Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Amazing Vegan Cancer Story

"In 1991, at 69 years old, Mike Fremont was diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. 

His doctors gave him 3 months to live without surgery. He declined the operation and adopted a whole food plant-based diet. 

Two years later, he had surgery to remove the tumor and the doctors found no metastasis.

A lifelong athlete, Mike holds several world records in running and canoe racing, proving that dedication to health can lead to extraordinary results.

As a 32-year cancer survivor and centenarian, Mike Fremont is a true inspiration, demonstrating that thriving on a plant-based diet is not only possible but powerful!" (LINK)

"In 1991 Mike was aged 69. “I contracted a cancer which the Cleveland Clinic said would kill me in 3 months unless operated upon. I said no, I was going on a diet! The tumor had metastasized into my lymphatic system and would have required efforts to treat the metastases with radiation and/or chemotherapy (with questionable results in those earlier days). In 2 and a quarter years the tumor began to bleed, I was operated upon.”

“The surgeon looked for metastasis in 35 places and found zero. In other words my Macrobiotic Diet, becoming a Vegan Diet, becoming a whole-Foods Plant-Based Diet, killed the metastases! The results of the diet have been perfect and it has been since that diet that all my world records have come about as well as such distinction in the U.S.” (LINK)

Sunday, October 13, 2024

Plant Based Cancer Success Story

As a forward, this site does not claim to cure or prevent any disease. I am not a doctor or a medical professional. 

With that being said, this is an amazing story this man is sharing about his plant based success story. Personally I do believe in a mostly plant based diet that includes some fish (similar to the Chris Wark diet). Anyways, here's his exciting story!

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Monday, May 22, 2023

Increasing Vegan Libido

Selenium, zinc and choline are 3 essential nutrients for sexual health. And without careful planning, it's easy for vegans to become deficient in these 3 nutrients. Fortunately, there are vegan options available (listed below). 

For men especially, a 25mg daily zinc supplement is a good place to start. Many men will see improvements just by taking zinc. Listed below, there are dietary ways to get these minerals as well.

Plant based foods containing minerals essential for sexual health:


Selenium

Zinc

Choline

Pumpkin Seeds

9.4 mcg

6.6 mg

60 mg

Cashews

19 mcg

5.7 mg

17 mg

Flax Seeds

2.6 mcg

4.34

78 mg

Pistachios

mcg

2.34 mg

70 mg

Pea Protein

mcg

2.3 mg

45 mg

Sunflower Lecithin (1200 mg capsule)

0

0

360 mg

Brazil Nuts

91 mcg

0.2 mg

1.5 mg

Tofu (4 oz.)

17 mcg

1.8 mg

106 mg

Black Beans

2.1 mcg

1.9 mg

45 mg

Broccoli

2.3 mcg

0.5 mg per cup

40 mg

Oatmeal

13 mcg

3 mg per cup

17 mg

Avocados

mcg

1 mg

14 mg


Tips for Vegans (not medical advice)

1) Eat More Nuts. One study which looked at nut consumption said that, "Compared to the control group, a significant increase in the orgasmic function and sexual desire was observed during the nut intervention... Including nuts in a regular diet significantly improved auto-reported orgasmic function and sexual desire." (Link

Nuts are a great way for vegans to get enough zinc in the diet. "The highest concentration of zinc in the male’s body is found within the testes and prostate. This is because zinc is required for sperm production and more importantly testosterone synthesis" (Link). Pumpkin seeds, pistachios, cashews, pea protein, black beans, avocados, whole grain bread, etc. are all high in zinc.

"A 1996 study showed a very clear relationship between zinc and testosterone levels. Young men were fed a diet including very little zinc so that they developed a zinc deficiency. Testosterone levels were measured and there was a significant decrease (almost 75 percent) after 20 weeks of a low-zinc diet. The study also examined zinc supplementation in elderly men. Researchers showed that with increased zinc intake, testosterone levels in the elderly population almost doubled." (Link)

Brazil nuts are also a great way to get enough selenium in the diet. "Erectile dysfunction can be caused due to a lack of selenium in the body. Selenium deficiency has also been linked to decreased motility, low sperm count, and unusual morphology. Men must consume selenium and maintain optimal levels in order to have a stronger sex drive" (Link).  In addition to Brazil nuts: Pumpkin seeds, oatmeal, tofu, broccoli, black beans, spinach, white button mushrooms and chia seeds all have selenium.

