Low Quality Meat Makes You Fat?

The Hidden Costs of Industrial Protein: Antibiotics, Stress Hormones, and Global and Human Health

By Stacy Gaucys

Introduction: As top executives in big farm companies rake in millions of dollars a year, our health and our environment decline. Why do we continue to allow this?

In a world where fast food and convenience often take precedence over nutrition and sustainability, it's crucial to shed light on the significance of consuming high-quality pasture-raised protein and wild-caught sustainable fish. Not only do these choices benefit our health, but they also play a pivotal role in preserving our environment. Moreover, we'll delve into the science behind antibiotic use and stress hormones in livestock and its profound implications for human health.

In the Big Farm meat industry, the pursuit of profit often comes at a significant cost to human health. Industrial farming practices prioritize efficiency and yield, leading to the widespread use of antibiotics and other additives to maximize production. However, the consequences of these practices extend far beyond the farm gates, impacting consumers in profound and often overlooked ways.

Pollution: Executives at factory farm Tyson make over 13 million dollars a year. As they buy their next private jet, the health of humans consuming factory farm products decline. In addition to the profits from sales, these big companies also get subsidized by The World Bank, increasing their bottom line at our expense. In addition to contributing to the decline of human health, factory farms are a leading driver of global warming and pollution (not cars!). Production of meat and dairy products is one of the primary contributors to climate change, where factory Farms cause nearly 15% of man-made greenhouse gas emissions. Large-scale factory farming has also been associated with air pollution and toxic runoff into rivers. As we support Big Farm profits by buying and consuming their low quality meat products, the more we contribute to the problem.....not only our own decline, but also global decline.

The Antibiotic Conundrum: Consumption of antibiotic farmed animals takes a toll on our health. When we eat factory farmed animals that are pumped full of antibiotics, we promote the antibiotic conundrum. For one, over consumption of industrial farmed animals leads to resistant strains of bacteria in humans. Secondly, the more we buy antibiotic filled meat, the more we continue promote big farm using up most of our human antibiotic supply of this medicine. also decreases availability of antibiotics for human use. More importantly, eating farmed protien sources leads to our own health decline, hormone imbalance, and weight gain..

The widespread administration of antibiotics in livestock farming selects for bacteria that are resistant to these drugs, which can then be transmitted to humans through direct contact, consumption of contaminated food, or environmental exposure. This transfer of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a serious threat to public health, as infections caused by these resistant strains become more difficult to treat and may lead to increased morbidity and mortality.

The more we buy antibiotic filled meat, the more we continue promote big farm using up most of our human antibiotic supply of this medicine. As big farming corporations consume a significant portion of essential antibiotics for livestock production, this diminishes the supply of these drugs for medical purposes. Consequently, when humans require treatment for bacterial infections, the options available may be limited, leading to compromised patient care, prolonged illnesses, and increased healthcare costs.

More importantly, eating farmed protein sources leads to our own health decline, hormone imbalance, and weight gain! Antibiotics are given to animals not only to prevent diseases in over crowded and unsanitary conditions, but to make them fat. Just like in humans, antibiotics alter the animal's gut microbiota. Alterations in the gut microbiome can influence energy extraction from food, and can lead to metabolic disorders such as obesity and insulin resistance. When we ingest animals that are pumped with antibiotics, we also ingest the antibiotics that were given to them. Some of these same antibiotics have been shown to disrupt hormone regulation, and directly affect gene expression related to fat storage and energy expenditure, along with increasing appetite, which leads to our weight gain. Essentially, what makes that cow fatter in the feed lot will also make you fatter as well.

Diseases in Protein Sources: In large-scale industrial farming operations, overcrowded and unsanitary conditions create a breeding ground for disease. Animals packed tightly together are more susceptible to infections such as salmonella, E. coli, and various viral diseases. Despite efforts to control these diseases through vaccination and medication, outbreaks still occur, posing a significant risk to both animal welfare and human health.

