Guest guest Posted January 28, 2008 Report Share Posted January 28, 2008 Hi, all! I've been eating mostly vegan since last March, and strictly vegan for the last several months, and tomorrow I'm having my first physical in years! I really want to make sure that the blood test includes checking my levels of B12, Vit. D, etc. Apparently that is not considered part of the " routine " fasting blood test, I need to ask for that when I meet with the doctor. Is there anything else I should be sure to mention? I haven't eaten meat or fish in decades, but as a vegetarian, ate way too much dairy... ice cream and pizza really did me in! Thankfully I've lost a lot of weight simply by going vegan. No dieting! Just eating great, healthy vegan vittles! :-) Thanks in advance for any tips on preparing for this blood work! :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2008 Report Share Posted January 28, 2008 Since I did not see your name at the end of your post, I do not know if you are female. Regardless, in a blood test for vegan females (or maybe all menstrating females)an iron test is necessary. Hope it goes well. Maureen walker_nospam <walker_nospam Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 3:01:13 PM Blood Work for Vegans? Hi, all! I've been eating mostly vegan since last March, and strictlyvegan for the last several months, and tomorrow I'm having my firstphysical in years!I really want to make sure that the blood test includes checking mylevels of B12, Vit. D, etc. Apparently that is not considered part ofthe "routine" fasting blood test, I need to ask for that when I meetwith the doctor. Is there anything else I should be sure to mention? I haven't eaten meat or fish in decades, but as a vegetarian, ate waytoo much dairy... ice cream and pizza really did me in! ThankfullyI've lost a lot of weight simply by going vegan. No dieting! Justeating great, healthy vegan vittles! :-)Thanks in advance for any tips on preparing for this blood work! :-) Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 good on you for your new healthy diet! i used to be a huge fan of cheese, too, and lost easily 10kg in a few months when i first became vegan. best wishes alice On 29 Jan 2008, at 12:01, walker_nospam wrote: > Hi, all! I've been eating mostly vegan since last March, and strictly > vegan for the last several months, and tomorrow I'm having my first > physical in years! > > I really want to make sure that the blood test includes checking my > levels of B12, Vit. D, etc. Apparently that is not considered part of > the " routine " fasting blood test, I need to ask for that when I meet > with the doctor. Is there anything else I should be sure to mention? > > I haven't eaten meat or fish in decades, but as a vegetarian, ate way > too much dairy... ice cream and pizza really did me in! Thankfully > I've lost a lot of weight simply by going vegan. No dieting! Just > eating great, healthy vegan vittles! :-) > > Thanks in advance for any tips on preparing for this blood work! :-) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 When you get your results, be sure to tell the doc what kind of diet you are eating. My cholesterol was outstanding compared to the average American. I made it a point to tell the doc that I was Vegan and to recommend that he look into recommending McDougall and Barnard (etc...) to his other clients. -Jeannine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Oh I want your secret! LOL I had hoped merely going vegan would cause me to lose weight but unfortunately it hasn’t. On February 26th I’ll have been vegan a year, and before that my cholesterol was on the high side of normal. I would love to have that retested after a year vegan. Anna On 29/1/08 10:01 AM, " walker_nospam " <walker_nospam wrote: Hi, all! I've been eating mostly vegan since last March, and strictly vegan for the last several months, and tomorrow I'm having my first physical in years! I really want to make sure that the blood test includes checking my levels of B12, Vit. D, etc. Apparently that is not considered part of the " routine " fasting blood test, I need to ask for that when I meet with the doctor. Is there anything else I should be sure to mention? I haven't eaten meat or fish in decades, but as a vegetarian, ate way too much dairy... ice cream and pizza really did me in! Thankfully I've lost a lot of weight simply by going vegan. No dieting! Just eating great, healthy vegan vittles! :-) Thanks in advance for any tips on preparing for this blood work! :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Anna, Have you read McDougall's Maximum Weight Loss? Gina - Coop Tuesday, January 29, 2008 3:02 AM Re: Blood Work for Vegans? Oh I want your secret! LOL I had hoped merely going vegan would cause me to lose weight but unfortunately it hasn’t. On February 26th I’ll have been vegan a year, and before that my cholesterol was on the high side of normal. I would love to have