I have just come across this, thank you and him. I was type 2 diabetic. When I met my new wife I decided to follow a vegan diet at least in her company out of respect for her beliefs. I have never been skinny, I am not a small person, but my weight ballooned. I knew a bit about nutrition and then the only way to get good protein was to combine grains and pulses, but in order to do this one’s carb intake goes through the roof. So I gained a lot of weight as I don’t need to eat much to maintain weight and seem to gain weight by looking at food. I started to feel very tired and unwell and eventually a blood test showed that my glucose was out of control. For reference I don’t even like sweet food, this was all carbs and I largely cook from first principles so it wasn’t even processed food. I started the medication. I got repeated cellulitis infections - they get quickly out of control with me and I end up with sepsis - every time I stopped taking antibiotics it came back. I ended up on antibiotics for 9 months solid. And then I was told I had fatty liver. I did some research and found out the foods that help and I told my wife I’m sorry but I’m eating fish and eggs now. Within a month I was off antibiotics. 2 years later having thrown in meat and eating a good diet I am not diabetic. I remain convinced that veganism is tantamount to an eating disorder and, for all the health claims, it is an unhealthy diet.
Sorry you had to go through that process. Humans historically have always had animal products in their diets, and even prioritized as “sacred” foods the most nutrient-dense parts of the animals like liver, heart, adrenals and roe. The vegan diet can help someone detox a bit if it’s used to get off processed food and onto whole food. But usually most people end up where you did if they’re on it very long or if they stick with processed vegan food - nutrient deficiency and ill health. I wish it weren’t true because I truly shudder at the cruelty of our factory farming food industry. I’ve been very impressed with regenerative farming practices though and now buy all our animal products from regenerative farms.
Learning about the corruption thanks to your brilliant investigative journalism on Gary's behalf was massively eye opening for me and instrumental in my own health journey (explained why the 'conventional wisdom' wasn't working yet getting pushed harder than ever...).
Keep up the great work and long may it help the scales fall from the eyes of others 🙌
Wow Ricky! I hadn't realised you were inspired by my research 🤗 Thanks for sharing your story and for your continued support.
We need more people to hear this message and question the current 'healthcare' paradigm which is intent on making health professionals follow strict Rule-Books shaped by vested interests and religious ideology for fear of regulation and in some cases - rewarded for bandaiding sick-care :-(
It's unfair and disheartening when people who stand up for the truth are ridiculed and punished. But thank you, Belinda, and Dr. Pettke, for being the brave spokespeople the world so desperately needs.
As a Holistic Nutritionist, trying to manage my Dad's care (and later my Mom's) while they were under the "medical system", it was most frustrating to see the quality (I should say, lack of quality) of food, which should have been their first source of nourishment for healing.
What appalled me even more was the chemicals they refused to substitute for natural and safer sweeteners. And the abundance of clear juices, and sugary treats with no fiber whatsoever, was a dietary nightmare.
How can anyone heal with sugary processed foods and juices, Stacey-Anne?
Gary kept asking "where is the protein my patients (with diabetic foot ulcers) need to heal?" He wanted to introduce eggs, cheese and butter, but was told these are 'dangerous foods', yet icecream and cake three times a day was OK 😳😳😳
I watched my dad dutifully eat a low fat diet and starve his brain of essential nutrients. I understand how you must have felt with your parents... It has to change 🙏
My elderly relative is, unfortunately, confined to a nursing home. She struggles to feed herself. When family is not present to order her meals for the week, the staff orders "finger foods" so that they don't have to help her eat.
French fries and other finger foods are all processed and definitely NOT in any way promoting health.
She has wounds that need quality protein, and yet to my knowledge no one has added healthy protein drinks to her routine.
It is so heartbreaking to witness. I've been there and have had to physically be there when I needed my Mom and my Dad, to have some good nourishment.
Unfortunately, they opt for the easiest way out, with no regard for the health or the well-being of the people in their care.
Definitely, for wound healing, she needs protein.
Would they be willing to add something to her drink? You will be familiar with Glycine. It can be mixed into her drinks, it is sweet, and excellent for wound healing.
