cpinatsi replied: "Vegan diet is definitely not sufficient for a teenager. It is not just the vitamins, but also the proteins and calciums she is not getting. tell her to be vegetarian, but to eat dairy products and eggs at least."
esther c replied: "I think you should ask a doctor better, vitamins aren't a problem in a vegan diet, but proteins can be difficult, to find... anyway you may look for vegan diet in google, and read some webs, and try to find common point of view...
Anyway you should ask a dietist..."
chrisw62 replied: "In addition to making sure she gets enough protein, make sure she gets enough iron too. Get her to eat spinach and other green leafy veggies. The darker green the better."
Katz replied: "Vegan or vegetarian? I dont know how a vegan can get any more strict then they already are so that does not make sence to me."
J.M.M. replied: "I am a vegetarian but my mom gives me one a day essential. it gives plenty of vitamins. It really helps because i am very active also."
Joyce T replied: "Buy a multivitamin (www.veganessentials.com to see which brands are vegan). Check out for sound vegan nutrition advice. Keep convenient high protein foods available such as soy yogurt, fake meats, nuts and nut butters, flavored ready to eat tofu and that sort of thing on hand so she snacks on "good stuff." If she is very active, find a cliff bar type product thats high in protein around so she can throw it in her school/gym bag. If she is tired alot, she could need an iron supplement (take with vitamin C at a low calcium meal) or she might need SLEEP."
K M replied: "She'll need a supplement that is high in iron.
Get a really good one at a health food store. (because Vegan won't take capsules if they are made with gelatin).
the have multi-vitamins specifically for vegans."
sdc_99 replied: "It's hard to get enough B12 on a vegan diet - but any decent B-complex supplement should take care of that. If she's tiring easily, she might also be low on iron. Broccoli, parsley, and sunflower seeds are decent sources for that but, again, she may want to take a supplement."
When starting a vegan diet, is exerting yourself during sex unhealthy? Just starting a vegan diet and am concerned that I should master the vegan eating first before I start having regular sex
April Diamond replied: "No, don't worry about it. Sex is just a form of exercise and exercising is always good for you. Just make sure you're getting enough to eat, lots of fruits and vegetables and you'll be in perfect shape for, um, exercising :)"
Matt replied: "Idiot....."
Green Tea is awesome replied:2Fspan> "your body needs meat/protein because it has amino acids. amino acids fix/repair damage done to your body throughout the day, they become cells and tissue to replace the missing tissue.
That's why vegetarians are usually very weak. So yes, sex will be more difficult for you as a vegetarian. And it will cause exhaustion because you won't have protein/nutrition replacing your lost semen so your body will go in overdrive mode and suck nutrients out of your muscles, brain and bones."
Orio N replied: "don't worry just get jiggy"
Mike replied: "are you married? because you don't want to have sex if you aren't married"
Sophiesmama replied: "whaaaat??? by the way, what is regular sex?"
theancient_dr replied: "Sohiesmama had a good question
what is regular sex---
Vegan or no
if you are physically healthy sex should not bother you
listen to Mike too---
not married ---wait.....
abstaining has to do with your respect for yourself
not a vendetta against you significant other."
Can Sweden accomodate a vegan diet? I am going to Sweden as an exchange student. The only thing (minor) that is a concern is my vegan diet. Is it possible to be a vegan in Sweden? Do they have modern grocery stores and things of that nature?
Ashley replied: "sweden is not a caveman civilization. you'll be just fine."
Gullefjun replied: "Sweden is a modern first world country, with modern grocery stores, and plenty of vegan fare. Depending what city you're going to, you may have more or less luck with restaurants, but that's true in any country.
Uppsala for instance, is a popular university town, and I know there are vegan restaurants there. And of course they can be found in the big cities.
If you can read Swedish already, this will be helpful:"
My nephew is considering becoming a vegan. Both he and I are concerned about how the diet will affect him.? We have been told that a low fat vegan diet can lead to reduced testosterone levels and cause significant problems with hormones. At first we thought these were just some sort of scare tactics but after researching have found that these claims are in fact valid. That's pretty scary stuff. And we are also concerned with the other obvious nutritional deficiencies in the diet and would like to know what vitimans and supplements he should be taking. I think becoming a vegan is a noble thing, but do not think it is worth risking ones own health to become one. I would like for people to share with me the problems and dificiencies that they have endured as a result of the vegan diet so that my nephew can potentially avoid them if he does in fact decide to go vegan. I will appreciate your input. I have read many of the answers in this forum and have always been impressed with how helpful people are. I look forward to insight provided by the many thoughtful vegans in this forum.
Lisa G replied: "If he learns his nutritional properties properly you've got no worries. Yes, it probably will reduce his testosterone levels a little-simply because he won't be getting all the hormones from the dead flesh he eats."
Doc Hudson replied: "The human body evolved, or was created, take your pick, to utilize the proteins and nutrients found in meat. Humans are omnivores, take a look at our teeth and compare them to other creatures. We don't have the grinders of ruminants, we have incisors capable of tearing flesh, and molars capable of grinding it.
In my opinion, becoming vegan is attempting to overturn millions of years of development to make some sort of fadish political statement.
If you want to make a useful dietary statement, eat a balanced diet, protest the chemicals added to our food. Protest the growth hormones in some livestock. Protest the unhealthy foodstuffs imported from China and other Asian nations. Exercise, and enjoy life.
Now go ahead and think I'm full of crap if you like, but think about this. If the vegan life-style is so damned healthy, why did a couple in Georgia recently get tried and convicted for negligent homicide because they put their infant on a strict vegan diet, and the poor child died of malnutrition? Your own researches have shown that there are health risks involved in a vegan diet. Quit while you are still ahead.
Doc Hudson"
TR replied: "Well, first; the studies about hormone levels are inconclusive; testosterone fluxuates widely in normal men anyway, unless you chose your vegans carefully to include only knowledgable ones (NOT the idiots who starved their kid!) and did an expensive long-term study would you have reliable data.
It's possible to be a vegan with no vitamins or supplements and remain completely healthy. There are two areas of concern.
1. Protein. Your nephew needs to understand how beans, grains, nuts and seeds contribute different amino acids, and should manage his diet to include good quantities of each of them. The old vegetarian tome "Diet for a Small Planet" is a good resource, although be aware that the book's insistence that you must combine these sources and eat them at the same time to get complete protein is not true--you can eat all your grains in the morning and your beans at night, your body will use what it gets.
2. Folic acid. The primary source of this essential nutrient is in meats for the omnivores among us. It's present in smaller quantities in leafy green veggies and a few other vegan foods. Study up and make certain the diet isn't deficient there.
