Vegan Diet: How your body changes from Day-1

Author : Amal Rahiman

We have all spoken about being vegan, and the benefits of choosing this lifestyle (it’s simply not just a diet, it literally changes your life). Once you go vegan it becomes very difficult to eat meat again, and that’s because the benefits are just too good to ignore.

So, what happens to your body when you go vegan?

For the first few days, you will feel a bit bloated, gassy, and with slight diarrhoea. This is nothing worrying and is in fact signalling that your body is adapting. This is mainly due to the higher fiber intake, compared to an omnivorous diet. Once your gut gets used to the new food, and the withdrawal from meats and processed food, your gut health will improve for the better. Your bowel movements will get regular, and easier.

There have been studies that proved that balanced and fortified vegan diets can increase the level of good microbes in your gut. Increased gut biodiversity is linked to better health in the long run, as your body is better equipped to fight off infections. In other words, your immunity improves.

You’ll also notice a boost in your energy levels. Since fruits and vegetables naturally increase your vitamins, minerals, and fiber, your energy levels will go up. And without processed meats to digest in your system, your energy will stay constant throughout the day.

After a couple of weeks, you’ll notice a change in your body odour. Studies have shown that a vegetarian diet can make a person’s body odour more pleasant, and less intense. This holds true for unprocessed vegan foods.

After a few months, you’ll start to notice what is commonly known as the “vegan glow”. Your skin and hair will improve within this period, due to the higher intake of antioxidants through fruits and veggies. Cutting off junk and dairy will heavily improve any acne condition that you may have. The increased vitamin C and vitamin E also help protect your skin from cellular damage. Increased intake of antioxidants has also been linked to improved focus and concentration.

You’ll also be able to improve your heart health, as you continue being a vegan. Studies have shown that cutting red meat from the diet can be linked to improved heart health and a lesser possibility of a heart stroke.

Another interesting change you’ll notice in yourselves is the change in tastes of certain foods. Interestingly enough, being a complete vegan tends to change your tastebuds to an extent where foods you once enjoyed, may not seem enticing to you anymore. You won’t have any sugar cravings, and vegetables you once hated, may even turn irresistible to you.

There may also be a few unwanted changes in your system, and that’s mainly due to a decrease in iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, which are easily acquired through meat-based diets. However, as long as you monitor your diet to include a balanced vegan meal, or add supplements into your daily routine, you are good to go.

What do you think? Would you be interested in choosing the vegan lifestyle?

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