Veganism

[I Luv the Chariot OH]

I've been vegetarian for over a year. At first it was a little difficult, and I became weaker and more lethargic, but I suppose my body got used to it, and after a few months I felt healthier than ever.

 

I decided to take it even further, and two months ago became a vegan. There were no effects first, but lately I feel not only weak and lethargic, as I did when I first became a vegetarian, but also tired (serioualy tired, as in, I can't keep my eyes open in classes, no matter how many hours I slept the previous night) and dizzy to the point where my vision blurs and I almost can't remain standing.

 

I know I'm not eating a perfect vegan diet (mostly because I'm a university student living away from home so I'm just glad to eat at all), but I try to get all my protein and vegetables and stuff. Is anyone else here a vegan/vegetarian and has experienced something like this?

[Bogun]

I know exactly what you are talking about. I'm not a strict vegan, but it is almost 100% certain that your problem is a lack of B12. If you are a woman this is even more of a problem for your energy levels. I had a blood test earlier this year and the doctor said they'd never seen b12 that low in someone. The problem is easily fixed by either doing some research on vegan foods with b12 (nuts and mushrooms have a fair amount), or if you want to take the easier option then either get a b12 injection once every few months, or start taking super strength b12 tablets (they do exist). I opted for the tablets, and feel a lot better these days, and have more energy.

Hope this helps.

[crazy_grl]

I've been a vegetarian for years and I've never experienced that so your post came as a surprise to me. Of course, I've been one since high school, so it's hard to remember what I felt like about 10 years ago. I don't remember that even happening though.

 

Bogun's probably right about the B12. If you aren't already, you should take a multivitamin (either in liquid form or one that doesn't contain gelatin -- since that's often not vegan).

 

Of course, everyone should be taking multivitamins whether they're a meat eater or not...

[JS17]

I've been a vegetarian for about 12/13 years and vegan for about 3 (maybe 4?). Everyone is right about the B12. Vegetarians won't have this problem because the B vitamins are found in dairy and egg products. You need to make sure you're taking a good B complex and if you want on top of that you can add B12. You are missing all of the B vitamins in your diet, not just B12. I'm a big fan of the Freeda vitamins but I use some other brands too. There is a lot of information out there on the vegan & vegetarian sites that can help if you want some more education on it. ~ Go Veg

[JS17]

you should take a multivitamin (either in liquid form or one that doesn't contain gelatin -- since that's often not vegan).

Meant to add that there are brands that use vegetable glycerin for their "gel".

[I Luv the Chariot OH]

I would love to take supplements, but like I said, my budget is very limited I have $25 a month to eat.

 

I guess I'd just like to know what the other foods are I could eat to get B12. Since nuts are really expensive, and also not very good tasting. Mushrooms are good though! But I don't think they would suffice as my sole source of B12.

[Outcast]

You have the Internet so look up information on how to live a healthy vegan life.

[I Luv the Chariot OH]

Thanks for your intelligent insight! But not all of us believe everything we read on the internet.

[crazy_grl]

The vitamins I use are called Glacial Milk (you can look it up on google). It comes in a 32 oz bottle, and is super concentrated so it lasts quite a few months. I'm pretty sure I bought mine at least 4 months ago and it's still about a quarter full. The bottle says it retails for $39.95, but I bought it at Sam's Club for about $20.

 

But if you can't afford that, just look at the vitamin content on breakfast cereals. Some of them are fortified with B12. Some veggie burgers and soy milks could be fortified with it too.

[crazy_grl]

Thanks for your intelligent insight! But not all of us believe everything we read on the internet.

 

Err... not to nitpick, but this forum is on the internet.

[crazy_grl]

Since nuts are really expensive, and also not very good tasting. Mushrooms are good though! But I don't think they would suffice as my sole source of B12.

 

Oh, I forgot to mention nuts and mushrooms don't have B12. It doesn't occur naturally in any vegetables, just meat, dairy, and eggs. You have to buy foods that are artificially fortified with it.

[Outcast]

But not all of us believe everything we read on the internet.

 

No but some of us are able to figure out what constitutes reputable information from an authoritative site.

[I Luv the Chariot OH]

Well, I think talking to people who actually are vegans and perhaps have gone through the same thing I am currently is a little more reputable then searching for it on google.

[Outcast]

Figures.............

[Bogun]

I would love to take supplements, but like I said, my budget is very limited I have $25 a month to eat.

 

If this is a problem, then go for the injections. It costs about $10 and lasts 3 months. Some interesting things I've recently found out...

 

The daily requirement for b12 by humans is actually quite low, compared to what doctors have been telling us is a healthy amount for the last 50 years or so. But in my case, I noticed a difference in my energy levels when I started taking supplements, so who knows.

 

and...

 

Human faeces has been found to contain b12, so if your ever feeling hungry...

[Outcast]

Are you telling her to eat shxt?

[Craig]

Early symptoms of any type of malnutrition are very general and include fatigue, irritability, and lethargy.

 

In addition to B12 you want to have a look at how much iron you are getting...you could have iron deficiency anemia. Here's a quick way to check, get yourself some iron pills (from a friend) and start taking the recommended amount each day. If you feel better in a few days it could have been iron deficiency.

 

Protein deficiency will cause your symptoms as well. You may be getting what you think is enough protein per day but as a vegan you need to combine proteins to make them usable by your body.

 

A good source of information on the net is google scholar. Just go to googles home page, click on more then click on scholar. That allows you to search mostly legitimate peer reviewed scientific publications.

[I Luv the Chariot OH]

Hmm, thanks. I don't think it's iron deficiency, because I eat tofu and broccoli and lots of bread, but perhaps it's protein, because I just recently realized that I had been eating nothing with protein in it since I became a vegan. I bought peanut butter now, but that's probably not enough.

[crazy_grl]

Hmm, thanks. I don't think it's iron deficiency, because I eat tofu and broccoli and lots of bread, but perhaps it's protein, because I just recently realized that I had been eating nothing with protein in it since I became a vegan. I bought peanut butter now, but that's probably not enough.

 

If you're eating tofu, that has protein. It's the only vegetable source of complete proteins... meaning that it's a better source of protein than nuts, and you don't have to worry about combining anything.

[I Luv the Chariot OH]

If you're eating tofu, that has protein. It's the only vegetable source of complete proteins... meaning that it's a better source of protein than nuts, and you don't have to worry about combining anything.

Well that's wonderful! Except the whole B12 thing, which I get none of.

 

I heard some soy milk is fortified with B12. I'll get some the next time I'm at the supermarket.