Note that lots of vegans rely on "meat analogues"--tofurkey and soy-based vegan bologna and such like, manufactured from soy protein or texturized vegetable protein. Those, I think, are not going to provide complete protein (tho' soy is one of the best vegetable sources) nor much folic acid unless it's added as a supplement.
Philosophically, I think it's wrong to insult anyone's dietary choices; a polite critique is more appropriate. If your nephew is going vegan, I'd think a devotion to eating vegatables that taste LIKE vegetables, not like meat, would be a sign of sincerity.
Properly pursued, a vegan diet will be less likely to contribute to cardiovascular diseases. So there are some benefits as well as some hazards--as there are for any diet."
vegan&proud replied: "“It is the position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada that appropriately planned vegetarian diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.”
“Well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence. Vegetarian diets offer a number of nutritional benefits, including lower levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, and animal protein as well as higher levels of carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, potassium, folate, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and phytochemicals. Vegetarians have been reported to have lower body mass indices than nonvegetarians, as well as lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease; vegetarians also show lower blood cholesterol levels; lower blood pressure; and lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer.“
-ADA’s and Dietitians of Canada position on Vegetarian and Vegan diets
Eat a variety of "whole foods," with plenty of beans, nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid unhealthy foods like trans fats, which are usually listed as partially hydrogenated oils. Deep-fried foods often contain trans fats. Choose margarines that use nonhydrogenated oil, like Earth Balance or Smart Balance. Although a diet consisting of Coke and French fries is technically vegan, you can't be healthy if you eat nothing but junk food. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is produced by bacteria, and some experts believe that vegetarians used to get plenty of this vitamin from bacteria in drinking water. Since drinking water is now treated with chemicals that kill the bacteria, it's important to make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 from fortified foods (like most brands of soy or rice milks, some breakfast cereals, and many brands of nutritional yeast) on a daily basis or by taking a sublingual B12 tablet of 10 mcg per day
Iron-beans, dark green leafy vegetables (like spinach),whole grain breads, Also eat something with vitamin c when you eat something with iron, it increases absorption
Calcium-dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, soymilk)
Protein-Isn't really hard to get, just eat a variety of foods, good sources are beans, brown rice, nuts, whole grain breads, soy foods
Omega-3 fatty acids-flax seeds/oil,walnuts,canola oil
Zinc-pumpkin seeds (best source), beans and lentils, yeast, nuts, seeds and whole grain cereals
Selenium-Brazil nuts are a particularly good source of selenium, so try to eat a couple every day. Eating a small bag of mixed unsalted nuts can be a convenient way to get your daily selenium intake, but make sure it contains Brazils. Bread and eggs also provide some selenium.
Vitamin D- Vitamin D, often called the sunshine vitamin, is another common deficiency in those not drinking vitamin D fortified milk. Synthetic vitamin D is added to both cow’s milk and most brands of soy milk today.
Vitamins A (beta carotene),C, K, E and Folate-variety of fruits and veggies
Iodine-Iodine is a trace mineral that's important for healthy thyroid function. Table salt is the most common and reliable source of iodine in Americans' diets. (However, sodium in processed foods usually does not contain iodine.) If you don't consume table salt, you can get iodine from a multivitamin or from kelp tablets."
knowalotlearnalot replied: "Vegans can have a healthy diet that meets all their nutritional needs.
I recommend getting a vegan cookbook, because you can find one that will have healthy meals to make sure you get all the nutrition you need."
Drum Wizard replied: "Well, consider how the typical American diet effects them.
Whatever diet you have, you have to get enought carbs, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. This can be - and is often - done on a vegan diet. 14 years for me.
"In my opinion, becoming vegan is attempting to overturn millions of years of development to make some sort of fadish political statement."
Yes, that is an opinion.....not a fact. All my teeth come in handy for the 30 different foods I eat.
If human teeth are good for tearing meat, why do people cook it. Also, true meat-eating animals don't chew up the meat, they swallow it with little chewing. And their digestive juices - which are alot stronger than humans - disolve the meat. (see, we vegans studied this stuff. It's our area.)
I'm not making a political statement, I'm trying to be the healthiest I can. There's nothing special or unique about meat. I have meat on my body just like cows do, and I get it from the same place: grains. Gorillas don't even eat grain; and are a better example.
I have enough muscle(meat) to exercise 2 hours a day"
what doctor can I visit in NYC if I need help with starting vegan diet? I would like to find a doctor who is vegan and will help me monitor my health while switching to vegan diet and later. I am concerned about possible iron deficit and other possible problems. who knows good doctor? thank you
sarah replied: "I would suggest going to see a dietician or nutritionist. Call beforehand to make sure they are vegan-friendly (which they should be!). Doctors don't have to study a lot of nutrition in med school, while nutritionists/dietician focus on diet, so they should be more helpful."
Kim N replied: "Contact these people and ask them.
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine"
Bryce replied: "I dont know this person at all I just found them on google
I would suggest using yellow pages or something and contacting them by phone and talking first... it would be a nutritionist you would want to see not a gp"
Honey Babe replied: "I would contact a nutritionist first and then maybe they could recommend a Dr."
How healthy is a Vegan diet? How can you make it more fattening? I have a 15 month old that is allergic to milk, eggs, chicken, PEANUTS, nuts, and peas. So, I kind of have to put her on a vegan diet. For those who were vegans since babies, did you drink soy milk? That's all I can give her and I know a lot of vegan recipes have soy in them. The reason that I am concerned is that I keep reading and seeing everywhere that soy is bad for you. This makes me upset because I can't help that she can only drink soy milk. I forgot to mention that I can't give her rice milk or coconut milk. Is there anyone that's been drinking soy milk and eating foods made with soy for many years? Let me know that you are healthy, so I can have some kind of peace of mind? Also, she is underweight from not being able to eat so many things. Any suggestions on how to fatten up her diet? Please help I can't seem to get a real straight answer out of anyone else.
Marcus replied: "First of all, soy milk or products made with soy are not necessarily "bad for you." If you are replacing regular milk with soy milk then you aren't giving the baby as much vitamin D. My wife drinks soy milk all the time and seems to be as healthy as can be. As far as fattening up her diet, if she isn't allergic to all dairy products then yogurts and cheeses are good. But if she is then you could try soy yogurt and soy butter on bread. Good luck."
Gabriella replied: "You probably don't want to fatten your child but raise it in a healthy way. Make sure she gets enough protein, minerals and vitamins. The best thing for you is to either buy a cookbook with vegan recipes for toddlers or put "vegan toddlers" into the google search engine. Both my children are vegan (they are in their late teens now) and more than healthy. A few ideas what your child could eat at this age:
Bagels with hummus
Bean burritos or tacos
Fresh or dried fruit, especially bananas
Mashed potatoes (made with soy milk and vegan margarine)
Oven-cooked chips
Pancakes and waffles
Pasta with tomato sauce
Low- salt Yeast extract sandwiches
Pizza without cheese, topped with vegetables and pulses, tofu, or vegan meta substitutes
Raw vegetables with dips
Shakes made with soy milk and fruit
Tofu/vegetarian dogs
Veggie burgers
There are lots of soy based yogurts, cheeses and cheese-spreads for a variety, also egg free mayos etc, you can also make scrambled tofu which children love, but I suggest you talk to your doctor for more advice."
