Can being a vegan effect your mood?

Question

my friend is now a vegan and she has lost weight but her mood has changed,not for the better. (medical backup info included)

Answer 1

Any change in diet can have side effects; it's why anyone making a change in their diet (be in going on Atkins, vegan, or any of these other types of programmes) should talk to their doctor (or at least a nutritionist) and monitor progress.  

The body needs protein; she may not be getting enough.  There is some medical data showing that B12 is lacking in many vegans as well.

I would make the case for a balanced diet is the healthier way to go (supported by doctors, nutritionists, and case study after case study); by that, a diet low in simple carbohydrates, saturated fats, and rich in fibre, vegetables, and lean protein.

And...then there's the whole portion size issue, killing people one dinosaur-sized fast food meal at a time.

Answer 2

It depends on the person but most likley no!

Answer 3

It can, depending on what she eats.  For example, not getting enough protein to sustain her blood sugar level can cause irritability when the blood sugar level drops.

Answer 4

Yes.  If she is not getting enough B12 or protein.  Being vegan can be a very healthy lifestyle, but no matter what your preference (vegetarian, vegan, meat-eating) you MUST eat a balanced diet.  She also may not be eating enough.  Because vegan foods are lower in calories, she may be eating her normal portions and worry about overeating if she eats more.  It is really easy to get protein on a vegan diet.  Trail mix, nuts, cereals like Kashi, chickpeas, vegan chili, lentils, soy, tofu, etc.  She should use an easy (free) program like www.fitday.com for a few months to make sure she is getting all her nutrients.  Best of luck

Answer 5

I have seen some research suggesting that very low fat diets can have an adverse effect on mood (and not just because they can leave you feeling hungry!).

Vegan diets can be very low in fat, but they don't have to be. If your friend isn't getting much fat she could try adding healthy fats to her diet (e.g. nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocadoes) to see if she feels better.

Answer 6

You are what you eat! Different foods means different chemical reactions. I've found I've been a lot happier and cheerful since becoming vegan. My body just feels wonderful and my attitude reflects that. It's just as likely that someone would turn out on the other side of the spectrum.

Answer 7

Any drastic change in lifestyle will affect your mood.

Answer 8

Veganism isn't a weight loss programme, and losing weight isn't an inevitable consequence of turning vegan.

So if she's lost weight unintentionally she probably isn't eating enough food, and that would put anyone in a bad mood

Answer 9

yeah, it probably can. i mean, your body is ingesting diffrent foods that it is not used to, and it isn't getting enough of certain vitamins/protien. yeah, it probably can change your mood quite a bit, at least until you get used to it.

Answer 10

I depends on the person I guess! It's done the opposite effect on me cause my mood has changed for the better!!

Answer 11

I am a vegan and I feel so much better about myself.  My mood has greatly improved but I eat really healthy.  I make sure that I get enough calcium and protein daily.  It isn't a weight loss way of eating.  I would bet that she isn't eating right if she is losing weight.  If she is going to be a vegan then she needs to do it right or she will do serious damage to her body.