The Disadvantages to a Non-Soy Vegetarian Diet

As medical research advances, and we become more and more familiar with our health risks associated with specific foods, many families are turning to a more vegetarian diet as the foundation for their meals. If you are considering a vegetarian diet, but you do not plan to add soy products, there may be some long term health risks associated with this dietary strategy.

Because traditional vegetarian diets, without soy, rely on the consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains, there is a large intake of carbohydrates. When the body is repeatedly subjected to large carbohydrate intake a common health condition known as insulin resistance may develop. With insulin resistance, there is a marked imbalance in hormonal levels within the body and it is important, therefore, that vegetarians understand how to negate this potential health risk.

Feeling sluggish and fatigued on a regular basis is a common complication among those who consume a vegetarian diet that does not contain soy products. Soy is, therefore, essential if you feel that your vegetarian diet is not giving you energy. Typically, a drop in energy levels is attributed to the change in blood sugar as insulin is in abundance and sugar levels begin to drop. By adding protein, and some fat, into your diet, you can improve the balance of insulin hormones and negate the effects of insulin resistance. Soy, for most vegetarians, is the food choice that provides the fat and protein needed to maintain normal glucose levels.

While your doctor may recommend that you eat a diet high in vegetables and grains, there is a fine balance that you must consider as a new vegetarian. Completely eliminating all animal products may not be wise but, if you choose to do so, you can improve your health by increasing your intake of soy. Soy does provide many other health advantages and can be prepared as a main course to a meal or simply added to your beverage intake. When struggling to find the right balance, meet with a nutritionist who specializes in vegetarian diets as you will want to be sure your protein and fat intake are the ideal levels to balance the amount of carbohydrates you will be eating.

Sources: The Soy Zone, by Barry Sears, Ph.D., pp. 3-4.