Luckyprincess replied: "This is all my personal opinion:
I've been a vegan for 2 years, but I've been vegetarian for the last 10. I've been drinking soy milk and eating soy products for a long, long time and I am completely healthy! (no medications, no health issues, plus I'm even 6 weeks pregnant right now and eating lots of soy products.) I've read the things about soy being harmful. From the info that I've checked out about it, the meat and dairy industry are big business in this country. If people realized how wonderfully nutritious and healthy soy products are, then the meat and dairy industry would lose profits. (One reason why they pushed that "Got Milk" campaign, and how they say drinking a glass of milk a day helps lose weight.) It's all about the dollar. If you want a really good perspective on the subject - check this website out: - (scroll down and click on "What about soy?" by John Robbins.)
To add some healthy fat into your daughter's diet, you could try beans or hummus. Or put some garbanzo beans in a blender with some olive oil and make a spread for crackers (kind of like hummus without the garlic and lemon.) Tofu is a good source of healthy fat. Try smoothies made with soymilk (or chocolate soymilk), tofu or soy yogurt & some berries . Earth balance brand butter is a great source of healthy fat. It also raises the good cholesterol. Try it on toast or in baked goods. Soy ice cream has a lot of fat and may not be good to eat every day but it's an excellent treat. How about veggies dipped in vegan sour cream? I think Tofutti brand makes a good sour cream with no hydrogenated oils. Or toast with a vegan cream cheese (again, I think Tofutti brand makes this). Good luck and I hope this helps somewhat. No worries!"
greenghost replied: "I'll set your mind at ease about soy. I've been a daily user of soy foods for at least 30 years (since I first learned about them)! I make my own soy 'milk', tofu, soysages and more. I also buy and use the ready made stuff too. As compared to the general US population I'm very healthy, I've lived longer than any other member of my fathers family (EVER) and my doctors agree that it's due to my soy based vegetarian ways.
The junk-science you see today is largely based on a book by Kaayla Daniel and earlier books by some other meat industry shills. The *only* independently reviewed and proven *potential* harm from soy is if you eat large amounts totally raw (just like Kidney and other beans). The meat and dairy industries are losing market share to soy bean products and have been spreading the junk in a desperate attempt to stop the shift in eating habits towards soy foods. If I was as sleazy as them I could say that cow milk now has human genes in it!
Get the idea<G>? That's how they work, take one little article and blow it out of proportion!
As to your daughter's health? Has she been to an allergist and had a full spread of allergy testing? If you've got insurance, you may want to find a vegan dietitian specializing in allergies! I'm not one but figuring out allergy work arounds has been a hobby of mine for a long time<G>. I could probably help expand her food options but that's a BIG topic for an answer here and would also depend on a full and complete list of everything she's sensitive to. You may wish to unblock your YA email to contact me for some 'amateur' help. YA keeps your address private BTW.
A point that may help allay your fears is that there is a chance she will grow out of her allergies! You might attempt to remove canola oil from her diet since there are a few studies that link canola to the rise in allergies (but they are *not* proven) and you also might consider reducing the use of anti-bacterial products for the same reason (and that's not proven either!).
If you just want to increase her calories you could consider adding olive oil or avocado to her menu. Try rubbing a little of each on her back to watch for rashes or other reactions, it's not a 100% method of discovering a food allergy, but it does indicate the strongest allergens! You might also try virgin Palm Kernel oil the same way. Other than that just feed her more of the foods she does tolerate! Use the skin test before introducing new foods!
Edit:
If you're concerned about GMO soy you might want to see my answer to the "High Soy Diet?" question. I was getting ready to drop that bomb here but found a better home for it<G>!"
DARMADAKO replied: "Not to gross you out, but check out. There you will find plenty of helpful answers. Ask your pediatrician if you can give your child Similac?"
Jenn replied: "let me start out by saying i am vegan and have been so for over 4 years. i know that there are alot of anti-soy food people out there. they spread around a bunch of bs rumors to scare people away from a healthy diet. some say that because of the high estrogen levels in soy it can be harmful, especially for boys. but there is no conclusive evidence whatsoever to support these claims. just like everything else, soy can be bad in highly excessive amounts. amounts impossible to be consumed by one person. my husband has been vegan for 9 years and is extremely active and in superb health. i drink silk soymilk almost exclusively because it is enriched with alot of vitamins. it is important that your child gets enough of the right fats. i would recommend avocados and olives on a daily basis. is she allergic to all nuts? if not walnuts and almonds or macadamia nuts are really high in good fats. you could also give her flax seed oil or ground flax seeds. just mix them in oatmeal or something. silk just came out with a new soymilk that is enhanced with dha an omega 3 fatty acid that is extremely beneficial to the developing brain. it is derived from sea algae so there should be no allergy problems. as for soy yogurt the best i have tried so far is whole soy. best in creaminess, texture and flavor. i don't know if kids will or even can eat fish, but salmon and mackerel are really high in fat. also, let her splurge once in a while with some dark chocolate candy. try bug bites. they make little individual dark chocolate candies. they are delicious and not at all bitter. i am not sure if they are made on shared equipment, though.
another tip, while fiber (from whole grains, cereal, rice, etc.) is essential in a child's diet, it can be too filling. because kids eat so few calories don't fill them up on bulky foods that have little or no fat. hope this helps :)"
mikedrazenhero replied: "first of all i don't know if your baby can drink soy milk
but i do know you can make your own soy milk, you can buy a soy milk maker machine for $100, just add water, and soak soy beans for 6 hours and press start, in 15 mintues you'll have fresh homemade soymilk, it tastes good without adding anything to it, cost is less then 15cent per batch, 3 large cups
compare to $2 or $3
i'll took soy product for years, i'm fine, people in asia all drink soy and eat tofu, no cancers
the bad stuff you read about soy, is talking about soy protein isolates, that's a part of soy extracted from used soy trash, they're recycling food to turn it into food again, don't eat the soy protein isolate things, like chips, and others"
beebs replied: "I feel your frustration and think I can help. I, too, am allergic to wheat, soy, eggs, commercial dairy, peanuts, and many other things. I invite you to join my food allergy group on yahoo. It is packed with ideas, tips, and recipes. Click join, and read the "files" section. People who haven't gone through this are clueless and most doctors are useless about it. I think this group can help. Here is the link
If you prefer, you can email me and I will try to help you-I know how frustrating it is for an adult with allergies, and my 12 year old daughter. I can't imagine dealing with an infant with allergies. You have my upmost respect and compassion"
Max Marie replied: "Please know that all the "studies" done that say soy is bad are only done on highly processed fake meats and use genetically altered soy.
