topic Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated in Wellness

Plant Based - So Frustrated

SandPiper — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:04:23 GMT

I am transitioning to a plant based lifestyle. It’s about 2 months ago I made this decision.

I had a routine doctors appointment yesterday (blood work a week ago). It is the first appointment since the transition. I was so excited because I know I have been doing good, I lost weight and feel great. The only thing I wanted to tell her is that I noticed I am having some hair loss.

Well I almost fell on the floor when she told me my cholesterol was high and she wanted to start me on statins. I couldn’t believe it. She told me something I am eating is causing the problem. I told her about my lifestyle change. She totally did not support me (which surprised me) and told me I’m not getting enough protein (reason for hair loss) and I’m not eating right.

I told her I wasn’t going on statins and she told me she would give me 6 months to get my cholesterol down otherwise I have no choice.

Treadmill, weight training, yoga, plant based lifestyle, meditation...what more can I do.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

GSPgirl — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:08:13 GMT

What are you eating for protein?

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

Janey2 — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:09:06 GMT

Your body makes cholesterol. There is good and bad...you have to look at all the numbers

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

Pook — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:18:06 GMT

@SandPiper stated I told her I wasn’t going on statins and she told me she would give me 6 months to get my cholesterol down otherwise I have no choice.

You always have a choice - you are in charge and not the doctor! You could try plant sterols such as in several Andrew Lessman products. 2 different heart doctors told me that since my good chloresteral is perfect and I have no history of heart issues in my family that statins are in no way indicated even though my PCP at the time insisted that I needed them!!!

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

haddon9 — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 18:40:58 GMT

I don't have an answer for you but I'm thinking of going not on a whole plant diet but more whole foods with a reduced animal diet.

However I really don't like your doctor's remark that "you'll have no choice". You are an adult and you do have choices. If your bad cholesterol is still high then maybe you might consider finding a new doctor who can work with you without having to go on statins.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

x Hedge — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:07:10 GMT

I experienced the same issue.

After 6 months of my regimen my LDL & triglycerides were way up, and the HDL way down!

I was so diligent about my food choices and exercise, only to find my cholesterol being described as "horrible numbers" according to my doc.

My numbers improved tremendously without statins by simply EATING like the omnivore I am.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

chrystaltree — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:18:58 GMT

Humans are carinvors, we are meant to eat meat. You have hair loss because you aren't not getting enough protein, if you are losing your hair, you are also losing muscle mass. It's hard for vegetarians to get the proper amount of protein but certainly be done if you eat beans, tofu, endamame, nuts, quinoa. If you Google "plant based protein" you'll get the list. She believes in a balanced diet so, of course, she isn't going to support you in this and the fact that you are already experiencing bad side effects, is reason enough for her. Your cholesteral is high because our bodies naturally manufacture cholesterol, we don't get it ONLY from the foods we eat. Some people have high cholesteral and diet alone doesn't lower it. They have to take statins because that's the only way to lower it. No doctor can demand that you take any particular medication but on the other hand, what's the point in seeing a doctor that you have no faith in? You've been trying to do this on your own and you need some help. Ask for referral to nutritionist who can help you with healthy vegetarian diet and can factor in your cholesterol problem.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

x Hedge — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:27:58 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
Humans are carinvors, we are meant to eat meat. You have hair loss because you aren't not getting enough protein, if you are losing your hair, you are also losing muscle mass. It's hard for vegetarians to get the proper amount of protein but certainly be done if you eat beans, tofu, endamame, nuts, quinoa. If you Google "plant based protein" you'll get the list. She believes in a balanced diet so, of course, she isn't going to support you in this and the fact that you are already experiencing bad side effects, is reason enough for her. Your cholesteral is high because our bodies naturally manufacture cholesterol, we don't get it ONLY from the foods we eat. Some people have high cholesteral and diet alone doesn't lower it. They have to take statins because that's the only way to lower it. No doctor can demand that you take any particular medication but on the other hand, what's the point in seeing a doctor that you have no faith in? You've been trying to do this on your own and you need some help. Ask for referral to nutritionist who can help you with healthy vegetarian diet and can factor in your cholesterol problem.

