Question 1

can any doc explain if vegan diets have anti-aging properties?

Accepted Answer

They do not: Please forgive my frankness. In my forty years in medicine, every claim for "anti-aging" interventions has been a disappointment, often a bitter one. There is no law against making misleading claims online to promote cult diets. The most recent massive studies failed to show any favorable impact of vegetarianism on any health parameter or on longevity. It's a moral choice rather a health choice.

Question 2

i see a lot of doctors on here somewhat discouraging being vegan or vegetarian. what health defects could i have accumulated over the years?

Accepted Answer

Vegan diet: since you are 18 years old you could have impeded your growth because of lack of protein provided by meat and eggs. Secondly, you may have become osteopenic becsuse of lack of milk products in your diet. Third, you have also become anemic

Question 3

hi doc . i have a low mcv of 82. normal hemoglobin hematocrit and normal rdw . i am vegan . how do i increase this if its a cause for concern ? thanks?

Accepted Answer

: This is of no concern. In fact, in a lot of labs, including the one I use, an MCV of 82 is considered normal. Despite being vegan, you should try to maintain an adequate amount of iron in your diet. But it sounds like you are doing a good job so far. Good luck.

Question 4

could a doctor please give me a list of vegan body building foods?

Accepted Answer

For body building-: -you need protein, and may veggies are high in protein such as beans and many more. google proteins in vegetables and you can get a whole list as well as the amount of proteins. you need 50gms a day for maintenance so you will need to up this on workout days. also nuts are a good source and a good snack.

Question 5

why don't doctors talk to their patients about diet more instead of prescription drugs? i've had fantastic results with a vegan diet.

Accepted Answer

Lazy: Many patients are not motivated to be disciplined to eat well and want an easy fix with a medication that is why.

Question 6

i have been diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia - low functioning gallbladder. the doctor suggests removing my gallbladder only as a last resort. any advice to alleviate symptoms? i am lowfat vegan now.

Accepted Answer

Good alternatives: I strongly agree that removing your gallbladder should be the last resort rather than initial treatment.I've had many patients have great success with natural therapies to dissolve gallstones & flush them out of the liver/gallbladder. Acupuncture & chinese herbs can help too.See http://www.Townsendletter.Com/july2011/momiracles0711.Html &the amazing liver and gallbladder flush by andreas moritz.

Question 7

my doctor said my high bp was genetic. exercise, sodium and dash diet didn't work, but vegan did. meat, dairy must be culprit.  i think i hit jackpot.?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Some people do well on more of a vegan / vegetarian diet. You probably were low on magnesium and the diet change helped that.

Question 8

extreme cramps 3 days before i bleed happens every month. i'm so tired and depressed i'm always out of it for at least 4 to five days. i thought i had fibroids or cysts just left the doctor yesterday she found nothing... so lost i am vegan been vegan for

Accepted Answer

Primary dysmenorrhea: If your gyn exam and pelvic sonogram are normal, your most likely diagnosis is "primary dysmenorrhea", a bizarre condition of unclear cause often attributed by excess or abnormal prostaglandins produced by your endometrium. A 3 months trial of continuous  contraceptive pills and/ or antiprostaglandin pills like ibuprofen, anaprox, naproxen, mefenamic acid; laparoscopy and other tests may help too.

Question 9

my daughter lexi is 17.  lexi lives in florida with me and she has ocd and anxiety.  she has been sedentary and is a vegan.  she is lacking vitamins and wants a doctor to recommend the best brand of vitamin d supplements?

Accepted Answer

Multiple vitamins.: All vitamins are under government control, so a label may mean the you will pay more. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble, the others are eliminated in urine.  D supplement have a label the shows the recommended daily requirements.  D3 is used in addition to Vitamin D.  Very important to stay hydrated and to eat a healthy diet.  Follow with your PCP.

Question 10

is it healthy to be a vegan?

Accepted Answer

It can be: as long as you vary the specific foods you eat, and make sure you get enough Vitamin B12.  http://tinyurl.com/lb6bjcz

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Doctor answers about:

Vegan doctors

A member asked:

Can any doc explain if vegan diets have anti-aging properties?

A member asked:

I see a lot of doctors on here somewhat discouraging being vegan or vegetarian. what health defects could i have accumulated over the years?

A member asked:

Hi doc . i have a low mcv of 82. normal hemoglobin hematocrit and normal rdw . i am vegan . how do i increase this if its a cause for concern ? thanks?

A member asked:

Could a doctor please give me a list of vegan body building foods?

A member asked:

Why don't doctors talk to their patients about diet more instead of prescription drugs? i've had fantastic results with a vegan diet.

A member asked:

I have been diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia - low functioning gallbladder. the doctor suggests removing my gallbladder only as a last resort. any advice to alleviate symptoms? i am lowfat vegan now.

A member asked:

My doctor said my high bp was genetic. exercise, sodium and dash diet didn't work, but vegan did. meat, dairy must be culprit. i think i hit jackpot.?

A member asked:

Extreme cramps 3 days before i bleed happens every month. i'm so tired and depressed i'm always out of it for at least 4 to five days. i thought i had fibroids or cysts just left the doctor yesterday she found nothing... so lost i am vegan been vegan for

A member asked:

My daughter lexi is 17. lexi lives in florida with me and she has ocd and anxiety. she has been sedentary and is a vegan. she is lacking vitamins and wants a doctor to recommend the best brand of vitamin d supplements?

A member asked:

Is it healthy to be a vegan?

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