How has the change to a vegan diet affected you?

[Cal]

My overall health is much improved. I became vegan fifteen years ago and now eat about 75% raw vegan food. Skin improved, nails stronger, digestion better (before veganism I had been a veggie who ate way too much cheese!).

Thanks to gertvegan for formatting help.

I will now revert to normal font and colour so as not to get on people's nerves!

[Glenda the Good Witch]

I became vegan fifteen years ago and now eat about 75% raw vegan food.

That's brilliant Cal, I admire you!....I wish I could say that! I have been vegetarian for 15 years, but not vegan. I have only been vegan for just over 3 years but always knew in the back of my head that somehow dairy was not right....

[Cal]

That's brilliant Cal, I admire you!....I wish I could say that! I have been vegetarian for 15 years, but not vegan. I have only been vegan for just over 3 years but always knew in the back of my head that somehow dairy was not right....

Hey Glenda TGW I was older than you are when I became vegan so it took me a while!!

[Realfood Mary]

Hey Glenda the Good Witch! You look like my slim twin sister! I mean seriously, your face is very similar to mine.

Before I was vegan I was suffering from the most horrendous ulcerative colitis, and in fact I was told that I would probably need a colostomy bag by the time I was in my mid thirties. I was on contant pain killers, and some drug or other that turned my skin and eyeballs orange. (Salozapyrine?) Since going vegan I haven't needed any medication for colitis, not even pain killers. Maybe once or twice a year I have a mild flair up. I used to be severely anaemic, as I regularly lost so much blood in my faeces. So much healthier!

My periods are still painful. I am a healthier weight than I used to be, 12 stone at 5 foot ten. Before my heaviest was something like 13.10, partly because the drugs caused fluid retention, and partly because I never had the energy to excercise.

Now I do karate, weights and running regularly, and look pretty good. And no sign of a colostomy bag, although I am 34. I may still need one when I am older, but I have certainly put off the dreadful day!

[feline01]

Yes, I used to feel awful about eating animal products and since going vegan, I don't feel that way anymore !

[Franny]

I'm not sure if it's related, but I seem to be sleeping much better. I've always had difficulty staying asleep, and since the vegan diet I really haven't.

[feline01]

I can't definitely prove this but I truly believe 100% that I would not have had such a great pregnancy if I wasn't vegan. I was pregnant with twins and very overweight and since 70% of all twin pregnancies end up on bedrest at some point-my obstetrician was convinced that I would be one of those woman by 20 weeks. I worked full-time up to my 36th week even with a 50-mile a day commute (ok, hubby had to drive my the last 3+ months since I couldn't fit behind the steering wheel anymore ) and had the kids 2 days after I was actually pulled out of work but not put on bedrest. I believe that if I was eating SAD, I would have most definitely been put on bedrest and had pregnancy complications.

[Evilfluffbunny]

No negatives I can think of at all! I felt better psychologically and also suffered much less from period pain and 'gacky' chest etc.

The only negative is being seen as even more of a weirdo than before, but that's other peoples problem, not mine.

[Imapeach]

I had PCOS before i went vegan... i was vegetarian and the gyno told me the only way to cure the symptoms was to eat meat (some crap about protein)... so i did that for a while and nothing changed. Finally decided i'd rather die than eat meat and went vegan.... and all my symptoms disappeared almost immediately! Moral of the story? Don't take dietary advice from a gyno!

[Glen]

I had (have) pretty bad clinical depression and insomnia. Turning vegan definately helped be sleep. My diet improved ten-fold and I think it was because I felt less bloated, had less crappy sugar off biscuits and other crap and it also helped me through the day. Probably because it gives my body a better balance of nutrients than my previous diet.

As a result of that balance I do feel more equipped to cope and I don't feel as lethargic during the day.

[Nivvie]

My cycle used to be a joke, sometimes I'd have two periods a month, sometimes they'd last a fortnight, so it was hard to tell when one ended and one began.
Once I went vegan, things got way more normal.

