The Hidden Harm of Going Vegetarian
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 31, 2023
I have a number of friends and relatives who truly believe that eating a vegetarian or vegan diet is healthier.
Some have even turned vegan based on a suggestion from their doctor.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m a BIG fan of veggies. But you shouldn’t base your entire diet on them.
Because when you do, there could be a stiff price to pay…
The fact is eating an all-vegetable diet for an extended time can leave your body in a severe nutritional deficit.
Because, in many cases, well-meaning folks who are simply trying to be healthier by “going veggie” end up not getting the vitamins and minerals their body needs to function at its best.
And one of the biggest victims of this nutritional shortfall is the BRAIN.
Studies show a disturbing link between depression risk and vegetarian and vegan diets.
Folks who strictly follow these diets can miss out on vital nutrients, including vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, CoQ10, and zinc.
And it’s no coincidence that low levels of each are associated with cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety.
Supplements help offset some of the nutritional gaps in some instances.
But whenever possible, getting your nutrients from whole foods is preferable. Because when you do, you’re topping up bunches of critical vitamins and minerals at the same time.
I’ll ALWAYS be pro-veggie. They contain many essential, hard-to-find nutrients.
And it might be a good idea for certain people to go on a vegan or vegetarian diet for a short time. But, when it comes to the long term, ultimately meatless diets can deprive your body and brain of vital nutrients.
So, if you aren’t skipping meat for environmental or religious reasons, go ahead and indulge.
The mainstream’s demonization of meat simply isn’t warranted. It’s the ultra-processed foods of ALL kinds that are the problem. Skip THEM instead.
P.S. Swedish research reveals fake, plant-based meats are hiding a DANGEROUS SECRET.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
9 Modern Health Threats that ACTUALLY Matter
The world is a scary place sometimes. It can feel like we’re surrounded by health threats and forced to seek out miracle cures to fix them. But here’s the thing. When everything feels so urgent, it’s easy to get caught up in minor concerns while overlooking the real threats to your wellbeing. While debates about...
Ancient Wise Man's Gift Brings Modern Pain Relief
As we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas today, we remember the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While you might be hoping to find some gold in your stocking this year, it turns out that frankincense could be the REAL treasure—especially if you’re battling knee pain. Yes,...
Mailbag: Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep? Try THIS
“What can I do to help my restless legs? They bother me in the daytime if I sit down for a while, but some nights, it keeps me up all night.” – Looking for a Leg Up on Sleep Hi Leg Up, Few things are more frustrating than being nestled all snug in your bed,...
The Simple Metabolic Health Hack You’re NOT Using
If you’re like most Americans, you don’t give much thought to your metabolism. But here’s a shocking statistic that might change your mind… One in three U.S. adults is walking around with hidden metabolic syndrome. This ticking time bomb is a cluster of conditions that can send your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type...
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...