that retested after a year vegan.AnnaOn 29/1/08 10:01 AM, "walker_nospam" <walker_nospam wrote: Hi, all! I've been eating mostly vegan since last March, and strictlyvegan for the last several months, and tomorrow I'm having my firstphysical in years!I really want to make sure that the blood test includes checking mylevels of B12, Vit. D, etc. Apparently that is not considered part ofthe "routine" fasting blood test, I need to ask for that when I meetwith the doctor. Is there anything else I should be sure to mention? I haven't eaten meat or fish in decades, but as a vegetarian, ate waytoo much dairy... ice cream and pizza really did me in! ThankfullyI've lost a lot of weight simply by going vegan. No dieting! Justeating great, healthy vegan vittles! :-)Thanks in advance for any tips on preparing for this blood work! :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Yes, I sure have ... And other books of his. I’m even following the Mary’s Mini with limited success. Anna On 30/1/08 1:10 AM, " Gina " <doubleprozaclatte wrote: Anna, Have you read McDougall's Maximum Weight Loss? Gina - Coop <rodstruelove Tuesday, January 29, 2008 3:02 AM Re: Blood Work for Vegans? Oh I want your secret! LOL I had hoped merely going vegan would cause me to lose weight but unfortunately it hasn’t. On February 26th I’ll have been vegan a year, and before that my cholesterol was on the high side of normal. I would love to have that retested after a year vegan. Anna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Are you moving (exercising)? - Coop Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:30 PM Re: Blood Work for Vegans? Yes, I sure have ... And other books of his. I’m even following the Mary’s Mini with limited success.AnnaOn 30/1/08 1:10 AM, "Gina" <doubleprozaclatte wrote: Anna,Have you read McDougall's Maximum Weight Loss?Gina - Coop <rodstruelove Tuesday, January 29, 2008 3:02 AM Re: Blood Work for Vegans? Oh I want your secret! LOL I had hoped merely going vegan would cause me to lose weight but unfortunately it hasn’t. On February 26th I’ll have been vegan a year, and before that my cholesterol was on the high side of normal. I would love to have that retested after a year vegan.Anna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 Hi AnnaYou are doing great things for your health by being vegan--weight loss can be frustrating, but keeping how much healthier your diet is now can sometimes help. Congrats on being vegan for almost a year!Courtney Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 5 days a week! I do both strength-training and cardio. And I’m eating fat-free vegan, in fact being strict with Mary’s Mini, but I still struggle. Some days I think my body was simply designed to be fat. LOL Anna On 30/1/08 8:55 AM, " Gina " <doubleprozaclatte wrote: Are you moving (exercising)? - Coop <rodstruelove Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:30 PM Re: Blood Work for Vegans? Yes, I sure have ... And other books of his. I’m even following the Mary’s Mini with limited success. Anna On 30/1/08 1:10 AM, " Gina " <doubleprozaclatte wrote: Anna, Have you read McDougall's Maximum Weight Loss? Gina - Coop " ><rodstruelove <rodstruelove Tuesday, January 29, 2008 3:02 AM Re: Blood Work for Vegans? Oh I want your secret! LOL I had hoped merely going vegan would cause me to lose weight but unfortunately it hasn’t. On February 26th I’ll have been vegan a year, and before that my cholesterol was on the high side of normal. I would love to have that retested after a year vegan. Anna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 Thanks Courtney! My main goal in going vegan was to get healthier, and hopefully live longer than my parents did. Longevity is not a family trait, I’m afraid. Dad died at 61 and mom at 70, and that seems to be the median age on each side of the family tree. So even if I never get thin, I do hope to live a long, healthy life. Anna On 30/1/08 11:04 AM, " Courtney " <cmb0096 wrote: Hi Anna You are doing great things for your health by being vegan--weight loss can be frustrating, but keeping how much healthier your diet is now can sometimes help. Congrats on being vegan for almost a year! Courtney Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 Ask Dr Fuhrman at drfuhrman.com He is an MD and works with mostly vegans and does a lot of blood testing, then suggests supplements if you need any. In fact I have an appointment with him today to get my blood checked. > > I really want to make sure that the blood test includes checking my > levels of B12, Vit. D, etc. Apparently that is not considered part of > the " routine " fasting blood test, I need to ask for that when I meet > with the doctor. Is there anything else I should be sure to mention? > > I haven't eaten meat or fish in decades, but as a vegetarian, ate way > too much dairy... ice cream and pizza really did me in! Thankfully > I've lost a lot of weight simply by going