On the sleep side, I used to sleep like a log, but now I find it hard to nod off. I think it's due to extra energy, as I don't feel lethargic during the day. I think I just don't need as much sleep as I used to, as my body doesn't have to spend the night processing the Jammie Dodgers and Snickers of the day before.

[Realfood Mary]

I went vegan from veggie when pregnant. My health began to improve, and I started gaining weight (which I needed, having lost 2 stone.) My son was thriving, but only when I went vegan did I start to thrive.

Then my colitis has cleared up, and I no longer need medication for that.

[Nivvie]

Imapeach what's PCOS? Or shouldn't I ask .

I know I shouldn't answer other people's questions, but I couldn't resist posting a link.

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pcos.htm#1

[Pilaf]

I longed to truely live up to what it means to be Straightedge..until I went vegan I felt like a hypocrite.

[Tigerlily]

My headaches have been cut by about 90%! Seriously. Dairy, I believe, was the main culprit to my horrible sinus pressure headaches.

[littleTigercub]

I do admit that I do not feel healthier myself but my purse does! This is not necessarily because vegan ingredients are generally cheaper, but they are hard to get when you are out, so instead of buying a Greggs sandwich several times a week, I have become really organised and bring my own five days a week! *proud*

littleTigercub

[gertvegan]

I do admit that I do not feel healthier myself but my purse does!

Have a look at the cost of vegan food thread about um .... the cost of vegan food.

[DoveInGreyClothing]

My IBS,asthma and eczema are a lot better thank you.
And if I have a cold or hay fever next to no mucus since quitting dairy!

[Brownie]

I used to be anemic when I ate meat and I would pass out a lot during the day, but ever since I went vegan, I haven't passed out in ages! I feel MUCH healthier now. Yay me.

[adam antichrist]

I was on some drug that turned my skin and eyeballs orange.

Ewww, I hope you've done a good detox diet! That is some serious liver toxicity when you change colour!

[Realfood Mary]

I'm fine now! But yes, I looked like a carrot for years.

Mary

[my3labs]

I'm not sure if it's related, but I seem to be sleeping much better. I've always had difficulty staying asleep, and since the vegan diet I really haven't.

Franny,
I used to have huge insomnia problems...taking all sorts of prescritions like Ambien. I am so happy to say that since I have become a vegan, I sleep like a baby. I still wake up when my hubby wakes up for work (about 5:00 am) but I quickly go back to sleep and my doggies wake me up for good around 8:00. Ok, I'm spoiled, I work from home and run my own business.
Lucky me!!
I love being a vegan. It has changed my life!

[Mozbee]

I went to see an Epilepsy Nurse on Friday about the side-effects of my medication. I gave her a copy of the table I've kept up to date with diet changes and seizure numbers per year. She agreed that going vegan can reduce epileptic seizures.

1995-1997 each years total over 200 seizures (I was vegetarian)
1998 Stopped eating eggs 138 seizures
1999 102 seizures
2000 November went vegan 46seizures
2001 46 seizures (stressful operation)
2002 30 seizures
2003 20 seizures
2004 2 seizures

Suggestion - if you know anyone who has epilepsy, print this out, tell em, go vegan

Love Mozbee!

[puffin]

Thats great news Mozbee

[feline01]

Fantastic, Mozbee!!

On a similar note, my coworker put her youngest son, who is diagnosed with seizure disorder, ADHD and autism on the Feingold diet. This diet is centered around whole-grains, fruit, veg, no dairy, no artificial colors or sweeteners....hmm, sound familiar?? Anyway, since she put her son on this diet, people have asked her what medication he's been on because his behavior have improved so much.

[sugarmouse]

i have only been a vegan for about three weeks...maybe even less (second time round!lol)


but..i am sure i feel better..obvioulsy i do mentally..shoulld have re done it a long time ago!...but physically..i am sure i feel healthier and i have lost weight..is this just psychological or could it be true even after such a short time??i just havemore energy and just feel better!! i n general.

