Vegan BLOOD TEST Results!!

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Sharing my blood test results after 1.5 years as a whole food plant based vegan. Is being vegan healthy? Should vegans take supplements? I answer all of that more here. Enjoy!
Instagram: / nikkivvegan
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Vegan Recipes Mentioned in this Video:
I made a playlist with all of these recipe videos in it! Click here to watch it and pleas share it with friends if you find it helpful :)
WATCH: • Playlist
Chili Lime Chickpea Tacos: • 3 Must Try Dinner Recipes
Black Bean Enchiladas: • Video
White Bean Guacamole: • The Healthiest Guacamo...
Lentil Lasagna Soup (one of my favs!) • Vegan Lasagna Soup - E...
Teriyaki Tempeh: • Video
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta (another fav of mine) • Creamy Pumpkin Sage Pa...
Stuffed Mushrooms: • Video
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SHOPPING LINKS to commonly asked items :)
--- VEGAN FOUNDATION I WEAR: hypr.lk/lxBmSqFo7DaB
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--- MINI FOOD PROCESSOR I USE: hypr.lk/6TNsZiP5wPFB

[@SarahWarman80]

In September I'll be Vegan for 9 years. The only doctor I've seen for the last 10 years has been my OBGYN, when I went vegan she was VERY concerned. She tested my blood 6 months after going vegan, 2 years, 5 years then 8. My results have always been perfect! My last visit with her was in March and she said she is finally a believer because I am her healthiest patient! Vegans are just healthier overall. Love it!

[@NikkiVegan]

That's AWESOME! Plantbased vegan diets are so healthy and you're living proof :)

[@aubs965]

I have told people this! Both vegan pregnancies and my blood tests came out great.

[@aubs965]

@Reyes25111 wait, what? Did you not just see that I said for both of my vegan pregnancies my blood tests were great? Hahahah no supplements and no prenatals.

[@aubs965]

@Reyes25111 and doctors tell ALL pregnant women to supplement during pregnancy you twat, while you sit there eating your fortified with b12 flesh meal lol. B12 is only found in bacteria in fertile soil. Hence why cereals and meat is fortified with it lol 😭 we both supplementing my man. you by eating heart disease on a platter, and me by eating cereals that everyone eats hahaha Not only do all doctors say pregnant women should supplement with vitamins, but I DIDNT SUPPLEMENT, and doctors were so shocked at my blood tests and how good they were lol. You have no point friend

[@aubs965]

@Reyes25111 you're an idiot because even Dr. Kim Williams, president of the American College of Cardiology and chief of cardiology at Rush University, advocates a plant-based diet for heart disease prevention because it is a known medical fact by doctors and anyone who studies biology that cholesterol comes from meat and dairy, and excess cholesterol causes heart disease lol. You're all about studies, but not about what doctors are saying? Lol the study you are referring to was done on vegetarians, who still eat animal puss, not vegans. lol There is not one disease that only vegans get, but heart disease and atherosclerosis only come from the consumption of meat. lol For the 3rd time just so everyone reading can see: I am on my 2nd vegan pregnancy, no supplements or prenatals, and both times doctors said my blood tests came out great. Many vegans post their amazing results too. Here's just one of them ♡ kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWa3c5WvoJWpsM0

[@LexiePersonForever]

b-12 and vitamin d are the most common that need to be supplemented. i haven't gotten bloodwork done, but i do take supplements for those two, just because i know they're commonly needed

[@ositahok]

THIS VIDEO! Thanks for sharing your results with us and your tips and advice! 😻

[@AletheaTodaro]

I love this video so much! Thank you for sharing and being honest! I don't go to the dr at all 🙈, but told myself I'm making an appointment this week to do a check up. So this was definitely the push I needed to go. I'm excited to see what areas I need to work on. Because just because we are vegan doesn't mean we are perfect you know. Sending you lots of love 🤗😘

[@alexandraboisteanu3629]

This was a really helpful video and an eye-opener. Keep doing this kind of videos!

[@dla958]

Great video packed with useful information. I will definitely go get my bloodwork done ASAP. I just started transitioning to a Vegan lifestyle literally this weekend so I really appreciate this video. Thank you!

[@NikkiVegan]

Congrats! That's amazing! I'm happy for you :) Please feel free to send any questions my way if they come up, I know I had a lot of questions when I first went vegan too. I'm happy to help

[@sashad.7722]

Video is really informative and I enjoyed watching it!)

