Vegetarianism is not suitable for everyone, sometimes it is a question of genetics, said endocrinologist Zukhra Pavlova.
She refers to a study by scientists, which says that some DNA combinations can lead to serious health consequences in the event of giving up meat.
The study in question examined data from 2,300 people. All of them were strict vegetarians.
Vegetarians are people who exclude meat and fish from their diet, but may eat plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. Vegetarianism can be based on a variety of reasons, including ethical, environmental, religious, or health concerns.
The majority of study participants had in common (when compared with those who eat meat):
- low cholesterol levels in all respects, including LDL and HDL (this is good),
- lower vitamin D levels (bad)
- higher triglyceride levels (bad).
— Vitamin D is important for healthy bones and a strong immune system. And elevated levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, — Pavlova noted in her blog.
Now about gene variants. A number of study participants had certain gene structures associated with a negative reaction of the body to vegetarianism.
What consequences can we talk about?
- Elevated calcium levels. Despite all the known benefits of calcium for teeth and nails, too much of it can lead to kidney stones and cardiovascular problems. Vegetarians usually have a calcium deficiency (which is also bad).
- Increased testosterone levels. Most vegetarian men have little male hormone, but with certain gene variations an excess is possible.
- Reduced glomerular filtration rate. May cause serious impairment of kidney function.
In addition, chronic vegetarianism can lead to anemia, sagging skin, sarcopenia and other serious health effects.
– You may not eat red meat, but it will not go away without consequences. Completely giving up animal protein (eggs, sour milk, etc.) is not an option. It should be in every meal, especially for older people! – says Pavlova.
There are several types of vegetarianism:
1. Lacto-ovo vegetarianism. This is the most common type of vegetarianism, in which meat and fish are excluded, but animal products such as milk, eggs and honey remain in the diet.
2. Lacto-vegetarianism. In this case, meat, fish and eggs are excluded, but dairy products remain.
3. Ovo-vegetarianism. Meat, fish and dairy products are excluded, but eggs remain.
4. Veganism. Vegans completely exclude all animal products from their diet, including meat, fish, dairy products, eggs and honey. They prefer plant-based products and alternatives such as soy milk or tofu.
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Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Zukhra Pavlova Medicine, endocrinologist