[Seaside]

Anything is possible, sugarmouse!

[Nivvie]

It's very possible. I remember after a week I found it hard to sleep I had so much energy!

Just think, the majority of tobacco toxins are out of your system after two weeks of not smoking, so the chances are the dairy is well and truly gone.

[Glen]

Very very possible, thats how I felt too; Woo for veganism!

[foxytina_69]

it was possible for me. i lost weight and felt great after three weeks of being vegan

[Peas'nHominy]

I don't think it's just pyschological. I've taken toddlers with asthma off milk before, and witnessed the healing; I don't think the 2- and 3-yr-olds had any conscious awareness that their diet was changed...I just replaced cow's milk and such products with soy and/or rice products.

Congrats on going vegan again! Keep it up and I really believe you will find yourself much healthier this year. I very rarely get sick, even dispite being exposed to sick children a lot.

[Cryospark]

well lecithin I heard is in your brain and required for function soy has it, where as high protein generates acid sucks calcium chromium and trace minerals from your body these are required for healthy cells, healthy cells carry oxygen to the brain more efficiently, ofcourse it makes you think better not to mention the vitamins and antioxidants and such you will be getting from vegetableswhich regulate brain function B vitamins and iron that is for all the iron in meat without vit c it is absorbed poorly and more then likely stripped from you by the meat itself. so yeah ofcourse it has a physcological impact.

[Caitlin]

I know that I'm allot healthier but that wasn't my motivation to becoming vegan.. I know that I can look at animals in peace now and know that I don't eat them anymore.

[moochbabe]

I'm not sure about healthwise yet, although I was pleased that my dietician had no qualms about my becoming vegan, and seemed to believe that it's an extremely healthy way of life. However, emotionally and mentally I think that I am much happier. I feel good about what I put into my body, and no longer feel any twinge of hypocricy when I talk about living sustainably!

[urbandryad]

This option wasn't in your list.

The effect of being vegan is that I find myself eating less. Though I FEEL alot better about the environment, I think on a vegan diet I'm SUPPOSED to be eating more. This is confusing. I'm also finding myself struggling a little more with buying groceries cause I have to be so dang careful of every single cent I spend now on food. Everything I have to be able to eat, cause otherwise its $8 for a soy pizza or $6 for a box of only 4 veggie burgers I may not end up liking, and thats money I can't get back. ^^

[berta_the_aspie]

Wow, what amazing little miracles. But seriously, better/less sleep, cuts healing faster? Could it be scientifically proved? I just cant believe those things. The things I agree with is that I just feel better in general.

On a similar note, my coworker put her youngest son, who is diagnosed with seizure disorder, ADHD and autism on the Feingold diet. This diet is centered around whole-grains, fruit, veg, no dairy, no artificial colors or sweeteners....hmm, sound familiar?? Anyway, since she put her son on this diet, people have asked her what medication he's been on because his behavior have improved so much.

Im sorry I don’t believe that a diet could affect ADD/ADHD or autism. I am autistic and it just has NOTHING to do with diet. Maybe the “behaviour” was better because that kid was off of sugar or something.

Last year this is what I ate everyday: White bread toast with butter. Choco milk. Pasta with butter. Rice. Grilled cheece sandwich. Yoghurt. Milk.Chocolate. Ice cream.

Too much milk, but I had no idea it could be hurtful. I mean there is nothing on TV or in the papers. But now I know.
I believe I developed a kind of resistance for diary, especially melted cheece and ice cream. Because I used to eat it everyday, all day. Then one day I stopped. In May I tried being a vegan for a month, and that worked out pretty well. But then I “cheated” and ate chocolate again. So I had to start over like maybe 20-30 times or something. But now I have discovered many famous vegans and vegan chocolate spread so I am defenately not ever going back to that lifestyle again.. So basically it took me about 6 months to become a vegan.

