Too many patients, as documented in an on-line study of 12,000 individuals conducted by the American Thyroid Association published in June 2018, (https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2017.0681) , complain of persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism despite what their doctors believe is successful treatment with levothyroxine (brands include Synthroid, Unithroid, Tirosent, Levoxl). We believe something needs to be done to resolve this conflict between patients and their doctors.
What is a lacto vegetarian, an ovo vegetarian, a vegan and a fruitarian. What would be a balanced diet for a vegetarian and what special requirements would they have?
Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish and poultry.
A lacto vegetarian is an individual that only consumes dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.) as their sole source of animal foods.
An ovo vegetarian is a vegetarian that only includes eggs as their sole source of animal protein.
A vegan is an individual that avoids all animal foods, including eggs, dairy, fish, poultry, and meats of all kinds.
A fruitarian is an individual that only consumes fruit as a food source. This is an extremely unhealthy diet, that will result in ill health, and numerous deficiencies.
A balanced diet for a vegetarian requires the intake of all essential nutrients, with emphasis on iron, calcium, zinc and B-12. This can be difficult if you are a vegan, or if you are allergic or sensitive to dairy foods. I personally believe that vegetarian diets are not for everyone. Having been a vegetarian in the past, I am aware that my body type is not conducive to a diet void of animal protein. However, others will have different experiences. I recommend that you contact the Vegetarian Resource Group for more information on the vegetarian lifestyle [P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore, MD 21203].
Good Luck!
Robert L. Pastore, Ph.D., CNC, CN
Senior Nutritionist at Metabolism.com
