The mainstream narrative continuously champions a vegetarian or plant-based diet, but is it really justified? How do we sift through all the contradictory advice about carnivore diets versus plant-based diets? Is being a vegetarian or vegan good for your body and good the planet? Or is this all simply propaganda from the food industry? All these questions and more are answered by Dr Natasha Campbell McBride in this weeks episode of “Living outside the Matrix” in which she gives a comprehensive presentation – Vegetarianism Explained.

Two food categories

Dr Natasha begins by introducing plant foods and animal foods as the two categories of human food and explores what needs each one fills. Plant foods certainly have their place and offer medicinal benefits but there is considerable evidence that they cannot provide the essential building blocks needed to maintain the structures of the human body in the long term.

The human gut

The structure of our digestive system also gives us many vital clues in this investigation. The acidic stomach lends itself perfectly to the digestion of meat and animal proteins. The absence of a rumen in the human digestive tract also limits our ability to digest plant-based proteins. Although we have a vital community of microbes in the lower intestine that helps release nutrients mush of the absorption has already taken place by the time our food reaches this point. These and many other reasons are eloquently presented in this beautifully comprehensive presentation. I would say this is a ‘must listen’ podcast for the truth-seeking vegetarian or vegan.

Vegetarian or Vegan diets are not sustainable

When all the evidence is examined it appears that plants have their place and they do not necessarily have to be excluded, but care must be taken and the concepts of lectins and other anti-nutrients needs to be understood and factored into your dietary choices. Spices and herbs along with many other plants have benefits to offer us. The mistake is to conclude that animal-based foods are un-necessary.

Further details

Dr Natasha has a number of websites that are well worth exploring. These include:

www.vegetarianismexplained.com

This is where you can find all the details for obtaining a copy of the wonderful book where all of the information discussed is summarised.

www.GAPS.me

This website is for all the resources concerning the GAPS diet (Gut And Psychology Syndrome). Dr Natasha also discusses the GAPS diet in detail in this previous podcast interview. GAPS syndrome and the importance of gut health.

www.doctor-natasha.com

You will find out all about Dr Natash Campbell McBride here. Plus links to all of her other books.

www.GAPStraining.com

This is where you can find much more detail about the GAPS protocol and what health issues it address and how to follow it.

More information

Health is one of the most important issues for us humans. It necessarily has to be something we are conscious of and take deliberate steps to achieve. Health is not a lottery, it is an outcome, a result, a consequence. We must actively choose appropriate lifestyle choices and then health is achievable. Diet is undoubtedly the most important tool in your box,