ALTERNATIVE DIETS

May 15, 2009

Most who give up an orthodox style of living and opt for the alternative, do so because they believe the new way is better.

Those who adopt a “health foods” diet do so in a belief it will prove healthier than eating meat, food additives and “junk food”.

But those on vegetarian diets may run other risks to health if the diet is not adequately balanced. Strict vegans, who eat no animal products may suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency and so develop a form of pernicious anaemia.

There is now evidence that some pre-school children fed a macrobiotic diet which consists mainly of unrefined cereal grains, vegetables and nuts may develop rickets, a bone disorder where calcium is not laid down properly in the growing bone, due to vitamin D deficiency.

Children on a macrobiotic diet should have a vitamin D supplement, usually cod liver oil and extra calcium and adequate exposure of the skin to sunlight is also necessary as vitamin D is also made in the skin by the action of ultraviolet light.

Things aren’t always as they seem and there are few absolutes. Your alternative healthy diet may still have its problems.