Consumers may unknowingly ingest pathogens when consuming meat, poultry, and dairy products from diseased animals, leading to food borne illnesses and outbreaks. The consequences can be severe, ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to life-threatening infections, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Impact of Stress Hormones: In addition to antibiotics, industrial livestock farming exposes animals to chronic stress and discomfort, which can have detrimental effects on their health and well-being. When animals experience stress, their bodies release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can remain in their systems at the time of slaughter. Consequently, consumers may unwittingly ingest these stress hormones when consuming meat and other animal products.

Research suggests that prolonged exposure to stress hormones through the consumption of animal products may contribute to a range of health issues in humans, including increased anxiety, disrupted hormone regulation, and impaired immune function. Furthermore, the ethical implications of subjecting animals to chronic stress and discomfort for the sake of profit are deeply troubling, raising questions about the morality of our food production systems.

The FDA's Oversight: The FDA plays a crucial role in regulating the safety and quality of our food supply. However, its oversight of industrial protein production falls short in several key areas. While the FDA has taken steps to address antibiotic use in livestock farming, such as implementing guidance for the judicious use of antibiotics, enforcement mechanisms remain weak, allowing non-compliant operations to continue unchecked.

Furthermore, the FDA's reliance on voluntary measures and industry self-regulation is insufficient to address the systemic issues plaguing industrial protein production. Stricter regulations and robust enforcement are needed to ensure the safety of our food supply and protect public health.However, the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in livestock farming is a contentious issue due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and potential impacts on human health, prompting calls for more judicious use and stricter regulation.

Go Organic!

Pasture-raised protein is notably higher in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. Moreover, these animals contribute to sustainable land management practices, promoting biodiversity and soil health.

A Treasure of the Oceans: Our oceans are teeming with life, providing us with an abundance of nutritious and delicious seafood. However, overfishing and destructive fishing practices have taken a toll on marine ecosystems. By choosing wild-caught sustainable fish, we can support responsible fishing practices that safeguard marine biodiversity and ensure the health of our oceans for generations to come.

Conclusion: The industrialization of protein production has brought with it a host of hidden costs, from the overuse of antibiotics to the ingestion of stress hormones. As consumers, it's crucial to be aware of these issues and advocate for more sustainable and ethical alternatives. By supporting local farmers who prioritize animal welfare and environmental stewardship, we can make a positive impact on both our own health and the well-being of the planet. Let's strive for a food system that values sustainability, transparency, and human health above corporate profits. Buy the highest quality meat, fish, poultry, eggs, etc as you can. The extra cost is worth your health, your family's health, your environment's health. Be part of the solution!

Here are some reputable sources to cite for the information provided in the blog:

1. Pasture-Raised Protein:

• "The Benefits of Pasture Raised Meat and Dairy" - Sustainable Table

• "Grass-fed Basics" - Eat Wild

• "Nutritional and Ethical Benefits of Grass-Fed Meat" - Food Revolution Network

• "Grass-fed vs. Grain-fed Beef: What's the Difference?" - Mayo Clinic

1. Sustainable Seafood:

• Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program

• "The Environmental Impacts of Wild-Caught vs. Farmed Fish" - World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

• "Why Sustainable Seafood Matters" - Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

• "Sustainable Fisheries" - Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations

1. Antibiotic Use in Livestock:

• "Antibiotic Use in Livestock Production" - Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• "Antibiotics in Agriculture" - World Health Organization (WHO)

• "The Use of Antibiotics in Food-Producing Animals: Antibiotic Use in Animal Agriculture" - American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

• "Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019" - CDC

1. General Health and Nutrition:

• "Omega-3 Fatty Acids: An Essential Contribution" - Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

• "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• "Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits of Salmon" - Healthline

• "Sustainability and Nutrition" - Environmental Working Group (EWG)

1. Environmental Impact of Livestock Farming:

• "Livestock's Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options" - Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations

• "Meat and the Environment: How Eating Less Meat Can Help Save the Planet" - World Economic Forum

• "Carbon Footprint of Beef Production" - University of California, Davis

These sources provide credible and evidence-based information on the topics discussed in the blog, ensuring reliability and accuracy of the content.