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The Perils of a Meat-Heavy Diet: Are You Eating Too Much?

Meat and its derivatives are nutrient-rich, but they also contain high levels of saturated fat. This means that excessive meat consumption can have detrimental effects on one's health. Are you curious about the warning signs that indicate you're eating too much meat? Join us as we explore these indicators and learn how to maintain a healthier balance in your diet!

Administrator

31 August, 2024

1 Abdominal Distension and Bloating

Since meat is hard to digest, eating it without chewing thoroughly can easily lead to abdominal distension and bloating. The solution is to pair it with green vegetables or a salad!

2 Constipation

One of the causes of constipation is the excessive absorption of iron found in red meats such as pork, beef, and water buffalo meat. Therefore, it is best to eat red meat only twice a week and in moderate portions, around 100g to 200g.

Especially, it is important to combine meat with green vegetables and cereals to improve constipation. Steamed and boiled dishes are preferable to fried and grilled ones.

3 Nausea

If you feel nauseous after eating, you may have consumed meat that was not properly cleaned during preparation, and your body is unable to digest it, leading to food poisoning. In this case, promptly seek medical attention for diagnosis and timely treatment if the symptom persists and worsens.

4 Fatigue

If you feel tired and unmotivated to do anything after eating, it means your body has not fully digested the meat. Therefore, regularly consuming green vegetables and fruits is the solution to improve your digestive system.

5 High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure refers to the state of blood circulating with high pressure. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, while hypertension is above 140/90 mmHg.

When experiencing symptoms such as nosebleeds, dizziness, nausea, headaches, insomnia, shortness of breath, chest pain, and vomiting, you may have high blood pressure. Seek medical attention promptly for a timely diagnosis.

Eating too much meat is one of the causes of this condition. This is because meat stored in freezers tends to have higher sodium levels than usual. Additionally, red meat contains high levels of saturated fat. Regular consumption can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

6 Body Odor

If meat is not fully absorbed, the odor from the digestion process can permeate through the skin and breath, resulting in a stronger body odor than usual.

7 Weakened Immune System

You may be more susceptible to minor illnesses if your body cannot fully digest the meat you consume. This is a sign that your immune system is weakening due to the influence of the sugar molecule Neu5Gc found in red meat.

Since our bodies cannot produce this natural sugar molecule, it is recognized as a harmful foreign substance. When consumed, antibodies are produced to react against it, causing inflammation and a weakened immune system.

These are some warning signs indicating that you have been eating too much meat. It is necessary to adjust your daily diet by incorporating more green vegetables and reducing meat consumption. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions!

Reference: vnexpress.net

Frequently asked questions

A diet high in meat, particularly processed and red meat, has been linked to an increased risk of various health issues. These include heart disease, certain cancers (such as colorectal cancer), type 2 diabetes, and even a higher risk of death from all causes. Additionally, excessive meat consumption can lead to weight gain and obesity due to its high saturated fat and calorie content.

The high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol in meat, especially red and processed meat, can raise LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol levels in the blood. This, in turn, can lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis narrows the arteries and increases the risk of blood clots, ultimately raising the chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

Yes, a diet high in processed meat has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is ‘convincing evidence’ that processed meat causes this type of cancer. Additionally, red meat is classified as ‘probably carcinogenic’, meaning it likely increases the risk of colorectal and other types of cancer as well.

Meat, especially processed and fatty cuts, tends to be high in saturated fat and calories. Excessive consumption of these fats and calories can lead to weight gain and obesity over time. Obesity, in turn, increases the risk of various health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Yes, some studies suggest that a meat-heavy diet may also increase the risk of kidney disease and certain types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, meat is often high in dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which have been linked to inflammation in the body and an increased risk of various chronic diseases.