Plant based diet.

[Love100cats]

I've read on posts that some are following a plant based diet. Does that mean you can eat anything that grows but excludes dairy products. I imagine protein comes from nuts, beans lentils etc. I'm tempted to try it but would like to know more.

[stevejb1810]

Yes, that’s pretty much it. Essentially, anything coming from an animal, bird or fish is out. Think vegan and you are pretty much there. Loads of books around you can get dietary/recipe ideas from.

[DavidG1971]

I’m still on dairy, chicken & fish. What’s the benefit if cholesterol is well under control? I’ve never really understood that part.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to DavidG1971]

Allegedly a plant diet causes the plaque in the arteries to start clearing (the diet would reduce cholesterol further but it may be minimal). As the plaque us often calcified as a scientist I find this hard to accept. Some real evidence as opposed to "fringe" doctor's claims would help.

I know of somebody who started to develop angina and thus seemed to clear the problem (although I think other lifestyle changes had an effect). He refused to take statins and the problem has come back after a few years (currently undergoing tests)

[Love100cats in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks. My cholesterol is fine it's more to do with nausea. I've made some changes in dropping most dairy foods but I'm finding meat difficult too so as I love all veggies, salads and fruits I though go that route for a trial period and see how it goes. I've been trying to find a local nutritionist but they don't seem to exist down here!

[Hidden in reply to Love100cats]

You should be able to get an appointment with an NHS dietician through your GP or consultant.

[Love100cats in reply to DavidG1971]

Thanks. It's more to do with nausea. I've had to cut out 90% of dairy so I only have a little semi skimmed milk a day but I'm finding it hard to eat meat so I thought a trial period might help as I find salads and fruits easy to digest and no nausea.