Vegan Diet: Why I Had To Quit

There are many reasons why people choose to quit a vegan diet. Some people report feeling constantly hungry, exhausted, and unwell, with symptoms such as brain fog, hormonal issues, and chronic fatigue. Others find that the diet triggers or exacerbates disordered eating, with the restrictive nature of veganism providing a way to engage in unhealthy behaviours. Some people also find that the vegan diet is incompatible with their ethical beliefs, particularly when it comes to supporting large corporations that produce vegan products. Others find that the diet is simply too restrictive and difficult to maintain, especially when combined with other dietary requirements, such as gluten intolerance.

Health issues: Ex-vegans report feeling tired, weak, and experiencing brain fog

Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes the consumption of animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. While some people adopt veganism for ethical reasons, others do so for health reasons. However, there are reports of ex-vegans who quit the diet due to adverse health effects. Feeling tired, weak, and experiencing brain fog are among the commonly reported health issues that have driven people to quit veganism.

Nutritional Deficiencies

One of the main reasons ex-vegans cite for quitting the diet is nutritional deficiencies. Vegan diets can be lacking in certain essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. These deficiencies can lead to a range of health issues, including fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, and weakened immune systems. For example, one ex-vegan reported experiencing extreme brain fog, headaches, fatigue, and hair loss. Another ex-vegan, who was vegan for 20 years, experienced low energy, constant tiredness, pale skin, hair loss, and brittle nails.

Difficulty in Meeting Nutritional Requirements

Meeting nutritional requirements on a vegan diet can be challenging, especially for those who are new to the lifestyle or who do not have access to a variety of vegan-friendly food options. This may result in inadequate intake of essential nutrients, leading to health issues. For instance, a college student who adopted veganism reported a decline in their health due to the limited healthy vegan options available in their dining hall.

Health Improvements after Quitting Veganism

Many ex-vegans report significant improvements in their health after reintroducing animal products into their diet. One ex-vegan, who quit veganism after 20 years, experienced an almost immediate improvement in their health. Their skin became healthier, complexion improved, nails thickened, hair grew normally, and teeth became firmer in their gums. Another ex-vegan, who reintroduced eggs into their diet after being vegan for eight years, noticed a reduction in brain fog.

Individual Differences

It is important to note that the impact of veganism on health can vary from person to person. While some people thrive on a vegan diet, others may experience negative health consequences. Individual differences in genetics, biochemistry, and microbiomes play a role in determining the suitability of a vegan diet for an individual. As one ex-vegan puts it, "We all have different requirements to thrive."

Lack of nutrients: Vegans may experience a lack of iron, protein, and other essential nutrients

Vegans may experience a lack of iron, protein, and other essential nutrients, which can lead to a range of health issues. Iron deficiency, for example, can result in anaemia, causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, low body temperature, and headaches. While it is possible to obtain iron from plant-based sources, the body does not absorb iron from plants as effectively as it does from meat. As a result, vegans need to consume more iron-rich foods or take supplements to meet their daily requirements.

Some good sources of iron for vegans include blackstrap molasses, lentils, tofu, tempeh, spinach, beans (especially kidney beans), Swiss chard, and iron-fortified products. However, certain factors can inhibit iron absorption, such as tea, coffee, and phytates, which are found in some plant-based foods. On the other hand, vitamin C enhances iron absorption, and vegan diets are typically rich in vitamin C-containing foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli.

In addition to iron, vegans may also struggle to obtain sufficient protein, which is essential for maintaining energy levels and muscle health. While plant-based proteins are available, they may not provide the same range of amino acids as animal-based proteins. This can lead to a condition known as "protein anaemia," where the body is unable to produce enough new cells to replace old ones.

The lack of nutrients in a vegan diet can have significant health consequences. For example, one vegan reported experiencing constant exhaustion, brain fog, and a weakened immune system. Another individual developed hormonal issues, chronic fatigue, and gut dysbiosis after eight years of veganism. In some cases, the body's inability to absorb enough nutrients from a vegan diet can lead to more serious health issues, such as loose teeth and hair loss.

It is important to note that a well-planned vegan diet can provide adequate nutrition and that not all vegans will experience nutrient deficiencies. However, the risk of nutrient deficiencies highlights the importance of carefully planning vegan meals to ensure a sufficient intake of essential nutrients like iron and protein.

Ethical concerns: Some believe that veganism is not always ethical, especially when buying from large corporations

Veganism is a way of life and a diet that forgoes any animal products in both food intake and other areas of one's life. Vegans avoid eating meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and other products made from animals. To reduce their impact on animal exploitation and suffering, they also often avoid goods like leather, fur, silk, and cosmetics that have been tested on animals. Ethical vegans oppose the commercialisation and exploitation of animals for human purposes and believe in the inherent worth and rights of all sentient beings.

However, some people believe that veganism is not always ethical, especially when buying from large corporations. For example, many meat alternative brands are owned by various meat and butchery companies, and some vegan and vegetarian brands use ingredients that are genetically modified or non-organic, treated with harmful pesticides, or sourced from unsustainable crops.

