Semaglutide Side Effects: How a Vegan Diet Can Help
In a late night interview recently, Tracy Morgan was asked why he looks so great. He smiles with a one-word response, “Ozempic.” He also claims to have gained weight while taking the drug. In fact, many have claimed to suffer side effects, too.
For those who have not heard yet, Ozempic® and Wegovy® are brand names for the weight loss and diabetes drug generically named semaglutide. Because diabetes type 2 and obesity run in my family, I can’t help but think of my siblings when I see a celebrity open up about their health and weight struggles. I also approach food as medicine and understand that nurturing our bodies with nutrition-rich vegetables, grains and fruits heals and strengthens our gut microbiome.
All drugs have side effects
Every FDA-approved drug sold over the counter or by prescription has a warning label. While civil lawsuits have popped up against the drug, the medical community has been quick to defend the efficacy of semaglutide, as in the interview below:
In the video above, Nurse Practitioner Crystal Roni Smith points out that many people who are experiencing problems are those who are not changing their diets. “If you are slowing down the gut to utilize more glucose but still eating a half a bag of Doritos, you are not eating nutrients.”
Questions About Pairing Semaglutide With a Vegan Diet
Is semaglutide vegan? I have come across search results that claim semaglutide is not vegan because of the yeast used to create it. However, live yeast is a fungi, not an animal, and so not considered off limits in a vegan diet.
Does a vegan diet help or hurt the efficacy of semaglutide? Semaglutide is part of a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which mimic GLP-1 in order to stimulate insulin production and dial down hunger signals. A whole foods, plant-based diet also supports the GLP-1 hormone, making it more likely that a person sticking to a vegan diet after going off the medication is more likely to maintain their weight and health than a person who eats meat and processed foods.3.
Can a vegan diet replace this expensive drug? This is only a question you can answer for yourself in consultation with your doctor. For some, taking semaglutide to help kickstart your shift to a healthier lifestyle may be the answer. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet.
Semaglutide can be a game-changer for weight loss. But let’s be real, no one enjoys those side effects. Nausea, constipation, and fatigue are common complaints. But here’s the good news: a vegan diet might be your secret weapon to mitigating unwanted side effects from the drug.
Here’s why:
Nausea Relief: Plant-based foods are naturally lower in fat, which can be easier on your stomach as you adjust to semaglutide. Think soothing smoothies, comforting soups, and fiber-rich fruits and veggies.
Conquer Constipation: Fiber is your best friend when it comes to constipation, and vegan diets are packed with it. Load up on beans, lentils, whole grains, and leafy greens to keep things moving.
Energy Boost: Ditching the Doritos and other processed foods and embracing whole, plant-based options can work wonders for your energy levels. Think vibrant salads, hearty veggie bowls, and nutrient-packed snacks.
Plant-based Foods for Semaglutide Support:
Ginger: a natural nausea-buster. Sip on ginger tea or add fresh ginger to your meals.
Flaxseeds: the king of seeds. These nutrient-rich, fiber powerbombs can help regulate digestion and combat constipation.
Berries: Packed with antioxidants and, yes, more fiber, berries are a delicious way to support gut health and boost energy.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are nutritional power boosts, providing essential vitamins and minerals for overall well-being.
Important Note:
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medication regimen.
Individual experiences may vary, and it’s essential to listen to your body and seek professional guidance.
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Struggling with weight? Looking for a supportive, professional telehealth team you can trust? Check out the Body Miracle Membership here.
Vegan benefits are hitting mainstream news media outlets everywhere. Over the years, the eating habits of people around the world have changed dramatically. Apart from family customs, social settings, and personal preferences, diets are now influenced by a number of other factors such as environment, media, governments, trade, migration, and nifty kitchen appliances like microwave ovens, toasters, and others. And today there are many kinds of diets which a person can choose from. But of all diets, the vegan benefits stand apart as not just an easy way to weight loss but also a lifestyle choice that is easy on the environment.
Vegan benefits: more than just weight loss
A vegan diet is a lifestyle choice because a person who chooses to be a vegan avoids not only meat and fish, but all kinds of products that come from animals including milk, egg, and honey. Vegan benefits are not only better health, but also a greater awareness of animal welfare and environmental preservation. People who are vegan avoid using leather, fur, silk, wool, soaps, or any products derived from animals.
Veganism might be complex and difficult to practice for many, but it has a number of health benefits for people according to food science as it is high in dietary fiber, folic acid, iron, phytochemicals, magnesium, and vitamin C and E. And many people have become vegan mainly for deriving health benefits. Some of the vegan benefits for health are:
1) Illnesses and conditions: Eating animal fats and proteins increase the risk of various diseases and There is a much lower risk of developing cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, and so on other diseases in vegans.
2) Weight loss: A vegan diet mainly includes whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits that contain no cholesterol and are low in fat – mainly unsaturated fats which help in weight loss. These high-fiber, nutrient-filled foods make all the difference.
3) Increased life expectancy: According to various global studies, people who eat red meat and processed meat have less life expectancy than vegans. Vegans, in general, eat more healthily (yes, there’s vegan junk food, too).
4) PMS: A vegan diet is also known to decrease the intensity of menstrual pain as well as pre-menopausal symptoms and menopausal symptoms.
5) Increased energy: Vegans reportedly feel less sluggish and weighed down after a meal. They have better endurance in exercise and sports are more pronounced as their diet does not include any animal products.
Vegan deficiencies
A vegan diet style has high nutritional and health advantages. But just like any other diet vegan diet, it also has some health risks to be aware of. Some health risks related to a vegan diet are:
1) Vitamin B12 deficiency: Vegans have a high risk of a vitamin B12 deficiency as this vitamin is mostly found in meat and animal products. Lack of vitamin B12 a person can suffer from unusual fatigue, amenorrhea, and nausea and in extreme cases can suffer from severe irreversible brain damage. Simple solution: take a vegan B12 supplement.
2) Infants: Breast milk of vegan mothers has very low critical brain fat, DHA, and other vitamins which can affect breastfeeding children. Infants can suffer from disorders such as anemia, weakness, hematological abnormalities, and other disorders.
3) Intestinal discomfort: A vegan diet has more fiber-rich foods within it, and for new vegans, this can cause intestinal discomfort in the beginning. Are you feeling heavy, low on energy, or not adjusting to vegan choices as well as you’d like? Try detoxing with smoothies.
4) Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies: A vegan diet has very low calcium which can result in future fractures. To remedy this deficiency a vegan diet should be balanced with more spinach and soy products. And since vitamin D aids calcium to build strong bones it is important for vegans to receive enough sunlight.
Lastly, a vegan diet can be very healthy for everyone if it is balanced and well planned.
What vegan benefits have you experienced since going vegan? If you are not vegan yet or having trouble staying on track, how about giving yourself a challenge? Try this to hit the reset button on your health.
