Forum : Food for Life TV : Comments and questions on additional health and nutrition topics http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/ I know this is a late response, but this is most likely due to dry skin. You can try one of two solutions: moisturize from the outside using lotions, or moisturize from the inside by adding slightly more fat to your diet, specifically monounsaturated and vitamin E. http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=7361D5CF-EAF2-B6DD-9E260167587A4041&r=1 2010-06-26T08:31:18-04:00 Nutrient Deficiency Question just wanted to let you know that your recipe is very good and easy to make. I had it for lunch 3 days in a row. thank you! http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=F75B626B-9AA7-5345-657A3552D4C5EDA1&r=2 2010-04-13T13:28:33-04:00 quick bean burrito Considering allergies or hypersensitivities is a stroke of brilliance! One of the strategies we suggest for plant milk use is loosely rotating your variety of sources, too. Almond, Cashew, Hazelnut, Rice, Soy, Veggie Blend, Hemp...it is tough to get bored with such a wonderful variety available. Oh, and don't worry about replacing a 'glass of milk to drink'! We usually suggest plant milks as ingredient substitutions in recipes or smoothies (remember you get calcium from other sources, too, and drinking a glass of milk is becoming passe' in many circles! "Greens and beans for bones" is one of our favorite sayings in class. We usually suggest plant milks as ingredient substitutions in recipes or smoothies. Bon Appetit'! http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=D6A2F094-9CCE-E564-91CC9BC7DA20A926&r=3 2010-04-07T04:59:14-04:00 Food Allergies I have several food allergies (or "sensitivities") myself. I had to figure out which ones, by my own experiments/trial & error and realize that I am prone to wierd allergic reactions when I consume the usual suspects (gluten, dairy, peanuts, etc.) The good news is this: I am SO healthy now, because with the reactions I get to several foods, I eat mostly fresh vegetables and fruit. When I first went vegan, I cured all of my ailments: obesity, blood sugar problems, mental illness, seasonal allergies, acne, actually I could go on for a while here, but when I discovered/developed food allergies and had to further alterate my diet, I found that I am even healthier now. The change was difficult at first (especially the gluten one) but now, I crave my veggies and fruit because I feel so alive, alert and amazing. Eating fresh, whole foods will bring health and vitality! Please write if you want to discuss this more or need advice. http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=77AA7B8F-CFA8-DFF8-7E69751E9293AB79&r=4 2010-03-19T18:23:33-04:00 Food Allergies My wife has been following the vegan food program for about 2 weeks. During the last 4 days she is experiencing a 'rash' around her waist and generalized itching over her body. Has anyone else experienced this? We are considering that it is either [b]'Almond milk' [/b]or [b]Soy products[/b]. Both of which are indicated as being allergenic. Just about everywhere I look online warns of the use of Soy. Perhaps Rice Milk would be a better addition. Since she has been on the program the wild fluctations in her blood sugar have decreased greatly. It would be a shame if we have to leave the vegan diet. It is difficult to follow since nearly every menu requires special ingredients. http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=50550939-F67C-3F52-B0CEF1C1C77BC094&r=5 2010-03-12T03:05:02-04:00 Food Allergies Every few months my right hand thumb and forefinger develop deep cracks (painful), is this caused by a certain vitamin deficiency? http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=DDBB4855-D9C2-A0C4-FD0613934A7A7290&r=6 2010-02-17T21:00:23-04:00 Nutrient Deficiency Question After watching Food for Life TV's 2009 Airport Food Review recap and reading the accompanying press release, I have to write. I respect the work that PCRM does, but I do not believe Phoenix's Sky Harbor airport deserves a number three ranking at all. I have traveled through that airport on several occasions and have had significant delays on some of these trips. Finding any vegan or vegetarian food has been impossible. On my last trip through, mixed nuts from the newsstand were the only option available. This was after asking several gate attendants for assistance in finding healthy food in Terminal 4 (which is where my flights have tended to land) and even they knew of none available. (One said the nearest PeiWei would be her best suggestion. I wasn't eager to hop in a taxi.) I went in several of the restaurants and the servers said there was nothing to offer. Even the sandwich shop had discontinued the veggie paninni I had eaten previously. On the return leg, I brought hummus and crackers with me. My experiences have been so poor that I have stated to