I've been plant-based for just about 6 years now and I have found that at 72 I'm in better shape and feel better than when I was 62. I'm off all my medications and have lost about 25 lb . Moreover I fell in love with cooking as the food I make has much more taste. It's been a great road to travel
Oxalates, plants trying to kill you Carnivore omad walking fasting ice bading zeolith heals cdl dmso borax sun d3 Never ever take the clot shot. No seed oils processed food sugar and carbs All pharma products are rat poison Vegan cult eating disorder slow suicidal
My first time watching one of your videos. Just wanted to say it's nice to see a plant based doc I haven't seen before. I have been wfpb for 7 years. I was prediabetic, hypertensive, gerd, ulcers, and obese. From 280 to 150 and all ailments are gone. This really does work. Keep telling this truth it saved my life. God bless!
Thank you Dr Marbas. I've noticed how people addicted to processed food (salty, sugary, fatty) become angry and aggressive and often behave badly because they can't control their behaviour, they need their fix and this trumps politeness, loyalty, good manners, etc. and makes them overly stressed. They also don't like their bodies, take less care of their personal appearance, etc. This also leads to jealousy towards those who are slim and I've had to drop two friends because of their unpleasant comments about my slim healthy body and their attempts to undermine me. It may sound harsh but I'm better off without them, I don't want to be dragged back down after 4 years of being happy and plant-based. I feel sorry for them but the willingness to change must come from them and they refuse to accept even the most light-hearted tip or advice about improving their health, even when their own doctor has told them they should become plant-based to avoid serious illness
I have found you just have to accept people where they are. You do not have to react but be present and an example. Then go on about your life. That is all we can do. People will respond when they are ready.
Thanks for this. I have been doing WFPB for a while now. 40 yo. Labs perfect. Never felt a better relationship with food in my whole life. Then u hear voices on the internet saying you cant get real protein or other nutrition from plants. I think your tip on eating enough is the most important. When you eat mostly plants you have to really put down a lot of food. Its actually really awesome and heals overeating tendencies and cravings. I also have my iron checked regularly, my hemoglobin is always 14. Even plant based.
Thank you for this episode. I’ve been almost completely whole food plant based for over 2.5 years, feel well, lost weight, added in more nuts, avocados and tiny amount of olive oil when slim ideal weight was reached. When I am a lunch guest in a friend’s home, I eat whatever is served, choose a very minimal amount of animal based food (or none if it’s meat) and load up the rest of the plate with grains, vegetables etc. If the hosts prepare the plates, I ask for just a bite or two of the animal food. It is an infrequent event, creates no fuss or anxiety for the hosts, and constitutes a tiny fraction of my diet, as the rest of the time I prepare my well planned meals from scratch with high quality ingredients.
Anyone inviting me for lunch, etc. knows I'm vegan so I don't eat ANY animal products or food containing oil, I bring my own or a gorgeous fruit/salad platter for everyone to share, I feel under no pressure to eat what I don't want. and as a grown-up I don't see why you should either, unless you want to eat some animal products, just don't. Your host would respect someone with allergies so you can always say, "Doctor's orders" and refuse food you don't want to eat. I've found no problems at all, you may be overworrying about this. You don't have to please people, be polite but firm and offer alternatives
You do not need to feel compelled to eat animal products if you do not want to. You feed your body with foods that nourish YOUR body not to cater to someone's ego. I know this seems impolite but honestly most do not become offended. If they do it is their issue and not yours.
Just started a plant based diet about 4 months ago along with my sister and our 86 year-old mother, who have been plant-based for over a year now; my sister and I are 62 and 64 respectively. I appreciate your logical and measured approach to transitioning from carnivore to plant-based nutrition. Three challenges for me: spicy cheeses, organically raised chicken eggs, and Gorgonzola cheese and bone broth from organically raised chickens and fish. These three foods warm me and comfort me in both because they're easily incorporated into other dishes and in the case of eggs make superior texture, etc. in baked goods, their flavors and texture, in the case of cheese, and sustained energy they have supplied me with for many years now. Any suggestions for replacing or just learning to live without eggs, cheese, bone broth?
Question, why did you start a plant based diet? Second, you cannot think of foods as substitutions but rather this is a different lifestyle. There are many plant based foods that are warming, sustaining, and healthier alternatives than the foods you listed. Vegetable broth rather than bone broth. You can bake foods without eggs that are incredible recipes online. Cheese is another story but avoidance of it can be hard in the beginning. You can first try some vegan transitional cheeses but these are not healthy either but will help move you towards more plant based. Again the longer you go without them the less pull you will have to eat them.
Hi Dr. Marbas. I’m fairly new to this plant base whole food way of eating. I’ve been following you, Chef AJ, Dr Lyle, Dr Barnard, and the Esselstyn family around the clock to learn as much as I can. I appreciate you guys offering education on You Tube for those of us on a tight budget. I’ve had a stroke, have IBS, fatty liver, obesity, aorta atherosclerosis, CKD, hypothyroidism, and new this year lipedema (affecting my arms and legs). Will this way of eating help with those things? Also I need to lose around 80lbs. Should I not have potatoes? I’ve been eating lots of greens (raw salads & cooked kale & collards, Brussels sprouts ect); usually have a baked potato, sweet potato or brown rice with lunch and dinner. I don’t eat breakfast as I’ve never been big on it. I only drink water. I have cut out dairy, sugar, flour, animal products, and oil. I do have a little salt & pepper on my baked potato though. Will the grain or potato with each meal hinder my weight loss? Can I reverse these certain diseases with this lifestyle change or have I waited too late? Thank you Dr. Marbas. Thank you so much. Also I walk 30 minutes daily.
