Vegetarianism: the pros and cons

The supporters of vegetarianism have become more and more popular lately - people believe that such food is the most healthy and correct, prevents the development of various diseases and prolongs life. "The

.But doctors consider this method of nutrition arguably useful - for some people vegetarianism really helps to maintain the normal functioning of all organs and systems of the body, and others can actually do harm.

Experts from the World Health Organization published research results in 1989 and recognized vegetarianism as useful, but in 1990 observations of several scientists and doctors were published that confirm that every animal needs animal protein for normal functioning.As you can see, the controversy surrounding this type of food is constantly being carried on and does not stop until now.

Table of contents: Types of vegetarianism What are the benefits of vegetarianism Possible harm to vegetarianism and contraindications Recommendations for beginning vegetarians from specialists

Types of vegetarianism

A common feature of this type of food is the exclusion of protein from the diet of animal, but in fact there are several types of vegetarianism. The symbol is the following:

1. Old-vegetarianism, or veganism.This food, which implies the exclusion from the diet of all types of meat, seafood, eggs, milk and products from it.
2. Mladovegetarianism.In addition to vegetables, it is allowed to eat eggs and absolutely any dairy products.
3. Lactovegetarianism.The diet includes not only vegetables and fruits( vegetable food), but also all known dairy products.Eggs are prohibited.
4. .This method of nutrition implies the consumption of vegetables and fruits only in raw form, without heat treatment.
5. Fructorianism.It is understood that it is allowed to eat only berries, fruits and vegetables in raw form.Of course, there are other - more extensive vegetarian classifications, for example:

   

   Usually, adhering to vegetarianism, people eat those vegetables, fruits and grains that grow in their region of residence.For example, actively introduce carrots, legumes, nuts, onions, potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, buckwheat, oats, wheat, pumpkin, and cabbage.The protein in the body with such nutrition comes along with legumes( a special role in this regard is played by soybean cultures), cauliflower, wheat and kohlrabi.And the sources of fat are vegetarian oils - flaxseed, sunflower, olive, corn and others.

   What is the use of vegetarianism

   What does modern man eat?Canned food, beef and pork, produced in industrial quantities, artificially grown vegetables - these products contain not only vitamins, but also various chemical compounds, antibiotics.It is worth remembering that when the protein enters the body, it "replenishes" all organs and systems with energy.Protein surpluses are utilized by useful anaerobic microorganisms that are found in the intestines of every human being, but with the usual diet( lots of meat, milk and eggs), even the most healthy and useful microorganisms can not cope with protein surpluses.In the body, their toxic substances begin to accumulate( after all, unprocessed proteins begin to decay and decompose), and this provokes the development of bloating and digestive disorders.

   

   Protein is quite a heavy substance for the body with progressive kidney diseases, but protein restriction, on the contrary, improves the functionality of the urinary system, stabilizes the kidneys.Even in ancient times healers recommended that patients with kidney diseases abandon the use of meat and switch to egg-potato and other vegetarian diets.

   It is necessary to limit the protein to those who are diagnosed with liver diseases, this point is especially important for patients with hepatic insufficiency.This correction of the diet helps prevent the development of hepatic coma - a serious complication of liver failure, which almost always leads to death.

   If you stick to a non-strict vegetarian diet, then this will be an excellent addition to the traditional treatment of kidney stone disease and gout.After all, it is with protein that a large number of purines enter the body, which contribute to the formation of uric acid and its crystallization.

   All animal products are rich in fats - this is visible even to the average consumer, but every doctor knows that in such products there are also hidden fats - they also represent a certain danger to human health. These most hidden fats can lead to the following disorders:

   • bile flow outflow is slow;
   • formed the basis for the formation of stones in the gallbladder and bile ducts;
   • in the vessels formed atherosclerotic plaques;
   • changes the structure of the pancreas;
   • may develop diabetes mellitus.

   And now get information about cereals, vegetables and fruits:

   1. They are "carriers" of fiber - a substance that actively supports the normal operation of the entire gastrointestinal tract.
   2. These products contain micro / macro elements, which contribute to the liquefaction of bile and acceleration of its outflow.
   3. Vegetables, fruits and grains normalize metabolic processes in the body.
   4. Vitamins and other useful substances contribute to the elimination of toxins, carcinogens and radioactive substances.
   5. These products contain not only vitamins and minerals, but also organic acids( they have antibacterial properties), and tannins.

   

   Possible harm to vegetarianism and contraindications

   It must be understood that a complete rejection of food of animal origin or a severe restriction of that can lead to quite serious health consequences.

   First, the excess fiber, which is rich in plant foods, can lead to irritation of the mucosa of the esophagus, intestines and other organs of the digestive system.Often, with a vegetarian diet, doctors diagnose inflammation in the stomach and duodenum, and often a phenomenon is considered a peptic ulcer for vegetarians - all the consequences of using too much coarse fiber.

   Secondly, it is animal protein is a plastic "building material", it has high nutritional value.Vegetable protein, which is certainly also useful for the body, is very hard to digest and is difficult to absorb into the blood.In plant protein, there are few essential amino acids - for example, there is practically no tryptophan, and it is he who "responds" to the psycho-emotional background of a person and prevents the development of depressive conditions.Thirdly, it has been scientifically proven that vegetarianism, which is maintained thoughtlessly and uncontrollably, can lead to a slowdown in development and growth in childhood, vitamin B12 deficiency, neurological problems, iron deficiency and the development of anemia of iron-deficiency type, immune abnormalities, and a lack of vitamin B12.Protein-energy deficiency.

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   From all the above it is possible to draw a concrete conclusion and to denote those categories of people to whom vegetarianism is simply forbidden:

   • for children and teenagers;
   • to people who are in a rehabilitation / recovery period after severe illness;
   • for pregnant women and nursing mothers;
   • to patients with extensive burns, tumors of benign and / or malignant nature, after abdominal operations;
   • for women in the menopause and after it - in plant foods there will not be the right amount of calcium to prevent the development of bone fragility, vitamin and mineral complexes will not help;
   • to athletes;
   • people with obvious weight deficit.

   Recommendations for beginning vegetarians from specialists

   If it is decided to abandon animal protein and adhere to one of the types of vegetarianism, then it is worthwhile to listen to recommendations from specialists - they will help not to disturb your health while changing your diet and diet. Here they are:

   1. Before changing the method of nutrition, you must visit a doctor and undergo a complete examination - it is important to exclude contraindications and get permission for vegetarianism from specialists.
   2. In order not to disturb the physiological processes in the body, it is advisable to begin in advance to conduct short courses of vegetarian food or to make unloading days on vegetables, fruits and grains.
   3. To provide your body with the right amount of protein, it is necessary to combine peanuts with sunflower seeds, legumes with wheat, rice with sesame or beans when making the menu.
   4. The following proportions must be observed when compiling a vegetarian menu:
   • 25% - deciduous vegetables and root vegetables;
   • 25% - heat-treated vegetables of all kinds;
   • 25% - soaked dried fruits or fresh berries / fruits;
   • 10% - fermented milk products and nuts;
   • 5% - vegetable oils, margarine, spreads;10% - sugar, cereals and bread.
   • .

   Vegetarianism is still a controversial issue - scientists and doctors can not decide what the body will receive with this method of nutrition - benefit or harm.But if there is a desire to switch to such a method of nutrition, then you need to do this as carefully as possible, gradually and competently.

   Tsygankova Yana Aleksandrovna, medical reviewer, therapist of the highest qualification category