vegan. No dieting! Just > eating great, healthy vegan vittles! :-) > > Thanks in advance for any tips on preparing for this blood work! :-) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 >I think my body was designed to be fat Dr. McDougall has an interesting take on the " set-point " weight theory. Basically he says that the weight your body is comfortable with (for me is around 200lbs) is dictated by your lifestyle. Big changes, like diet and exercise programs can change your weight, but as soon as you stop, you go back to that set weight. This is so true for me, both for losing the weight and gaining over that number. He does say that you can change that set-point if you stick with a life style change for a long enough period. Search his past newsletters for the whole article. Also...a change in diet can have dramatic effects on your cholesterol. My meat eating hubby went Vegan for 12 days and dropped his cholesterol 30 points! -Jeannine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2008 Report Share Posted January 31, 2008 You need to up your consumption of nutrient dense plants like kale, spinich, cabbage, etc. There is a whole lot of vegan food that doesn't have a lot of nutrition. Simply being vegan is a good start but has little to do with weight loss or disease prevention. Phytonutrient intake is where it's at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 To be honest, if I eat any more veggies I think I’ll become one, but thanks for the tip. The Mary’s Mini consists of one starch and a variety of fruits and veggies. Anna On 1/2/08 12:19 AM, " mstrong56 " <mstrong wrote: You need to up your consumption of nutrient dense plants like kale, spinich, cabbage, etc. There is a whole lot of vegan food that doesn't have a lot of nutrition. Simply being vegan is a good start but has little to do with weight loss or disease prevention. Phytonutrient intake is where it's at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 I am learning great things.I want to stay healthy!!!! Thanks Janie PHYTONUTRIENTS<<< click here Coop 2/1/2008 9:45:53 AM Re: Re: Blood Work for Vegans? To be honest, if I eat any more veggies I think I’ll become one, but thanks for the tip. The Mary’s Mini consists of one starch and a variety of fruits and veggies.AnnaOn 1/2/08 12:19 AM, "mstrong56" <mstrong (AT) jlielectronics (DOT) com> wrote: You need to up your consumption of nutrient dense plants like kale, spinich, cabbage, etc.There is a whole lot of vegan food that doesn't have a lot of nutrition. Simply being vegan is a good start but has little to do with weight loss or disease prevention. Phytonutrient intake is where it's at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 Hi people > There is a whole lot of vegan food that doesn't have a lot of > nutrition. Simply being vegan is a good start but has little to do > with weight loss or disease prevention. Phytonutrient intake is where it's at. I've found that in a vegan recipe book -somewhat like the name of the cookbook almost mentioned above - that some of the recipes were just conversions of almost junk food or very unaware combinations of food. Many people need to be educated that this isn't replacement. This is main stage nutrition. It's saving my life! My health was shocking before with sleeping difficulties and now I find out chronic fatigue, and protein being less in my body due to low hydrochloric acid levels. These are being assisted by a very aware diet and restraining myself. Blessed be duirbeannachd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 Is the original question asked here...well....still a question? Since I have my annual physical coming up, I took a look at the blood tests my own doctor is having me do before I come in. I have been vegetarian for 4 years and vegan for just a little over 1. I found out that I was very B-12 deficient several months ago so that of course will be checked again, but she is also taking blood to check my calcium and vit. D (probably good for everyone especially women), blood sugar, iron and cholestral (which is always great) and she checks my TSH for my thyroid. This info is probably too late for the person that posted the original question....sorry. The reason that I am adding this to the thread is because I really like my doctor and I feel that she is really "in tune" with issues like this. StefHolding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.-Buddha Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 Hi guys, This question strangely came up at the same time as my first meeting with a doctor in AGES and a corresponding blood test! *sniffles with joy* Anyway, I'm a lurker and didn't want to reply, but I too am going to get my blood tested for the first time ever (needlephobe!) and was concerned about the same thing... My doctor's eyes lit up when I said "Vegan," (which was a pleasant surprise since my Gyno laughed and rolled his eyes when I told him, the jerk), and she happily mentioned all the different things that Vegans need to get tested! B-12, Cholestorol, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Blood sugar, a few other minerals I forget... you listed all of those important ones. Your doctor seems to agree with mine, Stef, but as a sidenote she also mentioned that B-vitamins (other than B-12) are important but not tested for with a basic blood test. Just food for thought! -Courtney B steff davidson <steffdav46 Sent: Monday, February 4, 2008 7:39:53 AMRe: Re: Blood Work for Vegans? Is the original question asked here...well. ...still a question? Since I have my annual physical coming up, I took a look at the blood tests my own doctor is having me do before I come in. I have been vegetarian for 4 years and vegan for just a little over 1. I found out that I was very B-12 deficient several months ago so that of course will be checked again, but she is also taking blood to check my calcium and vit. D (probably good for everyone especially women), blood sugar, iron and cholestral (which is always great) and she checks my TSH for my thyroid. This info is probably too late for the person that posted the original question.... sorry. The reason that I am adding this to the thread is because I really like my doctor and I feel that she is really "in tune" with issues like this. StefHolding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.-Buddha Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! Never miss a thing. Make your homepage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 , steff davidson <steffdav46 wrote: > > Is the original question asked here...well....still a question? Since I have my annual physical coming up, I took a look at the blood tests my own doctor is having me do before I come in. I take B12, altho it takes awhile to get deficient. I also take Schultz's Super Food Caps which have loads of good stuff in them, incl B12. I take extra calcium and Glucosamine, and VitC. I don't know how much I will need to continue. The B12 I get is not expensive. Nancy Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 4, 2008 Report Share Posted February 4, 2008 So, I'm quite pleased with the result of my blood work, although I have a call in to the doctor to ask about some specifics. She sent me the results with the notation " Everything looks great! " Here are some of the numbers: Cholesterol (LAB) 151 Triglycerides 46 HDL Cholesterol 69 LDL Cholesterol 73 VLDL Cholesterol 9 My blood pressure is 122/68 I walk or hike most days of the week, and so far, so good, about the vegan diet. I'm on no medications, and seem to be so much healthier than most of our baby boomer friends. Thanks to a longtime vegetarian diet, and now vegan, I hope to stay healthy and strong long into my " twilight years " . :-) Thanks to groups like this for sharing so many good tips and recipes to help us do that! :-) , Courtney B <seaarcane wrote: > > Hi guys, > > This question strangely came up at the same time as my first meeting with a doctor in AGES and a corresponding blood test! *sniffles with joy* Anyway, I'm a lurker and didn't want to reply, but I too am going to get my blood tested for the first time ever (needlephobe!) and was concerned about the same thing... > > My doctor's eyes lit up when I said " Vegan, " (which was a pleasant surprise since my Gyno laughed and rolled his eyes when I told him, the jerk), and she happily mentioned all the different things that Vegans need to get tested! > > B-12, Cholestorol, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Blood sugar, a few other minerals I forget... you listed all of those important ones. Your doctor seems to agree with mine, Stef, but as a sidenote she also mentioned that B-vitamins (other than B-12) are important but not tested for with a basic blood test. Just food for thought! > > -Courtney B > > > > > steff davidson <steffdav46 > > Monday, February 4, 2008 7:39:53 AM > Re: Re: Blood Work for Vegans? > > Is the original question asked here...well. ...still a question? Since I have my annual physical coming up, I took a look at the blood tests my own doctor is having me do before I come in. I have been vegetarian for 4 years and vegan for just a little over 1. I found out that I was very B-12 deficient several months ago so that of course will be checked again, but she is also taking blood to check my calcium and vit. D (probably good for everyone especially women), blood sugar, iron and cholestral (which is always great) and she checks my TSH for my thyroid. This info is probably too late for the person that posted the original question.... sorry. The reason that I am adding this to the thread is because I really like my doctor and I feel that she is really " in tune " with issues like this. > Stef > > > > > Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. > -Buddha > > > Looking for the perfect gift? Give the gift of