Humans are omnivores, and our teeth are the proof.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

sidsmom — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:58:29 GMT

@chrystaltree

Lots of errors, but the one which stood out is the comparison

to ‘vegetarian’ diet. A plant based diet is not a vegetarian diet.

A plant based diet is no animal products or animal byproducts.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

Trinity11 — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 19:59:15 GMT

@SandPiper wrote:
I am transitioning to a plant based lifestyle. It’s about 2 months ago I made this decision.

I had a routine doctors appointment yesterday (blood work a week ago). It is the first appointment since the transition. I was so excited because I know I have been doing good, I lost weight and feel great. The only thing I wanted to tell her is that I noticed I am having some hair loss.

Well I almost fell on the floor when she told me my cholesterol was high and she wanted to start me on statins. I couldn’t believe it. She told me something I am eating is causing the problem. I told her about my lifestyle change. She totally did not support me (which surprised me) and told me I’m not getting enough protein (reason for hair loss) and I’m not eating right.

I told her I wasn’t going on statins and she told me she would give me 6 months to get my cholesterol down otherwise I have no choice.

Treadmill, weight training, yoga, plant based lifestyle, meditation...what more can I do.

I had the same issues with plant based eating plans. I tried so hard and really wanted it to be the "answer." My blood sugars became erratic and I was constantly running high. Add to that my triglycerides became dangerously high. My cholesterol went up to 300 and my triglycerides were around 400. When I went back to eating a low carbohydrate diet, 3 months later I had triglycerides of 120 and my total cholesterol was 140. I take a statin and continued taking them when I tried to do the plant based diet...nothing changed in that aspect. I must take a statin because I have a condition that was tested that I have genetic high cholesterol.

I really do not like subscribing to the belief of a one size fits all diet. I would never be so bold as to tell someone else how to eat. All I know is that my labs proved that diet was not for me. The no oils, potatoes and vegetables diet with brown rice made me gain weight too. Now I am back to my 5'8 , 120 pound self. I also had a proven B12 deficiency and was told I was in need of protein.

When I relayed my experience here I was told that I must not have done the diet correctly. It was me...not the diet.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

SandPiper — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 20:07:09 GMT

@GSPgirl I’m getting protein from beans, chickpeas, quinoa, chia seeds, lentils, potatoes and rice (small amount), greens.

@Pook I’ve heard of Andrew Lessman, I’ll look him up. Thanks for the suggestion.

@sidsmom My total cholesterol and LDL is high. You mentioned thyroid. I have a hypothyroid but my numbers were in the optimal range for me.

I am eating some nuts. I put 2 or 3 in a salad a couple times a week. No tofu, I don’t like it. And eliminated oils as well.

I hear what everyone is saying. It’s time to find a supportive doctor. That is upsetting to me because I’ve been going to her for 30 years. We’ve been through a lot together and there wasn’t any doubt in my mind that she would be happy with my new lifestyle. Until yesterday. Oh well things happen for a reason. Guess it’s time to move on.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

chrystaltree — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 20:17:20 GMT

@sidsmom wrote:
@chrystaltree
Lots of errors, but the one which stood out is the comparison
to ‘vegetarian’ diet. A plant based diet is not a vegetarian diet.
A plant based diet is no animal products or animal byproducts.

That is what a real vegetarian diet is. As as the name says. You are confused because so many people claim to be vegetarians and then they say they eat eggs or drink milk, or eat cheese. True vegetarians only eat foods derived from plants.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

2blonde — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 20:17:51 GMT

@Trinity11

@Trinity11 wrote:
@SandPiper wrote:
I am transitioning to a plant based lifestyle. It’s about 2 months ago I made this decision.

I had a routine doctors appointment yesterday (blood work a week ago). It is the first appointment since the transition. I was so excited because I know I have been doing good, I lost weight and feel great. The only thing I wanted to tell her is that I noticed I am having some hair loss.