2) Eat Choline rich foods or consider sunflower lecithin (or add free range eggs back into your diet). 

"Numerous studies confirm a key role for cholinergic nerve transmission in sexual responses. Simply speaking, with too little ACh (acetyl-choline), sexual activity goes down. Increase acetyl-choline levels, and sexual activity goes up." (Link). One quite bizarre study reported that, "After 6 weeks of regular choline assumption, the [79 year old] patient showed a pathological increase in libido with sexual urges. As choline was withdrawn, the hypersexuality disappeared within 5 days (Link).

The ESFU (European Food and Safety Authority) recommends 400mg of choline daily for adults (Link).

"Choline is present in most green vegetables but most heavily concentrated in broccoli. One cup of cooked broccoli has more than 60 milligrams of choline, which makes it an excellent source for people who avoid meat and dairy products (Link).

"1/2 cup of tofu contains ~35mg of choline. The better sources are actually edamame and soy milk. 1 cup soy milk contains ~57mg choline and a cup of edamame is ~87mg." (Link)

3) Eat More Fats:  

According to one major study involving over 3,000 men, "Men adhering to low fat diets had lower serum testosterone levels even when controlling for comorbidities, age, body mass index and activity levels." (Link).

Another study on Virgin Coconut Oil said that people who ate coconut oil daily had a higher sex drive than those who didn't (Link).

As one person on Reddit put it, "The majority of the time when I am vegan I am eating plenty of fats. Lots of nut butters, seeds, and avocados. While eating like this, my sex drive and testosterone feel great.

However, when I dial down the fat, the sex drive/testosterone plummets like a rock. The longest I ever did low fat vegan was like 2 months and it never got better. And I do get enough calories for sure and I supplement b-12, D, and algae Omega 3" (Link).

4) Avoid masturbation and porn: One study from 2020 included over 2,000 participants. This study concluded that, "The amount of porn a man watches is linked to ED. More porn equals more ED." (Link)

"Another study from 2003 measured hormone levels, including testosterone, during a masturbation-induced orgasm both before and after 3 weeks of abstinence from masturbation. Data revealed that testosterone levels were higher after the 3-week abstinence period" (Link).

5) Eat a lot of omega 3 and consider a good DHA/EPA Omega 3 supplement. "A 2020 study of 1,694 young male participants found that those who used fish oil supplements had larger testes and higher semen volume and quality.

They also had a better-looking follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone profile. These are two important hormones that control sperm production. (Link).

6) Take vitamin D (or get adequate sunlight): "According to research in the Journal of Endocrinology. sufficient levels of vitamin D are associated with higher levels of testosterone and better erectile function. What's more, the researchers concluded that supplementing with vitamin D improves sexual function" (Link). 

7) Consider Citrulline: "A small 2011 study in 24 men with mild ED... found that taking 1.5 g of L-citrulline daily significantly improved symptoms in 50% of participants after 1 month" (Link).

8) Consider Tongkat Ali or Ashwagandha - "One study found that men experienced a 37% boost in their testosterone levels after taking a tongkat ali supplement for 12 weeks. Four weeks into the study, participants who were given 200 mg of tongkat ali experienced a 28% increase in free testosterone" (Link).

9) Daily exercise: "A host of new research has revealed how exercise impacts your sexual well-being. It turns out that regular exercise can boost your libido, improve your sex life, and reduce the chances of experiencing pain during sex" (Link).

10) Eat Vitamin E Rich Foods (Sunflower seeds, almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, cashews, avocados, etc.). 

"Vitamin E promotes the creation of substances called prostaglandins, as well as testosterone, which all promote good blood flow to pelvic organs and the brain, and are important to a vibrant sex drive." (Link).

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Are Meat Alternatives Really Healthier?

