GET UP & GO BREAKFAST -Dr. Wendy Kirsten on the Vegan Diet, Nutrient Deficiencies, Sarcopenia, Thyroid Stress, and Inter

In this episode of Radio K Pulpit, Dr. Wendy Kirsten – Health Coach and Wellness Practitioner at Integrated Health Solution – discusses the vegan diet and its potential health risks. Unlike vegetarian diets, a vegan diet excludes all animal ingredients, including supplements and often extends to lifestyle choices like avoiding leather. While plant-based eating has anti-inflammatory potential, Dr. Wendy warns that supplementation is essential, not optional. Key risks include vitamin B12 deficiency leading to anemia and nerve damage, lack of omega-3 fatty acids (impacting brain and eye health), sarcopenia (muscle loss due to insufficient protein), insulin resistance from high carbohydrate intake, and thyroid stress caused by goiterogenic foods like raw cruciferous vegetables and soy. She emphasizes that a vegan diet must be followed "like a science" to avoid undernourishment, nervous system strain, high cortisol, sleep disturbances, and mineral depletion from anti-nutrients like phytic acid. The episode concludes with an introduction to intermittent fasting – time-restricted eating (e.g., 16:8 method) – which can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support autophagy (cellular repair). Next week: Part 5 on intermittent fasting pros and cons.