others that I will make every attempt to avoid traveling through Phoenix, if possible, in future. Should I happen to be in that airport again, I would be more than happy to, well ... um, eat my words if the fare has indeed changed significantly. Thank you, ldpaulson http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=7B9D3AB7-9831-463D-1A0191EFD8B192B9&r=7 2010-01-29T19:44:46-04:00 Airport Food Review After watching Food for Life TV's 2009 Airport Food Review recap and reading the accompanying press release, I have to write. I respect the work that PCRM does, but I do not believe Phoenix's Sky Harbor airport deserves a number three ranking at all. I have traveled through that airport on several occasions and have had significant delays on some of these trips. Finding any vegan or vegetarian food has been impossible. On my last trip through, mixed nuts from the newsstand were the only option available. This was after asking several gate attendants for assistance in finding healthy food in Terminal 4 (which is where my flights have tended to land) and even they knew of none available. (One said the nearest PeiWei would be her best suggestion. I wasn't eager to hop in a taxi.) I went in several of the restaurants and the servers said there was nothing to offer. Even the sandwich shop had discontinued the veggie paninni I had eaten previously. On the return leg, I brought hummus and crackers with me. My experiences have been so poor that I have stated to others that I will make every attempt to avoid traveling through Phoenix, if possible, in future. Should I happen to be in that airport again, I would be more than happy to, well ... um, eat my words if the fare has indeed changed significantly. Thank you, ldpaulson http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=7B9CDC1C-FA50-F8E0-07CB81447B2FB050&r=8 2010-01-29T19:44:22-04:00 Airport Food Review After watching Food for Life TV's 2009 Airport Food Review recap and reading the accompanying press release, I have to write. I respect the work that PCRM does, but I do not believe Phoenix's Sky Harbor airport deserves a number three ranking at all. I have traveled through that airport on several occasions and have had significant delays on some of these trips. Finding any vegan or vegetarian food has been impossible. On my last trip through, mixed nuts from the newsstand were the only option available. This was after asking several gate attendants for assistance in finding healthy food in Terminal 4 (which is where my flights have tended to land) and even they knew of none available. (One said the nearest PeiWei would be her best suggestion. I wasn't eager to hop in a taxi.) I went in several of the restaurants and the servers said there was nothing to offer. Even the sandwich shop had discontinued the veggie paninni I had eaten previously. On the return leg, I brought hummus and crackers with me. My experiences have been so poor that I have stated to others that I will make every attempt to avoid traveling through Phoenix, if possible, in future. Should I happen to be in that airport again, I would be more than happy to, well ... um, eat my words if the fare has indeed changed significantly. Thank you, ldpaulson http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=7B9CA434-A0FC-E75A-157BB97394434E8E&r=9 2010-01-29T19:44:08-04:00 Airport Food Review Sorry to hear you do not have peace over your sleep! While many issues can affect sleep, sometimes hormone imbalance can is the culprit. Speak with your physician about having E1, E2, E3, progesterone, and testosterone tested for proper balance. Thyroid is another common issue, too. As far as using foods to help calm, try the usual of avoiding caffeine, sugar and any other stimulating foods a few hours before bedtime, and consider adding in calming herbal teas or bananas in the evening. Bananas contain tryptophan, which can help induce processes associated with calm and sleep. Enjoy your day and keep us posted! Sincerely, Dr. Kerrie Saunders, MS, LLP, PhD http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=DAEBE1A0-CD2F-79D5-DA998BB2DFFB6B90&r=10 2009-12-29T14:51:49-04:00 insomnia Insomnia can also be a symptom of depression. I have had insomnia for years, was perscribed Ambien, which I got addicted to. Couldn't sleep without it. Weaning myself off of that was difficult, but I believe I am there. I think I am sleeping better naturally because I am eating better. No more sweets. Not even an orange. http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=B88E27FC-0BDD-4660-C83C31940640A78B&r=11 2009-12-22T22:42:21-04:00 insomnia yeah, i do, i do power walking in the morning and then weight/cardio early afternoon ... usually every day even as a kid i was always a "nite owl" but now it's gotten out of hand :( http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=B0E0D980-DC89-DBC0-48C5816189B5B2DC&r=12 2009-12-21T10:55:43-04:00 insomnia yeah, i do, i do power walking in the morning and then weight/cardio early afternoon ... usually every day even as a kid i was always a "nite owl" but now it's gotten out of hand :( http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=B0E0CCEE-A59D-EE9A-2008B3B4F31EFE08&r=13 2009-12-21T10:55:40-04:00 insomnia Do you work out at all? http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=AD645167-F414-2BE4-A53818445003BD90&r=14 2009-12-20T18:40:50-04:00 insomnia i have just the opposite problem of "Sleepy" ... i can't fall asleep at nite ... i'm up until 4 or so in the morning no matter what ... i can sometimes sleep in til noon or a little later but not all the time... i'm not under any major stress, i've tried melatonin and valerian root and some homeopathic aides but nothing seems to help short a strong sleeping pill which i don't want to take... what else can i try?? http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=A419A72C-BA5A-64C5-661B8C77B522FE1A&r=15 2009-12-18T23:22:42-04:00 insomnia Hi. This is a very interesting condition you have described. Of course what jumps to mind for me is B12 and iron, i.e., some form of anemia. You may in fact be having a problem absorbing the B12 that you are taking in, even in a multi-vitamin. This is not extremely uncommon. As we age, our guts absorb less B12, some less than others. If you are in fact unable to absorb B12 as well as you used to, you may need to take in more of it with higher doses of a vitamin, switching to a sublingual B12, or taking B12 injections. The latter two choices bypass the gut all together and go straight for the blood. Even if you have had blood tests, you should check not just your serum B12 but also your stored B12. Often labs only check the serum. You didn't mention whether or not you had your iron checked (stored and serum) - that may be of concern as well. If you think the omega-3 is helping your energy, you may want to consider lowering all of the fat in your diet (to around 10 percent of your calories or approximately 20 to 30 grams per day). This will allow the omega-3 that you do consume to do its job better. Additionally, you can buy vegan forms of already converted omega-3s, that is to say DHA and EPA supplements. The only vegan brand that I am familiar with is V-Pure. Again, keep in mind that by bringing down ALL fats in the diet, the omega-3s that you are getting from the not-yet-converted flaxseeds could make a bigger impact. I hope this is helpful. Thank you for sharing your concern. Susan Levin, MS, RD Director of Nutrition Education http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=45F50377-CCCB-485F-F57710A6BA08116C&r=16 2009-11-30T16:38:22-04:00 Is there a way to speak to a PCRM nutritionalist? Hi, Thank you for the reply :). [quote]What was the reason for going vegan. What were the factors in your life that made you decide?[/quote] I decided to become a vegetarian because the conditions in which slaughter animals are treated in the US are indescribably cruel. Then, I read Dr. Neal Barnard's book Reversing Diabetes and saw Dr. Michael Klaper's film "A Diet For All Reasons" and began to realize that a vegan diet is far healthier than the standard American diet (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc). [quote]It could also be excess of something. What does your diet look like? what things do you eat?[/quote] I eat a varied diet. And I've changed it several times since developing this chronic sleepiness to see if I was allergic to something, but it always remained the same. I'll have lentil soups, water, baked potatoes, fruits, vegetables, eggplant, carrots, avocados, apples, bananas, grapefruit, enriched rice milk, nutritional yeast, Vitamin B12, kale, purple onions, zucchini, brown rice, whole grain toast & jam, veggie sushi, nuts, seeds, beans, veganaise, pasta w/ marinara, iron supplement, sprouts, tomatoes, water, several bottles of vitamins. An occasional apple juice. When out, I eat veggie sushi, Indian foods and at raw food restaurants to ensure a varied diet. I could be forgetting a few foods. [quote]Is there anything else in your life that is causing you problems?[/quote] The doctors have asked this question. I'm not under stress, I'm not depressed. I'm quite a very cheerful person, I had no health problems prior to this. Within 1 week of not eating spirulina or baby formula, my energy decreases. I begin napping. The short naps become 5-hour naps. Within weeks or not eating baby formula or spirulina, I begin to sleep most of the day. My grandmother occasionally got Vitamin B shots and I've heard that some other family members would get them. Sometimes I wonder if I am having trouble getting enough B's?? (I am stabbing in the dark). I take a B complex vitamin. I did finally break the vegan diet and tried eating cheeses and eggs for several months, but I was just as sleepy. I bought $200 dollars worth of vitamins/minerals and did not feel any