Check out how these 4 people improved most health markers by swapping out animal foods for plant based alternatives! 

https://youtu.be/TLIJYron2Qg

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Can a Whole Foods Plant Based Diet Reverse Heart Disease?

1) "Researchers compiled the findings of 95 different studies and concluded: Eating more fruits and vegetables daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Apples, pears, citrus fruits and leafy greens all helped heart health" (Link).

2) "A study published in 2014 looked at 198 patients to further investigate whether eating a strict plant-based diet could stop or reverse heart disease. It found of the 177 patients who stuck to the diet, the majority reported a reduction in symptoms and 22 per cent had disease reversal confirmed by test results" (Link).

3) "An early randomised trial comparing a low-fat, plant-based diet with exercise and stress management to usual care in 46 CHD patients reported significant increases in exercise capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction as well as significant decreases in total cholesterol and angina frequency in the intervention group after just 24 days" (Link)

4) "It appears that plant-based diets high in antioxidants, micronutrients, dietary nitrate and fibre but low in saturated/trans fats and sodium are associated with decreased heart failure incidence/severity (Link).

5) "Research presented during the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2017 showed that plant-based diets decreased the risk of heart failure by 42 percent among people with no history of heart disease" (Link)

6)  A 2016 study states that "participants in the highest versus lowest quintile for adherence to overall plant‐based diet index or provegetarian diet had a 16%, 31% to 32%, and 18% to 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular disease mortality, and all‐cause mortality, respectively, after adjusting for important confounders" (Link).

7) "A 2014 study from the American Heart Association showed that men ages 45 to 79 who ate 75 grams or more per day of processed red meat, like cold cuts, sausage, bacon, and hot dogs, had a 28% higher risk of heart failure compared with men who ate less than 25 grams" (Link).


Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Are Bananas Healthy?

 Bananas are an amazing source of several vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, iron, manganese, magnesium and potassium. Also, they are rich in digestive enzymes, fiber, electrolytes and water. 

In today's era of keto and paleo diets, bananas generally get a bad rap, mostly because of the sugar content. However, let's look at the facts instead of the fads.

1) "Studies have shown nonsmoking Adventists who ate 2 or more servings of fruit per day had about 70 percent fewer lung cancers than nonsmokers who ate fruit once or twice a week" (Link).

2) One 13-year study in women determined that those who ate bananas 2–3 times per week were 33% less likely to develop kidney disease. Other studies note that those who eat bananas 4–6 times a week are almost 50% less likely to develop kidney disease than those who don't eat this fruit (Link).

3) "According to the New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can reduce the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40 per cent" (Link).

4) "One study published in the journal Molecules in 2014 specifically examined lectins in bananas. The authors reported that lectins have the potential for suppressing cancer cell proliferation" (Link).

5) "Higher consumption of fruit, vegetables and whole grain foods are associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to two studies published by The BMJ today. The findings suggest that even a modest increase in consumption of these foods as part of a healthy diet could help prevent type 2 diabetes" (Link).

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Fighting ALS With Diet and Supplements

As a preface, I am not a doctor and am not claiming to cure, treat or diagnose any condition. The below citations and studies are simply for your information and consideration.
__________________________________

While ALS is generally viewed as a "death sentence," several people have claimed to stop its progression and even reverse some of its symptoms through diet and herbs.
__________________________________

1) Check out how Pam Bartha was able to recover from MS (similar to ALS) by treating underlying parasitic infections through Dr. prescribed anti-parasite medications. Note that Pam is not a vegan or a vegetarian, but eats whole foods and avoids processed sugars, grains, breads, etc. 


2) Ariel Belloso claims to have beaten peripheral neuropathy - a similar disease - on a raw vegan diet. "The weakness I felt through the muscles of my legs got so bad that at one point that it made standing up very difficult...At the same time, I noticed it was becoming increasingly more difficult to chew certain foods, especially meat. And just to remind you, the year was 2004 and I was eating the standard western diet" (Link).

