In a recent podcast discussion with Dr Linda Frazier, we discussed several critical points on the dietary and metabolic needs for females at all stages of Life. In this podcast clip we focus on two highlight: 

• The importance of animal-based proteins

• The benefits of staying physically active during pregnancy. 

“The Cycle of Life” and the Niche Humans Occupy

• Humans are omnivorous carnivores and uniquely adapted to be an Apex Predator. Our digestive tract  lacks the specialized digestive compartments of ruminants nor a caecum and large and long hind gut of a gorilla or pig to obtain all the nutritional needs from a plant based diet required to be vegetarian or vegan. .

• Vegetarian/vegan nutrition requires highly specific supplementation to avoid deficiencies:

• B12 Crucial for neurological function.

• EPA & DHA essential Omega 3 Fatty acids. Essential omega-3 fatty acids for cell wall and brain health. (ALA Omega 3 fatty acids are not essential and their conversion is not sufficient to meet nutritional needs)

• Choline Key for mental health and physiology.

• Carnitine Vital for energy production & cardiovascular health

• Methionine

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin A/Retinol (beta carotene is not Vitamin A /Retinol)

• Iron

• Even when supplementing combining the various amino acids and assimilating them etc. is an imperfect, difficult and time consuming process whereas whole fresh or fermented animal based foods provide all the nutritional needs in a way perfected by Nature.

Evolutionary Biology Perspective:

• Humans evolved as omnivorous carnivores with a digestive system suited for meat consumption. We essentially traded a big gut for a big brain. 

• Characteristics such as front-facing eyes, canine teeth, and a single stomach support the notion of humans as natural predators.

• The Human digestive tract is anatomically closer to a dog (canine) than to a pig (porcine) or bear (ursus) which are anatomically omnivores.

• Because animal based foods are so nutritionally dense very little is required when nutritional balance is achieved. Most people in wealthier countries who are not vegetarian over consume animal foods and are not in nutritional balance. 

Importance for Young Females:

• Young females require and benefit from animal-based proteins for optimal health and athletic performance.

• Proper intake of animal proteins ensures they receive essential nutrients for muscle,  bone and especially hormonal health/balance.

Active Pregnancy:

• The observation that staying active during pregnancy, particularly through running and walking, correlates to normal vaginal deliveries with few complications.

• Women who remain physically active during pregnancy tend to have normal-weight, healthy babies.

• Regular movement combined with proper nutrition during pregnancy has several additional benefits:

• Maintains metabolic health

• Prevents gestational diabetes

• Maintains a health and strong pelvis and pelvic floor

• Maintains muscle tone and strength for the birth process

This discussion emphasizes the necessity of incorporating animal-based proteins into diets for overall health but also female hormonal health and balance from menarch, conception, gestation and childbirth. Combined with remaining active during pregnancy this is a recipe for success for both mother and baby.