Rewarded for Being Vegan

Contrary to what many people believe, veganism extends far beyond dietary choices. For those who are committed to the cause of ending animal exploitation, leather, wool, silk and down go out the window alongside meat, dairy, eggs, honey and all other ingredients that involve animal use. This paradigm shift in perspective is all-encompassing, and extends to every area of life where animal products are used.

But for many people, the transition to being vegan begins with the obvious shift toward eliminating animal-based foods, and the adoption of a plant-based diet. Since animal products are so toxic to the human body, many people report that their health drastically improves as a result.

Over many years of encouraging people to become vegan, Gentle Worlders have had the remarkable privilege of witnessing the wonderful things that occur when individuals take advantage of this amazing opportunity. From eliminating asthma and hayfever to curing chronic conditions and diseases, a vegan diet offers benefits to anyone and everyone.

At the beginning of this year, Gentle World volunteer M Butterflies Katz asked her Facebook friends a very simple question:

“What physical conditions have miraculously gone away since you became vegan?”

The responses were remarkable. Vegan friends came out in force to share their stories. Following are some of our favorites…

Image: africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

David N.

4:31AM PDT on Mar 14, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

March 14
send a green star

Bryan L.

12:31PM PST on Mar 6, 2012

I am one of those who don't eat meat anymore for the animals (5 years ago), I have respect for them and all the suffering they have to live. I love them since I was a kid too. I never thought about a healthy life as you may notice, but doing a retrospective I was gained 5 Kg before all of this now, after losing that I don't gain nor loss weight it's always the same and I've noticed I have a better mood back then.

It's good to read some of those persons did it for the animals too.

March 6
send a green star

Diane L.

7:18AM PST on Mar 3, 2012

Cody, I guess ressurrecting a very old discussion on veganism is the thing to do this week. For what it's worth, congratulations on the 40-lb. weight loss, and I hope you reach your goal. At 5'11", it's still a bit on the heavy side, but lookin' good there! Now, you should be the first person to realize that what you're eating in the way of garbage, junk is not healthy. I'm wondering if you truly have become "vegan", or just cut out meat? If you eat french fries, you might check what they're fried in, and again, congratulations on trying to improve your health.

March 3
send a green star

Cody L.

5:31PM PST on Mar 2, 2012

*doesn't care much about anecdotal evidence* Although I realize that its hard to get statistical evidence when they can't get large enough sample of vegans with [insert health problem] to get statistically significant results, so they just get bunched in w/ vegetarians most of the time.

But if anyone cares: I went from about 240 to 200 (I'm ~5'11") in the 1st 5-6 months of being vegan, with little effort. My diet is largely junk food (like french fries and potato chips) though, so I wouldn't expect to have much of a health benefit. I think my asthma may have gotten better but it rarely was a problem before (usually in the winter- this year it wasn't), so its hard to really tell. Especially since I've only been a vegan for about 7 months.

March 2
send a green star

Samantha M.

4:13AM PST on Mar 2, 2012

thanks! it's encouraging to keep on my veg path after reading these stories

Aleksandra L.

1:30PM PDT on Oct 16, 2011

i went veg at 8 yo and never experienced acne. when i was broke after college i first saw acne while buying cheap food (30 packs of hot dogs) so i ditched meat and am slowly cutting out occasional cravings for cottage cheese and goat milk. i cook for a vegan kitchen so i'll feel like a hypocrite until i'm back to vegan purity. getting there by the end of this year!