h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi all,

I'm a veggie for the last 9 years, and, while I have low but normal blood counts, my immune system has been deteriorating for the last three years and i am sick now for the last two months.

There's no proof that lack of meat is the cause, but none of my doctors (4) know what the problem is, or what is causing it - but all of them advised me to start eating meat again.

not sure what to do about this. I don't mind eating meat - it doesn't disgust me, I just decided way back that I won't eat anything if I am not willing to kill it myself.

It will be rediculus if I eat meat for a few days a week as a medicine, but stay vegeterian for the rest of the week...

Anyway, I'm seriously thinking of eating meat again, but I just don't feel like doing it...


Dancer

Hmm, if your immune system is down a lack of meat in your diet is NOT the cause. However, your doctor probably recommended you do because of the iron and protein content of meat, although there are more than enough veggie alternatives! You may well be anaemic or just plain old run down

I agree with "fords, B.Perv (Hons) (summa cum laude) h2g2 WoW Group A8320222" Not eating meat cannot be the cause of low immunity.
Though I am not a doc and in such cases you have no choice but to relay on the expert.

I am saying this from my experience. I was anemic when I was pregnant. I used to have lots of fresh green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, milk and dairy products and not to forget iron supplement. I recovered in a few weeks and baby weighed 9lbs at the time of birth!

You may try alternate therapy, Homeopathy or naturopathy....

Get well soon

Traveller in Time in a tree
"Lack of fish oil is a very popular addition this year.

And lack of 'omega 3 acids' does affect your immuum system. "

Have you tried asking Bionetics to do a test? It costs about £50 but might pinpoint the cause better than your GP as most Doctors aren't specialists in the field of the immune system.
Their website is http://www.bionetics.co.uk
Good luck.

I've been vegie (& quite a strict one, rarely eat eggs or milk, but do eat a lot of cheese) for 35 years & got used to people constantly bleating "oooh i bet you are really anaemic!"

I have just had a blood test 'cos i have to have an operation next week & *ahem* quelle surprise; my blood is fine, i am far from anaemic.

Low immunity is different story though; i doubt very much it's connected to meat or no meat.

zdt

Thanks for the info.

I'm not in the UK, so Bionetics is not an option, but Israel has a good healthcare system, and since I'm both a Med student and a Doctor's son - I get extra good treatment.

Noone knows what's wrong with me though - been through quite a few doctors lately...


Dancer

Very strange indeed. Have you been tested for thyroid problems? Having an over or underactive thyroid can answer a hell of a lot of problems. Trust me on this one