i keep getting sick, how can i get proper nutrients??

Question

ive been vegetarian for two years and gradually have become more and more fatigued, a little depressed and get sick a lot. i am sure i dont get enough nutrients. i tend to eat a lot of cheese, and basically live off soup. are there any suplements or specific veggies that will help me??

Answer 1

Speaking from experience....you need more B-12. I am a vegetarian and the first year I was getting sick all the time and felt lethargic constantly. My doctor gave me a vitamin B-12 shot and after that - no problems.

One of the major problems being a vegetarian and not eating any meat, is that it contains high levels of B-12, which we need to sustain our bodies. I would suggest either setting up an appointment with your doctor just to be sure that it isn't another underlying cause. Most likely you are just B deficient.

Answer 2

I would suggest a vitamin supplement like Centrum...a good vitamin that has all of the vitamins and minerals. I would also suggest that you find out which vegetables will help you get protein because that is something vegetarians tend to get deprived of. You need to do your research because you could end up anemic if you don't find the right balance of fruits and vegetables. Make sure you also get more zinc. Zinc is a mineral that helps you fight off illnesses like the common cold. You can buy lozenges over the counter now that come in different flavors...

I am assuming you are not too strict since you are eating cheese (dairy) so you are not vegan. Would you consider eating eggs? That would help you get protein. You need to have plenty of fiber too which you will find in green, leafy vegetables and things like oatmeal and bran cereals etc.

It sounds like you should definitely be checked for anemia. It can cause severe fatigue and weaken your immune system.

Answer 3

The problem is not because you're vegetarian, it's because you live off of cheese and soup (at least the way you described). This means you probably lack Vitamin C, several B vitamins, Vitamin E, protein, and DEFINITELY iron!

Cut back on cheese (not entirely unless you want to go vegan) and start eating lots of beans if you don't already. Eat some fresh fruits or veggies for vitamin C, preferably not cooked too much. Include some nuts as well.

Cheese has no iron in it, and unless your soups contain lots of beans, neither does it. I'm willing to bet 150% you're anemic and it's because you're not eating properly. You don't have to eat meat but you should eat properly and not starve yourself.

Answer 4

Vitamin B-12 and a protein shake! I've been a vegetarian my whole life and I don't get tired. I've also taken vitamins my whole life. A 25,000 I.U.(and no more!), B Complex, C 1000mg. at least more if you feel like you're getting sick, Calcium with magnesium 1000mg. a day, E 1000 I.U. Must take A, E, and Calcium with fat, they are fat soluble. Soup? Eat pastas, grains, and fruits and veggies. If you feel like you're getting sick take a couple of Echinacea pills and vitamin C and you won't get sick. I didn't get a cold for 8 yrs. and then I had one 2 yrs. ago, because I delayed action. I haven't had a flu in 21 yrs.

Answer 5

A mistake that many new vegaterians make is to just substitute cheese for meat. That will mess you up in a hurry. You also need to look into new foods. There are so many choices out there now that there's no reason to eat tons of cheese and soup.

In the short term, take some supplements and start teaching yourself how to cook.

Answer 6

First, try to keep the stress down to a minimum. I know it's hard but just step back and take a bread whenever needed. About the prenatal vit, I was the same way. I was already having morning sickness very badly and the vitamins made it worse. Just take Flinston Vitamins, that's what my doctor told me to do and it help alot, plus my baby got the extra stuff she needed. Good luck!

Answer 7

Lots of water and lots (LOTS!) of fresh, raw things.
The cheese could be partly to blame.
Living off of soup and cheese would make anyone sick.
Are you taking a multi-vitamin at least?
I'd get on a vegan multi and do a 3 to 5-day raw fruit & vegetable "fast" to detox from all the cheese and processed cooked stuff.

Answer 8

I am a vegetarian and something that gives me more energry is a tofu smoothie.

I don't know the exact proportions, so you can add according to taste:

1 banana
3-4 strawberries
honey
yogurt (1 serving, vanilla or any fruit flavored would work)
orange juice (about 1 cup)
silken tofu-amount can vary

Blend them all together.

I put alot of tofu in my smoothie and can barely taste it. I feel more energized and it's great for you complexion as well.

Enjoy!

Answer 9

Eat a variety of foods from the 4 major food groups every day:
Vegetables – packed with nutrients, they provide vitamin C, beta-carotene,
riboflavin, iron, calcium, fiber… Dark green leafy vegetables such as silver beet,
spinach, broccoli; Dark yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots, squash,
sweet potatoes and pumpkin for extra beta-carotene. (Get 5 servings per day) and Fruits – rich in fiber, vitamin C, and beta carotene. Choose whole fruit over fruit juices
to get the benefit of the fiber.

Breads, cereal foods, rice and other grains – includes bread, rice, pasta, hot or cold cereal, corn, millet, barley, cracked wheat and tacos. Grains are rich in fiber and other complex carbohydrates,
as well as protein, B vitamins and zinc.
Milks and dairy products, soya milk.
Protein foods, nuts, legumes, meat substitutes – includes chickpeas, beans, peas, lentils, tofu, tempeh, TVP. These are all good sources of fiber, protein, iron, calcium, zinc and B vitamins.

Prepare meals with minimal added fat and salt, and especially avoid saturated fat.

Look for pre-prepared foods, drinks and snacks that are low in fat, salt and sugar.

Maintain a healthy body weight by regular physical activity and by healthy eating.

Drink plenty of water each day.

Answer 10

I would be feeling sick too eating like that. You need whole grains, fruit, pulses, dark leafy greens etc. Check out the Vegetarian food pyramid.