How Veganism Can Be Unhealthy Longterm
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How Veganism Can Be Unhealthy Longterm

Praised as a clean and ethical lifestyle, there may be hidden dangers to veganism.

113
How Veganism Can Be Unhealthy Longterm
Laurel of Leaves

Just visit your closest grocery store, and you'll see the words "vegan cheese," "no animal products," "vegan friendly," printed innocuously on not only food packages, but also beauty products like lipstick, foundation, and blush. It is astonishing how this subgroup of Americans has gained so much momentum in recent years. Traditional vegans do not eat any animal related products, nor use beauty products or wear clothing derived from animals. Most people see the rise in veganism as a good thing because Americans are bringing ethical concerns into their own hands and living a more sustainable life.

Although I commend those who choose veganism for ethical reasons, it appears that veganism has become trendy. Like the TOMS shoe craze, pastel colors, ombre hair, ombre nails... ombre everything. Veganism is now being marketed. And that scares me.

This trend is worrisome because people are hopping on the bandwagon without a freaking seatbelt. With no clue where they are heading. Or harboring a skewed destination. What was once a lifestyle, followed seriously by a handful of informed Americans, has become used for various other purposes: health, weight loss, acne.

This kind of marketing is frightening because many people will become vegans without doing thorough research. Many will start eating "vegan" and not consume enough calories. Or enough nutrients. The vegan diet is, at its core, one that is inherently deficient. It includes an elimination of all animal related food, including eggs, fish, meat, dairy. These animal products are vital sources of vitamins such as iron, zinc, calcium, protein, selenium, and vitamin D. Furthermore, vitamin B12, required for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis, is found only in animal products. In order for vegans to obtain enough vitamin B12, they must be vigilant in consuming artificially fortified B12 foods, take supplements, and/or get B12 injections.

Now let's say one works hard to supplement the nutrition holes in the vegan diet. Can this seemingly pure lifestyle still be unhealthy? Or even cause eating disorders?

I believe yes.

Becoming a vegan for primary reasons other than ethical can lead to a more vulnerable mindset. When one restricts their diet for a self-serving purpose, there is a greater pressure to do it perfectly. Eating perfectly becomes a way to control one's body. A way to become perfect.

The mental and emotional fatigue of food restriction are enormous. Food in a culture is a form of socialization and pleasure. We eat together, cook together, indulge in similar foods, talk about the indulgences, discuss our favorite foods, get ice cream, have parties, etc. Start eliminating food groups and you will end up alienating yourself from these festivities. You will stare at that cheesecake with desire while eating "healthy" broccoli and nuts, envying how carefree everyone else is with food. Every food choice becomes a burden, every bite a goal toward self-improvement. What was once a mindless act of enjoyment is now a strict regimen.You will begin to feel isolated from friends and family-- all for the sake of "personal well-being."

The definition of an eating disorder is any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Anorexia, the most infamous, is characterized by self-starvation and weight-loss, in which the sufferer falsely believes him/herself to be overweight. Orthorexia, less well known, is an unhealthy obsession with eating healthy, pure food. It is very likely that the restrictive ways of veganism, which lead to obsessive mindsets, can transform into eating disorders such as those mentioned.

Now that veganism is becoming a new "in" lifestyle, I felt the need to write this article. It has been something that I have felt strongly about for a long time. I am by no means trying to attack veganism; in fact, I think it is definitely making America more health-conscious and aware. But I am wary of all "lifestyles" and "diets" that restrict large food groups. The marketing of veganism has made many health enthusiasts blind-sighted to its potential drawbacks. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and many of us forget to take care of ourselves mentally and emotionally.

So if you take away anything from this article, please remember to question mainstream ideas, do your own research, listen to your body, and maintain a balanced lifestyle and mind.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

933324
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

109546
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

55734
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments