I 100% agree the Standard American Diet is shit. I also think “take some tests and then pills” fixes most of the problems of veganism for most people (although I’m not holding effort constant). If Standard American Diet had as easy a fix I would absolutely be talking about that, but it mostly doesn’t, because fixing Standard American Diet involves giving up things people like or eating things they don’t. When I find potential improvements to SAD that are anywhere near as easy to implement or evaluate as “take some tests and some pills”, I’m very quick to talk about them.
But I see a lot of vegans who aren’t taking the tests or pills, who didn’t know that was necessary, and are hurt because of it. And when I try to talk about and fix the problem, by providing tests and pills, people tell me I shouldn’t because it might discourage veganism.
Another question raised by your post is the point at which someone who is experiencing certain symptoms (e.g., fatigue) yet has normal lab levels and is on supplements should consider a trial of reintroducing a moderate amount of animal products in their diet. Nutrition is complex, and modern applied understandings often seem to be reductionistic—so establishing normal lab values doesn’t clearly rule out a dietary contribution. My answer would be that this is a conversation someone should be having with their treating physician, which is one of the reasons why I don’t like sources that come across as dismissive about taking medical advice, or that suggest that adverse health consequences are impossible.
I can’t answer that question, but would note that a elaborate medical workup can be financially and logistically arduous, can take a significant amount of time during which the person doesn’t have any relief, and can involve some risk. If no reversible cause is found for the symptom, and you’re stuck with symptom management—those treatments may have side effects and risks.
I 100% agree the Standard American Diet is shit. I also think “take some tests and then pills” fixes most of the problems of veganism for most people (although I’m not holding effort constant). If Standard American Diet had as easy a fix I would absolutely be talking about that, but it mostly doesn’t, because fixing Standard American Diet involves giving up things people like or eating things they don’t. When I find potential improvements to SAD that are anywhere near as easy to implement or evaluate as “take some tests and some pills”, I’m very quick to talk about them.
But I see a lot of vegans who aren’t taking the tests or pills, who didn’t know that was necessary, and are hurt because of it. And when I try to talk about and fix the problem, by providing tests and pills, people tell me I shouldn’t because it might discourage veganism.
Another question raised by your post is the point at which someone who is experiencing certain symptoms (e.g., fatigue) yet has normal lab levels and is on supplements should consider a trial of reintroducing a moderate amount of animal products in their diet. Nutrition is complex, and modern applied understandings often seem to be reductionistic—so establishing normal lab values doesn’t clearly rule out a dietary contribution. My answer would be that this is a conversation someone should be having with their treating physician, which is one of the reasons why I don’t like sources that come across as dismissive about taking medical advice, or that suggest that adverse health consequences are impossible.
I can’t answer that question, but would note that a elaborate medical workup can be financially and logistically arduous, can take a significant amount of time during which the person doesn’t have any relief, and can involve some risk. If no reversible cause is found for the symptom, and you’re stuck with symptom management—those treatments may have side effects and risks.