Faith M. Davis is an Integrative Healing Practitioner, Reiki Master, and number 1 bestselling author of Why You’re Not Healing: 10 Radical Shifts for a Lasting Whole Body Transformation. After healing herself of fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances, candida overgrowth, neurotransmitter imbalances
Lately, a plant-based diet has been synonymous with better health, environmental sustainability, and ethical eating habits.
But it's not all plain sailing.
While the benefits are widely celebrated, the potential negative health effects of a strictly plant-based diet are less often discussed.
Let's dive into the other side of the coin and explore how a plant-rich diet may not always be the healthiest choice for everyone.
A plant-based diet can be unhealthy
The shift towards a plant-based diet is usually motivated by the desire to improve our health and make this world a better place. However, without careful planning, this diet can lead to unexpected health issues.
Let’s dive into some of them.
Nutrient absorption & essential nutrients
Not all nutrients found in superfoods and vegetables are as easily absorbed by the body as those from animal sources. Essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and certain omega-3 fatty acids are predominantly found in meat and fish, and their plant-based counterparts may not provide sufficient amounts.
In addition, a plant-based diet includes high amounts of foods rich in oxalates, which can bind to minerals like calcium and magnesium, leaving us depleted. This can lead to mineral deficiencies, which can have drastic effects on bone health, muscle function, and overall wellness.
The oxalate overload
A diet high in oxalates can cause more harm than good, leading to conditions such as kidney stones and chronic joint pain. If you are susceptible to oxalate accumulation, a plant-based diet could exacerbate your health issues rather than alleviate them.
A healthy plant-based diet requires us to be mindful of our oxalate intake. Gradually reducing oxalate-rich foods and incorporating nutrients that support oxalate detoxification can help mitigate their negative effects.
The Nourishing Nutrition Makeover course offers step-by-step guidance on how to safely reduce oxalate levels in the body, including dietary adjustments, supplement recommendations, and lifestyle changes that support an effective detoxification process.
The risk of processed substitutes
The growing popularity of the plant-based diet has undoubtedly led to an increase in the availability and variety of processed meat and cheese substitutes.
Marketed as healthy and environmentally friendly alternatives to their animal-based counterparts, these products have flooded supermarket shelves to meet the demand for plant-based convenience foods.
While these substitutes may seem like an easy trade-off, offering the promise of a plant-based diet without sacrificing familiar flavors and textures, there's a catch. Many of these products are highly processed and contain a long list of additives, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors to enhance taste, texture and shelf life. These toxic foods should be avoided.
Final thoughts
Choosing a plant-based diet with the best intentions for health and the environment is commendable. However, it's important to approach this dietary shift with a balanced perspective.
Understanding the potential pitfalls, such as nutrient deficiencies (and everything that comes along with that) and the risks associated with high oxalate intake, will shine a light on the unpleasant consequences that could compromise your well-being.
Faith M. Davis, Integrative Healing Practitioner
Faith M. Davis is an Integrative Healing Practitioner, Reiki Master, and number 1 bestselling author of Why You’re Not Healing: 10 Radical Shifts for a Lasting Whole Body Transformation. After healing herself of fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances, candida overgrowth, neurotransmitter imbalances, and more, she is on a mission to help others reach their health goals and live a vibrant life.
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