Recent clinical and laboratory studies suggest that some patients with chronic physical and mental illnesses and allergies, including those who react to environmental chemicals, show deficiencies or disturbances in their amino acids. It is obviously not the lack of amino acids but a disturbance in the metabolic processes.
Foods of animal origin are the major sources of food-borne illness. Cancers of the breast and colon occur more frequency in the industrialized nations. Research is revealing a direct link to high intakes of animal protein with the risk of specific cancers. Tumor growth appears to decrease when protein intakes are at or below minimum requirements. However, protein intakes at two or three times the daily requirement is associated with enhanced tumor growth. In addition, studies have shown that a low protein diet has the possibility of reducing hepatic and pulmonary metastases.
It is now known that dietary fat and cholesterol play a significant role in various heart related diseases. This type of dangerous fat and cholesterol is found only in animal proteins. These damaging types of fats and cholesterol also affect the concentration and activity of the bacteria in the colon. Altered bacterial activity produces numerous diseases and disorders.
Research is now showing that high amounts of animal protein also contribute significantly to osteoporosis. As the protein intake increases, the urinary loss of calcium also increases robbing the bones of its calcium resources. Therefore, taking extra calcium has little effect on aliviating osteoporosis if protein intakes remain high.
It is commonly known that the cause of atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fats in the arteries. Numerous diets have emerged to counteract this phenomena with some having good success. However, the real cause is in the metabolic process. Studies are showing that when animal protein and cyanocobalamin (B12) are heated, they create an increase in membrane permeability. This makes it easier for the lipids to cross and deposit themselves in the arteries. It may well be the common denominator for other fat-related cancers. As the fatty meat consumption goes up, so do the risks, especially since much of the meat consumption is done after char-broiling and frying. Another dire consequence in many countries occurs when protein consumption goes up, so does the fat and sugar consumption.
Another result of overconsumption of protein is the strain placed on the kidneys. Over time, kidney function slows to where they cannot effectively eliminate the nitrogenous waste. This waste is then destributed throughout the body, crystallizing in joints, causing arthritis, rheumatism, and gout.
Studies have shown that diets excessively high protein as well as sugar and saturated fats, promote pancreatic changes that result in diabetes.
Additives in animal protein products contribute to the disease process; and one such is nitrates. When nitrites are ingested, whether in water, bacon, or prepared meats, they combine with stomach acids to create a class of compounds known as nitrosamines, which are potent tumor producers.