Hi there, and thank you so much for your kind words and for reaching out! First, I want to applaud your commitment to learning and adopting a plant-based, whole-food way of eating-you're making an incredible investment in your health, and it's never too late to see positive changes. Addressing Your Health Concerns A plant-based, whole-food diet has been shown to help with many of the conditions you mentioned, and it can absolutely aid in weight loss and overall health improvement. Here's how it can support specific issues: Obesity and Weight Loss: By focusing on nutrient-dense, calorie-light foods like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, you'll naturally reduce your calorie intake while feeling full. Potatoes and whole grains like brown rice can be part of your meals-they are not inherently a hindrance to weight loss. However, portion control and prioritizing non-starchy vegetables can help accelerate weight loss if that's a key focus for you. Cardiovascular Health (Stroke, Aortic Atherosclerosis, CKD): A whole-food, plant-based diet can lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, and reduce inflammation, all of which are beneficial for your heart and vascular system. Studies suggest it may also slow the progression of CKD by reducing the burden on your kidneys. Fatty Liver: This diet is excellent for reversing fatty liver disease. Cutting out animal products, processed foods, and oils while emphasizing greens, cruciferous vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce liver fat and inflammation. IBS: Many people with IBS find relief by increasing soluble fiber (from foods like oats, sweet potatoes, and legumes) while introducing insoluble fiber gradually. You’re already eating lots of greens and cooked vegetables, which is great. Listen to your body, as some high-fiber foods might need to be adjusted. Lipedema: While the research on lipedema and diet is still emerging, reducing inflammation through a plant-based lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate some symptoms. Hypothyroidism: While diet alone can't reverse hypothyroidism, a plant-based diet rich in iodine (found in sea vegetables like nori), selenium (from Brazil nuts), and zinc can support thyroid function alongside any prescribed medications. Potatoes and Weight Loss Potatoes and sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense and can absolutely fit into a weight-loss plan. They provide fiber, vitamins, and satiety. However, if you find your weight loss slowing, consider experimenting with slightly smaller portions of starches and increasing your intake of non-starchy vegetables like greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini. Meal Timing Skipping breakfast is fine if it works for you, as long as you're meeting your nutritional needs throughout the day. Some people find intermittent fasting (like skipping breakfast) helpful for weight loss and overall health. Salt and Weight Loss A small amount of salt and pepper on your potatoes is not a major concern, especially since you're cutting out processed foods, which are typically the main source of excessive sodium in the diet. Can You Reverse These Conditions? While every individual is different, a plant-based, whole-food lifestyle has helped many people reverse or dramatically improve conditions like fatty liver, obesity, atherosclerosis, and even some forms of kidney disease. The body's ability to heal and improve is remarkable, even after years of poor health. Your commitment to walking 30 minutes daily is also a powerful addition to your routine. A Few Practical Tips Track Progress: Monitor your weight and symptoms weekly. Consider working with a plant-based healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized advice. Focus on Diversity: Keep eating a wide variety of plant-based foods to maximize nutrient intake. Stay Hydrated: You're already drinking water-great job! Continue to stay well-hydrated. Final Thoughts You’re on an incredible journey, and I believe this lifestyle can bring about significant improvements to your health. Stay consistent, be patient with yourself, and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. I’d love to hear how you’re doing as you progress, so feel free to check back in!
@ It took me a few days to respond to your reply to my question regarding my health, because I am so overwhelmed with gratitude on you taking the time to respond and in a way that I can understand it. You have no idea what it means to me and all of your other followers I’m sure that you take the time to educate us on improving our health in this way rather then throwing another medication at us. I am definitely going to give this a few months then I’ll reach back out and give you some updates. I am very optimistic about this. I lost faith in the medical system but for some reason I believe in what you are doing so I’m gonna give it my all and try to turn my health around. Thank you so very much. You are doing great things and I hope that I am one of your success stories.
Please spread awareness of IODINE deficiency / thyroid insufficiency. If you restrict salt in your diet or use the gourmet salts such as Himalayan in your cooking, it is easy to skip regular iodized salt without even thinking about it.Physicians are quick to prescribe thyroid hormones (for the rest of your life) without even checking patient iodine levels. Believe it or not, seaweed snacks are not “fishy tasting and are quite good but you can also take an iodine supplement or just use iodized salt regularly. Personally I am dealing with high cholesterol so also am trying B3 for that as I have no other risk factors and am trying to work out this puzzle.
Thank you Dr Laurie. Especially for sharing about your low vitamin D even though you spend time outdoors. I have just found out that I am the same and it appears to be getting worse as I age. I thought I was unusual. I will increased my vitamin D supplements and see if it makes a difference. Just another thing, do you think the active B12 (Methylcobalamin) is better to take than the inactive (Cyanocobalamin). I just had some blood work done, my overall B12 was too high but I am showing some signs of not enough. My doctor is very good but he himself isn’t whole plant based and doesn’t get many whole plant based patients.
I was diagnosed with gout a couple of months ago and that gave me the push I needed. I had been thinking about a plant-based diet for a few years and it’s been working great I wish I would’ve done it years ago. I was wondering when it comes to omega 3 would this be high in purines or how can I find this out? I was just given one sheet of paper from the doctors office and I have had a struggle. I’m learning more and more but it’s been hard on my own. I just ran across your video this morning and I am so happy I found you! I did subscribe thank you.
Found this article , can't confirm the truthness so check for various resources, ( Search for brendadavisrd plant-based-diets-and-gout ) Seems like plant based foods are generally low in purine including omega 3 sources ofcourse.
