Recent reports have highlighted the unfortunate passing of a 39-year-old Vegan diet influencer, Zhanna Samsonova, who was also recognized as Zhanna D’Art. Her demise resulted from severe malnutrition and fatigue, attributed to her adherence to an extreme vegan and fad diets. This diet, characterized by exclusive fruit consumption and water abstinence, endured for several years. Astonishingly, Samsonova abstained from drinking water for six years. In a video shared on her Instagram account, she asserted, “My hydration is derived solely from fruits and coconuts, and I find this to be entirely sufficient. The inherent water content in raw fruits offers a remarkably effective form of hydration.”
Her dietary choices extended beyond water avoidance, as reports indicate she followed an all-raw vegan diet for nearly a decade. Samsonova actively utilized her Instagram platform to advocate for her chosen lifestyle, urging her followers to embrace similar practices. Her dietary staples included jackfruit, durian, fruits, seeds, sprouts, fruit juices, and smoothies.
According to accounts, Samsonova’s mother communicated to the media that her daughter’s tragic passing might have been linked to a condition resembling cholera infection. She additionally emphasized that the exhaustive toll of an all-vegan diet contributed to her daughter’s exhaustion and the ensuing stress on her physical well-being.
Is the Vegan Diets Beneficial for Health?
As stated in an article released by the Tufts Medical Center, incorporating vegan diets into a healthy lifestyle is feasible through proper planning and execution. However, like any diet restricting specific food groups, vegan diets may fall short in providing essential nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12.
A prominent concern associated with prolonged adherence to vegan diets revolves around the potential deficiency in vital nutrients. Key elements such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, and calcium are typically obtained from animal-derived sources. To address these potential shortcomings, consistent monitoring and the consideration of supplementation become pivotal strategies to mitigate the risk of deficiencies that could lead to conditions like anemia, complications in bone health, or compromised immune functionality.
Are Vegan Diets Healthy in the Long Run?
Let’s talk about whether vegan diets are healthy and safe for a long time. Think of it like this: a diet is good for you if you make sure you eat all the right foods that help your body stay balanced and work well.
There’s a review in a special book for doctors called “Progress In Cardiovascular Diseases” that says even though people often say vegan diets are good for your heart, not eating animal products might cause some problems with getting enough of the good stuff your body needs.
If most of your diet is made up of fake meats, sugary things, and refined grains, you might end up gaining too much weight and being more likely to have health problems that stick around for a while. To avoid this, it’s important to focus on eating whole, natural foods that haven’t been changed a lot. This helps you keep a healthy vegan diet.
What is the role of water in our body?
Water is essential for our bodies. It helps the brain, body, and cells work. We need to drink water all the time to replace the water we lose through sweat and urination. If you think drinking fruit juice or coconut water or fruits, in general, can compensate for the need for drinking water
What happens if we don’t drink water?
If we don’t drink water, we will get dehydrated. Our bodies will not work properly. and our cells will shrink. Our kidneys will not work well. Other organs will also not work well.
What other problems can happen if we don’t drink water?
- Electrolytes will be unbalanced.
- Brains may swell.
- Body temperature will not be regulated.
- Blood pressure may increase or decrease.
- Joints may not work properly.
How much water should we drink?
We should drink enough water to keep our bodies hydrated. The amount of water we need depends on our activity level, the weather, and our health.
Tips for staying hydrated
- Drink water throughout the day.
- Drink water when you are thirsty.
- Eat fruits and vegetables that are high in water content.
- Avoid drinks that dehydrate you, such as alcohol and caffeine.
Conclusion:
Vegan diets can be healthy, but it is important to know the potential risks of nutrient deficiencies. You should talk to a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need. By eating a variety of whole foods and paying attention to your nutrient intake, you can stay healthy on a vegan diet.
