The Raw Vegan Diet: Losing My Period

how i lost my period on a raw vegan diet

Raw vegan blogger Miliany Bonet told Broadly, Vice's women's interest channel, that a non-menstruating body indicates the body is clean. She also said that she lost her period when she first adopted a 100% raw vegan diet.

Bonet is not alone in her beliefs. Many other vegan bloggers have been telling their online followers that extremely tweaking their diets will release them from the curse of painful periods.

However, some physicians disagree with these claims. Lauren Streicher, associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, told Shape magazine that there is no scientific basis to the idea that a period indicates the body is shedding toxins.

Obstetrician-gynecologist Jen Gunter, author of 'The Preemie Primer', also pushed back against the notion that periods are toxic. She told The Daily Mail:

> This is a very dangerous idea and displays a complete lack of understanding of female biology and the human body in general. Periods are not bad or filled with toxins. This trend is alarming because it comes from someone who clearly has no understanding of periods or even biology in general and is just another form of body shaming.

There is also limited scientific evidence to support the claim that a vegan diet can stop periods. Caitlin Beale, a registered dietitian, said:

> There is not enough conclusive research to show how plant-based diets impact the menstrual cycle.

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The raw vegan diet can cause a loss of period

The raw vegan diet is a lifestyle choice that involves eating only plant-based foods that are not cooked above 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people who follow this diet report losing their period, which is a natural occurrence for them. However, this is a controversial topic, and there are conflicting opinions on whether or not this is a healthy development.

The raw vegan diet and period loss

Some women who follow the raw vegan diet report losing their period within the first few months of adopting this lifestyle. This is because their body is detoxing, and their period naturally becomes lighter or disappears altogether. Raw living foods are also great for balancing hormones.

The link between diet and period health

There is a link between diet and menstrual health. A well-planned vegetarian or vegan diet can be appropriate at any stage of life as long as all nutrient needs are met. However, a vegan or plant-based diet may not provide an adequate supply of nutrients such as zinc, iodine, iron, vitamin A, and taurine.

The impact of nutrient deficiencies on periods

Nutrient deficiencies can affect menstrual health. For example, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which can cause fatigue, feeling cold, restless legs, and unusually pale skin. People with a menstrual cycle are more likely to have anemia due to blood loss during their period.

Additionally, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A deficiencies can impair ovulation and cause amenorrhea (lack of periods), anovulation (irregular periods), or heavy periods due to low progesterone.

The dangers of period loss

Some medical professionals warn against the idea that period loss is desirable or healthy. Missing a period can put a woman at risk for bone loss and other problems, including an abnormal buildup in the lining of the uterus that can become cancerous over time.

The bottom line

There is conflicting evidence and opinion on whether or not the raw vegan diet is healthy and desirable. While some women report feeling healthier and experiencing lighter or no periods on this diet, others experience negative health consequences, such as nutrient deficiencies and impaired ovulation. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes to ensure that nutrient needs are met and potential health risks are understood.

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Raw vegan bloggers claim that periods are a sign of toxins in the body

Followers of these bloggers are receptive to the idea of ditching their periods. Several commenters on a 2015 YouTube video called "I lost my period on a vegan diet" wrote that they hadn't had a period or had lighter periods after switching to a vegan lifestyle.

However, for many women, not having a period is a medical problem. Missing a period can put a woman at risk for bone loss and other problems, including an abnormal buildup in the lining of the uterus that can become cancerous over time.

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Doctors disagree with the claim that periods are a sign of toxins

Obstetrician-gynaecologist Jen Gunter agrees, stating that "this is a very dangerous idea and displays a complete lack of understanding of female biology and the human body in general". She goes on to say that "dieting to get rid of your period is unhealthy and anyone promoting this should be ashamed of themselves and take a first-year biology course".

Lauren Streicher, an associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, also refutes the idea that periods indicate the body is shedding toxins. She explains that the purpose of a menstrual cycle is to achieve pregnancy, and that the uterine lining is built up each month for a potential embryo. If no embryo implants, the uterine lining is shed and released from the body as a period. Therefore, if the uterine lining were filled with harmful substances, it would not be a suitable environment for an embryo.

Missing a period can indicate an underlying medical problem and can put a woman at risk for bone loss and abnormal buildup in the lining of the uterus, which can become cancerous.

While a vegan or plant-based diet can initially make periods lighter and less painful, over time it can cause irregular or heavy periods due to impaired ovulation and low progesterone. This is often due to nutrient deficiencies, particularly of zinc, iodine, iron, vitamin A, and taurine.

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A raw vegan diet can lead to multiple nutrient deficiencies

Secondly, raw vegan diets can be low in calcium and vitamin D, which are critical for bone health. This can lead to weaker bones and an increased risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures. Additionally, vitamin D is important for muscle function, and its deficiency can cause muscle weakness, aches, and cramps.

Thirdly, raw vegan diets may not provide sufficient protein, which is necessary for preserving muscle mass and bone health. Diets that are too low in protein can contribute to bone and muscle weakness.

Furthermore, raw vegan diets can be deficient in iodine, which is required by the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, causing symptoms such as an inability to tolerate cold temperatures.

It is important to note that supplements are often discouraged in the raw vegan community due to the belief that all necessary nutrients can be obtained from raw foods alone. However, this can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, and it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

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A raw vegan diet may not be suitable for everyone

A raw vegan diet is a plant-based diet that consists of raw or uncooked foods. This type of diet can be rich in nutrients and can offer some health benefits, such as reduced risk of chronic health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, as it can also lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health issues.

One of the main concerns with a raw vegan diet is the risk of nutrient deficiencies. A vegan diet may not provide adequate amounts of certain nutrients, such as zinc, iodine, iron, vitamin A, and taurine. These nutrients are important for overall health and can affect menstrual health. For example, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which is more common in people with menstrual cycles due to blood loss during periods.

Additionally, a raw vegan diet may not provide enough calories, which can affect menstrual health. Extreme caloric restriction can impact cycle length or stop menstruation altogether. It is important to ensure that you are meeting your daily caloric needs, even when following a raw vegan diet.

Another concern with a raw vegan diet is the potential for foodborne illnesses. Raw or undercooked foods may contain harmful bacteria or parasites that can cause food poisoning or other health issues. It is important to handle and prepare raw foods safely to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Furthermore, a raw vegan diet may not be suitable for everyone due to individual preferences and restrictions. Some people may find it challenging to adhere to a strict raw vegan diet, especially if they have limited access to fresh, plant-based foods or have dietary restrictions. It is important to consider your individual needs and preferences when deciding whether a raw vegan diet is right for you.

It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant dietary changes, including adopting a raw vegan diet. They can help you ensure that your dietary choices are safe and provide guidance on how to meet your nutritional needs while following a raw vegan diet.

Frequently asked questions

A raw vegan diet is a diet that is composed of mostly raw fruits and vegetables.

A raw vegan diet can be beneficial to your health as it can decrease the risk of some chronic health conditions like diabetes, cancer risk, and heart disease.

A raw vegan diet can cause multiple nutrient deficiencies that affect periods.

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