[@NikkiVegan]

So glad you liked it!!

[@aliciav4352]

Thank you for sharing! Your makeup is so pretty 😍

[@NikkiVegan]

Thanks Alicia! I went for a bit of a glowy look this day :)

[@janiceilles]

Love you Nikki💓 I am currently binge watching your videos!!!! Been on the fence for a while now if I should get blood work done or not but I'm going to make my appointment now thanks to your little nudge!

[@soniarivera2383]

Even omnivores can have vit D deficiency. I was deficient before going vegan.

[@epicfly4319]

I was diagnosed with anemia before going vegan.. Well, as we know meats contain very very low iron. Meat eaters need 2 kgs of meats(except Kidney) per day to get enough of their "HEME-IRON" 😂😂

[@MariahKay]

This video was made in perfect timing for me! I've been vegan for over 2 years now, and so I really want to get a blood test done. I want to just check-in and make sure all my levels are in the right range. Thanks for going over the process, as I didn't know how to go get one! :)

[@NikkiVegan]

So glad you found this video helpful Mariah! Write me back after you go and let me know how it goes :) And congrats on over 2 years as a vegan! That's awesome

[@RazzleRed543]

Oh my god, seeing your pumpkin pasta makes me so excited for autumn! I remember I made it last year and it was one of my favourite dinners for a while... so looking forward to Autumn recipes this year 😍🎃

[@jamessonhil5291]

Been a vegan for three years. Still alive! Whoopee!!

[@kyliescher8758]

jimmy sonhil wow congrats!!!

[@jamessonhil5291]

Kylie Scher thanks! All i need is my B12! 🙂🙂

[@TanaMakes]

This is one of the best vegan blood test videos I have seen. Extremely helpful and informative. Thank you for putting so much effort into it - loved it!

[@NikkiVegan]

Aw thank you for noticing! I really tried to make it helpful :) So glad you liked it!

[@gabriellegirard2787]

This video is so helpful!

[@NikkiVegan]

I'm so glad! Thanks Gabrielle

[@JamieConn]

Really loved this video!!

[@NikkiVegan]

I'm so glad!! Thanks Jamie

[@rebekakuszinger4050]

I've always been curious about a vegan's blood test result and I'm so happy that u've shared it with us. It was super informative and most of all convincing ♥

[@NikkiVegan]

Thanks Rebeka! I was a little nervous to share but I'm so glad it was helpful

[@rebekakuszinger4050]

NikkiVegan you have no idea how helpful it was, it shows that a lot of people are mistaken and you can be healthy with that lifestyle

[@JayJay-ue3xy]

@@rebekakuszinger4050 convincing? are you stupid or something? her levels were terrible. B12 was 254, mine is 946. Her D3 was 15...WTF. Mine was 73. Lol go educate yourself before you hurt yourself with this pathetic diet

[@edmyoga]

SO AWESOME!

[@first6867]

So informative 🙌 thank you!!!

[@marlena4551]

Inspired by this video, thanks!

[@NikkiVegan]

That seriously makes my day! I'm so glad

[@amyeatsplants6141]

Another awesome video!! 😘

[@tinasheplants]

Love that you did this video to encourage people to go talk to their doctor about their bodies and food diets. I've always been very anemic due to another condition but also being plant based I have to make an extra effort to ensure I get that in so I take IRON supplement. I also take VITAMIN D throughout the year darker skin people like me tend to be deficient because we don't absorb it as well especially when you live in a colder climate like Canada. Recently I've also started taking B12 and a probiotic too.

[@margaretmartin6620]

Good work! You are obviously on the right track. I feel the same way about enjoying taking charge of my own health and well being. I love being vegan. The food choices are endless and effortless as far as I am concerned. It makes for a fun hobby in a way. I have never felt better in my life. I certainly don't feel deprived in any way. I check in regularly with my health professional to make sure I'm not missing anything and share what I am doing. I feel more energetic and pain free now at 70 than I did at 20, 30, 40 or 50. Your videos and recipes are very inspirational and I am so happy that your tests turned out so well (I knew they would :D).

[@NikkiVegan]

Thanks Margaret! I have to say, I really love reading your comments. You're always so kind and encouraging and I am so inspired that you look and feel so great at 70 on a plant based diet! It really makes me excited and keeps me motivated to keep eating this way and taking charge of my health! Thank you for the support and inspiration, I truly appreciate you :)

[@margaretmartin6620]

You're welcome. Keep up the good work. :)

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

D3 and B12 are the same 2 supplements that I take also. I've gotten the correct levels of D3 for the past 3 years of life.

