Veganism is a food practice whereby a person abstains from the exploitation and cruelty of animals for food, clothing, etc. thereby promoting the use of animal alternatives. This means that vegans do not eat meat, fish, poultry and most, if not all dairy products. While veganism does have many benefits, especially for the animals who get to keep their lives and skins, there are some things that you may not know about this extremely popular diet trend. 

1. Vegans Pass Gas More

Switching from a diet with meat to fully plant-based has been linked to several digestive changes including an increase in flatulence. According to a recent study, vegan men passed gas significantly more than those who had meat in their diets. Some studies claim that they passed gas seven times more, and that’s a good thing. The vegans in the study were much healthier than their omnivorous counterparts, but their partners, colleagues and family members weren’t exactly thrilled about it. 

2. Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome is just as bad as it sounds, and it means that the lining of a person’s gut is damaged to the point where it cannot function as a barrier. The gut’s permeability increases thereby forming small holes which can become larger, and this allows harmful substances to enter your circulatory system. It is commonly seen in vegans because they get much of their protein from legumes which contain substances (lectins and phytates) that block the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. The decreased absorption leads to increased permeability. The body recognizes these substances and creates antibodies to get rid of them and can manifest any range of symptoms from joint pain and eczema to autoimmune conditions. 

3. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Vegans as well as vegetarians are at an increased risk of developing anemia, specifically iron-deficiency anemia. It is a condition whereby the blood lacks an adequate amount of healthy red blood cells due to insufficient iron. Red meat is an extremely rich source of (heme) iron so non-meat eaters need to find alternatives to meet their iron needs, which is often difficult. It is the reason why doctors recommend iron supplements for non-meat eaters and women trying to become pregnant. The problem is that it can cause nausea.

4. Weight Gain?

Many people assume that vegans are skinny or at the very least, in shape, but we’re here to say that that’s not always the case. Vegans already face issues with getting enough protein and their replacement choices are the reason why they can pack on more weight than people who aren’t vegan. Many vegans substitute their meat with legumes or seeds like lentils, beans, and quinoa but the problem with these foods is that they contain more carbohydrates than protein. That combined with the carbs they already eat can prove to be the main reason why they gain weight. 

5. GMO Meat Substitutes

On their quest of meat freedom, some vegans have admitted to missing a good burger and food companies know that. As such, many meat-substitutes have been created but that doesn’t mean that they’re all good. In an attempt to give consumers products that mimic the taste, look, and feel of meat, several ingredients, many of which are unnatural and unhealthy, are added to these meat imposters. Some of these ingredients have even been found in e-cigarettes and antifreeze, so before you go around eating these fraudsters, do your research.