Vegeterianism

Earlier fears that vegetarians were bound to develop extensive nutrient deficiencies were somewhat exaggerated. At the same time, it makes sense to be as informed as possible, particularly so the closer one is to the Vegan model.

Proteins and amino acids
The concern with amino acids has to do with the fact that over 20,000 proteins made and used by the human organism, including all our enzymes, hormones and antibodies, are manufactured from the various amino acids. Amino acids derive from the proteins we eat, which are of two kinds: complete proteins from animal products, and incomplete proteins from the plant kingdom.

Complete proteins contain all the so-called "essential amino acids," that is, amino acids that must be obtained from the diet. From these essential amino acids our body can manufacture all the other amino acids and all the proteins it needs. This cannot be done with the incomplete proteins which are the usual fare of a vegetarian diet, unless they are so combined as to provide all the essential amino acids. A primary goal of vegetarians is to eat such combinations of foods, a few of which are,

• Rice with red or black-eyed beans
• Cornmeal and kidney beans
• Whole wheat, soybeans and sesame seeds, etc

Problems in the vegetarian kingdom
Unfortunately, proper food combinations for obtaining all the essential amino acids are only a small part of the difficulties encountered by vegetarians. One problem here is that a very large and increasing section of the population is showing marked allergies and annoying food intolerances with cereals and dairy products, which are some of the principal protein foods of vegetarians. This situation has already created difficulties in obtaining a balanced diet among vegetarians, which are bound to become even worse in the future as allergies and food sensitivities are increasing.

Another well known problem is vitamin B12 and how to obtain it from a vegetarian diet. A third problem is nutrient-nutrient interactions, such as calcium and iron, calcium and zinc, etc, which tend to diminish the absorption of some essential nutrients in the usual vegetarian food combinations. A fourth and actually major, if yet little understood problem, is whether one's genetic inheritance favors a vegetarian mode of life. Considerable and increasing evidence shows that not everybody can profit or flourish with a vegetarian diet, and it may be risky for yourself or for your children, without consideration of the genetic inheritance involved.

Our program
Our program aims first of all to inform you, if you are a vegetarian or plan to be, whether your choice of vegetarianism agrees with your genetic baggage. Our research shows that genetics is far more important for a healthy life than the noblest of ideals or intentions, and it is our duty to so inform you. It is also our aim to make life easier for vegetarians by decreasing or eradicating allergies and food sensitivities through proper food choices. We equally aim to eliminate nutrient interactions by encouraging sound eating habits, and to make it easier and safer to be a vegetarian mother.

1. Comprehensive measures. Analysis and evaluation of your heredity and how this may affect your present or future health.
2. Diet. Which are the best staples for, your particular type of vegetarianism, the state of your health, your blood group, any possible allergies and food sensitivities, what foods should be eaten sparingly, how foods should be combined to avoid nutrient interactions that may gradually lead to nutrient deficiencies, etc.
3. Nutritional supplements. Which nutritional supplements you may take safely to make up for nutrient losses, when and how to take these to avoid interactions, their safe limits and most absorbable forms, etc.
4. Botanical support. Which standardized herbal preparations may be of help for your present state of health.