Thinking of going veggie because of numerous health problems

[dataloksk]

Hi everyone,
I am a 36 year old woman who has always had chronic health problems since I was a child including recurring endometriosis(have had 9 laparoscopies), breast cancer at age 28 (had chemo and radiation), infertility for 14 years (3 tries at IVF a few years ago and no success), recurrent bladder infections (every time I have intercourse) and depression/anxiety issues since I was a child.

I was wondering if being a veggie would help me with my chronic health problems. I am facing another laparascopy soon for my endometriosis as I am having severe pain yet again.

Any ideas, suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Donna

[Erin Pavlina]

Though I am not a doctor, I would think a vegan diet would help you, not hurt your situation.

For one, vegans suffer less cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, etc.

Plus you'll be eating a lot of fruits and vegetables which will help detox your body naturally and provide you with antioxidants. It will boost your immune system as well.

If you need any help, just ask. I'm sure there are plenty of people on the board who will help guide you.

Also, read Becoming Vegan by Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina for some great advice for going vegan.

[VeggieGirl]

Donna,

A vegetarian diet can be a wonderful thing to do for your health, and it can also make you feel good in its ethical commitments.

Whatever you do though, as you have suffered longterm depression & anxiety illness, please take extra special care to learn how to eat a well-balanced diet providing for all nutrients consume & suited to you individually.

With depression, stress, anxiety it is critical, for example, to consume sufficient

*Omega 3 essential fatty acids

-- such as a DHA supplement like O-Mega-Zen3 (300mg DHA), 3 Tbs ground flaxseed, etc., AND REDUCE omega 6 polyunsaturated oils/fats on a veggie diet

*B complex vitamins

-Take a B-50 or B-100 supplement or choose a multi-vitamin/mineral that includes high amounts of B vitamins, eat Red Star Nutritional Yeast, and eat other B-rich food sources

*Zinc & Iron

-On a veggie diet, consuming iron-rich plant foods alongside foods rich in vitamin C & cooking some of the time w/cast iron pots is GREAT.

-Take a zinc supplement every day, IN ADDITION to eating zinc-rich foods, like wheat germ & nuts & legumes.

*Try to keep your blood sugar up & constant by eating more little meals throughout the day & consuming lots of FRESH fruits & veggies (including legumes), and more whole grains than simple high glycemic ones.

*Please consider seriously taking a liver detoxer if you are currently taking an antidepressant or antianxiety drug, any other drugs.

It will help you feel better by helping your body to cope with the drug. Any naturopathic doctor will tell you this.

-A good one is Solgar's Herbal Liver Tonic, in vegicaps.

-Or a combination can be made for you from liquid extracts, such as St. Francis Herbs. See a naturopathic college, clinic, or ND for this.

-Milk thistle will be the main ingredient in any of these; it is a potent liver & blood detoxer/purifier, and is very safe.

Best wishes & good luck to you,

VeggieGirl

[VeggieGirl]

p.s. My favorite book for dealing with chronic & acute health conditions/illness is

ND Michael Murray's & ND Joseph Pizzorno's ENCYCLOPEDIA OF NATURAL MEDICINE.

I would highly recommend it to you in working through serious health problems, and I would follow with confidence the recommendations given per condition. It is VERY well-researched.


VeggieGirl