Dr Saravanan discusses how to recover from, and prevent, lifestyle diseases
This article is by Dr R Saravanan. He is a qualified homeopath, who has a passion for holistic health. He has contributed a chapter in the best life changing book "Rethink Food: 100+ Doctors Can't Be Wrong" I wanted him to share how he discovered veganism, why he shifted to a vegan diet and the benefits that he witnessed as a result of this shift.
How long been you been vegan?
I have been a vegan since December 2011.
What made you change to a vegan diet?
I was suffering. Throughout my childhood I endured allergies, asthma and eczema. I was treated with conventional medicines for many years without significant relief.
During my teens I developed irritable bowel syndrome and hence was looking for a complete cure for all my health issues. In 2006, I found that I was actually allergic to cow’s milk and other animal proteins. I stopped consuming most animal products and chose a milk free vegetarian diet, which resulted in some improvements with IBS and asthma. However, the eczema was still lingering. I was consuming dairy in other forms without realising that they were contributing to the eczema.
My search for healing continued and after having attended Dr Nandita Shah's Peas vs Pills seminar, I started a 100 % vegan diet to improve my health.
What did you notice as a result of going vegan?
I noticed that within a month, the eczema I had suffered from throughout my childhood had disappeared. The allergies, asthma and IBS no longer affected me! I felt as if I had been healed and that made me want to learn more about vegan nutrition.
What's a lifestyle disease?
A “lifestyle disease” is an ailment, which could be caused by an unhealthy diet, stress, unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle . Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, certain types of cancers, alzheimer's disease etc are some of the major lifestyle diseases in modern life.
Do you think a vegan diet can help prevent or reverse any diseases, and if so, why?
There is a huge amount of research available that points to the fact that most lifestyle diseases could be prevented, and even reversed, through a healthy vegan diet. The root cause of most lifestyle diseases is the consumption of saturated fats, cholesterol and high proteins, which are derived from meat and dairy products. Whereas a plant based diet is free from cholesterol and has numerous health benefits. So this has led me to believe that a healthy vegan diet is the best way to prevent and reverse lifestyle diseases.
Success stories from my clients who have benefited from following a vegan diet
Freedom from Diabetes, Hypertension and obesity!
“I was under medication for high Blood Pressure and high level of triglycerides. In addition to this when I did a Glucose Tolerance Test, it came to be known that I had diabetes. I also struggled with weight. More diseases meant more medications, but I had no choice. After consulting Dr R Saravanan in December 2014, I made a lot of changes in my choice of food. I stopped consuming milk and milk products, oil, white sugar, white rice etc. Instead I switched to a healthy plant-based diet comprising of whole millet, lots of vegetables and fruits. He sent me a number of vegan recipes that were easy for me to follow. I found that the smoothie recipes were also easy to prepare and delicious to drink. I had a periodical follow up with the doctor and when all the lab tests were repeated, all the parameters were close to normal. Within 3 months, I was able to stop taking diabetic medicine and after a further 2 months, I was free of all medication. I no longer need to take any medicine, except for a vitamin B12 supplement. I am now able to enjoy a healthy life which for me is like a dream come true! - Mrs T Vijaya, India.
Weight loss and health gain with vegan diet!
“I came to know about vegan diet through an article in a health magazine by Dr Saravanan. After consulting him and changing to a vegan diet, I noticed an improvement in my health. I feel energetic, active and healthier than before. My weight has reduced. The fatty liver problem I had for 10 years reversed by following a vegan diet. I am free from sinus problems and headaches too. “ – Mrs Amutha Selvi, India
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