Vegan complications?

Question

I have been a vegan for about a month, abstaining from meat, seafood, dairy, and honey. However, I'm beginning to feel tired, lightheaded, and "stupid" (i.e. i feel like i can't think nearly as snappy as i used to). My lips are also getting a little bit paler... Is this the result of a nutrition deficiency? If so, what nutrients are they, and what else can I do to get stronger? (I don't really want to give up my vegan beliefs)

Thanks

Answer 1

Livvye: That capillary refill "test" is an assessment of peripheral circulation - it has noting to do with protein.

To the asker: From a medical perspective (and I'm a medical professional), it's highly unlikely that you'd develop nutritional deficiencies after only a month of changing your diet unless you were already deficient to begin with.

You sound to me like you're dehydrated.

If you're concerned about nutritional deficiency, take a multivitamin daily, get some nutritional literature (I highly reccommend "Becoming Vegan"), and learn how to appropriately plan a vegan diet.  By eating a wide variety of plant foods and taking one 1000 mcg B12 tablet weekly, you will get all the nutrition you need.

Answer 2

From your descriptions, it sounds like you may have developed anemia (iron deficiency) from your diet.  Common symptoms and signs of anemia may include:

Pale/clammy skin and lips, low blood pressure, fatigue, weight loss, dizziness and weakness.  

You may also have the related vitamin B-12 deficiency. The very early stages are characterized by tiredness or a decreased mental work capacity, decreased concentration and memory, and irritability/depression.  If you have this, you should take immediate efforts to fix the situation: if B-12 deficiency is severe enough, it can lead to psychosis and irreversible nerve/neuron damage.

Since you are a strict vegan, it is very likely that you may have these two deficiencies (or possibly others- contact your physician for advice), since both are abundant in non-vegan food.  Iron is commonly found in red meat, fish, poultry, lentils/beans/black-eyed-peas, green leaf veggies, tofu, chickpeas, and whole-wheat bread (although meat's is easiest to absorb).  Take the recommended dosage of OTC iron supplements.

Vitamin B12 is most commonly found in meats (especially beef, liver and shellfish), milk and eggs.  Try buying OTC B-complex multivitamins, that contain B12.  Certain breakfast cereals and whole grains are also fortified, but it may not be enough on its own.

Good luck, and ask a physician for advice in case your symptoms are signs of something else!

Answer 3

Yeah, sounds like you're deficient in *something* but without knowing what you *do* eat, nobody online can diagnose you.

Do yourself a favor and do some research into building a balanced vegan diet plan.  I highly recommend "Becoming Vegan" by Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina.  Both are registered dietitians and the book is comprehensive coverage of vegan nutrition.

Answer 4

Hello!

Well, it might be your body reacting to the sudden change in diet. I felt a bit weird within the first month of going vegan too.

However, a simple blood test should answer all your questions. :)

Good luck.

Answer 5

Are you starving yourself?  What are you eating exactly?  FYI..you don't develop anemia or B12 deficiency after a month!  It takes YEARS for your body to deplete it's B12

Answer 6

Ive been vegetarian all my life due to hinduism, but no vegan

You need to eat more fruits and vegetables. But dont try to lose weight and diet. Diets are very bad for your body system.

I can only suggest more wheats, grains, and pasta with tomato sauces......Your lips could probably be from nutrient deficiency. btw, honey is good 4 u in good sizes. I lost 4lbs in i think like a week or so, You drink little warmer than lukewarm water mixed with a teaspoon of honey every morning and get a little bit of exercise. It worked for me, but everyone is diff.

hope this helped

Answer 7

it sounds like you're not getting enough protein. To be sure, try the finger nail test. Push down on one of your finger nails and watch it turn white, then take your finger off. If the white turns back to red right away or takes about a .5 seconds to do so, then you're fine. If it stays white for about 3 second then slowly turns red again, you're very low on protein. Low enough to have to see a doctor ASAP.