# Is man a meat-eater or a vegetarian by nature? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 13, 2012, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381 "2012-01-13T11:12:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/41 "2012-01-24T08:27:49Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Then why aren’t more people dead from this neurotoxin? Billions of people eat foods containing gluten, so the symptoms you ascribe to it are exceedingly rare, too rare to call it a neurotoxin. Some people are allergic to gluten; that does not mean it is toxic to everyone. To most people, bread made from whole grain wheat flour is a safe and nutritious food source. And (to get back to the OP for a moment) really the answer to whether or not we are meat eaters can be derived the same way. Except for a vanishingly small percentage of vegetarians, people the world over eat meat. So we are meat eaters. Attempting to change this answer by introducing fuzzy concepts like what we “should” be or what we may have been in the past is not a way to derive an objective answer. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/42 "2012-01-24T08:51:01Z")
Also back to the OP; things like teeth and jaw structure are going to be unreliable at best guides to the diet humans are evolved for, because we’ve been tool users since before we were really human. Humans have always ground grain with stones and cut meat with knives, they don’t just rely on their teeth. Now, when you get to other parts of the digestive system what do you find? Well, we have intestines that are proportionately longer than pure carnivores like cats, but shorter than pure herbivores like cattle or deer. Nutritionally, it’s hard for us to survive only on vegetables. And we like meat, and we like fruit - we are clearly hardwired to seek out both animal and vegetable matter. So, omnivore. ---
**Author:** ![gluten\_free](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c5a1d2/32.png) [@gluten\_free](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gluten_free)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/43 "2012-01-24T15:17:10Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > And (to get back to the OP for a moment) really the answer to whether or not we are meat eaters can be derived the same way. Except for a vanishingly small percentage of vegetarians, people the world over eat meat. So we are meat eaters. Attempting to change this answer by introducing fuzzy concepts like what we “should” be or what we may have been in the past is not a way to derive an objective answer. People ARE dying from gluten ingestion, slowly & not neccessarily painlessly. ..u can ‘survive’ dehydrating in the desert by drinking ur own piss if neccessary, reportedly…but making a routine habit of it, not reccomended. I MIGHT i point out, i did not post in order 2 b the voice of controversey NOR convention, merely information; perhaps Cecil would concede 2 do an article/column on this & CONTACT THE EXPERTS, which i did, very clearly & concertedly DIRECT u, 2…i m not 1, but I m not conceding on any of the RELEVANT points I did make. Have a terrific day. ---
**Author:** ![gluten\_free](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c5a1d2/32.png) [@gluten\_free](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gluten_free)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/44 "2012-01-24T15:20:55Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Maybe what I find most irritating is that **blinkie** , almost completely paralyzed by locked-in syndrome, can nonetheless manage to type in complete sentences on this forum but **gluten free** can’t be bothered. > > Really, I find the L33T-SP3AK incredibly irritating. English is my first language, yet I find it tedious to work through and nearly incomprehensible at times. not going 2 repeat my reasons 4 typing this way; 4 all u know, i might come from a long line of codetalkers in the tradition of the Lakota tribe… I m not. But, i do have my reasons… kudos 4 ignoring & detracting from the important content, of messages… & no kudos 4 comparing me 2 some1 else unwarranted. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/45 "2012-01-24T15:23:14Z")
As long as you know that no one is going to take you seriously or really bother with your posts when you do stuff like that, it’s all good. They will all have their reasons as well, namely that folks on this board don’t take kindly to that sort of silly shit. 😛 Have a nice day 🙂 -XT ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/46 "2012-01-24T15:29:18Z")
> [@gluten\_free](#): > > People ARE dying from gluten ingestion… Fatalites due to gluten allergies are extremely rare, so rare as to make it an insignificant argument against gluten products, compared to their high nutritive value. People who are allergic to gluten should avoid it. ---
**Author:** ![gluten\_free](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c5a1d2/32.png) [@gluten\_free](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gluten_free)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/47 "2012-01-24T15:33:29Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > The message that your typing style gives me is that what you’re saying isn’t very important. If it’s not worth your time to type it, why is it worth my time to read it? . dunno, y is it so imperative u make a concentrated effort ripping apart the character of a fellow poster? u r entirely incorrect, if u say this message is unimportant…& if u choose 2 ignore the content & emphasize what annoys u, thats entirely not my doing. i could point out 2 u that a proportion of celiacs have NO discernable digestive issues & may be asymptomatic, or just have emotional impact…but then i would anticip8 rash of wise guy remarks about my mental fitness… did u know diabetes & gluten intolerance go hand in hand? that & many autoimmune disorders…it can also contribute 2 antibiotic resistance, birth defects… going 2 go now, 2 try & have a meal fitting into omnivore category. glutenless. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/48 "2012-01-24T15:34:28Z")
Mmmmm, gluten. \*_NOM NOM NOM NOM_ \* ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/49 "2012-01-24T15:36:09Z")
_Mon Mon Mon Mon Mon_ Crrrrrunchable! -XT ---