Also, I'm wondering if you provide the supplies, would they use it while bandaging her wounds? You might know, Manuka honey is excellent for wound healing.
I'm not local, else I would visit regularly to help.
I doubt they'd do anything aside from their ordinary stuff. Just trying to get a reasonable form of magnesium for her was like climbing Everest. And she has constipation and muscle spams - two key indicators for magnesium.
Her daughter visits regularly and tries to help but can do only so much.
Ah, I understand. When you’re not local, it’s hard. And yes, they impose restrictions on so many things. Take care, and I hope and pray things change for the better soon.
Soda and sugar water! Exactly, that was my frustration too.
They only go by protocol, by instructions from the dietitians, by what feeds the money coffers of the packaged food industry, and other related industries.
Thank you John. There is an unbelievable influence on our dietary and health guidelines by cereal industries! Even more concerning when the cereal industry is owned by a church who believe flesh-meat defiles men, women, and children morally physically and spiritually :-(
Look forward to sharing more of my research here in 2026.
Hope you have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
I have just come across this, thank you and him. I was type 2 diabetic. When I met my new wife I decided to follow a vegan diet at least in her company out of respect for her beliefs. I have never been skinny, I am not a small person, but my weight ballooned. I knew a bit about nutrition and then the only way to get good protein was to combine grains and pulses, but in order to do this one’s carb intake goes through the roof. So I gained a lot of weight as I don’t need to eat much to maintain weight and seem to gain weight by looking at food. I started to feel very tired and unwell and eventually a blood test showed that my glucose was out of control. For reference I don’t even like sweet food, this was all carbs and I largely cook from first principles so it wasn’t even processed food. I started the medication. I got repeated cellulitis infections - they get quickly out of control with me and I end up with sepsis - every time I stopped taking antibiotics it came back. I ended up on antibiotics for 9 months solid. And then I was told I had fatty liver. I did some research and found out the foods that help and I told my wife I’m sorry but I’m eating fish and eggs now. Within a month I was off antibiotics. 2 years later having thrown in meat and eating a good diet I am not diabetic. I remain convinced that veganism is tantamount to an eating disorder and, for all the health claims, it is an unhealthy diet.
Such an incredible journey to regain your health, thank you for sharing KDO.
The push that a vegan diet is healthy is concerning... Especially when it's promoted by Associations with ties to industry 😳
Sorry you had to go through that process. Humans historically have always had animal products in their diets, and even prioritized as “sacred” foods the most nutrient-dense parts of the animals like liver, heart, adrenals and roe. The vegan diet can help someone detox a bit if it’s used to get off processed food and onto whole food. But usually most people end up where you did if they’re on it very long or if they stick with processed vegan food - nutrient deficiency and ill health. I wish it weren’t true because I truly shudder at the cruelty of our factory farming food industry. I’ve been very impressed with regenerative farming practices though and now buy all our animal products from regenerative farms.
I am blessed to know a few exemplary human beings.
You and Gary are among them.
And we are blessed to know you Peter Ballerstedt 🤗
No kidding
Love your work Belinda 👏
Learning about the corruption thanks to your brilliant investigative journalism on Gary's behalf was massively eye opening for me and instrumental in my own health journey (explained why the 'conventional wisdom' wasn't working yet getting pushed harder than ever...).
Keep up the great work and long may it help the scales fall from the eyes of others 🙌
Wow Ricky! I hadn't realised you were inspired by my research 🤗 Thanks for sharing your story and for your continued support.
We need more people to hear this message and question the current 'healthcare' paradigm which is intent on making health professionals follow strict Rule-Books shaped by vested interests and religious ideology for fear of regulation and in some cases - rewarded for bandaiding sick-care :-(
It's unfair and disheartening when people who stand up for the truth are ridiculed and punished. But thank you, Belinda, and Dr. Pettke, for being the brave spokespeople the world so desperately needs.
As a Holistic Nutritionist, trying to manage my Dad's care (and later my Mom's) while they were under the "medical system", it was most frustrating to see the quality (I should say, lack of quality) of food, which should have been their first source of nourishment for healing.