After doing research online, Ariel changed his diet to a raw vegan lifestyle. "Four months into my new raw vegan diet, all my symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy were soon receding. I stopped feeling those electric shock pains, and my balance and coordination was fully restored" (Link).

3) "No Egg Craig" is a popular vegan Youtuber who beat a similar, but less severe, condition known as CIPD. This disease also attacks nerve cells and led him to being paralyzed in his bed. Craig says that a fully raw, vegan diet helped him overcome CIPD.

4) Anthony Quan has had ALS for 11 years now. "After being diagnosed with ALS, I soon found myself in a state of total paralysis, or as I called it, 'you’re totally f****, bro.' But I credit my diet of veganism and hardcore juicing with helping me to regain some control of my body" (Link).

Though Anthony is still mostly paralyzed, he's regained some movement in his limbs, which is nothing short of miraculous. Anthony also stays active painting with his eyes, using a technology that allows him to be creative even while in his bed.

5) Dr. Craig has had ALS since 1995. He says, "Most importantly, my breathing is way better than it was three years ago...I am not meaning to imply that a 100% raw foods diet is the best choice for everyone’s optimal wellness, although I have read enough that has me believing that those who would like to achieve the optimal wellness possible for them to consume a high alkaline diet that is at least 60-80% raw...I use avocado, an abundance of healthy oils and raw almonds as some of my nutrient dense strategies for maintaining weight." (Link).

"Daily [Dr. Craig] drinks lots of filtered alkaline water, juices, and eats a very clean mostly a raw food diet, with plenty of healthy fats and protein" (Link).

Things That Seem To Help

1) Treat Hidden Infections and Parasites - Veterinarians have known for hundreds of years that parasites and worms can cause debilitating neuropathy and eventual paralysis in animals (Link). Doctors are finally discovering that this is also true for humans: 

"Researchers at the University of California-Riverside have shown, for the first time, that infection from the common parasite Toxoplasma gondii disrupts neurotransmitter glutamate function in the brain, potentially leading to neuronal death and neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)" (Link). 

For fighting parasite infections naturally, check out my post HERE!

2) Take L- Serine - "Researchers have shown that, when treated with L-serine, a non-human primate model of ALS had fewer pathologies associated with the disease" (Link).

3) Focus on a whole foods, plant-based diet.



4) Lion's Mane - "Some research suggests that extracts of lion’s mane mushrooms may encourage nerve cells to grow and repair more quickly. One study showed that rats with nerve damage receiving a daily extract of lion’s mane mushrooms had quicker nerve regeneration than control animals" (Link).

5) Probiotics - "The study published in the journal Clinical Therapeutics found profound evidence suggesting that gut microbiota targeted with natural bacteria products successfully alleviated ALS progression in animal models" (Link).

6) ALA (alpha lipoic acid) - "Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant and also a cofactor for mitochondrial enzymes. In a study with G93A/SOD-1 mice, ALA...showed a significant delay in onset of impaired motor performance, increased survival, and attenuated weight loss in treated mice compared to controls" (Link).

7) Beta Carotene - "The new study showed that people whose diets were higher in beta-carotene and lutein had a lower risk of developing ALS. Lutein is a type of oxygen-rich carotenoid called a xanthophyll, which is found in deep green vegetables like kale and broccoli" (Link). Since raw kale can lead to iodine absorption issues, I recommend adding some raw carrots to your morning smoothie for beta carotene. My favorite smoothie recipe is by the amazing medical doctor Brooke Goldner HERE.

Another study showed that "fruit consumption was negatively associated with the risk of ALS, but intake of beef, fish, and fast food were positively associated with the risk of ALS. In addition, the risk of ALS was negatively associated with intake of plant calcium and beta-carotene, while positively associated with intake of total calcium and animal calcium. Intake of vegetables and other antioxidant nutrients had no effect on the risk of ALS in the present study" (Link).

8) NAC - "Recently, Louwerse reported on a double-blind trial of NAC in 111 patients with ALS. Patients with limb onset but not bulbar onset of ALS had a 50% decrease in the one year mortality rate with NAC treatment" (Link).