Thus far, Eden Soy passes the test for completely NON GMO soy milk.
Or, buy your own soy milk maker and buy non gmo soy beans. These guys RULE!!:
I used to be a very sick kid. Then I went vegetarian. I've been using tofu and soy milk for around 14 years now. Never had a problem. My health has improved across the board!
I've always been paranoid of genetic engineering so I've done my best to stay away from those things.
There are a number of good "raising vegan children" books on the market. As well as excellent articles in a lot of vegan magazines.
Here is one article I found online."
evelyn.darling replied: "im a 24 year old and have been vegetarian nearly all my life, through fussiness when i was a child (my mother used to cry because i wouldnt eat meat or take milk) and have flitted between vegetarianism and veganism for many years. i have always eaten soya, even in the 80's when food was in such a bad state that it may as well have been eaten off the floor! what im saying is that i have never had any problems in my life in anyway, not with my oestrogen levels (which is one of the things they try to say can be altered by soya) nor with any form of breast cancer scares (touch wood) or any other minor or major health problems. i find that chocolate soy milk is terribly high calorie and also some of the chilled soya milks are high calorie so if you give them to your child they may help give her a little push towards the fat we girls need to have. my mother has also turned vegetarian in the last few years and always tells me about any new scares, but i would agree that a lot of it is media frenzy to push out us veggies. the one thing i would say is that soya growth destroys land and it cannot be used to grow in after soy has been harvested, but that is a problem for the GM crowd.. try to stick to organic soya products, in the UK cauldron do some good organic tofu's and things.
all in all to answer the question, ive had soya in my diet for twenty years at least, in the eighties when it would defiantly have been gm and bad news. today it will be so much better, and im completely fine, on every level. i am female so i can also maybe help by telling you this as it tends to be women they target with threats of breast and ovarian cancer. im sure if these were going to happen unnaturally they would be happening to me about now."
I am concerned that an acquaintance of mine who follows a strict vegan diet appears to be going bald? We all know (although some refuse to acknowledge it) it has been fully established that following a strict vegan diet, without exception, will eventually lead to inevitable significant health problems of many kinds, including physoclogical issues in addition to the obvious physical symptoms of consuming a diet that is deficient of essential minerals and nutrients. But aside from that which is obvious, the aquaintance I'm referring to is only 19 or 20 years old. He follows a strict vegan diet and it is apparent that he is prematurely losing his hair. I will entertain the possiblility that part of the cause for this may simply be from bad genes, meaning he may simply come from bad stock. But one has to entertain the possibility that this premature hair loss has been accelerated due to the well known deficiencies of the strict vegan diet. I just want to help the poor fellow out. Any suggestions that will help him out will be appreciated.
ALADIN You sure sound mean spirited. This is all about helping my friend. No need for you to be so nasty. And I AM A VEGETARIAN. Please learn to be nice, you seem so terribly unpleasant.
ALADIN Please do not go on in one sentence and tell me I'm a meat eater and say I'm preaching and in the next tell me you don't care what I eat. And stating that he will probably live longer than me is a statement completely without merit, you do not know me or him, yet you speak as an authority about something you have no knowledge of. I have know idea what I am talking of? I tried the vegan diet for the better part of a year, a well balanced vegan diet I might add. Initially it was fantastic as my body began to detox, it was incredible. But after close to a year I felt sluggish, out of sorts, and was just not as sharp mentally as I had been. I added hormone free milk and caged chicken egg whites and I felt much better in short order. So I speak from experience. A strict vegan diet without exception is not healthy over the long term. You have no problem telling me I am wrong? Obviously you are not going to let the facts get in the way of your conclusions.
BEEBS First, you are not a vegan. Although you have claimed to live a vegan lifestyle, you consume dairy products. You do not even meet the definition of a vegetarian in as much as you have confessed on previous posts that you do in fact consume animal flesh on occassion, if I remember correctly (and I do) you eat fish.
And the vegan diet is woefully insufficient with regard to B-12. I tried the strict vegan thing for the better part of a year, and after a period of time found it to be lacking. I added a little milk and eggs, and presto, I was good as new. I know what I'm talking about, as I was a vegan and am a vegetarian. My claims are based on first hand experience, not hearsay.
Sorry to hear about the 953 out of 954 youths that are battling acne in you neck of the woods. Did you take a survey or something? Must be something in the water.
Vegans are experts on nutrition? Guess what, they are experts on everything. Just ask one, they are never wrong.
BEEBS Are you actually saying that a strict vegan diet, without exception, without taking nutiritional and vitamin supplements, is healthful?
MATT Thanks for dropping me a line. It's always a pleasure to hear from you, in spite of your arrogance. It's always nice to know what's going on in the far side. How's your quest for vegan world domination going? Making any progress? As always, you are my moral compass. I worship the higher, more enlightened, and less travelled ground that you walk upon. I thank you for your always insightful words of wisdom, oh master of the vegans. XOXO Cheers!
ALADIN I simply won't waste any more time on you, it's pointless. I read your long winded post, and all I heard was a mad rant and blah, blah, and then a little more blah. Your'e hilarious, but somehow not very funny. Cheers!
N323 replied: "go to a viatamin shop and get him a multiple that fulfills all of his daily needs"
enchanted fairy replied: "Biotin supplements; from the "B" vitamin family. It does wonders for hair and nail growth."
beebs replied: "What deficiencies are in a vegan diet? You are clearly not knowledgable on the topic. Most people think B12 comes only from meat, when in fact cows do not produce it naturally either. They are fed nutritional yeast as part of their feed, and thats where the B12 comes from-same as many of the other B vitamins. If a vegan eats a well balanced diet of whole grains, leafy greens, and protein, they will have a lower cholesterol count and better health than an omnivore. Vegans can use nutritional yeast as well. I doubt your friends hair loss has anything to do with his food choice. My 23 year old son is losing his hair at a rapid rate, and he is a die hard meat eater. My hair is healthy, long, thick, shiny, and its natural red color (I am 43) My 12 year old veg daughters hair is the same as mine. Our skin is glowing, we need no makeup, and are obviously healthier than our omnivore peers. My daughter is the only kid in her school not battling acne issues (she is the only veg in her school of 954) Dont take this the wrong way, but I doubt you can help your friend. Most vegans are experts on nutrition and where to get vitamins in their diets. Just be a good friend, and dont judge him for his choices. Its the omnivores that have been brainwashed about "needing" meat in their diet. If you take the time to do the homework, you will see I am correct. The government supports the meat industry with huge subsidies-they are certainly not going to come along now and say they have been wrong all along. I often puzzle over things like this-you are worried about your friends hair loss over his food choices, but do you worry about friends or family with illness like arthritis, diabetes, allergies, cancer, etc, that perhaps THEIR illness DOES come from eating meat? Please give that some thought!!"
