What happens to the body if you give up meat completely?

Among the food trends of our time is the rejection of a number of products that, according to popular belief, are harmful to the body. Contrary to centuries-old traditions, meat is often included in the list of frequently excluded products. People consciously come to vegetarianism for different reasons. Someone supports his decision with ethical views and does not want to be involved in the killing of animals for human needs. Others believe that the exclusion of animal protein from the daily diet will help to cleanse the body of toxins and achieve a feeling of lightness.

All of this seems to be for the benefit of our body, but let’s talk not only about the unconditional pluses, but also about the disadvantages that can be encountered when reducing your diet by eliminating meat.

Positive effects

Absolutely positive effects that will have on your body the refusal of meat products can be called the following.

Kaalulangus

Complete refusal of meat will help you to normalize metabolic processes, reduce the level of subcutaneous fat and, therefore, cope with excess weight. Scientists have found out that with unlimited amounts and calories of vegetarian food, weight loss occurs without additional efforts. Nevertheless, if vegetarianism piles on unhealthy food, you can easily achieve the opposite effect. Pasta, white bread, sweets and refined oils are all within the scope of vegetarian eating, but are clearly not good for the body.

Removing toxins and toxins from the body – cleansing the skin

Indeed, giving up meat is great for cleansing the body. Many vegetarians note the appearance of lightness and reduced fatigue during the day. in addition, the removal of toxins and toxins will be accompanied by an improvement in the condition of the skin: disappear pimples, blackheads and black spots.

For example, blogger Rachel Crawley shares with subscribers her story of getting rid of acne. First, the girl tried to give up sweets and fast carbohydrates and noticed changes in the skin after three days of experiment. New inflammations appeared much less. Now the girl continues to recognize her body and tries veganism – the result is visible, or rather, on the face.

Reducing the risk of cancer of the rectum and intestines in general

The intestinal microflora in people who eat meat and vegetarians is markedly different. When you switch to plant-based foods, your gut produces more protective bacteria. Thus, your body will get enough non-digestible fiber from plant foods, which serves as a prevention of intestinal malignancies. In addition, you will eliminate in advance the foods that, according to the WHO, can potentially contribute to the development of cancer: red meat, bacon, salami and other smoked products.

Reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases

These include coronary heart disease, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Carnitine, contained in meat, triggers chemical reactions in the intestine that negatively affect the heart muscle. However, refined foods, sugar, and the abuse of vegetable oils can also lead to cardiovascular disease, not just meat.

Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Professor Anastasios Toumpanakis from the School of Medical Sciences at the University of London and his colleagues proved that vegetarianism reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and stabilizes glycated hemoglobin levels. Moreover, the scientists found an improvement in the psychological state of diabetic patients. Giving up meat, patients experienced a decrease in signs of depression.

Zinc deficiency

Insufficient levels of zinc in the body are caused by the content of phytic acid in legumes, nuts, seeds and cereals. It reduces the bioavailability of this element. However, if your diet still includes dairy products and seafood – zinc deficiency can be avoided.

Calcium deficiency

It is provoked by two factors. First, the same phytic acid and oxalates reduce its absorption. Secondly, vegetable proteins contribute to increased excretion of calcium with urine.

Vitamin D and B12 deficiency

Unfortunately, even if you are vegetarian rather than vegan and eat dairy products and eggs, your body will still be deficient in vitamins D and B12 without meat.

Deficiency of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 has a big impact on the cardiovascular system, eyes and brain, so it’s important to maintain your levels of these acids. However, if you decide to give up not only meat, but also animal products in general, it will lead to a lack of omega-3 in the body. Accordingly, the skin, hair and immunity will begin to deteriorate.

Belly bloating

It will take time for the pancreas and intestines to readjust from an “omnivorous” lifestyle to vegetarianism and recovery. Due to the lack of enzymes found in meat, abdominal bloating and gas may occur at first.

Risk of gastritis

Plant foods, unlike meat, do not contain buffer proteins. It is they that neutralize the effect of acids, which can provoke gastritis, on the mucosa. In the worst case, permanent gastritis can lead to stomach cancer.

How to make up for the missing substances without meat?

If your decision to give up meat is final and unwavering, then you should look for alternative sources of substances missing to the body. Here are some simple tips that can help you avoid deficiencies of important elements.

• To avoid iron deficiency, do not drink too much tea and coffee. They contain tannin, which prevents the absorption of this element. Along with foods containing iron, consume foods that contain ascorbic acid. It improves absorption by 3-4 times, and also prevents the creation of insoluble compounds with soy protein.
• To avoid omega-3 deficiency, consume seafood, eggs, flaxseed, walnuts, and soybeans, which contain alpha-linolenic acid.
• To maintain the level of essential amino acids, eat dairy, soy and foods artificially enriched with the right amino acid composition.

• Your body can get zinc from legumes, nuts and soy products. Soaking, using sprouted grains, beans and seeds, and bread leavening agents – reduce phytic acid and increase the bioavailability of zinc.

• Calcium levels will help maintain dairy products, kale, mustard leaves, turnips, broccoli and dried figs. You can also turn to special supplements.
• Vitamins D and B12 can be taken in dosage forms. The balance of vitamin B12 is recommended to be maintained with foods artificially enriched with cobalamin.