better. Then, finally I decided to drink baby formula because it has every nutrient a human needs to live. It worked. Within 3 days, I could stay awake, clean the house, go jogging. My energy increases as I increase my consumption of baby formula. Then later I tried spirulina, it had the same effect. Flaxseeds had some effect, but not as strong as the spirulina or baby formula. It is embarrassing to admit I drank baby formula, but I have been desperate. The doctors don't seem to know anything about nutrition. One said that vegan's can't survive because there is no iron in a vegan diet. So, I feel as if I must rely on my own brains to find the answer. I suspect my body might not be converting Omega 3 to Omega 9 properly or not absorbing a B-vitamins or something of that nature. [quote]Spirulina is very high in Triptophan:[/quote] I shall read this wikipedia article. Thank you for suggesting it :). http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=33A9DDD8-CEA4-C9CF-16EFACF13D5B4714&r=17 2009-11-27T03:23:08-04:00 Is there a way to speak to a PCRM nutritionalist? [quote="LifeIsBeautiful"]Two years ago, I decided to do this diet, but with it I began to experience extreme sleepiness.[/quote]If you don't mind me asking? What was the reason for going vegan. What were the factors in your life that made you decide? [quote="LifeIsBeautiful"]I eat very healthy, I have seen 7 doctors and had about 7 blood tests performed (B12 checks, protein, diabetes, etc). All were fine, but I truly feel that there is one nutrient I must be missing.[/quote] It could also be excess of something. What does your diet look like? what things do you eat? [quote="LifeIsBeautiful"]The extreme sleepiness (which has lead me to drop out of school) is only alleviated when I take large quantities of spirulina (sea algae). I believe there is a unique problem with my body.[/quote] Is there anything else in your life that is causing you problems? [quote="LifeIsBeautiful"]I need to talk to a nutritionist or doctor who understands the meat & dairy-free diet. One who will take enough time to analyze why large quantities of certain foods (spirulina, flaxseeds and baby formula) allow me to return to a normal routine within 2-3 days. For example: This could be a DHA deficiency or some other nutrient that is unfamiliar to me. But I cannot find any doctors who will take the time to help me.[/quote] Spirulina is very high in Triptophan: [url=]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tryptophan[/url] http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=3330722A-9A09-AABD-12E9B4C5EA002E94&r=18 2009-11-27T01:10:30-04:00 Is there a way to speak to a PCRM nutritionalist? Two years ago, I decided to do this diet, but with it I began to experience extreme sleepiness. I eat very healthy, I have seen 7 doctors and had about 7 blood tests performed (B12 checks, protein, diabetes, etc). All were fine, but I truly feel that there is one nutrient I must be missing. The extreme sleepiness (which has lead me to drop out of school) is only alleviated when I take large quantities of spirulina (sea algae). I believe there is a unique problem with my body. Doctors have not taken any time with me, telling me to eat meat, cheese, etc. I need to talk to a nutritionist or doctor who understands the meat & dairy-free diet. One who will take enough time to analyze why large quantities of certain foods (spirulina, flaxseeds and baby formula) allow me to return to a normal routine within 2-3 days. For example: This could be a DHA deficiency or some other nutrient that is unfamiliar to me. But I cannot find any doctors who will take the time to help me. Could PCRM recommend any open-minded doctors or dietitian? http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=32449138-066C-4DC2-958D2315D6854376&r=19 2009-11-26T20:52:52-04:00 Is there a way to speak to a PCRM nutritionalist? Hey, I'm also from Australia and I find it really easy to be vegan! (I'm from Melbourne and there is a huge amount of different food available.) Regarding the salt issue, what I have heard is that unprocessed salt (sea salt or himalayan rock salt) is actually a very important nutrient and a source of energy; I used to have sugar cravings but now I find that sprinkling a tiny bit of sea salt on my salads or other meals can help the sugar cravings to go away! Salt is used as a precursor to alkaline buffers like sodium bicarbonate that help to counter the excess bone-leaching, cancer-promoting acidity. This is unlike table salt, a processed product in which just about all the important minerals have been refined away to make supplements, and toxic preservatives and anti-caking agents added, and I can't help wondering whether it has been the adverse effects of table salt that gave salt per se a bad name. http://www.pcrmfoundation.org/ghcForum/messages.cfm?messageid=D77574E0-0829-C322-DA386D2B10B2C6DE&r=20 2009-11-09T05:40:49-04:00 Eating more salt