Aladdin Sane replied: "First of all, don't go in the VEGETARIAN and VEGAN section and give us your "I'm better than you" BS, Just because you eat meat doesn't make you healthier than anyone. You really don't know what you are talking about. So don't try to preach!
Second, I am sorry for your friend. I wouldn't know what to suggest to him, possibly he is just simply going bald. Sometimes people are just that unfortunate, I mean my dad lost his hair by the time he was 24... And he is certainly nothing close to a vegetarian. Sometimes these things just happen, and they have nothing to do with diet. So don't automatically assume that because he is a vegan he is nutrient deficient(unless he is not eating a balanced diet)
And If I were you I wouldn't feel so bad for him, because he may go bald, but he will probably live longer than you :)
By the way you could have worded this question better, and maybe you would have been spared some criticism. For example, "My 19 yr old friend is going bald, I am wondering if it has anything to do with his strict vegan diet". I, for one, would have been a lot nicer to you.
*** Maybe If you asked nicer, then you would have gotten a nicer answer from me... there was no need to say that following a strict vegan diet will lead to significant health problems. You could have asked that question in a completly different way, but you just wanted to get your opinion in. I am not a mean spirited person, I am very happy (dispite what my avatar looks like). It just rubs me the wrong way when I here all that BS about my diet leading to health problems, you have no Idea what you are talking about, And yes I have no problem telling you that.
And just because you are a vegetarian, doesn't make me respect you or your opinion any more, honestly I could care less what you eat, and you being a vegetarian doesn't change the fact that you don't know what you are talking about. And for that, again I have no problem telling you that you are wrong.
Did you really think that you were going to ask that question the way you did in here without getting someone's opposite point of view? So don't act so suprised.
But hey what do I know, I am not even "real" what ever that means... and I am a "she" just for the record...
*** Okay I can see that this is just going to go on and on...after this post, no matter what you say to counter what I am saying, I will ignore you. That's better for the both of us:)
What part of your first statement makes any sense? Just because I called you a preaching meat-eater, it must mean that I care what you eat? I DON'T CARE. You can go ahead and eat all the rotting animals or vegetables you want... I COULD CARE LESS, as long as you aren't giving me a lecture on ::In DUMB voice:: "The deficiencies of the strict vegan diet", THAT IS WHAT I MEANT... I don't care what you eat, as long as you don't tell me what I am eating is wrong!
As far as the statement I made about him living longer, oOo someones a little touchy, You are right I don't know him or you(And I really wouldn't like to) but I was making a joke. I was not saying that it is true, just making a joke because you are an idiot.
And as for your problems in the past with a vegan diet... Again I don't care, I feel fine, and I have been living vegan lifestyle for over a year now. You are the one speaking as if you have knowledge on the subject, as an authority... when neither of us were vegans for more than 2 years... so As far as I am concerned you HAVE NOT lived a strict vegan diet long enough to make the statements you made(that a long term vegan diet leads to serious health problems) Because you haven't tried a long term vegan diet, only 1 year of it. So you can stick YOUR facts from experience somewhere dark and scary.
*** You are a pompous idiot... And you think you are funny and witty, but you sound like an arrogant fool!
Damn I promised myself that I wouldn't answer you back anymore, oh well. You are just one of those people that can't be argued with because you think you are right all the time... A legend in your own mind... how sad... Have fun with that.
(This will be the last post, I hope, if I can control myself)
You could have the last word if it makes you feel better..."
frazzler replied: "If he is down about it help him, if he isn't don't worry
He may be ill though.
Has he suddenly become vegan. Does he get all the right nutrients? He should go docs to test his blood and sugar levels just to make sure he is healthy.
It's nice of you to care for your friend don't mind aladin, he isn't even real"
michaelsseed14 replied: "Those facts are true if they do it unintelligently. Strict diets lack nothing and actually improve health. Do you ever hear of heart disease and cancer resulting from plant-based diets, which are the two major killers in America-because America has a predominately flesh food diet? Or any of the other major ailments in America resulting from fruits and vegetables? You need to know your source. The word of God tells us that a plant-based diet is what our Creator had for us in the beginning (read Gen 1 and 2); and it was not until the flood came that meat was allowed to eat, for you cannot grow a garden in a flood (read Gen 9). There are many detrimental effects of partaking of a flesh food diet, if you study, man's age greatly declined after the flood when they started to eat flesh food."
auroraresearchinstitute replied: ""we all know"??? if you know then why are you a vegetarian? unless u r fibbing. Your friend could losing hair because of a health problem before he went vege. Hair loss problems usually develop over a length of time. It may not be associated with vege diets. Think about how chemotherapy makes you lose your hair."
Scocasso ! replied: ""without exception, will eventually lead to inevitable significant health problems of many kinds" That sounds fairly dull minded, don't you think?
Well, many many meat eaters are bald, so are vegetarians, and vegans, men and women... I know vegans who have been vegan their whole life and now being old, still have a thick head of hair. My hair is slowly thinning... is it due to a vegan diet? Who know, but I don't think so. I took a one year holiday 10 years ago and it all grew back thick and strong. Over the last 10 years, it has slowly thinned again. Seems stress has something to do with it. Or perhaps the highly polluted city I took my holiday in helped it grow back as pollution raises estrogen levels, as testosterone is culprit of hair loss. Perhaps your friend just has a huge sex drive and is not getting enough sex. Or just is plain stressed out."
Prodigy556 replied: "Your friend is probably just going bald, it happens. I got set up on a blind date with a 25 year old that was almost bald on top of his head. He was a meat eater.
I also want to add, the reason you probably got so many negative answers is because of your phrasing. Saying "we all know" but us vegetarians/vegans refuse to acknowledge... is belittling everyone who follows a vegetarian/vegan life style. You shouldn't come on preaching as if you are above/smarter than everyone, that is if you expect to get respect in return. I'm not even going to go into the health benefit of vegetarian/vegan diet since We all know(and most others refuse to acknowledge) those indisputable facts."
FM replied: "He is either not eating a balanced diet or he is genetically loosing his hair. He should consider a multi-vitamin to be sure."
Matt H replied: "When you become familiar with the ADA's position on the topic let us know. Unless of course you are saying you know more about diet than the ADA, in that case please continue to inform us O wise one.
In all seriousness, if this is a true question, your friend needs to see a Vegan friendly dietitian. It's more than possible to eat like crap on any diet, Vegan or not.