Well I almost fell on the floor when she told me my cholesterol was high and she wanted to start me on statins. I couldn’t believe it. She told me something I am eating is causing the problem. I told her about my lifestyle change. She totally did not support me (which surprised me) and told me I’m not getting enough protein (reason for hair loss) and I’m not eating right.

I told her I wasn’t going on statins and she told me she would give me 6 months to get my cholesterol down otherwise I have no choice.

Treadmill, weight training, yoga, plant based lifestyle, meditation...what more can I do.
I had the same issues with plant based eating plans. I tried so hard and really wanted it to be the "answer." My blood sugars became erratic and I was constantly running high. Add to that my triglycerides became dangerously high. My cholesterol went up to 300 and my triglycerides were around 400. When I went back to eating a low carbohydrate diet, 3 months later I had triglycerides of 120 and my total cholesterol was 140. I take a statin and continued taking them when I tried to do the plant based diet...nothing changed in that aspect. I must take a statin because I have a condition that was tested that I have genetic high cholesterol.

I really do not like subscribing to the belief of a one size fits all diet. I would never be so bold as to tell someone else how to eat. All I know is that my labs proved that diet was not for me. The no oils, potatoes and vegetables diet with brown rice made me gain weight too. Now I am back to my 5'8 , 120 pound self. I also had a proven B12 deficiency and was told I was in need of protein.

When I relayed my experience here I was told that I must not have done the diet correctly. It was me...not the diet.

Yes, I agree, and I bet I know who on here came down on you for not following that diet correctly.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

Trinity11 — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 22:00:18 GMT

n/m

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

SandPiper — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 20:32:32 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote: If you have been seeing this doctor for 30 years, it says a lot about the fact that you trust her judgment. She clearly has your well being in mind.

My doctor has been with me through some rough times and I have trusted her. I am just so surprised that she said those things and acted that way. I never thought I would ever question her.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

Montana — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 20:34:27 GMT

From my understanding, plant foods have to be combined together a certain way to get the complete protein the body needs. That takes knowledge, not just eating an all-plant diet.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

tansy — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 20:41:17 GMT

How frustrating, @SandPiper. If your glucose numbers were okay, I’d do the wfpb diet for breakfast and lunch and have a smallish animal source entree with nonstarchy veggies. It’s not your fault.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

Trinity11 — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 20:42:46 GMT

@SandPiper wrote:
@Trinity11 wrote: If you have been seeing this doctor for 30 years, it says a lot about the fact that you trust her judgment. She clearly has your well being in mind.

My doctor has been with me through some rough times and I have trusted her. I am just so surprised that she said those things and acted that way. I never thought I would ever question her.

From how it sounds @SandPiper, she is looking at your lab results and the change attributing it to your change in diet. She may not mean that she doesn't support your giving up meat. Maybe since you have been together for 30 years, you could have another discussion with her to the specifics of what she would like you to do. Your individualized protein requirements, your best pathway to an improved cholesterol. Not everyone needs cholesterol lowering medications. I have read about many posters here that had excellent results with over the counter remedies and they don't need statins.

Good luck, though. I am very sorry that you are going through this rough patch. I read your posts on the other thread and I am rooting for you!!

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

sidsmom — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 21:12:37 GMT

@chrystaltree wrote:
@sidsmom wrote:
@chrystaltree
Lots of errors, but the one which stood out is the comparison
to ‘vegetarian’ diet. A plant based diet is not a vegetarian diet.
A plant based diet is no animal products or animal byproducts.

That is what a real vegetarian diet is. As as the name says. You are confused because so many people claim to be vegetarians and then they say they eat eggs or drink milk, or eat cheese. True vegetarians only eat foods derived from plants.

Just clarifying for those reading.

Vegetarians include animal byproducts (all dairy [milk, cheese],

eggs, honey.

WFPB (whole food, plant based) do not include animal byproducts.

Re: Plant Based - So Frustrated

tansy — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 21:28:29 GMT

Don’t you eat oatmeal, a grain, @sidsmom, or is that just kitty lou?