Liam Hemsworth's Vegan Journey and Unexpected Health Issues
Liam Hemsworth's foray into veganism was initially motivated by a mix of health concerns and ethical considerations. Inspired in part by his Hunger Games co-star Woody Harrelson and his then-fiancée Miley Cyrus, Hemsworth adopted the lifestyle around 2015. For the first couple of years, he felt "nothing but positive" and described his energy levels as high and his body as strong. He credited the diet with making him feel less sluggish and more consistent in his energy.
The Turning Point: Kidney Stones and Oxalate Overload
Everything changed in early 2019 when Hemsworth experienced a health crisis that he described as one of the most painful weeks of his life. He was hospitalized and required surgery for a calcium-oxalate kidney stone. His doctors informed him that his particular type of kidney stone was caused by having too much oxalate in his diet.
To his surprise, many of the foods he considered "super healthy" as a vegan were extremely high in oxalates. His daily routine included a smoothie with five handfuls of spinach, almond milk, almond butter, and vegan protein powder—all foods known to be rich in oxalates. After the incident, he was told that if he continued to eat the same way, he would have a 50% chance of developing another kidney stone. This led to his decision to "completely rethink" his approach to food.
A Reassessment of Diet and A Return to Meat
Following his health scare, Liam Hemsworth made a permanent change to his diet. While he has not detailed his exact current diet plan, his interviews confirm that he is no longer strictly plant-based and has reintroduced animal products. This decision was not made lightly, but came from a necessary reassessment of what works best for his own body. The experience taught him a valuable lesson about listening to one's body and adjusting habits when they are no longer beneficial.
Is Liam Hemsworth still vegan? Not Since 2019
In short, no. Liam Hemsworth is no longer a vegan. His high-oxalate intake while on a plant-based diet led to a severe kidney stone, forcing him to quit the diet for his health. He has publicly discussed the experience, emphasizing the importance of finding a dietary balance that works for one's individual body, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Vegan vs. Omnivore: A Comparison of Hemsworth's Diet
| Aspect | Vegan Diet (Prior to 2019) | Post-Vegan Diet (Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation | Health benefits, ethical concerns (animal mistreatment), and influence from Woody Harrelson. | Health necessity, preventing a recurrence of kidney stones. |
| Primary Foods | Exclusively plant-based: fruits, vegetables, lentils, nuts, and vegan protein shakes. Notably high in oxalate-rich foods like spinach and almonds. | Balanced diet likely including meat and other animal products to lower oxalate intake. Specific details are not widely publicized. |
| Health Perception | Initially felt great, high energy levels, and strong. Felt positive mentally and physically. | After kidney stone, felt lethargic and unwell, forcing a change. Feels better after re-adjusting diet. |
| Health Issues | Suffered a painful calcium-oxalate kidney stone requiring surgery due to high oxalate levels. | Post-diet change, no reports of further kidney stone issues. Focus on finding a 'happy medium'. |
How the Kidney Stone Changed His Perspective
The painful and debilitating experience of suffering from a kidney stone had a profound impact on Hemsworth. Beyond just altering his diet, it was a moment of deep reflection. The event, along with his divorce from Miley Cyrus and the loss of his home in the Woolsey wildfires, taught him to appreciate the "little things" in life. He learned to reassess his priorities and focus on what truly makes him happy and a better person. This health crisis was a crucial part of his journey, reminding him that personal wellness is a highly individualized process that sometimes requires shifting long-held beliefs about what constitutes a healthy diet.
Conclusion
Liam Hemsworth's personal health journey offers a valuable lesson about the importance of listening to one's body. While his initial adoption of a vegan diet was driven by positive intentions regarding his health and animal welfare, his experience with a calcium-oxalate kidney stone forced him to make a significant change. After years of feeling great on a plant-based diet, he experienced a severe health scare directly linked to his high intake of oxalate-rich vegan foods. His subsequent decision to stop being vegan was a necessary and personal choice made to prevent future health complications. His story serves as a reminder that what works for one person's health may not be suitable for another, and that dietary needs can change over time.
Note: For those considering a high-oxalate diet, especially vegan athletes, it is important to understand the risks. The University of Chicago's Kidney Stone Program provides detailed information on low-oxalate eating plans for prevention.