(what the ADA says about Vegan diets)"
Serene Valkyrie replied: "The responses of the people you are addressing were quite polite compared to your posts. It was clear to me upon reading your first few words that you were trying to stir trouble. All you had to say was, "My vegan friend is 19 years old and is going bald - is it possibly a nutrient deficiency from not eating the proper types of foods?" But obviously, that was not your actual intent with this post - don't try to act like it was.
My friend started going bald around the same age. Meat eater. It happens. Some boys grow mustaches at 14. Some go bald at 18. Everyone's different."
Children and a vegan diet? I had just asked a question in the vegan section about good vegan recipes. I have another question though.
I have three children, two of whom eat solid foods now. Is it safe to have them on a vegan diet? My only concerns are their ages and the rate of which their bodies grow as toddlers. I for example can tell myself by the way I am emotionally or physically feeling, if I need more iron per say, or more vitamin c or something. Young children don't really know how to tell someone that they think their diet is lacking in something.
Would you recommend me changing my children's diets into vegan diets too. Or should I just do a relaxed vegetarian diet, such as allowing eggs and some dairy products?
I would really rather that our whole family make this change, I'm just concerned about my children getting all the nutrition they need. Also my eldest son is a picky eater, so that also concerns me.
By the way, My husband and I have been vegetarians for a while, but just recently became vegans.
Gip H. Not only are you not educated but you're just down right nasty and rude. Further more, you're not worth any more of my time. Have a nice day you uneducated ass.
Suzy: I appreciate the concern you expressed. However, in my case I'm not too worried about the whole baby being on soy formula. I have a 5 month old who I strictly breastfeed. I would never put any of my children on formula, soy or not. Breast is best.
Also my main concern is that the two eldest children who are toddlers, are getting adequate nutrition.
I received many great tips here, and I believe my husband are going to go forward with changing our children's diet to vegan as well. I think combined with the recipes and websites, I will be able to ensure that they are being fed properly. I am also going to take them to a nutritionist to get some tips from them too.
Jenna replied: "www.veganlunchbox.blogspot.com
She doesn't post much anymore but her son is vegan and she has pages and pages of posts about his diet, recipes and helpful links."
Buzz D replied: "As long as they get enough protein and iron along with B vitamins it should be alright. Ultimately check with a dietician."
jaimita replied: "I'm not going to be too much help, but I know that I have a friend that was raised vegan along with her 2 brothers and all 3 are very healthy and attractive. Just had to counter that guy who said your kids would be freaks. I know that if you are careful it will be safe. I would make an appointemt with a nutritionist and she will give you a good idea of the kinds of meals the kids need every day."
Vegan_Mom replied: "I would like to say more, but I'm just browsing while my husband is loading the car for our weekend trip. (I'm supposed to be turning off my computer.)
Because of the extra stuff put in meat and dairy, we plan on raising our daughter vegan, unless we know for sure from where the meat and animals products came.
These sites might be of some help."
Suzy replied: "Well, from my research, I have found that putting children on vegan diets is not such a good idea. I heard of a story of a baby who was put on vegan soy formula and later died. Children need some form of animal protein in order for them to develop properly. The iron found in animal protein is far superior than the iron found in plant sources, and iron is a necessary nutrient, especially for growing children. Same goes for calcium. At least let them drink milk and eat eggs.
Edit: Oh yeah, and make sure that the milk and eggs are organic. The animals are treated better and it's healthier for you."
Kimberley W replied: "here is list of books that help you
a) make a good choice of what levels of vegetarian vegan diet you want for your kids
b) helps you explain to young kids why you do not eat meat
c) help you learn to deal being a vegan mom with vegan kids in a meat eating world.
The books are pretty recent. - last fives years. see which one you like best and read it and make the best healthy choice for you and your family.,
PS. i am vegan and I hope to raise my child vegan. of course there will be times when they will be vegetarian out of the house, Example birthday cake at a friends house!"
KAYTE W replied: "Well since you and your husband are vegan. It's worth a shot, although it is imperative that your children eat green leafy veg like spinach, lots of broccoli, sesame seeds are also great for calcium and plenty of water. You can buy rice milk with added calcium. Lots of healthy protein from organic oats and tofu. Careful about nuts (choking). Also you could make great lentil soups. Tofu burgers. I think your kids will have a great diet. All the best. Don't be too strict if they desire something that contains egg or dairy. Its their choice, all you can do it guide them to your beliefs."
Shelly P replied: "My neice and nephew are both vegan from conception (meaning their mother was vegan throughout pregnancy) Both pregnancies/births were uneventful, both births went well, babies were 7 and 8 lbs.. both are quite big for their age now, healthy as horses, intelligent and beautiful, One is 3 and one is 6 months..
Just do the research.. make sure the diet is very balanced (protien, carbs, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, etc) and consult a GOOD, not anti-vegan, dietitian if you are concerned.. Of course babies and toddlers etc etc have different nutritional needs than adults, but those needs can definitely be met by a WELL-PLANNED vegan diet..don't let anyone tell you differently..
Good luck.."
Celtic Tejas replied: "I really do not have anything to add you got plenty of great answers. You are doing your children a great service starting them on this path to true health.
Bless be"
joaniepony replied: "I usually stay away from vegetarian Questions, but you sound sincere. Vegan does that excludes excludes milk and egg products? I was once a vegetarian, to get a balance I used the book "Diet For A Small Planet" for a guide. It is about combining foods for complex carbs. It may help you a bit. For some reason 2 year old become very fussy eaters so your have the advantage of having a selection of raw fruits and veggies to give him , Kids like "pretty food""
.... replied: "The American Dietetics Association and the Dietitians of Canada both support vegetarian and vegan diets for ALL stages of life.
Do your research, educate yourself & raise healthy happy kids.
Vegan kids:"
gomanyes562 replied: "A vegetarian diet is fine for any age. A vegan diet is fine too, but it requires very careful planning to ensure that they are getting all required nutrients. Toddlers need adequate protein and calcium, so make absolutely sure that they get these things one way or another.
I'd suggest going and talking to a dietician if you want to make them vegan. Write out what you feed them for a week and have him look over it."
In the Vegan diet there is a concern the individual may suffer from Vitamin B-12 deficiency.? In the Vegan diet there is a concern the individual may suffer from Vitamin B-12 deficiency. What precaution could be made in order to avoid this problem?
a.)Take a Vitamin Supplement
b) Purchase Fortified Soy products/Fortified Cereals
c.) Prepare foods with Olive Oil
d.) Answers a and b
And my other question is how is a DASH diet and a Vegan Diet the same?
a.) It’s a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
b.) It’s a diet low in saturated fats
c.) It’s a diet rich in animal products
d.) Answers a and b
warmfbmf replied: "What every vegan should know about vitamin B12
Very low B12 intakes can cause anaemia and nervous system damage.