Question: I'm on a Folbic (B12) prescription shot monthly due to an autoimmune issue causing pernicious anemia. Does that cover the daily supplementation? Or do I also need daily supplementation after going plant based? Thanks
Hi Doctor Marbas, I have just found this video while I was looking for more info about plant-based diet. So, thank you for helping people like me. I have diagnosed LUPUS in April 2023. My life changed overnight. I started veggie diet. I had no idea about plant-based diet. Then I have learnt about green smoothie a month ago. I stopped taking Omeprazole. I am losing weight gradually. My A1c level goes down. My problem is I am getting acidity, bloating. It starts early evening. It is very uncomfortable. But I feel better with Omeprazole. Should I have to take omeprazole while I am on green smoothie on my diet?
Hi, you should speak to your doctor but typically you do not want to stop omeprazole or other PPIs immediately. You can get rebound GERD symptoms. So slowly wean off, cutting the dose in half every 1-2 weeks.
I need advice. I am at high risk for breast cancer. (26% lifetime risk.) My Oncologist wants to put me on Tamoxifen for prevention. When I mentioned that I'm transitioning to a plant based diet, she wasn't encouraging. Do you have any advice? I don't want to go on medication if I don't have to. And I'm not sure if the Oncologist is up to date on healthful eating if she was not full force saying plant-based diets are good... Thanks for any advice!
Most Drs have zero knowledge on nutrition.. they literally get 1 days training in it. Try to speak to a nutritionist or a Dr that has a good nutrition back ground.
Hi, going on a plant based will certainly be helpful to your overall health and including decreasing breast cancer risks. Again, each person has to weigh the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. I would encourage you to seek an integrative oncologist even if it was telemedicine to speak to them about your specific situation.
My mother was on that and I will never take it. I watched her go thru hell. It’s up to you, but try to find a doctor that understands plant based diets or alternative medicine. Thank goodness our new family doctor is plant based.
It doesn't hurt to include or increase your flaxseed consumption, the whole seed or lightly ground up. The seed should be in raw form, not baked or roasted. The lignin in its husk is known to be beneficial in curbing cancer formation or action.
A lot of vegans eat to many simple carbohydrate carbs (white flour, sugar, etc) to grab quick calories, thus female vegans have higher breast cancer risk. So research this - if your calorie count is otherwise sufficient, it’s easier to stay on track 😉
Just started watching your videos and they are wonderful. I have a few questions...I am 56 yr old female, had a heart attack 6 months ago. Started wfpb diet a couple months ago and wondering how much vitamin D to take and how much omega 3? Currently taking 1000mcg vitamin B12 daily. Thanks so much.
Wow! I am so happy you found the "greener path"! I would suggest measuring your vitamin D. You want to keep it above 30 but less than 100. Most people can do this on a daily 2000 IU supplement. I do recommend 250-550 mg of algae omega 3s. Also B12 1000 mcg daily is probably pretty good. Just get it measured if too high you can cut it down. I would suggest keeping the levels between 500-1100 on the B12 labs.
Thank you Dr Marbas. I have been on wfpb diet for almost 2 years. I love eating this way and feel good. However, since changing my diet, my triglycerides have shot up from 104 to 306. I don't eat vegan junk food. I dont use any oils and try to keep salt and sugar low. I'm 55 and not overweight. Not sure why that would happen. Any explaination or suggestions?
Make sure that the lipid panel was fasting. Dried fruits, fruit juices, and flour products can also increase this. Menopause can also play havoc on our lipid panel.
Thank you for your response. Yes, it was a fasting lipid panel. I don't eat dried fruit or drink juice. I have cut my breads and pastas. I am not overweight and I exercise. If it is just menopause that is causing it why did it shoot up when I went plant based. I understood that it would improve my lipid panel.
It is odd that your TG have shot up that high, given your circumstances that you have described. Maybe it was a bad reading! If your A1C, lipid panel, and blood pressure are normal, you shouldn't be in danger. But you still need to figure out why it is so high.
Hi Dr. Laurie! I have a question from a person video. You were talking about plant sterols not being recommended any longer. Does that mean the ones that are added to Benecol, oatmeal and granola bars? Does it also mean the ones naturally occuring in nuts, seeds and legumes?
Even though I eat like a horse, after just 6 weeks on the plant based diet I felt gaunt so have to supplement 1 bison steak every third day. My protein count was low despite 1 cup of beans/day.
Hi, I am no doctor and have been on a whole plant based diet for 3 years now. However I am a runner (64yo) and did my first 80 km ultra marathon two years ago on this diet. I have found out for myself that when I have an insatiable appetite it usually means I am lacking some nutrient that my body needs. It normally turns out to be a mineral. As a runner I train most days and sweat a lot. In my experience protein doesn’t seem to be the culprit. Try experiment with a complete mineral supplement before diving into the steak.
It's shocking how people never get taken off drugs even if their health improves drastically on improved diet. Is it pressure from the drug industry or just ignorance by doctors?
