diet was a transformative experience for me. Extensive research and critical analysis of academic resources allowed me to challenge my initial beliefs and make informed decisions about my health. By revisiting the scientific studies that influenced my veganism, I discovered the limitations and biases within the research. This journey has shown me the importance of questioning prevailing dietary narratives and considering individual needs. Ultimately, adopting an animal-based diet has significantly improved my overall well-being.
References
Keys, A., Aravanis, C., Blackburn, H. W., Buzina, R., Djordjević, B. D., Fidanza, F., ... & Karvonen, M. J. (1986). Epidemiological studies related to coronary heart disease: characteristics of men aged 40-59 in seven countries. Acta Medica Scandinavica, 679(Suppl), 1-392.
Berger, S., Raman, G., Vishwanathan, R., Jacques, P. F., Johnson, E. J., & Lamers, Y. (2015). Dietary cholesterol and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 102(2), 276-294.
Siri-Tarino, P. W., Sun, Q., Hu, F. B., & Krauss, R. M. (2010). Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies evaluating the association of saturated fat with cardiovascular disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 91(3), 535-546.
Siri-Tarino, P. W., Sun, Q., Hu, F. B., & Krauss, R. M. (2010). Saturated fat, carbohydrate, and cardiovascular disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 91(3), 502-509.
McKenzie, A. L., Hallberg, S. J., Creighton, B. C., Volk, B. M., Link, T. M., Abner, M. K., ... & Phinney, S. D. (2017). A novel intervention including individualized nutritional recommendations reduces hemoglobin A1c level, medication use, and weight in type 2 diabetes. JMIR Diabetes, 2(1), e5.
Paoli, A., Rubini, A., Volek, J. S., & Grimaldi, K. A. (2013). Beyond weight loss: a review of the therapeutic uses of very-low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 67(8), 789-796.
Schwingshackl, L., Hoffmann, G., Lampousi, A. M., Knüppel, S., Iqbal, K., Schwedhelm, C., ... & Boeing, H. (2017). Food groups and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. European Journal of Epidemiology, 32(5), 363-375.
Leung, C., Rivera, L., Furness, J. B., & Angus, P. W. (2016). The role of the gut microbiota in NAFLD. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 13(7), 412-425.
Steckhan, N., Hohmann, C. D., Kessler, C., Dobos, G., Michalsen, A., & Cramer, H. (2016). Effects of different dietary approaches on inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition, 32(3), 338-348.
Henning, S. M., Yang, J., Hsu, M., Lee, R. P., Grojean, E. M., Ly, A., ... & Heber, D. (2019). Health benefit of vegetable/fruit juice-based diet: Role of microbiome. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1-11.
