Is a Plant-Based Diet Right for Everyone? Exploring the Benefits of Including Animal Foods
Plant vs. Animal: Is one way of eating better than the other?
If there is one question I get more than any other, it’s whether or not eating vegetarian or vegan is the right answer to all health problems or if eating meat is really as bad as the main stream media makes it out to be. As plant-based diets gain popularity for their health, environmental, and ethical benefits, it's important to consider that this approach might not be ideal for everyone. It’s also important to gather all the correct facts and think critically about what we are being told. While there are many benefits to plant-based eating, incorporating some animal foods can also offer significant nutritional advantages. This is especially important for those who have gut issues or a compromised microbiome. In this blog post, we'll explore why plant-based diets may not be suitable for everyone and highlight the benefits of including animal foods in your diet.
Why a Plant-Based Diet Might Not Suit Everyone
Nutritional Needs Vary: When it comes to each person as an individual, we need to recognize that our needs can vary significantly based on age, gender, activity level, and health conditions. An elderly person who is not as active as they once were, differs greatly in their nutritional needs from a 20-something who is working out, spending time at the office and socializing in the evenings. While plant-based diets can provide many essential nutrients, they might fall short in certain areas for those trying to gain muscle mass easily, while those who have lower stomach acid levels may not feel great digesting heavier animal proteins.
Potential Nutrient Deficiencies: Plant-based diets, when not set up correctly, can lack certain nutrients that are more readily available in animal foods. These include vitamin B12, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and calcium. For example, vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell production, and it's primarily found in animal products. It is recommended that vegans supplement B12 to meet their needs. Without enough B12, energy may be lacking and fatigue can set in.
Bioavailability of Nutrients: The bioavailability, or the body's ability to absorb and use nutrients, can differ between plant and animal sources. For instance, the iron found in animal foods (heme iron) is more easily absorbed by the body than the non-heme iron in plant foods. It doesn’t mean that you must eat meat to get enough iron, but if you are lacking in iron rich plant foods or if you do not digest these foods well, it can sometimes be a problem that again, leads to fatigue and energy issues.
Digestive Health: Some individuals might experience digestive discomfort or challenges when consuming a high-fiber plant-based diet, especially if they have a sensitive digestive system. The inclusion of animal foods can provide high-quality protein without the need for excessive fiber intake. Those who deal with acute flare-ups of inflammation in their gut can make things worse if they focus solely on plant foods. Those with a poor microbiome can also deal with bloating and painful gas if they consume too much fibrous plant food. It’s best to increase your fiber slowly and let your microbiome and body adjust to the changes slowly.
Cultural and Personal Preferences: Cultural traditions and personal tastes play a significant role in dietary choices. For some, a diet that includes animal foods may be more in line with their lifestyle and preferences and for others, it’s completely out of the ordinary.
The Benefits of Including Animal Foods
High-Quality Protein: Animal foods are a complete source of protein, meaning they provide all the essential amino acids your body needs. This is particularly important for muscle maintenance, repair, and overall growth. There are farms that raise animals as ethically as possible and focus on feeding their animals high quality foods that mother nature intended them to eat. This type of farming raises animals in the way nature intended, giving us the highest quality nutrition.
Rich in Essential Nutrients: Animal products are excellent sources of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids when they are raised eating the foods nature provides. These nutrients are vital for brain health, immune function, and energy production and are easily assimilated into the body.
Flexibility and Balance: Incorporating animal foods into a balanced diet allows for more dietary flexibility, making it easier to meet nutritional needs without relying solely on supplements. Solely eating plants can be a lot of work to ensure you are getting a complete amino acid profile, let alone all the other nutrients needed for overall wellbeing. With knowledge and work, eating a full vegan diet can be done but for most people, the time that it takes can feel overwhelming. By adding small amounts of animal foods like eggs and high-quality dairy, there is less to worry about.
While fully plant-based diets offer numerous benefits, they may not be the best fit for everyone. Including some animal foods can provide essential nutrients and support overall health and well-being. It's crucial to consider individual nutritional needs, preferences, and lifestyle factors when making dietary choices. We all want to do what is right for our health, the animals, and the planet, but it’s crucial to collect all the facts and know what is going to be the right fit with our lifestyle and overall health. For those interested in optimizing their diet, working with a nutrition professional can help create a personalized approach that aligns with health goals and preferences.
At No Shoes Nutrition, we like to meet our clients where they are. We ask questions to dig deeper into your lifestyle and health needs to make sure that you get the nutrition that is right for your body systems. If you are curious about learning more about plant-based diets vs. adding some animal foods to your diet, let’s chat! Please feel free to reach out for a FREE consultation at www.noshoesnutrition.com. By considering the benefits of both plant-based and animal-inclusive diets, individuals can make informed choices that support their unique health and wellness goals.