I dont know maybe its just me but I am having a very very hard time getting enough protein being WFPB. To the point that I stopped eating this way and of course gained weight, inflammation, and I felt like crap. So I went back to WFPB because I felt like crap and I just knew it was the way I needed to live. However, I am now back to not getting enough protein. The problem I have is I watch a lot of videos like yours and what they tell me is that I need to eat more calories and protein which I already know but I am not really gaining the knowledge on how to do that. Like you said to eat one gram of protein per kg of body weight or something like that. Ok. But how do I do that? How do I get that amount of protein into my daily diet? I do eat beans, lentils, some tofu etc. But there is not enough protein in those foods unless I eat a lot. I can not eat huge meals. My stomach gets bloated and is very uncomfortable. After two years WFPB I realized that I need to pay attention to my hunger/full cues and stop when I am getting full and I feel much better eating this way. My stomach doesnt feell like I just ate Thanksgiving dinner AND it helps me mentally too because I feel better about myself. My stomach isnt huge and I dont feel over weight. I am not sure if people realize that someones mental health can suffer when you look pregnant all day long because of food. So by me Intermittent fasting 16/8 and basically eating 2 meals, a protein shake, and a nice snack as my last food that I consume for the day there is no way I am eating enough protein. Add into that I am 56, strength train, and have osteopenia and I am overwhelmed and stressed out about this. For the amount I work out I should have way more muscle tone than I do. How do I get enough protein with the way I eat? I finally feel good physically and emotionally by the way I eat right now and I feel kind of defeated because there is no way I am getting my daily protein. No I have not counted macros because that is very time consuming and My fitness pal confuses me. I have IBS and I do have a gastro but she is no help. If I need a colonoscopy or I have a disease then yes she is good. To help my bloat and what not no she is not. Anyway, if you have any advice on how to get enough protein in with me not stuffing myself please let me know. Very very sorry this is so long but as you can tell I have been trying to figure this out without much luck.
I am right there with you, iam a middle age woman too. I can not get enough protein without eating too many calories and then i gain weight. I too have low protein that came up in my blood work and thinking that i need to start adding meat again. It is very frustrating because i want to be WFPB but i cant get enough protein with out having an abundance of calories. So is it better to have good protein levels or weight more and low protein levels?
@@ce3987 Its very frustrating isnt it? I really like how I eat right now-not too much but for me its enough. So I really wish protein wasnt such a big deal lol 😀 For me I can not go back to eating meat. I tried that and gained a lot of weight and my joints ached. I was to the point of asking my doctor for Rheumatoid arthritis labs but once I went back to eating WFPB my joint pain went away. Like its gone. I was literally feeling like I was 90 years old and I was very concerned about it. Now dont get me wrong it wasnt just meat that made me feel like crap. It was also sugar and bad carbs etc. Eating WFPB keeps me in control. By that I mean I over eat when I dont eat WFPB. Like if I was eating a chicken thigh I dont want just one. I want 2-3. That type of thing. Where even though I was still overeating plant based it was way easier for me to pay attention to that and stop when I felt satisfied. I have come so far and I am very happy where I am right now except for the protein situation. I feel so amazing right now that I can never stop eating plant based, I just wish I didnt have to worry about the amount of protein I should get daily.
@@ce3987 interesting. Can I ask what “low” was? I have never heard of someone especially (assuming) not in a third world country being protein deficient.
Since going plant based by left side is weak and my left foot has lost muscle could this be diet related? I have had MRI from my head to the bottom of my spine and doctors do not know what has caused this?
Mcdougall and all the interviews chef aj does-everyone was saying starch and veggies -thrown in some beans -if you like them but No need if you don’t and chef aj is allergic she says -as a 5’2 102 lb 48 year old mom -I would have to eat a ton of beans and soy -which I have concerns about ….so there’s No way I’m getting 1g per body weight . I hate the idea of eating animals bc I’m scared of all of you saying it causes cancer and diabetes -but having 3oz of chicken or wild fish or eggs makes it much easier without all the bloating to get protein ! This is very confusing and frustrating. Mcdougalls says potatoes and rice and sugar
For a 102 pound female to get 1 gram of protein per kg (not pound) would be 46 grams per day. 1 cup of soy milk is 7-8 grams of protein, 1 cup of beans on average 14-15 grams, and so not too hard to get the adequate amount of protein
There can be few like if one doesn't get them from pesticides free farm or home grown but it's not the plant itself. Not dealing properly with "Anti nutrients" (if underlying healthy issues or otherwise ) and not having a well planned balanced diet can be problematic though along with not getting missing nutrients through supplementation (depends on where you live, like in some countries expensive or plant products not available ).
Thank you Dr. Marbas. Do you recommend a good Vegan Multi-Vitamin for a 59 yr old female? Ive been Vegan for 3months+, lost 26 lbs, seen many positive changes. My dairy palette has been a challenge, but Im getting used to my Ripple new one☺. Im going to make an appt. with my Dr. to have her check for any deficiencies. Im hoping to stop taking my blood pressure medicine one day, as for me, is the weight issue. Greetings from Northern California🙋♀️
I've been plant-based for just about 6 years now and I have found that at 72 I'm in better shape and feel better than when I was 62. I'm off all my medications and have lost about 25 lb . Moreover I fell in love with cooking as the food I make has much more taste. It's been a great road to travel
Your story is almost exactly like mine! Congratulations.
Thanks for sharing!!
Awesome!
You encourage us ❗ thank you
Oxalates, plants trying to kill you
Carnivore omad walking fasting ice bading zeolith heals cdl dmso borax sun d3
Never ever take the clot shot. No seed oils processed food sugar and carbs
All pharma products are rat poison
Vegan cult eating disorder slow suicidal
My first time watching one of your videos. Just wanted to say it's nice to see a plant based doc I haven't seen before. I have been wfpb for 7 years. I was prediabetic, hypertensive, gerd, ulcers, and obese. From 280 to 150 and all ailments are gone. This really does work. Keep telling this truth it saved my life. God bless!
Awesome! Thank you!
As an animal lover, and vegan for the animals, I appreciate you honouring and mentioning the animals 😊 🌱
You are so welcome!
Thank you Dr Marbas. I've noticed how people addicted to processed food (salty, sugary, fatty) become angry and aggressive and often behave badly because they can't control their behaviour, they need their fix and this trumps politeness, loyalty, good manners, etc. and makes them overly stressed. They also don't like their bodies, take less care of their personal appearance, etc. This also leads to jealousy towards those who are slim and I've had to drop two friends because of their unpleasant comments about my slim healthy body and their attempts to undermine me. It may sound harsh but I'm better off without them, I don't want to be dragged back down after 4 years of being happy and plant-based. I feel sorry for them but the willingness to change must come from them and they refuse to accept even the most light-hearted tip or advice about improving their health, even when their own doctor has told them they should become plant-based to avoid serious illness
I have found you just have to accept people where they are. You do not have to react but be present and an example. Then go on about your life. That is all we can do. People will respond when they are ready.
