[Amit Bracha]

This is my first winter as vegan or vegitarian. I stoped the intake of meat last June and went full vegan in September. which is 6 months ago. Relatively fresh vegen.

Almost everything goes quite well. I lost weight (from 103 to currently 95),and I have much more energy then I ever had in recent years (my family would testify to that).

But.. since november I got the flu 4 times already (writing this post from bed). I think that every time it happened after an (in my standards) intense workout at the gym. I figure that I may be missing something nutritionally but a blood check I made in december shows no absence of B12 or other vitamin, only low blood sugar.

Some nasty viruses have been circulating here in Denmark this winter, but 4 times? I've never had the flu more then once pr. season.

Has anyone been experiencing such a thing in their first vegan year?

 

[David3]

This is my first winter as vegan or vegitarian. I stoped the intake of meat last June and went full vegan in September. which is 6 months ago. Relatively fresh vegen.

Almost everything goes quite well. I lost weight (from 103 to currently 95),and I have much more energy then I ever had in recent years (my family would testify to that).

But.. since november I got the flu 4 times already (writing this post from bed). I think that every time it happened after an (in my standards) intense workout at the gym. I figure that I may be missing something nutritionally but a blood check I made in december shows no absence of B12 or other vitamin, only low blood sugar.

Some nasty viruses have been circulating here in Denmark this winter, but 4 times? I've never had the flu more then once pr. season.

Has anyone been experiencing such a thing in their first vegan year?

I experienced something similar, but it happened after I'd already been vegan for 11 years. When it happened, I made an appointment with a Registered Dietitian. She had me keep a food diary for a week, in order to allow her to identify any nutritional deficiencies. Her conclusion? Lack of calories! I simply wasn't eating enough, and I didn't realize it. Our entire body, including our brain and immune system, is fueled by calories.

Can I ask your current height? 95 lbs. seems rather light. Is it possible that you, too, are not eating enough to maintain your immune system?

You might find it useful to make an appointment with a local Registered Dietitian who specializes in vegetarian/vegan nutrition. In Denmark, you can find a local RD through the Danish Diet and Nutrition Association: http://www.kost.dk . Or, your physician may be able to refer you to such a person.
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[Amit Bracha]

Can I ask your current height? 95 lbs. seems rather light. Is it possible that you, too, are not eating enough to maintain your immune system?

The weight lose I mentioned was in kilograms (from 103 to currently 95kg.) and my height in 183 cm. so I'm still concedered overweight if BMI can be taken as refference.
My immune system must be weakened somehow and I can't think of any apparent reason appart from switching to vegan diet, which I'm defenetly not going to give up, but I probably need to take up your suggestion and consult a diatry expert on this.
I'm planning on taking a vaccine next year because I don't want to gå through this ordeal again. That would be the first time in almost 20 years i've be getting one.

 

[David3]

The weight lose I mentioned was in kilograms (from 103 to currently 95kg.) and my height in 183 cm. so I'm still concedered overweight if BMI can be taken as refference.
My immune system must be weakened somehow and I can't think of any apparent reason appart from switching to vegan diet, which I'm defenetly not going to give up, but I probably need to take up your suggestion and consult a diatry expert on this.
I'm planning on taking a vaccine next year because I don't want to gå through this ordeal again. That would be the first time in almost 20 years i've be getting one.

Hi Amit,

Arg, sorry for my kg/lb mistake - we Americans are one of the few nations that refuse to adopt the SI metric system.

Yes, please consider having a dietitian review your diet.


Also, getting the flu 4 times in 1 year is very serious, as you know. The flu is potentially life-threatening! Please see your physician.

I get a flu shot every year.
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[Mr. H.]

I've been vegan for a long time and haven't gotten a flu shot (I know. I'm stupid AND lazy)
but I haven't had the flu yet this year. I think it has more to do with me not being around anyone who had the flu.

 

[Mojo]

Gyms = germs.
People sweat all over the equipment and even if they wipe it down afterwards, germs remain. Then you use it, and get infected by touching your face, eyes, mouth.