Been vegetarian for a month and keep developing cold after cold?!
Answers: I eat alot of healthy stuff, and alot of quorn and other products. My boyfriend said that "Don't you think it's strange that you've got colds since you became veggie?" And I wonder if it's because of my diet? And I'm wondering whether to go back to meat because of this.
Well it's only been a month; I'd say it was the same cold as it hasn't really been long enough for you to have had 'cold after cold'.
Many meat-eaters will have had a cold during that time too, without wondering if it's down to their diet. You would very probably have had that cold even if you hadn't turned vegetarian.
If you want to remain vegetarian, give it a bit longer and see how you feel. Don't be put off by fanatics who tell you it involves 'searching for food' - lol, you'll already know vegetarians buy their food in shops like everyone else - or who are lunatic enough to suggest that all vegetarians have a private income (what?!), or have no life or any other such twaddle.
Meggie, you sound a tad bitter today. Hope you're not feeling lonesome on V&V these days...
::
Add details of what you eat on a regular basis and maybe we can provide some insight on why this is. Do you eat much as far as spices? More info pretty please.
Actually, it's quite normal. One: this is cold and flu season. Two: when we make changes in our lifestyle or bodies need time to adjust. I would suggest just riding the wave. Drink herbal teas, get some local honey comb honey and eat a spoon of it a day, Take a good multi vitamin...one of the herbal type that you take three times a day.
first thing - NEVER GO BACK TO EATING MEAT!!
secondly - i would make sure that my hands are clean
then i would go and get some echanacia and vitamin c
Hi i can help, firstly a normal diet that includes meat is high in specific proteins which help with high blood count and wot is in blood??? white blood cells. these are produced which fight infections such as the cold, when you switch to no meat your body has to adjust to different proteins being able to help in the synthesis of white blood cells. during this process u will be suseptible to colds and infections but it will pass. unfortunately u will really just have to suck it up and stick with cold medicines until ur body adjusts its mechanisms.
I think that the proteins, etc that are in the meat are what kept your immune system up. either you have to get used to it, switch back to a non-veggie lifestyle or eat other foods that have the same content as meat.
What you are experiencing as a "COLD" maybe Detoxing. Symptom wise can be very cold like.
This will ease as your body throws off the nasty stuff stored inside. Drink plenty of fresh made veggie juices, clean water. Except for dairy(mucus forming) the rest of your diet looks like a good beginner Veggie one. As you continue into the transition ease off the pre-made fake meats. You really don't need them.
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007nl/a...
Dr. John McDougal offers a few very informative newsletter too.
http://www.drmcdougall.com/
Slainté (to your health)
This is the cold season. May be the body is cleaning with the colds. Vitamin c , good advice.
It is strange you haven't notice some other changes that are good.
Follow your heart, if you are really convinced about not eating meat you won't go back .... if you are not really convinced you will drop the diet for this cause or any other.
But no, meat doesn't provide the necessary vitamins or minerals you need against colds, vegetables do.
Your boyfriend doesn't sound very supportive.
You're detoxing- it happens, and it will pass. Going back to meat will not help your health, but that's a personal decision.
I've been veggie for 28 years, i dont' get colds and am never ill.
So, its not a vegetarian diet thats causing it.
A month is not enough time to lower your imune system because of a poor diet.
something else is going on.
by the way, i notice you mentioned quorn a few times, its not an example of good nutritious food.
Best of luck with it
Colds are caused by viruses. You dont catch a cold because you have been a vegetarian for 1 month. Eating meat does not prevent the cold virus.
You may be lactose intolerant. Milk and milk products are very congestive and could be responsible for lowering your resistance. Include more foods that are high in anti-oxidants, such as blueberries, grapes, kiwi, citrus, etc. Also a daily intake of vitamin C could help. Meat does not generally help your immune system. It does dump a lot of uric acid in your system that is hard on your liver and kidneys. Good luck.
well I am a vegetarian too but i never get sick ,but I do eat junk food sometimes I excersize and since its winter you will get colds more often good luck!
Your diet sounds pretty decent, but I'd consider eating less meat analogs and adding legumes, nuts, seeds and fruits. You don't "need" the protein in meats to keep your immune system up as some people have suggested. You need some protein, period, but plant proteins are just as good and it doesn't sound like your diet is protein deficient, with the quorn, eggs and dairy. (Besides, excess protein is an immune system irritant.)
A month is too short a time to say your diet is impacting your immune system. It's cold and flu season and it's normal to get colds when you're exposed to them on a daily basis. The number one way to prevent them is to wash your hands frequently, since you're usually picking up the virus from surfaces you're touching. Also look for a vegetarian formulated multivitamin.
The two most important nutrients for fighting off infections are vitamin C and zinc.
Among the best dietary sources of zinc are seeds and nuts (which you didn't mention in your list of what you eat), such as pepitas (pumpkin seeds), pecans and cashews. A sign of zinc deficiency is white specks on the fingernails.
An excellent herbal remedy for colds and flus is echinacea. Herbal cold & flu tablets often contain the trio of echinacea, vitamin C and zinc.
It is the cold and flu time of year. If your worried that being a vegetarian there are nationalist available to advise you on how to go about beaning veggie and heatey vegetarianism.
You probably should check into flexitarian vegetarianism. It's much healthier and your can have a life besides searching for food or running into awkward social situations.
Just 'google' flexitarian diets or flexitarian vegetarianism. "Strict' vegetarianism is fine for those who don't have a life or are able to live off the money of others, or those who simply don't like human beings and prefer the company of animals. You probably have an active life and your resistance is down.
But your health will be much better and life will be much easier if you have a moderate, balanced diet, get exercise and engage in meditation. Your boyfriend is right and sounds like a great guy. You are lucky. Check out flexitarian diets. I think it will make more sense to you.