10) Tudca - "Research has shown that TUDCA can decrease nerve cell death, a hallmark of ALS, through its ability to act as an antioxidant that prevents toxic reactive oxygen species from accumulating inside cells. The molecule also has the ability to control immune function" (Link).

11) Take wheatgrass. 

One animal study concludes, "Wheatgrass treatment ameliorated the oxidative damage of sciatic nerves by increasing the antioxidant enzymes SOD, Catalase, GSH levels and by decreasing the formation of TBARS in diabetic rat sciatic nerves" (Link).

Here are some personal testimonies about wheatgrass: 

"I have now completed two months of oral wheatgrass extract to see if the wheatgrass would be beneficial to my Multiple Sclerosis... I am astounded by how much energy I now have. I started to notice the change after about 3.5 weeks of taking wheatgrass, and my energy levels continue to increase. I am truly amazed." 

"I am SO happy with the improvement in sensation, and my hair and nails look GREAT! My skin is still really sore but I have much hope that will change soon" (Link).  

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Is it Ethical to Raise Vegan Babies?

In May of 2017, a 7-month-old baby in Belgium tragically died as a result of the strict vegan diet his parents fed him (Link). In another instance in 2017, an 11 month-old baby died in France from a B12 deficiency (Link). The baby was breastfeeding, but the deficient vegan mother did not pass along any B12 to her baby through her breast milk.

These and other deaths have resulted in a lot of necessary debating over the merits of raising vegan babies. Of course, there are also those who have raised healthy vegan babies (Link). However, these successful families were more intentional about providing the baby with essential nutrients such as calcium, iron and B12. Fortified plant-based milk options as well as longer breastfeeding from a mother who isn't deficient in B12 are some helpful options.

"In addition to Vitamins B12 and D, vegetarian and vegan diets are at risk of deficiency in a few other key nutrients, including iron, zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids. To ensure that your baby gets enough of these key nutrients, you could give her a vitamin supplement, choose fortified cereals and juices, or look for plant-based alternatives" (Link).

Personally, if I had children, I would probably not choose to deprive them of free range eggs and / or free range cow's milk. However, I also understand that there are vegans who would never purchase any animal products. For the sake of their children, these parents must humble themselves and examine the risks and the necessary supplements to take for both themselves and their children.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Pig Minds Rockford Review - Vegan Nachos and Vanilla Beer

These vegan nachos are incredible. Spicy peppers, "meaty" textures and "cheesy" sauces mix in a perfect blend of mouth watering heat and savory crunch. Mix in the vanilla beer and you have a dynamite meal. Granted, it's probably not the healthiest food around. But, it is soul food. And it's vegan at that. So feel free to enjoy this combination with a crystal clear conscience.
5 stars all day!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Are McDonald's Hash Browns Vegan?


For Americans, McDonald's hash browns are not vegan, as they include beef flavoring (Link). For Canadians and Britons, beef flavoring is not included, and I can't find any other animal products in their ingredient list (Canadian Link) (British Link).

Hopefully, McDonald's in America will catch up with the rest of the world and remove the beef flavoring from their hash browns!

McDonald's American Hashbrown Ingredients: 

Ingredients: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Natural Beef Flavor [Wheat and Milk Derivatives]*, Citric Acid [Preservative]), Salt, Corn Flour, Dehydrated Potato, Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (Maintain Color), Extractives of Black Pepper. Prepared in vegetable oil: Canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil with TBHQ and citric acid added to preserve freshness. Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent.

McDonald's Canadian Hashbrown Ingredients:

