Jannequin Bennett, author of "Very Vegetarian," calls veganism a "diet of indulgence." She says that vegans allow themselves to indulge in the best, purest foods for their bodies. A carefully planned vegan diet can promote vibrant health and longevity. While some people choose vegan diets for ethical and social reasons, and others become vegans to lose weight, a growing number of people adopt veganism to detoxify their bodies.
Scope
Veganism is a subset of vegetarianism. While true vegetarians do not eat red meat, poultry, fish or flesh or any other living creature, they typically include eggs and dairy products in their diets. Vegans exclude all meat but also exclude eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt and other animal products, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group. Some strict vegans go a step further, excluding honey, wine--animal byproducts are used to clarify most commercially available wine--and sugar, which is typically refined using charred animal bones. Most people choose vegan detox diets that are not quite so extreme.
Purpose
The purpose of a vegan detox diet is to give the body an opportunity to flush out toxins that may have built up over years or even decades. Animals take in toxins from food, water and soil and store them in their bodies. Humans absorb these toxins when they eat meat, according to National Geographic.
Misconceptions
Some people assume that because vegans do not eat meat, eggs or dairy products, they do not obtain sufficient protein. According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, adults need approximately 0.36g of protein per pound of body weight. For example, a 150 lb. adult would need to consume about 54g of protein per day.
A balanced vegan diet, while lower in protein than the Standard American Diet, meets the dietary needs of adults. A 5 oz. serving of tofu provides 11g of protein, while a cup of soymilk offers 7g. Even vegetables provide more protein than most people think. A cup of cooked broccoli, for example, has 4g of protein.
Some carnivores also assume that a vegan diet is monotonous and restrictive. Veganism gives people a chance to not only detoxify their bodies but also to enjoy a variety of grains, vegetables, fruits, pulses and nuts, says Bennett.
Considerations
While a balanced vegan detox diet provides most of the vitamins and minerals you need to maintain your health, you may need to take supplements, particularly while you are adjusting to a vegan diet. Vegan diets tend to be low in calcium and zinc, according to the National Institutes of Health. Also, you may need a B12 supplement, since B12 is one of the only vitamins you cannot obtain from plant-based sources.
Include plenty of filtered water with a vegan detox diet, just like you would with any detox regimen. Aim for at least 64 oz. of water per day to flush out toxins and keep your body hydrated. Let your doctor know before you start a vegan detox or any other type of detox diet.
Risks
Development of B12 deficiency is one of the few risks of a balanced detox diet. Since the liver stores a three- to five-year supply of B12, this is rarely a problem for those adopting a vegan diet on a temporary basis. A B12 deficiency can result in nerve damage, numbness in the extremities and dementia, according to the Lab Tests Online website.
Member Comments