One former vegan expressed their disillusionment with the idea that veganism is the most ethical way forward, stating:

> "I’m starting to realise that veganism is an extreme that often ignores ethical standpoints contradicting it (pest control? removing natural lands and animals to build industry veggie/fruit/soy/etc farms?). It’s a bit of a cult tbh, I think that there is 100% a degree of brainwashing and guilt tripping involved."

Another ex-vegan shared a similar sentiment, saying:

> "I’m beginning to think it is much more ethical to support farms who work towards ethical practices like this as opposed to buying vegan products from corporations who honestly do not give a shit about animals nor the environment and only make plant-based products to hop onto the trend and make more money."

Some vegans try to navigate these ethical dilemmas by seeking the most compassionate and sustainable choices available to them, continuously educating themselves about the impacts of their consumption, and being open to continuous self-reflection and improvement in their ethical practices.

Eating disorders: Veganism can be a way to restrict food intake and control eating habits

Eating Disorders and Veganism

Veganism can be a way for people to restrict their food intake and control their eating habits. While vegan diets are often associated with health benefits, they can also be misused as a means of disordered eating. In some cases, individuals may use veganism as a guise to restrict their diet and justify eliminating certain food groups, leading to nutritional deficiencies and health issues. This misuse of veganism as a restrictive diet can be detrimental to both physical and mental health.

Restrictive Nature of Veganism

Veganism, by definition, involves abstaining from all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. This restriction inherently limits food choices and can make it challenging to obtain adequate nutrition. For individuals with a predisposition to eating disorders or disordered eating patterns, veganism may provide a socially acceptable framework to restrict their diet further. By eliminating entire food groups, individuals may develop an unhealthy fixation on "pure" or "clean" eating, which can be indicative of orthorexia or other eating disorders.

Health Consequences

The restrictive nature of veganism can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in essential nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and zinc. These deficiencies can result in a range of health issues, including fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, brittle nails, and gastrointestinal problems. In some cases, individuals may experience a deterioration of their physical health, compromised immune system, and increased susceptibility to illness.

Emotional and Mental Impact

Adopting veganism as a restrictive diet can also have significant emotional and mental health consequences. Individuals may experience increased anxiety, guilt, or shame around food choices, leading to social isolation or avoidance of certain situations involving food. The strict rules and limitations of veganism can contribute to feelings of deprivation and a disrupted relationship with food, impacting overall mental well-being.

Disordered Eating Patterns

Veganism can become a way for individuals to exert control over their eating habits and body image. The restriction of food choices and potential for nutritional deficiencies can lead to disordered eating patterns, such as orthorexia, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia nervosa. In some cases, individuals may develop an unhealthy preoccupation with "healthy" eating, leading to excessive food labeling, calorie counting, or restrictive dieting. This can result in a distorted relationship with food, where individuals view certain foods as "good" or "bad," further reinforcing disordered eating patterns.

Recovery and Support

For individuals struggling with disordered eating or eating disorders while adhering to a vegan diet, it is crucial to seek professional help. Recovery may involve working with a therapist or counselor specialized in eating disorders, as well as a dietitian or nutritionist to ensure adequate nutrition. It may be necessary to gradually reintroduce animal products to restore nutritional balance and promote physical and mental healing. Support groups or peer support networks can also provide valuable guidance and encouragement during the recovery journey.

Infertility: Some women believe that a vegan diet may negatively impact fertility

A vegan diet may negatively impact fertility due to the risk of nutrient deficiencies. However, this is a controversial topic, and there is evidence to suggest that a well-planned vegan diet can positively impact fertility.

The cons of a vegan diet for fertility

Complete elimination of animal products may negatively impact fertility due to the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies are common in vegan diets, and these deficiencies can affect fertility in both men and women. Iron from plant sources is poorly absorbed, and vitamin B12 is found exclusively in animal products.

The pros of a vegan diet for fertility

A well-planned vegan diet can positively impact fertility by providing essential nutrients such as antioxidants, fibre, and B vitamins. Increased consumption of plant-based proteins instead of animal proteins may reduce ovulatory infertility. A vegan diet can also improve gut health and contribute to a balanced microbiome, which may regulate hormones associated with fertility-related conditions.

Other factors to consider

A vegan diet may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to consider individual needs and preferences. Some people may find that a vegan diet leads to restrictive eating or nutritional deficiencies, while others may thrive on a vegan diet. It is also important to note that a vegan diet does not automatically equal a healthy diet, as vegan "junk food" options are often highly processed and contain excess salt, preservatives, and fewer vitamins and fibre.

Personal experiences

Some women have shared their experiences of quitting a vegan diet due to concerns about its impact on fertility. For example, one woman shared that she and her mother followed a strict plant-based diet for eight years and ended up with "huge hormonal issues, chronic fatigue, and gut dysbiosis". She advised others, especially those in their reproductive years, against following a vegan diet.

Recommendations

Before making any significant dietary changes, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. A fertility nutritionist can provide advice on a vegan-friendly fertility diet plan, and supplementation may be recommended to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Frequently asked questions