Hashbrowns
potatoes
canola oil
hydrogenated soybean oil
safflower oil
natural flavor (vegetable source)
salt
dehydrated potato
vegetable monoglycerides
corn flour
dextrose
(Dextrose is a corn-based sugar that is about two-thirds as sweet as table sugar. Our French fry supplier, McCain Foods, uses a diluted dextrose solution on our fries to replace the natural sugars lost during the steam-blanching process and to create a uniform golden colour when they are cooked. The solution is 99.5% water and 0.5% dextrose. The actual amount of dextrose in the cooked fries is even less at 0.15%.)
sodium acid pyrophosphate
(Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, or SAPP as it’s often called, is used by our French fry supplier, McCain Foods, to help prevent our potatoes from turning grey – a natural process that occurs when a potato is cut. You may have noticed similar colour changes at home when potatoes or apples are cut and exposed to air.)
extractives of black pepper
citric acid
dimethylpolysiloxane
(Dimethylpolysiloxane is added to our vegetable oil in very small amounts for safety reasons. Its purpose is to prevent the oil from foaming and boiling over during cooking, which would be a serious safety risk to our crew. This ingredient can also be found in jams and jellies, soft drinks and sauces.)
cooked in vegetable oil
(INGREDIENTS:
canola oil
corn oil
soybean oil
hydrogenated soybean oil
citric acid
dimethylpolysiloxane)

Monday, October 22, 2012

Benefits of a Whole Foods, Vegan Diet


Below is an amazing testimonial of a woman who recovered from cancer on a mostly raw, fully vegan lifestile.
Many studies have proven the power of a whole foods, plant based diet. I feel a lot of people don't find success on a whole-foods, plant based diet because of extra restrictions they add on. For example, "low carb," "low fat," "no oils," "fully raw," etc. All of these rules are not necessary, since a whole foods plant based diet is already quite difficult in a world full of processed foods.

The following pyramid was created by "Doctors Beyond Medicine," and highlights a good diet plan for a healthy diet.

Dr. Elsworth Warham lived to be 104 and was a vegan for the vast majority of his life. He was an active heart surgeon and mowed his own grass until he was 100 years old. He promoted taking a B12 supplement.


Dr. T. Colin Campbell is a world famous scientist and author of "the China Study." He was born in 1934 and has been a vegan since 1990. In the following video he discusses the importance of a plant based diet in regards to overall human longevity.
In the following video, Dr. Dean Ornish discusses the positive effect a whole foods, plant based diet had on people fighting cancer.


Victoria Moran overcame many health problems and obesity by switching to a whole foods, plant based diet. In this video she provides some great insight as to beginning a plant based diet.
'

Jay Kordich, "the Father of Juicing," says he beat a tumor in his bladder through juicing.

The next video is an amazing story of how Sarah Ramos claims to have reversed multiple sclerosis symptoms on a plant-based diet, with the help of plant based Doctor Brooke Goldner. Incidentally, Dr. Goldner has an amazing story as well, as she says she recovered from lupus on a plant based diet. This is especially incredible since she was given only six months to live by her doctor.
While many people thrive as whole food vegans, some don't because of deficiencies or other problems, and eventually add animal products back into their diets. If experiencing deficiencies even after supplementing with B12, Omega 3 DHA and vitamin D, free range eggs and grass fed yogurt are a good place to start.

However, I'm personally convinced that a whole foods vegan diet is possibly the healthiest diet for most people, as long as it is supplemented with B12, Omega 3 DHA and Vitamin D. I believe that a plant-based diet has undeniable benefits. Whether you choose to go vegan or mostly vegan, you will definitely appreciate the results!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

B12 for Vegans - Sublingual, Patch, Spray or injections?

In his groundbreaking book called "the China Study," Dr. T. Colin Campbell says, "If you do not eat any animal products for three years or more, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consider taking a small B12 supplement on occasion, or going to the doctor annually to check your blood levels of B vitamins" (p. 232 the China Study).

Vitamin B12 plays a pivotal role in a person's nervous system and energy level. "B12 protects the nervous system. Without it, permanent damage can result (e.g., blindness, deafness, dementia). Fatigue, and tingling in the hands or feet, can be early signs of deficiency" (Link).

Cyanocobalamin vs. Methylcobalamin?

B12 supplements are available in either cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin form. Methylcobalamin is proven to be more natural and better absorbed by the body (Link). "In Japan and Great Britain, cyanocobalamin has been removed from the market while methylcobalamin is available" (Link).

