Help a Fellow Vegan Out :(

[Meghan]

Hey. So I have been vegetarian for almost 4 years. And vegan for almost 2 years. This is for animal rights reasons. I have always felt amazing and loved doing what I do. About a month ago I have begun feeling exhausted constantly. I have to skip school and work because I am so tired and sometimes sleep around 20 hours a day! When I am awake, I am weak and groggy. I also feel extremely hungry and crave meat and dairy really badly! To the point where I will see meat and have an overwhelming urge to eat it. I have never had cravings this intense. I have always done the vegan diet right (I know this for a fact). I have gotten checked out at the doctor regularly and take supplements.
I want to keep being vegan, obviously. If anyone has any advice for me, it would be much appreciated!

 

[PTree15]

See a doctor. There might be something else going on other than dietary issues.

 

[Second Summer]

Sorry to hear you're unwell. See a doctor. You may not be absorbing all the nutrients in your supplements. It kinda sounds like a B12 issue, but only a doctor would be able to tell what the problem is.

Which supplements are you taking, BTW?

 

[Nightshade]

I agree with the other posters. Please go and have some tests done. Also, could you give us a sample of your menu for a couple of days and, as Indian Summer requested, which supplements you're taking.

 

[shyvas]

I certainly agree with everyone about seeing your family doctor.
However you mention cravings ; are you getting the right amount of calories ? You say that you're hungry anf feeling tired and this often happens to young people when they don't eat 3 meals a day.

 

[thefadedone]

See a doctor and get blood work done. Many things can produce those symptoms. Unless you see a doctor and get tests done, you won't know the cause if it is a medical issue.

 

[Blobbenstein]

could it be....lysine?

Low lysine levels may cause excessive fatigue, which may make it difficult for you to remain focused or attentive during your normal daily activities. You may also experience unusual mood changes, such as irritability, agitation or poor concentration

http://www.livestrong.com/article/342821-signs-symptoms-of-lysine-deficiency/

it may explain craving for meat and dairy..

 

[LuvOurMother]

How much food do you eat every day? what is a typical day of meals and portions?

I ask this because you said you are "extremely hungry" and the problems you described can be associated with not eating enough food.

 

[PTree15]

I agree that you also might not be eating enough.

 

[ledboots]

Also take a pregnancy test if applicable.
And get your iron levels checked.

 

[Amy SF]

I second what everyone else has already posted. And definitely get that pregnancy test. It could be a combination of things, such as low iron related to pregnancy.

 

[shyvas]

Prehaps she doesn't need a pregnancy test.

 

[Amy SF]

Prehaps she doesn't need a pregnancy test.

If that's the case, then of course she doesn't have to do it. But if there is even the slightest possibility that she's pregnant, then I think she should.

 

[ledboots]

Prehaps she doesn't need a pregnancy test.

I said "if applicable".

 

[shyvas]

I said "if applicable".

I know.

 

[thefadedone]

Hey. So I have been vegetarian for almost 4 years. And vegan for almost 2 years. This is for animal rights reasons. I have always felt amazing and loved doing what I do. About a month ago I have begun feeling exhausted constantly. I have to skip school and work because I am so tired and sometimes sleep around 20 hours a day! When I am awake, I am weak and groggy. I also feel extremely hungry and crave meat and dairy really badly! To the point where I will see meat and have an overwhelming urge to eat it. I have never had cravings this intense. I have always done the vegan diet right (I know this for a fact). I have gotten checked out at the doctor regularly and take supplements.
I want to keep being vegan, obviously. If anyone has any advice for me, it would be much appreciated!

Any updates? How have you been doing?

 

[alex1]

What about b12, vitamin D or iodine deficiency?