What appalled me even more was the chemicals they refused to substitute for natural and safer sweeteners. And the abundance of clear juices, and sugary treats with no fiber whatsoever, was a dietary nightmare.
How can anyone heal with sugary processed foods and juices, Stacey-Anne?
Gary kept asking "where is the protein my patients (with diabetic foot ulcers) need to heal?" He wanted to introduce eggs, cheese and butter, but was told these are 'dangerous foods', yet icecream and cake three times a day was OK 😳😳😳
I watched my dad dutifully eat a low fat diet and starve his brain of essential nutrients. I understand how you must have felt with your parents... It has to change 🙏
My elderly relative is, unfortunately, confined to a nursing home. She struggles to feed herself. When family is not present to order her meals for the week, the staff orders "finger foods" so that they don't have to help her eat.
French fries and other finger foods are all processed and definitely NOT in any way promoting health.
She has wounds that need quality protein, and yet to my knowledge no one has added healthy protein drinks to her routine.
Despicable.
It is so heartbreaking to witness. I've been there and have had to physically be there when I needed my Mom and my Dad, to have some good nourishment.
Unfortunately, they opt for the easiest way out, with no regard for the health or the well-being of the people in their care.
Definitely, for wound healing, she needs protein.
Would they be willing to add something to her drink? You will be familiar with Glycine. It can be mixed into her drinks, it is sweet, and excellent for wound healing.
Also, I'm wondering if you provide the supplies, would they use it while bandaging her wounds? You might know, Manuka honey is excellent for wound healing.
I'm not local, else I would visit regularly to help.
I doubt they'd do anything aside from their ordinary stuff. Just trying to get a reasonable form of magnesium for her was like climbing Everest. And she has constipation and muscle spams - two key indicators for magnesium.
Her daughter visits regularly and tries to help but can do only so much.
Ah, I understand. When you’re not local, it’s hard. And yes, they impose restrictions on so many things. Take care, and I hope and pray things change for the better soon.
Exactly, Belinda! I’m sorry you had to watch your father suffer unnecessarily. Thank you for sharing that with me. Yes, this must change!
A year ago my mother-in-law had a stroke. Upon her arrival at inpatient rehab, the staff asked if she wanted something to drink, "we have soda."
Me: "she just had a stroke. Water is fine."
Even the so-called "juice" they perpetrated on her was only part juice and mostly sugar water. 😡
What about lemon water for rebalancing pH and electrolytes which are stressed beyond limits in the face of trauma? Why not a soothing herbal tea?
Soda and sugar water! Exactly, that was my frustration too.
They only go by protocol, by instructions from the dietitians, by what feeds the money coffers of the packaged food industry, and other related industries.
Keep it up Belinda.
I've quietly followed Gary's (and your) story for almost a decade.
At the same time I discovered Gary Taubes, Nina Teicholtz etc.
The influence of "big cereal" on nutrition guidelines has to be overcome.
Thank you John. There is an unbelievable influence on our dietary and health guidelines by cereal industries! Even more concerning when the cereal industry is owned by a church who believe flesh-meat defiles men, women, and children morally physically and spiritually :-(
Look forward to sharing more of my research here in 2026.
Hope you have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
I heard your interview discussing this with Ivor Cummins some years ago. I was stunned.
Thank you for your work.
Ivor is a gem. Gary and I were delighted to meet him in person :-)
SO glad to see you here on Substack, Belinda!
Wishing you and Gary a very Merry Christmas!
For all you visual learners, be sure and check out Belinda's excellent:
Nutrition Science - How did we get here?
https://youtu.be/NEFvoyTMxVg
Thank you April!! For you message and for sharing the link to my very visual presentation 🤗
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, also.
Belinda x
Thank you both!
🤗
I remember when this happened. I often tell Gary’s story as an example of medical corruption in Australia.
It's a powerful story of standing up for patient safety and preventative medicine, Mel.
Thank you for you message. It's very much appreciated 🤗