"The B12 Patch" 

The B12 patch is effective because it completely bypasses the digestion tract and adds B12 directly into a person's bloodstream. I've noticed a significant increase in energy when using a B-12 patch, and I think the patch is the most reliable method of taking B-12. There are many different brands available on Amazon, and the average patch is applied once or twice a week (Link). David Rainoshek of "Juice Feasting" has talked about how the B12 Patch has proven effective for increasing B12 levels (Link). Kevin Gianni from Renegade Health also promotes this patch:
Vitamin B12 Patch (8 Patches)
Sublingual Tablets

Sublingual tablets dissolve under the tongue, which can increase absorption. "When a chemical comes in contact with the mucous membrane beneath the tongue, it diffuses through it. Because the connective tissue beneath the epithelium contains a profusion of capillaries, the substance then diffuses into them and enters the venous circulation" (Link).

"A study published in the Feb. 21, 2005 BioMed Central Family Practice, concluded that sublingual B12 was as effective as B12 injections and was more convenient to administer" (Link). Popular raw vegan author Paul Nison promotes the sublingual form of B12 (Link). Another author noted many health issues "which resolved immediately or shortly after taking B-12 shots or sublingual tablets" (Link). Many different brands are available on Amazon or even at your local health food store (Link).

Sublingual Spray

"Dr. Mercola's B12 Energy Booster" is a spray that uses "nano droplets", which are absorbed under the tongue. Dr. Mercola sells this product on his website (Link).

On her website, popular raw food author and speaker "Shazzie" says, "I think I've finally got on top of the panic attacks I used to have. That was probably due to being vegan long-term, a B12 deficiency, cured with sublingual spray. I'd always taken B12 but not sublingually, as I didn't realise the importance. I know better now" (Link).

Nutritional Yeast

"Juice Daddy" Jay Kordich has promoted Nutritional Yeast as a way to get vitamin B12. Nutritional Yeast is fortified with vitamin B12, yet it is also naturally rich in other B vitamins.



"Injections"

For those who have extreme deficiencies, monthly or weekly B12 injections may be needed. Injections are affordable and can be approved by a physician.


Traditional Pills

Most multivitamins include B-12. This is sufficient for many vegans. However, some people find that traditional pills are not absorbed as well when compared to sublingual B12 or B12 patches. (Link)


"Diet"

Many vegans say that a vegan diet naturally contains all essential vitamins, including B12, and therefore supplementation is not essential on a vegan diet. This is partially true, simply because B12 is usually added to popular vegan foods such as soy milk and cereal. Therefore, vegans who do not take supplements can still attain enough B12 from these enriched foods.

Other vegans choose to switch to a vegetarian diet (or a raw vegetarian diet), adding organic free range eggs and/or organic dairy into their diet (including raw eggs, raw milk and raw milk cheese).

For most adults, the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms per day (Link). For vitamin B12 rich foods, check out my other post Here!

In the below video, Natasha St. Michael details how a vegan diet left her B12 deficient. She said she was not properly absorbing B12 from the traditional supplement she was taking. So she is now eating animal products such as fish and eggs on a daily basis.

People who have trouble absorbing B12 from a typical pill might want to consider a sublingual pill or a B12 patch.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Best Raw Vegan Protein Powders

1) Garden of Life Raw Protein.:
Many protein powders are full of processed sugar, soy and dairy products. This protein powder is completely raw, vegan and USDA certified organic, using sprouts as its main source of protein. It has a mild nutty flavor to it, and blends well with almond milk and fruit smoothies. It can be found at food stores such as Whole Foods or Fruitful Yield. Or check it out on Amazon here: Link

2) Sunwarrior Raw Vegan Protein Powder:


Sunwarrior Protein Powder Natural -- 2.2 lbs
At 85% protein, SunWarrior Protein has the highest (non soy) raw whole grain sprouted vegan protein on the market. SunWarrior raw vegan protein powder combines sprouted endosperm and the bran from raw sprouted whole grain brown rice. To purchase on Amazon, Click Here.

Non-Raw Options - There are many vegan protein powders that come from rice, soy, peas, hemp, etc. Any of these are healthy options as long as they come from organic sources. 

When Traveling - Try adding some tofu, uncooked oats or crushed flax seed to your smoothie for some extra protein!