The best thing I feel about it now is that I am defining my personality and who I want to be. I am also setting new standards for myself and demands (as to how I want to be treated by meat-eaters etc)
The bad thing about it is that my mother thinks I am trying to be alternative on purpose, witch I am not. (Sorry to rant about my mom, Im gonna stop it when I move out very soon)
Well basically I have never felt better, exept when I was 13 and got up every day at 6 to jog and bike and stuff… I am planning to loose weight too, I think I need to have more “portion control” and not eat so damn fast and much and late at night.
By the way: does any one of you have a problem with hot meals? I used to as a meat-eater and a vegetarian, and I still do kinda.. I just don’t like it when foodies are hot. Maybe I will go raw after a vegan while…
There is no need to cook stuff is there? For health reasons I mean. And if I cook stuff like; pizza, rice, casserole, whatever and just put it in the fridge and eat it later, will it still be a “real dinner”???

I guess I will know for sure when I have been a vegan for a longer while. I have officially been a vegan for 13 days, but I have tried so many times in 2005 and I do feel “lighter” in a way. (I haven’t had as much chocolate and cheece in 2005 as before…I hope you wont tell me to type this in the “not a vegan yet” forum, cause I am a vegan now for real, Im just saying; that’s how it used to be)

I know that I am not contributing to the meat indsutry. I can look a cow in the eye now!

Uhm... in what situations do you meet cows? I only meet them on my aunts farm, and I dont feel very comfortable in the "stables" because the people on the farm kill them, or at least drink theyr milk . hehe oh was this supposed to not be of literal meaning

I hope this isnt too off-topic or too long, its just that: veganforum is the only place that understands me and that is so great

[Roxy]

My father told me a week or so ago, that when I visited them back in Australia earlier this year I had "a real glow". I had been vegan for about a year and a bit by then, and had not seen my family for 3 years. He then said "your diet really seems to be working for you".

[screamingcarrot]

good stuff roxy!

im going to see my 2 sisters for the first time in 3 years soon, so i wonder what they will say about me?

since being vegan my period cramps arent as bad. i no longer suffer from IBS, i feel more energetic and kind of 'lighter' too,i kind of have a more 'pure' feeing, of connciense and body, if that makes sense.

the only downside is when i travel it takes us ages to find a place to eat (my bf has the patience of a saint!) i have to live on salads in some countries and carry my weight in baked beans and nuts in my backpack!!

[Jesse]

My health has improved.
And I feel more like myself, if that makes sense.

[aubergine]

I was very ill, and a bit overweight as a meat eater. I am now at my ideal weight, and am not plagued by the intestinal problems.

[skye]

Well all these changes in my diet have been fairly recent. I tend usually to be an all or nothing sort of person (not with others, but with things I do), so these changes have been somewhat quick - still sorting out a few things though (like sugar, honey, meds). I feel alot better about my choices and as a result myself. Physically it has been another story, my skin has been alive, breaking out, itchy, dry & oily. Also I have altered between feeling run down, like I'm fighting something off (runny nose and stuff but never seem to get the cold) and feeling I have more energy. Feels like I'm in detox - which is not always plesant. PMS was a bit better this month (I stuggle with severe PMS and have been seeing a specialist). And let me not forget the way I smell has changed and not in a paticulary plesant way - mostly its my sense of smell, always strong, seems stronger. It's also the different foods though and I think the detox thing, luckly no one else seems to notice! (and I do ask!) Despite all of this it feels like I am healing, more often now I am feeling more energetic, enjoy what I eat and am very satisfied by my choices.

[moochbabe]

skye, I've heard that for some people, the vegan diet can result in detox-like symptoms so that could very well be what's happening to u. i think if u just keep up the good work, it sounds like ur planning to anyway, the symptoms will go away and u will reap the benefits of the diet. It's really strange though that u feel u smell worse, i feel that i now smell better than i used to, but it could be a plecebo thing.

[anneh]

I think my health is a bit worse... but that's okay. I wasn't doing this for my health.

