I have heard a couple of ex-vegans say, that their doctor told them that they had to eat some meat and that is why they are no longer vegans. I have two responses to that. First response, what were you eating as a vegan? You are not likely to do well on a vegan diet if you don’t have a balanced diet. Just as you won’t do well as a non-vegan if you don’t eat a balanced diet.

My second question, did you get a second opinion? . . .

You can watch former President Clinton’s interview on CNN crediting Dr. Esselstyn with helping him reverse his heart issues, with a plant based diet. Clinton points out that 82% of those with heart issues that go on a plant based diet have begin to heal themselves. He then goes on to say that we now have 25 years of history to support that a plant based diet reverses the effect of heart disease. When you finish hearing Clinton’s testimony, check out the video of doctors Esselstyn and Ornish explaining Bill Clinton’s success.By Linda Howard

Which Doctors Can Support Their Dietary Recommendations?

I have heard a couple of ex-vegans say, that their doctor told them that they had to eat some meat, and that is why they are no longer vegans.  I have two responses to that. First response, what were you eating as a vegan?  You are not likely to do well on a vegan diet if you don’t have a balanced diet.  Just as you won’t do well as a non-vegan if you don’t eat a balanced diet.

My second question, did you get a second opinion?  I certainly would get another opinion if a doctor tried to convince me that eating meat would improve my health. I would at least ask him to support his opinion with scientific information.  That’s the lawyer in me.  We lawyers are accustomed to providing citations for our claims.

There are many studies that point to the harmful effects of meats.  I have been searching for the studies that show the harmful effects of a plant based diet.  I can’t find them.  The only thing I found was a study that shows that vegans are at greater risk of heart disease.  The claim is that this is largely due to the fact that vegans are more likely to have vitamin B-12 deficiency which can lead to among other things, heart disease.  There is also research that supports that humans need very little vitamin B-12.  There are reliable sources for B-12 other than animals.  The solution to that problem is not to eat meat; the solution is to consume B-12.  There are vegan foods that are fortified with B-12.

There are many physicians that advocate a vegan diet and back up their claims with peer reviewed journal articles and scientific studies.  In fact, there is an entire association of vegetarian and vegan physicians, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).  The PCRM website is a great source of information in support of a vegan diet.  You can find studies about the positive effect of a plant based diet on heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, cholesterol and much more.

USDA Recommendations Move Towards a Vegetarian Diet

Although the USDA has not come out in support of a vegan diet, it has clearly suggested following a vegetarian diet.  The old food pyramid has far less emphasis on meat.  The USDA site also links to a vegetarian food pyramid.

Physicians and Pres. Clinton Advocate Plant Based Diet

Sometimes it is necessary to name drop.  I will start with doctor Caldwell Esselstyn who has been credited with techniques that reversed heart disease.  His technique, in essence, is encouraging heart patients to adopt a plant based diet.  He proves his claims that plant based diet reverse heart disease with angiograms and he has published his findings.

Dean Ornish MD has directed, for more than 30 years, clinical research that shows that comprehensive lifestyle changes may begin to reverse severe coronary heart disease, without drugs or surgery. According to Dr. Ornish “recently, Medicare agreed to provide coverage for this program, the first time that Medicare has covered a program of comprehensive lifestyle changes.”

You can watch former President Clinton’s interview on CNN crediting Dr. Esselstyn with helping him reverse his heart issues, with a plant based diet.  Clinton points out that 82% of those with heart issues that go on a plant based diet have begun to heal themselves.  He then goes on to say that we now have 25 years of history to support that a plant based diet reverses the effect of heart disease.  When you finish hearing Clinton’s testimony, check out the video of doctors Esselstyn and Ornish explaining Bill Clinton’s success.

John McDougall, MD, physician and author believes that degenerative disease can be prevented and treated with a diet of plant based foods and no animal foods (except honey) and vegetable oils. I could go on and on finding physicians that support veganism and the studies that support it.  I will end with Dr. T. Colin Campbell who is a Cornell University professor and a vegan. He authored “The China Project,” a 20 year study in China showing the link between diet and heart disease and various cancers. He also advocates a vegan diet.

Just because you are advised in health and fitness disclaimers to “consult your doctor before starting any new diet or fitness program”, that does not mean that you cannot ask questions or seek a second opinion from another licensed professional.

If  You Don't Know, Ask Somebody

I will end this with a little slang.  I not saying, I just saying, vegan just might be the way to go and if your doctor doesn’t know - - - he/she might need to ask somebody. I dropped a few names that could help with that.  This is Vegan Week; Alturnative Fitness is sharing the vegan facts.

Coming Tomorrow for Vegan Week

Tomorrow we will hear what professional body builder and author Robert Cheeke has to say about vegan bodybuilding and fitness.  We will be talking about his new book, Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness.  Check back.  I will be posting the podcast of my interview of him.  This is good stuff that you don’t want to miss.

Recommended Related Readings

VEGAN WEEK 2.21 – 2.27.2011

Where to Find Vegan Flair, When a Vegan Restaurant Isn’t Near

A Vegan Diet Could Be Missing Ingredient to Optimal Healthy

Vegan Diet and Tonic Herbs Brings Vitality

A Winner of Many Rounds Against Cancer: In Loving Memory of My Sister Jeh