**Author:** ![gluten\_free](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c5a1d2/32.png) [@gluten\_free](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gluten_free)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/50 "2012-01-24T15:36:49Z")
> [@gamerunknown](#): > > It’s a fragment, the untyped ellipsis is left up to the reader to decipher (“here is the problem…”). > > In this case it could go either way: whether we naturally eat meat or naturally don’t is independent of whether we should eat meat or shouldn’t. agreed, this appears 2 b main point of contention. we were reccomended 2 include animal…by drs advice. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/51 "2012-01-24T15:37:36Z")
> [@gluten\_free](#): > > did u know diabetes & gluten intolerance go hand in hand? that & many autoimmune disorders…it can also contribute 2 antibiotic resistance, birth defects… Pardom me if I don’t take your word for it… ---
**Author:** ![gluten\_free](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c5a1d2/32.png) [@gluten\_free](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gluten_free)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/52 "2012-01-24T15:47:06Z")
undiagnosed gluten intolerance is 1 of the leading contributors 2 nutrient insufficiency during otherwise what would b healthy pregnancies…it is a prevalent, yet under recognized cause of infertility, miscarry & birth defects. …i brought it up as Cecils column on vege/meat conflict & dietary inclusion included studies referrencing fertility & heart disease (yes…there r links 2 this, 2)! notice i said 1 of leading causes…not only. things are cumulative. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/53 "2012-01-24T15:49:54Z")
> [@gluten\_free](#): > > undiagnosed gluten intolerance is 1 of the leading contributors 2 nutrient insufficiency during otherwise what would b healthy pregnancies…it is a prevalent, yet under recognized cause of infertility, miscarry & birth defects. How about baldness and flat feet? ---
**Author:** ![gluten\_free](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c5a1d2/32.png) [@gluten\_free](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gluten_free)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/54 "2012-01-24T15:53:09Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Pardom me if I don’t take your word for it… in the gr8 tradition of fellow critics, is it my turn 2 rip apart spelling? well, i wont… i never asked u take my word, 4 ‘it’ by the by… should i critique persons’ reading & learning comprehension, or chalk it up 2 defiance? surely there r enough experts in residence whom can serve this end better, but i m certain the info i gave u here is factual. learning disabilities can go along with gluten intolerance, also…its 2 do with nutrient deficits which pertain 2 neurotransmitters…nutrient deficits can cause OTHER nutrient deficits, by inhibiting enzyme production… ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/55 "2012-01-24T15:55:21Z")
[QUOTE=FI] How about baldness and flat feet? [/QUOTE] don t 4gt bd breath & vaginal sw11ng 2. gluten = bd & has ben implct3d in 9/11 and pos1bly JFK shootngs. And vege/meat r 2 bd 2. tngs r cumul8tv, C? -XT ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/56 "2012-01-24T16:01:24Z")
Speaking of health risks, I think this thread is causing brain damage… ---
**Author:** ![gluten\_free](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c5a1d2/32.png) [@gluten\_free](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gluten_free)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/57 "2012-01-24T16:03:36Z")
> [@xtisme](#): > > don t 4gt bd breath & vaginal sw11ng 2. gluten = bd & has ben implct3d in 9/11 and pos1bly JFK shootngs. And vege/meat r 2 bd 2. > > tngs r cumul8tv, C? > > -XT your being facetious does not neg8 what ive said, nor does emphasizing the faults u c in my writing make it as bad as what u have just demonstrated. as 2 the person citing ‘flat feet’, if ligament formation is affected in utero, sure it can do this & hormone issues CAN cause a person 2 lose hair either prematurely or abnormally…& hormone issues r a known association; i ought 2 know. endocrine/hormonal & neurotransmitters r in a loop… ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/58 "2012-01-24T16:05:44Z")
> [@gluten\_free](#): > > i never asked u take my word, 4 ‘it’ by the by… You made claims unsupported by any scentific evidence. Whose word should we take? ---
**Author:** ![gluten\_free](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c5a1d2/32.png) [@gluten\_free](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gluten_free)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/59 "2012-01-24T16:09:28Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > How about baldness and flat feet? STILL posing of questions here, after I referred u 2 a reliable source of information…this tells me u may not actually wish 2 explore actual answers but r picking on me…not nice. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2012, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381/60 "2012-01-24T16:09:39Z")
[QUOTE=gluten free] your being facetious does not neg8 what ive said, nor does emphasizing the faults u c in my writing make it as bad as what u have just demonstrated. [/QUOTE] Sadly, you haven’t demonstrated shit as yet, except a tenuous grasp of the ability to write and a non-existent grasp of the fact that your writing style makes your posts into something to be mocked, not taken seriously. No one denies that there is a small percentage of people with gluten intolerance and that, for them it’s a serious issue. However, humans have been using gluten for literally 10’s of thousands of years, billions eat the stuff daily, and of those you have a relative handful with issues. You have a perhaps higher relative handful who MIGHT have lesser issues with the stuff, but you have not presented any sort of real, scientific evidence that this is or even might be the case…and, even if it was, you are STILL talking about a small percentage of the entire human population. > [@](#): > > as 2 the person citing ‘flat feet’, if ligament formation is affected in utero, sure it can do this & hormone issues CAN cause a person 2 lose hair either prematurely or abnormally. Do you, perhaps, have a cite for this? How often does it happen? How sever is it? What percentage of the population could be effected? -XT [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-man-a-meat-eater-or-a-vegetarian-by-nature/609381.md?page=4)