[screamingcarrot]

I think my health is a bit worse... but that's okay. I wasn't doing this for my health.

hi anneh
your comment worries me a bit..
if you are eating a well balanced vegan diet, your health should be excellent..
are you sure there is not something you are missing?

its important to keep yourself healthy, not only for your own sake but to provide a good example to omnis of how healthy a vegan lifestyle is.
otherwise if you look and feel ill, itll just reinforce their notion that we need animal products to be healthy..

[Kumem]

I was thinking yesterday that I actually can't remember when I have felt really, really ill whilst being vegan. I have had days when I have been off colour, but it clears more quickly now.
I don't feel more energetic or anything, but I am leaning towards being more healthy and more concerned about what I eat and always eat organic now, despite the fact that it is ridiculously more expensive

[screamingcarrot]

My health has improved.
And I feel more like myself, if that makes sense.

i know exactly what you mean..
btw i LOVE your avatar!

[anneh]

hi anneh
your comment worries me a bit..
if you are eating a well balanced vegan diet, your health should be excellent..
are you sure there is not something you are missing?

its important to keep yourself healthy, not only for your own sake but to provide a good example to omnis of how healthy a vegan lifestyle is.
otherwise if you look and feel ill, itll just reinforce their notion that we need animal products to be healthy..

I know I "should" be, but I'm not -- maybe it's not the veganism, but maybe that's not what's making people feel better either. I wanted to believe that vegan was healthier, but my experience hasn't shown it -- and although I found recently that I was missing iodine because my information about sources had become outdated, I'm as sure as I can be that my diet is otherwise healthy...

Of course there is an argument to present the image of perfect health to make veganism more attractive but I think it's also a bit dangerous. Vegans do still get ill and they also even die, although in the past prominent vegan's deaths have been kept quiet. There seems to be a fair amount of depression and other stuff suffered by the lovely people who gather here and I think it's rather mean to them to say "but you're vegan you're not allowed to get sick, what will the evil omni's think?". (Few people know I am vegan, I don't wear a label above my head or preach so don't worry about my being a negative advert to the world at large!)

It's wonderful that it does make so many people feel better, but I posted here because felt that someone who did not feel healthier, reading this, might think that this was an indication that being vegan was not suitable for them, that they were clearly not "one of you". Or that someone might adopt veganism to cure their ailments and give it up when it doesn't work and as a result also block out the more important and valid messages and reasons that make veganism worth considering...

I feel spiritually healthier for it, which is more important.

[screamingcarrot]

I know I "should" be, but I'm not -- maybe it's not the veganism, but maybe that's not what's making people feel better either. I wanted to believe that vegan was healthier, but my experience hasn't shown it -- and although I found recently that I was missing iodine because my information about sources had become outdated, I'm as sure as I can be that my diet is otherwise healthy...

Of course there is an argument to present the image of perfect health to make veganism more attractive but I think it's also a bit dangerous. Vegans do still get ill and they also even die, although in the past prominent vegan's deaths have been kept quiet. There seems to be a fair amount of depression and other stuff suffered by the lovely people who gather here and I think it's rather mean to them to say "but you're vegan you're not allowed to get sick, what will the evil omni's think?". (Few people know I am vegan, I don't wear a label above my head or preach so don't worry about my being a negative advert to the world at large!)

It's wonderful that it does make so many people feel better, but I posted here because felt that someone who did not feel healthier, reading this, might think that this was an indication that being vegan was not suitable for them, that they were clearly not "one of you". Or that someone might adopt veganism to cure their ailments and give it up when it doesn't work and as a result also block out the more important and valid messages and reasons that make veganism worth considering...