And you posted this for what reason??? No answer necessary
Thank you as always. This is a great perspective to plant based living. The pros certainly outweigh the cons in all aspects as far as I am concerned.
Agree 100%!
Thanks for this. I have been doing WFPB for a while now. 40 yo. Labs perfect. Never felt a better relationship with food in my whole life. Then u hear voices on the internet saying you cant get real protein or other nutrition from plants. I think your tip on eating enough is the most important. When you eat mostly plants you have to really put down a lot of food. Its actually really awesome and heals overeating tendencies and cravings. I also have my iron checked regularly, my hemoglobin is always 14. Even plant based.
Sounds like you got it down!
Excellent. Thanks
You are welcome!
Thank you, Dr, for this very informative video.
You are very welcome
Thank you for this episode. I’ve been almost completely whole food plant based for over 2.5 years, feel well, lost weight, added in more nuts, avocados and tiny amount of olive oil when slim ideal weight was reached. When I am a lunch guest in a friend’s home, I eat whatever is served, choose a very minimal amount of animal based food (or none if it’s meat) and load up the rest of the plate with grains, vegetables etc. If the hosts prepare the plates, I ask for just a bite or two of the animal food. It is an infrequent event, creates no fuss or anxiety for the hosts, and constitutes a tiny fraction of my diet, as the rest of the time I prepare my well planned meals from scratch with high quality ingredients.
Anyone inviting me for lunch, etc. knows I'm vegan so I don't eat ANY animal products or food containing oil, I bring my own or a gorgeous fruit/salad platter for everyone to share, I feel under no pressure to eat what I don't want. and as a grown-up I don't see why you should either, unless you want to eat some animal products, just don't. Your host would respect someone with allergies so you can always say, "Doctor's orders" and refuse food you don't want to eat. I've found no problems at all, you may be overworrying about this. You don't have to please people, be polite but firm and offer alternatives
You do not need to feel compelled to eat animal products if you do not want to. You feed your body with foods that nourish YOUR body not to cater to someone's ego. I know this seems impolite but honestly most do not become offended. If they do it is their issue and not yours.
That sounds like a nice balance!
THank you Dr Marbas
You are welcome!
Just started a plant based diet about 4 months ago along with my sister and our 86 year-old mother, who have been plant-based for over a year now; my sister and I are 62 and 64 respectively. I appreciate your logical and measured approach to transitioning from carnivore to plant-based nutrition. Three challenges for me: spicy cheeses, organically raised chicken eggs, and Gorgonzola cheese and bone broth from organically raised chickens and fish. These three foods warm me and comfort me in both because they're easily incorporated into other dishes and in the case of eggs make superior texture, etc. in baked goods, their flavors and texture, in the case of cheese, and sustained energy they have supplied me with for many years now. Any suggestions for replacing or just learning to live without eggs, cheese, bone broth?
Question, why did you start a plant based diet? Second, you cannot think of foods as substitutions but rather this is a different lifestyle. There are many plant based foods that are warming, sustaining, and healthier alternatives than the foods you listed. Vegetable broth rather than bone broth. You can bake foods without eggs that are incredible recipes online. Cheese is another story but avoidance of it can be hard in the beginning. You can first try some vegan transitional cheeses but these are not healthy either but will help move you towards more plant based. Again the longer you go without them the less pull you will have to eat them.
Hi Dr. Marbas. I’m fairly new to this plant base whole food way of eating. I’ve been following you, Chef AJ, Dr Lyle, Dr Barnard, and the Esselstyn family around the clock to learn as much as I can. I appreciate you guys offering education on You Tube for those of us on a tight budget. I’ve had a stroke, have IBS, fatty liver, obesity, aorta atherosclerosis, CKD, hypothyroidism, and new this year lipedema (affecting my arms and legs). Will this way of eating help with those things? Also I need to lose around 80lbs. Should I not have potatoes? I’ve been eating lots of greens (raw salads & cooked kale & collards, Brussels sprouts ect); usually have a baked potato, sweet potato or brown rice with lunch and dinner. I don’t eat breakfast as I’ve never been big on it. I only drink water. I have cut out dairy, sugar, flour, animal products, and oil. I do have a little salt & pepper on my baked potato though. Will the grain or potato with each meal hinder my weight loss? Can I reverse these certain diseases with this lifestyle change or have I waited too late? Thank you Dr. Marbas. Thank you so much. Also I walk 30 minutes daily.
Hi there, and thank you so much for your kind words and for reaching out! First, I want to applaud your commitment to learning and adopting a plant-based, whole-food way of eating-you're making an incredible investment in your health, and it's never too late to see positive changes.
Addressing Your Health Concerns
A plant-based, whole-food diet has been shown to help with many of the conditions you mentioned, and it can absolutely aid in weight loss and overall health improvement. Here's how it can support specific issues:
Obesity and Weight Loss: By focusing on nutrient-dense, calorie-light foods like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, you'll naturally reduce your calorie intake while feeling full. Potatoes and whole grains like brown rice can be part of your meals-they are not inherently a hindrance to weight loss. However, portion control and prioritizing non-starchy vegetables can help accelerate weight loss if that's a key focus for you.
Cardiovascular Health (Stroke, Aortic Atherosclerosis, CKD): A whole-food, plant-based diet can lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, and reduce inflammation, all of which are beneficial for your heart and vascular system. Studies suggest it may also slow the progression of CKD by reducing the burden on your kidneys.