The only reliable vegan sources of B12 are foods fortified with B12 (including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast cereals) and B12 supplements. Vitamin B12, whether in supplements, fortified foods, or animal products, comes from micro-organisms."
Allison replied: "1D
2?"
Claire DC replied: "This is useful for people worried about that:
Vitamin B12
Jump to: Introduction : Functions : Dietary Sources : Required Intakes
Introduction
Vitamin B12 is a member of the vitamin B complex. It contains cobalt, and so is also known as cobalamin. It is exclusively synthesised by bacteria and is found primarily in meat, eggs and dairy products. There has been considerable research into proposed plant sources of vitamin B12. Fermented soya products, seaweeds, and algae such as spirulina have all been suggested as containing significant B12. However, the present consensus is that any B12 present in plant foods is likely to be unavailable to humans and so these foods should not be relied upon as safe sources. Many vegan foods are supplemented with B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, the maintenance of the nervous system, and growth and development in children. Deficiency can cause anaemia. Vitamin B12 neuropathy, involving the degeneration of nerve fibres and irreversible neurological damage, can also occur.
Functions
Vitamin B12's primary functions are in the formation of red blood cells and the maintenence of a healthy nervous system. B12 is necessary for the rapid synthesis of DNA during cell division. This is especially important in tissues where cells are dividing rapidly, particularly the bone marrow tissues responsible for red blood cell formation. If B12 deficiency occurs, DNA production is disrupted and abnormal cells called megaloblasts occur. This results in anaemia. Symptoms include excessive tiredness, breathlessness, listlessness, pallor, and poor resistance to infection. Other symptoms can include a smooth, sore tongue and menstrual disorders. Anaemia may also be due to folic acid deficiency, folic acid also being necessary for DNA synthesis.
B12 is also important in maintaining the nervous system. Nerves are surrounded by an insulating fatty sheath comprised of a complex protein called myelin. B12 plays a vital role in the metabolism of fatty acids essential for the maintainence of myelin. Prolonged B12 deficiency can lead to nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage.
When deficiency occurs, it is more commonly linked to a failure to effectively absorb B12 from the intestine rather than a dietary deficiency. Absorption of B12 requires the secretion from the cells lining the stomach of a glycoprotein, known as intrinsic factor. The B12-intrinsic factor complex is then absorbed in the ileum (part of the small intestine) in the presence of calcium. Certain people are unable to produce intrinsic factor and the subsequent pernicious anaemia is treated with injections of B12.
Vitamin B12 can be stored in small amounts by the body. Total body store is 2-5mg in adults. Around 80% of this is stored in the liver.
Vitamin B12 is excreted in the bile and is effectively reabsorbed. This is known as enterohepatic circulation. The amount of B12 excreted in the bile can vary from 1 to 10ug (micrograms) a day. People on diets low in B12, including vegans and some vegetarians, may be obtaining more B12 from reabsorption than from dietary sources. Reabsorption is the reason it can take over 20 years for deficiency disease to develop in people changing to diets absent in B12. In comparison, if B12 deficiency is due to a failure in absorption it can take only 3 years for deficiency disease to occur.
Dietary Sources
The only reliable unfortified sources of vitamin B12 are meat, dairy products and eggs. There has been considerable research into possible plant food sources of B12. Fermented soya products, seaweeds and algae have all been proposed as possible sources of B12. However, analysis of fermented soya products, including tempeh, miso, shoyu and tamari, found no significant B12.
Spirulina, an algae available as a dietary supplement in tablet form, and nori, a seaweed, have both appeared to contain significant amounts of B12 after analysis. However, it is thought that this is due to the presence of compounds structurally similar to B12, known as B12 analogues. These cannot be utilised to satisfy dietary needs. Assay methods used to detect B12 are unable to differentiate between B12 and it's analogues, Analysis of possible B12 sources may give false positive results due to the presence of these analogues.
Researchers have suggested that supposed B12 supplements such as spirulina may in fact increase the risk of B12 deficiency disease, as the B12 analogues can compete with B12 and inhibit metabolism.
The current nutritional consensus is that no plant foods can be relied on as a safe source of vitamin B12.
Bacteria present in the large intestine are able to synthesise B12. In the past, it has been thought that the B12 produced by these colonic bacteria could be absorbed and utilised by humans. However, the bacteria produce B12 too far down the intestine for absorption to occur, B12 not being absorbed through the colon lining.
Human faeces can contain significant B12. A study has shown that a group of Iranian vegans obtained adequate B12 from unwashed vegetables which had been fertilised with human manure. Faecal contamination of vegetables and other plant foods can make a significant contribution to dietary needs, particularly in areas where hygiene standards may be low. This may be responsible for the lack of aneamia due to B12 deficiency in vegan communities in developing countries.
Good sources of vitamin B12 for vegetarians are dairy products or free-range eggs. ВЅ pint of milk (full fat or semi skimmed) contains 1.2 Вµg. A slice of vegetarian cheddar cheese (40g) contains 0.5 Вµg. A boiled egg contains 0.7 Вµg. Fermentation in the manufacture of yoghurt destroys much of the B12 present. Boiling milk can also destroy much of the B12.
Vegans are recommended to ensure their diet includes foods fortified with vitamin B12. A range of B12 fortified foods are available. These include yeast extracts, Vecon vegetable stock, veggieburger mixes, textured vegetable protein, soya milks, vegetable and sunflower margarines, and breakfast cereals"
Ima Vegan replied: "I take a vitamin supplement every day (a prenatal vitamin for me and my baby-to-be) and it has 313% of my daily B12 needs. So I think I'll be fine.
No one is saying that a vegan diet is "natural" but it's a choice, and I choose it. Then I can think about those dairy calves being put in tiny veal crates and I can know that I have nothing to do with that industry."
KING replied: "All mammal animals (including human animals) capable to synthesize B12 by itself naturally under normal condition, under "ideal creation". If you would ask the herbivorous animals they would tell you the secret. B12 fact is not a myth.
Do NOT over-traumatize with the B12 matter, because EXCESSIVE B12 will cause serious body TOXICITY (Ask your nutritionist).
With a proper & balanced vegan diet, you would live much healthier than an "average" person, for sure."
majnun99 replied: "I have no idea what a "DASH" diet is. I never heard of it.
In the B12 question you are probably looking for answer d. But, bacteria in our intestines make B12, and B12 can be stored in our bodies. Many vegans will never need a B12 supplement, but it does seem like a good idea just to be sure. In addition, it is possible for meat eaters to be B12 deficient if they lack a specific enzyme called Intrinsic Factor. People who have this condition are born with it."