I feel spiritually healthier for it, which is more important.

hi,
of course there are other factors that contribute to a persons health aside from what they eat. i never said vegans are not allowed to get sick.... or die! we may be vegan but we are still human..and we all have our problems.

but regardless of whether a person is vegan or not.i think if their health has declined they should seek the reason for this.

i dont 'preach' to omnis or 'wear a label' but i do believe in setting positive examples to people who might also be interested in changing their lifestyles to become more environmentally friendly and cruelty free.

finally people have different reasons for becoming vegan, and although mine are primarily ethical, i do know some vegans who are solely in it for the health benefits, which i dont have a problem with at all, at least theyre not eating animals.

im sorry if you misinterpreted me..i am not saying vegans are perfect or have perfect health..i was merely expressing my opinion and also concern and support for you , a fellow vegan.

carrot

[Kumem]

[QUOTE=anneh]

Of course there is an argument to present the image of perfect health to make veganism more attractive but I think it's also a bit dangerous. Vegans do still get ill and they also even die, although in the past prominent vegan's deaths have been kept quiet. There seems to be a fair amount of depression and other stuff suffered by the lovely people who gather here and I think it's rather mean to them to say "but you're vegan you're not allowed to get sick, what will the evil omni's think?".
QUOTE]

I don't think anyone here tries to promote the image of 'perfect' health. People are just trying to do their best and IMO being vegan is an ethical stance, as opposed to strict vegetarianism, which is about diet. I am not particularly healthy although I am vegan, but have noticed that basics like hair and nail condition have improved since going vegan.
Not sure what you mean about prominent vegan deaths being kept quiet. Personally I am 100% convinced that it is the healthiest way to live and nothing could sway that. If someone dies then I don't think it can be attributed to being vegan, whereas I think meat eaters deaths by cardiac arrest, stroke etc can all be associated with their meat eating. How widely is 'death by meat' journalised? It's not often you read about such and such a famous person dying due to consuming so much saturated fat and colesterol - they just say stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cancer.

With regards to depression, I like to think I can tell it from the other point of view. I suffered from clinical depression for over 10 years, was hospitalised and told that I would be on lifetime medication. Shortly after going vegan I came off antidepressants, came off contraception, and never take drugs unnecessarily now. I have changed my food lifestyle completely and only eat organic. I have not felt severely depressed since. So for me, that is a positive side effect of living a compassionate lifestyle. Of course you will read about people feeling down/depressed on here, but I think that is simply because this is a lifeline for so many people and an opportunity to share how they are feeling. I don't think it is associated with veganism in any way, shape or form. If omnis set up a site to promote meat eating, they would also talk about depression and bad days.

[tipsy]

I know I "should" be, but I'm not -- maybe it's not the veganism, but maybe that's not what's making people feel better either. I wanted to believe that vegan was healthier, but my experience hasn't shown it -- and although I found recently that I was missing iodine because my information about sources had become outdated, I'm as sure as I can be that my diet is otherwise healthy...

Of course there is an argument to present the image of perfect health to make veganism more attractive but I think it's also a bit dangerous. Vegans do still get ill and they also even die, although in the past prominent vegan's deaths have been kept quiet. There seems to be a fair amount of depression and other stuff suffered by the lovely people who gather here and I think it's rather mean to them to say "but you're vegan you're not allowed to get sick, what will the evil omni's think?". (Few people know I am vegan, I don't wear a label above my head or preach so don't worry about my being a negative advert to the world at large!)

It's wonderful that it does make so many people feel better, but I posted here because felt that someone who did not feel healthier, reading this, might think that this was an indication that being vegan was not suitable for them, that they were clearly not "one of you". Or that someone might adopt veganism to cure their ailments and give it up when it doesn't work and as a result also block out the more important and valid messages and reasons that make veganism worth considering...

I feel spiritually healthier for it, which is more important.

anneh-
i cannot understand why you think a vegan lifestyle makes a person un-healthy...

you say that vegans get sick and die....... yeah some vegans do...

and so do some omnivores...

as far as depression goes...yeah, people get depressed...studies show that as many as 4 out of 10 people may be depressed at any point in their life.. and that 8 out of 10 will or have had depression at one point in thier life.

i really dont understand why you think a vegan lifestyle is "dangerous"??....