It was interesting reading your recent article (“Get to know vegetarianism,” Jan. 22).
I am not a vegetarian, but am very diet conscious. My spouse is diabetic, and I am a survivor of two melanoma surgeries and a nine-month protocol using Interferon as part of the post-cancer treatment. I lost about 25 pounds during that period and have gained about 15 pounds back. I feel well and much better being close to my natural weight of 45 years ago. My total cholesterol is in the 150 range, with LDL under 75. I exercise daily, either walking several miles or working out at the gym.
There is no question that a plant-based diet improves the health of a large percentage of the population. It is especially effective with those being treated for heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other leading causes of death and disability.
Medical professionals need to take notice of the improved health experienced by the number of their patients who are thriving on a plant-based diet and avoiding many—if not most—of the prescription drugs so often promoted to their patients. Why not first motivate improved diets and exercise? Their creed is to put their patients’ needs and health in a paramount position ahead of the interests of others.
This article appears in Feb 5-12, 2009.