Fatty Liver: This diet is excellent for reversing fatty liver disease. Cutting out animal products, processed foods, and oils while emphasizing greens, cruciferous vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce liver fat and inflammation.
IBS: Many people with IBS find relief by increasing soluble fiber (from foods like oats, sweet potatoes, and legumes) while introducing insoluble fiber gradually. You’re already eating lots of greens and cooked vegetables, which is great. Listen to your body, as some high-fiber foods might need to be adjusted.
Lipedema: While the research on lipedema and diet is still emerging, reducing inflammation through a plant-based lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate some symptoms.
Hypothyroidism: While diet alone can't reverse hypothyroidism, a plant-based diet rich in iodine (found in sea vegetables like nori), selenium (from Brazil nuts), and zinc can support thyroid function alongside any prescribed medications.
Potatoes and Weight Loss
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense and can absolutely fit into a weight-loss plan. They provide fiber, vitamins, and satiety. However, if you find your weight loss slowing, consider experimenting with slightly smaller portions of starches and increasing your intake of non-starchy vegetables like greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini.
Meal Timing
Skipping breakfast is fine if it works for you, as long as you're meeting your nutritional needs throughout the day. Some people find intermittent fasting (like skipping breakfast) helpful for weight loss and overall health.
Salt and Weight Loss
A small amount of salt and pepper on your potatoes is not a major concern, especially since you're cutting out processed foods, which are typically the main source of excessive sodium in the diet.
Can You Reverse These Conditions?
While every individual is different, a plant-based, whole-food lifestyle has helped many people reverse or dramatically improve conditions like fatty liver, obesity, atherosclerosis, and even some forms of kidney disease. The body's ability to heal and improve is remarkable, even after years of poor health. Your commitment to walking 30 minutes daily is also a powerful addition to your routine.
A Few Practical Tips
Track Progress: Monitor your weight and symptoms weekly. Consider working with a plant-based healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized advice.
Focus on Diversity: Keep eating a wide variety of plant-based foods to maximize nutrient intake.
Stay Hydrated: You're already drinking water-great job! Continue to stay well-hydrated.
Final Thoughts
You’re on an incredible journey, and I believe this lifestyle can bring about significant improvements to your health. Stay consistent, be patient with yourself, and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. I’d love to hear how you’re doing as you progress, so feel free to check back in!
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It took me a few days to respond to your reply to my question regarding my health, because I am so overwhelmed with gratitude on you taking the time to respond and in a way that I can understand it. You have no idea what it means to me and all of your other followers I’m sure that you take the time to educate us on improving our health in this way rather then throwing another medication at us. I am definitely going to give this a few months then I’ll reach back out and give you some updates. I am very optimistic about this. I lost faith in the medical system but for some reason I believe in what you are doing so I’m gonna give it my all and try to turn my health around. Thank you so very much. You are doing great things and I hope that I am one of your success stories.
Please spread awareness of IODINE deficiency / thyroid insufficiency. If you restrict salt in your diet or use the gourmet salts such as Himalayan in your cooking, it is easy to skip regular iodized salt without even thinking about it.Physicians are quick to prescribe thyroid hormones (for the rest of your life) without even checking patient iodine levels. Believe it or not, seaweed snacks are not “fishy tasting and are quite good but you can also take an iodine supplement or just use iodized salt regularly. Personally I am dealing with high cholesterol so also am trying B3 for that as I have no other risk factors and am trying to work out this puzzle.
Good point
Thank you Dr Laurie. Especially for sharing about your low vitamin D even though you spend time outdoors. I have just found out that I am the same and it appears to be getting worse as I age. I thought I was unusual. I will increased my vitamin D supplements and see if it makes a difference.
Just another thing, do you think the active B12 (Methylcobalamin) is better to take than the inactive (Cyanocobalamin).
I just had some blood work done, my overall B12 was too high but I am showing some signs of not enough. My doctor is very good but he himself isn’t whole plant based and doesn’t get many whole plant based patients.
I take cyanocobalamin myself and recommend that to my patients.
I was diagnosed with gout a couple of months ago and that gave me the push I needed. I had been thinking about a plant-based diet for a few years and it’s been working great I wish I would’ve done it years ago. I was wondering when it comes to omega 3 would this be high in purines or how can I find this out? I was just given one sheet of paper from the doctors office and I have had a struggle. I’m learning more and more but it’s been hard on my own. I just ran across your video this morning and I am so happy I found you! I did subscribe thank you.
Found this article , can't confirm the truthness so check for various resources,
( Search for brendadavisrd plant-based-diets-and-gout )
Seems like plant based foods are generally low in purine including omega 3 sources ofcourse.
Thanks for subscribing. You can consume algae omega 3 supplements and be fine. They are a great anti-inflammatory plus good for the brain!
Thank you Dr. Marbas for this valuable conversation. Do you consult with Canadians?
Absolutely
Question: I'm on a Folbic (B12) prescription shot monthly due to an autoimmune issue causing pernicious anemia. Does that cover the daily supplementation? Or do I also need daily supplementation after going plant based? Thanks
That would cover it.
Hi Doctor Marbas, I have just found this video while I was looking for more info about plant-based diet. So, thank you for helping people like me. I have diagnosed LUPUS in April 2023. My life changed overnight. I started veggie diet. I had no idea about plant-based diet. Then I have learnt about green smoothie a month ago. I stopped taking Omeprazole. I am losing weight gradually. My A1c level goes down. My problem is I am getting acidity, bloating. It starts early evening. It is very uncomfortable. But I feel better with Omeprazole. Should I have to take omeprazole while I am on green smoothie on my diet?