Vegan dietary concerns? I've was lacto-ova vegitarian for a long time, and recently have decided to go vegan. I'm really particular about my diet, making sure I'm getting a variety of veggies, tofu, chickpeas or beans, nuts and soymilk on a daily basis. Are there any dietary concerns, or foods I really should be eating that I'm not covering though?
CE S replied: "Don't forget about your calcium. Spinach and Broccoli are really good sources, and your body absorbs the calcium from these foods better than it would from dairy products.
Be careful with the soy products. Too much soy has been shown to mess up the thyroid gland.
Also, I take a vitamin cocktail every morning. You can get vegan multivitamins in any health food store. That will ensure you get the vitamins and minerals you may be lacking in your diet."
redsoxfanatic4801 replied: "Here is something your missing from your diet: real food! I get vegetarianism, but veganism is just rediculous. People die of malnutrition from being vegan. YOu can't eat out, you can't eat at a friend's house (inless you were a pain of a guest and had them get all-vegan pfoods, which no sane person eats alone in a regular meal). I understand, eating vegetables is important. But so is protein! Calcium! Eating things that taste good! seriously, what is the appeal? You said you decided to go vegan, so it's not like you have to for some medical reason."
uselessadvice replied: "Just stay clear of the organic spinach. It was the cause of the recent E coli outbreak. Better still, avoid organic altogether, its not safe."
Sam replied: "You need vitamin B12 supplements! B12 is only present in animal products, so all vegans need to take the vitamin.
I would recommend taking a complete multi-vitamin."
talk2me replied: "i am also a vegetarian.
Just make sure you have at least one protein in one day like beans, tofu, pulses etc.
For carbohydrates, you can take anything made out of wheat, rice or potatoes (sandwhiches, boiled rice, noodles, pasta etc).
Vitamins and minerals can be obtained from fresh vegetables and fruits.
As you dont drink milk, calcium is a big concern for you. Have fresh oranges, green cabbage and broccoli to suppliment for calcium."
wazup1971 replied: "Ask a doctor or a nutritionist. A lot of vegan I know doesn't look very healthy because they need more protein."
newsgirlinos2 replied: "Meat....you should be eating meat!
How far are you willing to go for this???
If you give a guy head you are ingesting animal protein.
Would you buy a leather belt, purse or shoes at a thrift store??? Why not? This could be considered recycling.
Are your pets vegans as well???? This is cruelty to animals!! Both Dogs and cats are naturally meat eaters.
Vegan Cat Food: complete nutrition
Of the many nutrients that cats require, taurine is the one that is traditionally the hardest to get when eating a vegan diet because it usually comes from fish. Without taurine cats can go blind and even succumb to heart disease. As with changing one's own diet, it's important to understand nutritional requirements before jumping into any new food products.
Taurine can also be derived from yeast, which is a living organism but not sentient as far as current knowledge can tell. This would qualify it as a vegan source of taurine.
I say that I could make a pretty good arguement that most vegans are not "sentient". We have no idea what yeast thinks or talks about....we have no idea what fish think or talk about so this is not a valid way of picking proteins.
Wear wool???? Sheep! Buy cosmetics with lanolin??? Sheep!!!
Did you get or will you ever get immunizations???? Almost all are animal protein based.
Gonna ever need penicillin???? It is a living creature you know!
Do you make sure that the veggies you eat are not grown in manure(an animal product)?????? Even if you do not consider the poop to be non-vegan....do you know for sure that the animal never ate hydrogenated protein??? That is a meat product that is passed in the manure. It is also about 75% of the food fed to most animals in feed lots....and feed lots are the primary source of manure for farms.
Eat veggie burgers at restaurants???? Cooked on the same grill as murder-burgers! Same thing for french fries....cooked with fish and whatever else the restaurant deep fries. Even restaurants that say the have a vegitarian menu.....most do not have separate cooking facilities.
Kill a spider or fly???
Own any feathers?
Take vitamins???
Eat honey or cucumbers or peppers or apples???? All most all of these veggies are coated with bee's wax.
I personally consider veganism to be one of the most self-destructive eccentricities that anyone could develop....unless you grow your own veggies, and process them yourself....you are not a vegan....there is so much that goes into food processing that you can never be truly vegan.
Someone mentioned B12....and yes you NEED IT. But it is only from animals.
# Signs, symptoms, and health problems associated with vitamin B12 deficiency:Characteristic signs, symptoms, and health problems associated with vitamin B12 deficiency include anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss [1,3,12].
# Deficiency also can lead to neurological changes such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet [7,13].
# Additional symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are difficulty in maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, poor memory, and soreness of the mouth or tongue [14].
# Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in infancy include failure to thrive, movement disorders, delayed development, and megaloblastic anemia [15].
Last of all....If you have kids....are you going to Breast feed when your child are born??? Or are they going to be Vegans too???? Do not forget that you are an animal too....so do not bite your nails ....or swallow spit..... or mucouse.....and never never skip a period....your body would be eating itself!"
Sarah replied: "Dont listen to tthe person above me ranting about non-sence. Take a vegan multivitamin(http://www.veganessentials.com) Very good site for alot of vegan stuff. Soy milk is wonderful.( i prefer Silk =]) And To the person above, we are aware we can't be COMPLETELY vegan, the littles that we are still aware of. But its almost impossible to be completely vegan. Still its helping the envirnment tons. And Its really healthy if done right. You can live longer, feel better. All that jazz kay?
Anyways, Good luck on your switch to becoming vegan."
Celtic Tejas replied: "It sounds to me that you are overly worried about your "protien". Are you getting enough Greens? Fresh veggies & fruit are 100 times more important. Really!
"
a_delphic_oracle replied: "Sounds like you have it covered. Add some whole grains and make sure you are getting vitamin B12. I think soy milk from the store is fortified with B12."
Matt H replied: "Make sure you get lots of grains but besides that it sounds great to me!
Check out
They have this really cool chart called "The New Four Food Groups."
This will help you alot.
Take care. good luck."
AndyB replied: "Soymilk, and soy in general, isn't very good.
It contains high levels of phytic acid in soy reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Phytic acid in soy is not neutralized by ordinary preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting and long, slow cooking. High phytate diets have caused growth problems in children.
Trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic orders. In test animals soy containing trypsin inhibitors caused stunted growth.
Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.
Soy phytoestrogens are potent antithyroid agents that cause hypothyroidism and may cause thyroid cancer. In infants, consumption of soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease.
Vitamin B12 analogs in soy are not absorbed and actually increase the body’s requirement for B12.
Soy foods increase the body’s requirement for vitamin D.
Fragile proteins are denatured during high temperature processing to make soy protein isolate and textured vegetable protein.
Processing of soy protein results in the formation of toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Free glutamic acid or MSG, a potent neurotoxin, is formed during soy food processing and added to many soy foods.
Soy foods contain high levels of aluminum which is toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys."