Flickr! > > > > ______________________________\ ____ > Looking for last minute shopping deals? > Find them fast with Search. http://tools.search./newsearch/category.php?category=shopping > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2008 Report Share Posted February 5, 2008 Great... well, not so much. Just got a phone call from the doctor's office, and I'm low in Vit. D, and they want to put me on something called Ergocalciferol. Just did a quick Google, and it's Vitamin D2? Put out by a big pharmaceutical company. I do not like the idea of this AT ALL. I know that I'm not getting enough sunshine at this time of year, and I think that the general population even has an issue with Vitamin D, even the non-vegans. I am so against the idea of " popping a pill " and will just have to figure out how I can enhance my diet and exercise to make up for this deficiency! , " walker_nospam " <walker_nospam wrote: > > So, I'm quite pleased with the result of my blood work, although I > have a call in to the doctor to ask about some specifics. She sent me > the results with the notation " Everything looks great! " Here are some > of the numbers: > > Cholesterol (LAB) 151 > Triglycerides 46 > HDL Cholesterol 69 > LDL Cholesterol 73 > VLDL Cholesterol 9 > > My blood pressure is 122/68 > > I walk or hike most days of the week, and so far, so good, about the > vegan diet. I'm on no medications, and seem to be so much healthier > than most of our baby boomer friends. Thanks to a longtime vegetarian > diet, and now vegan, I hope to stay healthy and strong long into my > " twilight years " . :-) > > Thanks to groups like this for sharing so many good tips and recipes > to help us do that! :-) <snip> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 5, 2008 Report Share Posted February 5, 2008 Other than the vitamin supplement your doctor recommended and getting more sunlight, which may not be possible at your latitude, I think your options will probably be fortified grain products or fortified soy milk. Unfortunately the foods richest in vit D are animal products. At least your doctor suggested vit D2, which is plant- or fungus-derived, rather than D3, which is typically of animal origin. Sorry you didn't get better news. , " walker_nospam " <walker_nospam wrote: > > Great... well, not so much. Just got a phone call from the doctor's > office, and I'm low in Vit. D, and they want to put me on something > called Ergocalciferol. Just did a quick Google, and it's Vitamin D2? > Put out by a big pharmaceutical company. I do not like the idea of > this AT ALL. > > I know that I'm not getting enough sunshine at this time of year, and > I think that the general population even has an issue with Vitamin D, > even the non-vegans. I am so against the idea of " popping a pill " and > will just have to figure out how I can enhance my diet and exercise to > make up for this deficiency! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 Hi Walker I try to avoid the drs conventional science approaches and go for natural health practitioners. Why have a checkup with them when you can have your entire diet and health assessed and given knowledgeable remedies. I'd go for a naturopath. It's individually based, not a list of boxes and generalised. This unawareness of my health is partly attributable to my health problems now because of this way of assessment and treatment. I feel very strongly pro holistic health and its benefits to the earth, and its respect of the client as a person with an individual story. blessed be duirbeannachd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 I use this D2 http://drfuhrman.com/shop/supplements.aspx , " threefatesfiber " <maryl4 wrote: > > Other than the vitamin supplement your doctor recommended and getting > more sunlight, which may not be possible at your latitude, I think > your options will probably be fortified grain products or fortified > soy milk. Unfortunately the foods richest in vit D are animal products. > > At least your doctor suggested vit D2, which is plant- or > fungus-derived, rather than D3, which is typically of animal origin. > > Sorry you didn't get better news. > > , " walker_nospam " > <walker_nospam@> wrote: > > > > Great... well, not so much. Just got a phone call from the doctor's > > office, and I'm low in Vit. D, and they want to put me on something > > called Ergocalciferol. Just did a quick Google, and it's Vitamin D2? > > Put out by a big pharmaceutical company. I do not like the idea of > > this AT ALL. > > > > I know that I'm not getting enough sunshine at this time of year, and > > I think that the general population even has an issue with Vitamin D, > > even the non-vegans. I am so against the idea of " popping a pill " and > > will just have to figure out how I can enhance my diet and exercise to > > make up for this deficiency! > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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