Hi, you should speak to your doctor but typically you do not want to stop omeprazole or other PPIs immediately. You can get rebound GERD symptoms. So slowly wean off, cutting the dose in half every 1-2 weeks.
Thank you. Another pro - $$ savings from less or no prescription medication as you don't need it anymore.
Absolutely!
Dr. Marbas, would flax be an OK omega replacement to take everyday?
You could measure your omega check and see if you are above 5. If not I would supplement.
I need advice. I am at high risk for breast cancer. (26% lifetime risk.) My Oncologist wants to put me on Tamoxifen for prevention. When I mentioned that I'm transitioning to a plant based diet, she wasn't encouraging. Do you have any advice? I don't want to go on medication if I don't have to. And I'm not sure if the Oncologist is up to date on healthful eating if she was not full force saying plant-based diets are good... Thanks for any advice!
Most Drs have zero knowledge on nutrition.. they literally get 1 days training in it. Try to speak to a nutritionist or a Dr that has a good nutrition back ground.
Hi, going on a plant based will certainly be helpful to your overall health and including decreasing breast cancer risks. Again, each person has to weigh the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. I would encourage you to seek an integrative oncologist even if it was telemedicine to speak to them about your specific situation.
My mother was on that and I will never take it. I watched her go thru hell. It’s up to you, but try to find a doctor that understands plant based diets or alternative medicine. Thank goodness our new family doctor is plant based.
It doesn't hurt to include or increase your flaxseed consumption, the whole seed or lightly ground up.
The seed should be in raw form, not baked or roasted.
The lignin in its husk is known to be beneficial in curbing cancer formation or action.
A lot of vegans eat to many simple carbohydrate carbs (white flour, sugar, etc) to grab quick calories, thus female vegans have higher breast cancer risk. So research this - if your calorie count is otherwise sufficient, it’s easier to stay on track 😉
Just started watching your videos and they are wonderful. I have a few questions...I am 56 yr old female, had a heart attack 6 months ago. Started wfpb diet a couple months ago and wondering how much vitamin D to take and how much omega 3? Currently taking 1000mcg vitamin B12 daily. Thanks so much.
Wow! I am so happy you found the "greener path"! I would suggest measuring your vitamin D. You want to keep it above 30 but less than 100. Most people can do this on a daily 2000 IU supplement. I do recommend 250-550 mg of algae omega 3s. Also B12 1000 mcg daily is probably pretty good. Just get it measured if too high you can cut it down. I would suggest keeping the levels between 500-1100 on the B12 labs.
Thank you so much!
Thank you Dr Marbas. I have been on wfpb diet for almost 2 years. I love eating this way and feel good. However, since changing my diet, my triglycerides have shot up from 104 to 306. I don't eat vegan junk food. I dont use any oils and try to keep salt and sugar low. I'm 55 and not overweight. Not sure why that would happen. Any explaination or suggestions?
Make sure that the lipid panel was fasting. Dried fruits, fruit juices, and flour products can also increase this. Menopause can also play havoc on our lipid panel.
Thank you for your response. Yes, it was a fasting lipid panel. I don't eat dried fruit or drink juice. I have cut my breads and pastas. I am not overweight and I exercise. If it is just menopause that is causing it why did it shoot up when I went plant based. I understood that it would improve my lipid panel.
It is odd that your TG have shot up that high, given your circumstances that you have described. Maybe it was a bad reading!
If your A1C, lipid panel, and blood pressure are normal, you shouldn't be in danger. But you still need to figure out why it is so high.
@@annettenelson3199 you could always repeat the lab and see if it was an anomaly
Thiamine deficiency? B3?
Hi Dr. Laurie! I have a question from a person video. You were talking about plant sterols not being recommended any longer. Does that mean the ones that are added to Benecol, oatmeal and granola bars? Does it also mean the ones naturally occuring in nuts, seeds and legumes?
I don't recommend the plant sterol supplements. Those found in naturally in foods are fine.
What sort of Omega supplement do you take? Can you point me to a brand?
Just saw that you suggested compliment.. what was the other brand?
Terraseed is also a good one
I get an Omega that is algae based from Amazon that is non-gmo, no soy, gluten free, no nuts, etc. it is from Freshfield.
Anyone try the one from Dr. Fhurman? I’ve been using it for a few months and wondering if anyone has retested their omegas after using it.
I must say you look so much like Catherine the princess of Wales.
I will take that as a complement. :)
@@DrLaurieMarbas very very pretty. You look very kind. Watching you in the video is like watching her.
I agree 💯.. Greetings from Poland
Even though I eat like a horse, after just 6 weeks on the plant based diet I felt gaunt so have to supplement 1 bison steak every third day. My protein count was low despite 1 cup of beans/day.
You can always up the beans and whole grains.
Hi, I am no doctor and have been on a whole plant based diet for 3 years now. However I am a runner (64yo) and did my first 80 km ultra marathon two years ago on this diet. I have found out for myself that when I have an insatiable appetite it usually means I am lacking some nutrient that my body needs. It normally turns out to be a mineral. As a runner I train most days and sweat a lot. In my experience protein doesn’t seem to be the culprit. Try experiment with a complete mineral supplement before diving into the steak.
What do you look for in a vitamin supplement to tell if it is good or not?
I like Complement or Terraseed.
It's shocking how people never get taken off drugs even if their health improves drastically on improved diet. Is it pressure from the drug industry or just ignorance by doctors?
