Few things in life are quite as enjoyable as a succulent steak meal. Sadly, the tastiest foods are often quite bad for our health in excess, and that includes red meats. So that you may know whether you’re going overboard or not with red meats, here are some clear signs you need to cut down on them.
Frequent Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Everyone experiences heartburn and acid reflux from time to time, but if you’re experiencing them regularly, red meat might be the culprit. They can be aggravated by consuming fatty foods, including red meat, so if you’re always reaching for the antacids, it may be time to cut back on your red meat consumption.
Unhealthy Weight Gain
Red meat is commonly believed to be healthy for building muscle, but this isn’t always true. It contains a lot of unhealthy fat and calories, which can easily lead to excessive weight gain when consumed in excess. So, try to replace some of your red meat meals with lower-calorie and leaner alternatives, helping you to manage your weight more effectively.
Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases
Sadly, many studies have linked high red meat consumption to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Nobody wants that, so if you’re concerned about your long-term health (and you should be), it may be wise to limit red meat and focus on a more balanced diet that includes a variety of foods rich in nutrients.
Unexplained Digestive Issues
If you’re constantly feeling bloated or experiencing frequent stomach aches, Nutrition Care suggests that this could indicate that you’re overconsuming red meats, and your body is struggling to process all those heavy proteins and fats. These digestive issues may signal that your gut needs a break and that a lighter, more plant-based diet might be beneficial.
Persistent Fatigue
It’s not normal to feel tired all the time, so if you do, you might want to reassess your diet. Red meat, especially when consumed in large quantities, can lead to sluggishness, so consider eating leaner proteins for a while and see if this helps. There’s nothing wrong with some occasional red meat, but it shouldn’t become a habit.
High Cholesterol Levels
When your doctor tells you that your cholesterol levels are too high, it’s highly likely that you’re eating too much bacon, sausage, or other red meats. Regular consumption of these foods can contribute to bad cholesterol levels while also reducing the good kind. This combination will ultimately increase your risk of heart disease, so listen to your doctor and change your diet.
Poor Skin Health
Believe it or not, eating too many hamburgers, pork chops, or steaks can ruin your skin’s appearance. It’s all very high in saturated fat, which is infamous for causing skin issues like acne and dullness. To combat this, consume more fruit and vegetables to give your skin some much-needed vitamins and antioxidants, and don’t forget to limit your red meat consumption, too.
Joint Pain and Inflammation
Another clear sign that you need to cut down on red meat is if you’re noticing a lot of joint pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, red meat is known to inflame the body, which can exacerbate joint pain and conditions like arthritis. So, if this is something that you’re experiencing, reduce your red meat intake for a while, and you should notice a difference over time.
Difficulty Sleeping
Many people don’t realize that the saturated fat and protein in red meat can ruin your sleep quality. This is because the heavy proteins and fats are hard on your digestive system, requiring a lot of work to break down. Ultimately, this leaves your body working in overdrive overnight, making it much harder for it to relax and fall asleep.
Mood Swings
If you’re regularly experiencing mood swings and you can’t figure out why, your diet could have something to do with this. High red meat consumption has been linked to increased levels of stress and anxiety, which is worth considering. Try cutting down on red meats, and if you’re still not seeing any progress, speak to your doctor.
Bad Breath
Believe it or not, consuming a lot of red meat can lead to bad breath, as the dense proteins can linger in your digestive system and release unpleasant odors. So, if you’re brushing your teeth and flossing, yet you still notice persistent bad breath, try reducing your red meat intake and eating more fibrous fruits and vegetables, which will likely freshen your breath.
Constipation
Due to the lack of fiber that it contains, eating excessive amounts of red meat can quickly lead to constipation and other digestive issues, which no one wants to deal with. Thankfully, if you start to incorporate more high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet, you should experience relief pretty soon.
Increased Thirst
If you’re finding yourself constantly reaching for water even when you should be hydrated, excessive consumption of red meat could have something to do with it. This can make you feel more thirsty than usual, leading to various issues, such as headaches and dry skin. So, if you’ve recently eaten a lot of red meat, compensate with some extra water, and then consider making some changes to your diet.
High Blood Pressure
Because of the high sodium content of red meat, it will never do your blood pressure any good. It will inevitably lead to it rising significantly, so if you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, it might be wise to stop eating it. Try to stick to fresh, unprocessed foods, and you’ll be able to manage your blood pressure more effectively.
Frequent Illness
There’s no denying that a diet high in red meat and low in essential nutrients can weaken your immune system; scientists have told us this for a while. Even eating bacon every morning for breakfast can make you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. So, consider switching to lean proteins such as turkey bacon for a change, perhaps accompanied by some fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Poor Kidney Health
Unfortunately, yet another problem with red meat is its links to kidney problems, including an increased risk of kidney stones and kidney disease. Thankfully, this won’t happen if you only consume it occasionally, but if red meat is a part of your daily diet, it might be time to change that.
Low Energy Levels
While it’s true that red meat can provide a temporary boost in energy, overconsumption can lead to a crash, much like sugar, leaving you feeling drained. If you notice a pattern of low energy levels, start incorporating a wider range of food items into your meals and see how this affects your energy levels; hopefully, you’ll see an improvement.
Digestive Discomfort
Constipation isn’t the only digestive issue you’ll face if you eat too much red meat. This poor dietary choice can also cause other problems to your guy, such as gas or even diarrhea. This could be something you deal with regularly, so if that’s the case, cut back on red meat and switch to chicken and fish for a while, giving your body a break.
Hormonal Imbalance
Many people fail to realize how certain types of red meat contain hormones that can disrupt your body’s natural hormonal balance. For example, if you’re experiencing issues like irregular periods or hormonal acne, it may be helpful to reduce your red meat intake and focus on a diet rich in hormone-balancing foods like flaxseeds and leafy greens.
Ethical and Environmental Concerns
Beyond personal health, high red meat consumption has ethical and environmental implications, so if you’re concerned about animal welfare or the environmental impact of your diet, reducing your red meat intake can be a positive step. Trying out alternative protein sources like beans, lentils, and tofu can benefit both your health and the planet, so they shouldn’t be overlooked, no matter how much you enjoy red meat.