I think it is both but much more too...very complicated to answer in a comment section. :)
I dont know maybe its just me but I am having a very very hard time getting enough protein being WFPB. To the point that I stopped eating this way and of course gained weight, inflammation, and I felt like crap. So I went back to WFPB because I felt like crap and I just knew it was the way I needed to live. However, I am now back to not getting enough protein. The problem I have is I watch a lot of videos like yours and what they tell me is that I need to eat more calories and protein which I already know but I am not really gaining the knowledge on how to do that. Like you said to eat one gram of protein per kg of body weight or something like that. Ok. But how do I do that? How do I get that amount of protein into my daily diet? I do eat beans, lentils, some tofu etc. But there is not enough protein in those foods unless I eat a lot. I can not eat huge meals. My stomach gets bloated and is very uncomfortable. After two years WFPB I realized that I need to pay attention to my hunger/full cues and stop when I am getting full and I feel much better eating this way. My stomach doesnt feell like I just ate Thanksgiving dinner AND it helps me mentally too because I feel better about myself. My stomach isnt huge and I dont feel over weight. I am not sure if people realize that someones mental health can suffer when you look pregnant all day long because of food. So by me Intermittent fasting 16/8 and basically eating 2 meals, a protein shake, and a nice snack as my last food that I consume for the day there is no way I am eating enough protein. Add into that I am 56, strength train, and have osteopenia and I am overwhelmed and stressed out about this. For the amount I work out I should have way more muscle tone than I do. How do I get enough protein with the way I eat? I finally feel good physically and emotionally by the way I eat right now and I feel kind of defeated because there is no way I am getting my daily protein. No I have not counted macros because that is very time consuming and My fitness pal confuses me. I have IBS and I do have a gastro but she is no help. If I need a colonoscopy or I have a disease then yes she is good. To help my bloat and what not no she is not. Anyway, if you have any advice on how to get enough protein in with me not stuffing myself please let me know. Very very sorry this is so long but as you can tell I have been trying to figure this out without much luck.
I am right there with you, iam a middle age woman too. I can not get enough protein without eating too many calories and then i gain weight. I too have low protein that came up in my blood work and thinking that i need to start adding meat again. It is very frustrating because i want to be WFPB but i cant get enough protein with out having an abundance of calories. So is it better to have good protein levels or weight more and low protein levels?
@@ce3987 Its very frustrating isnt it? I really like how I eat right now-not too much but for me its enough. So I really wish protein wasnt such a big deal lol 😀 For me I can not go back to eating meat. I tried that and gained a lot of weight and my joints ached. I was to the point of asking my doctor for Rheumatoid arthritis labs but once I went back to eating WFPB my joint pain went away. Like its gone. I was literally feeling like I was 90 years old and I was very concerned about it. Now dont get me wrong it wasnt just meat that made me feel like crap. It was also sugar and bad carbs etc. Eating WFPB keeps me in control. By that I mean I over eat when I dont eat WFPB. Like if I was eating a chicken thigh I dont want just one. I want 2-3. That type of thing. Where even though I was still overeating plant based it was way easier for me to pay attention to that and stop when I felt satisfied. I have come so far and I am very happy where I am right now except for the protein situation. I feel so amazing right now that I can never stop eating plant based, I just wish I didnt have to worry about the amount of protein I should get daily.
@@ce3987you had blood work to say you were deficient in protein? That is very very rare.
@926paaja Yes I had my yearly blood work done and the protein was low, my doctor said to start adding more WFPB protein to my diet.
@@ce3987 interesting. Can I ask what “low” was?
I have never heard of someone especially (assuming) not in a third world country being protein deficient.
Since going plant based by left side is weak and my left foot has lost muscle could this be diet related? I have had MRI from my head to the bottom of my spine and doctors do not know what has caused this?
This sounds neurologic like a stroke or neurological disease. Not associated with diet necessarily, I would make sure your B12 is adequate.
Mcdougall and all the interviews chef aj does-everyone was saying starch and veggies -thrown in some beans -if you like them but No need if you don’t and chef aj is allergic she says -as a 5’2 102 lb 48 year old mom -I would have to eat a ton of beans and soy -which I have concerns about ….so there’s No way I’m getting 1g per body weight . I hate the idea of eating animals bc I’m scared of all of you saying it causes cancer and diabetes -but having 3oz of chicken or wild fish or eggs makes it much easier without all the bloating to get protein ! This is very confusing and frustrating. Mcdougalls says potatoes and rice and sugar
For a 102 pound female to get 1 gram of protein per kg (not pound) would be 46 grams per day. 1 cup of soy milk is 7-8 grams of protein, 1 cup of beans on average 14-15 grams, and so not too hard to get the adequate amount of protein
@@DrLaurieMarbas is so ok daily?
@@enough425 Soy is absolutely ok!
Your fear of soy is misplaced. Research this, it’s such a great food for protein.😊
I have researched it....there are studies supporting both sides. but thank you. @@joanbischoff5972
🙏☘️🌱🌿🍀
thanks for watching
there are no cons to plant based eating
There can be few like if one doesn't get them from pesticides free farm or home grown but it's not the plant itself. Not dealing properly with "Anti nutrients" (if underlying healthy issues or otherwise ) and not having a well planned balanced diet can be problematic though along with not getting missing nutrients through supplementation (depends on where you live, like in some countries expensive or plant products not available ).
Thank you Dr. Marbas. Do you recommend a good Vegan Multi-Vitamin for a 59 yr old female? Ive been Vegan for 3months+, lost 26 lbs, seen many positive changes. My dairy palette has been a challenge, but Im getting used to my Ripple new one☺. Im going to make an appt. with my Dr. to have her check for any deficiencies. Im hoping to stop taking my blood pressure medicine one day, as for me, is the weight issue. Greetings from Northern California🙋♀️
Hello! I would recommend Complement or Terraseed.
@@DrLaurieMarbas Thank you. Ill go to Costco in hopes they carry it to get a better deal😊