[@isilavunduk2631]

You just did not show the result also mentioned what you eat .Great video👍🏻Thank you very much for sharing.

[@KimGraffwritesYA]

I loooooove your videos!

[@anissalehdonkangas6428]

I feel the same way as you! Thanks for the interesting video.

[@Ajkowal23]

This video is definitely encouraging me to schedule a blood test. I just started taking a new vegan supplement called complement by lightdrop. It combines B12, D3, and DHA/EPA in one spray.

[@kristinagutierrez0815]

Thank you SO much for posting this video. I am not Vegan. But it is something I have been considering for quite awhile now and have been studying up on it and doing research, and collection recipes. This is something I am DEFINITELY going to do. When I finally make that step to start going vegan, may be slow at first, I definitely want to get my blood work done so I can see where I started and where I end up. You proved a lot of great information here Thanks so much again.

[@n.c.9133]

Kristina Gutierrez that's great Kristina! If you have any questions, I'm here to help 😉

[@kristinagutierrez0815]

Leela C. Thank you so much!

[@n.c.9133]

hey there Kristina, just wanted to know if it would interest you which films/KZbin channels I recommend for resources related to veganism. I wanted to ask because it would make me happy to share this important information with, have a lovely day :) please DM me leala._c (I can give you my email address).

[@kristinagutierrez0815]

Leela C. Yes I would definitely be interested!...I'm not sure how to DM you on here lol

[@wql1548]

this was very helpful! thank you

[@NikkiVegan]

I’m so glad! ☺️❤️

[@kkimberly2004YT]

Yeah if your vitamin D levels are too low, you can feel depressed. I have felt the difference myself personally.

[@NikkiVegan]

Yeah that happened to me to! We really need the sun! lol

[@jlcw3]

I would love if you did an update video in 4-5 months with new test results to see how well your body adjusted to the supplements your doctor recommended. Also, to see if the things you were insufficient in changed at all for the better. Awesome informative video! 😘

[@NikkiVegan]

Yep, will do! Glad you liked this video!

[@freyawyttthegoddessandchip7764]

The best sources of iron and calcium/other minerals are dried herbs (especially dried parsley) and spices like cinnamon/cocoa and rice/grains and nuts/seeds and lentils/beans/peas and mulberries and stinging nettles!

[@freyawyttthegoddessandchip7764]

Another thing is, that plant-based foods have more protein than anything else -- I read that things like seitan (vital wheat gluten) and certain soy products can have up to 50 - 75 grams of protein per 100 g (that's way more protein than any meat product) and dried parsley has about 26 grams of protein per 100 g (and can be added in huge amounts to mashed potatoes and soups and pasta etc) and peanut butter and lentils / beans / peas and nuts and seeds and grains / rice / breads etc are also a great source of protein!

[@freyawyttthegoddessandchip7764]

Herbs and especially dried herbs and spices have more nutrients than anything else per 100 g, and they taste amazing -- like, I would totally add 100 grams of dried parsley to mashed potatoes and rice dishes if I had the possibility to cook my own foods, and I have done something like that in the past, like adding a lot of dried parsley and dried oregano and dried basil (my favourite herbs/dried herbs) to rice and soup, so if one consumes a lot of cooked meals with a lot of dried herbs, it is impossible to become deficient in things like iron and calcium etc and protein!

[@freyawyttthegoddessandchip7764]

Also, the big term love must be edited out -- love only exists for me the only lovable being, and what one really means is like when they say love...

[@elle4277]

Awesome video!! I take liquid vitamin B12, but now I'm interested to see if I need to supplement vitamin D as well.

[@MightyHungry]

Good video. Some things to note: 1) Calcium blood levels does not indicate whether or not your diet is sufficient in calcium, but it determines how well your parathyroid gland, kidneys, and other organs are working to maintain an appropriate level. High or low levels could indicate a diseased state, and the remedy would not be to increase or reduce dietary calcium. 2) Serum protein/albumin levels are not related to protein consumption, although severe malnutrition can lead to low values. Normally, though, serum albumin is used to detect liver, kidney, or other organ dysfunctions. 3) Total cholesterol is not the best number to use. You should look at HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides separately. LDL and triglycerides should be in the low range. The higher one's LDL is, the higher the HDL should be (cholesterol ratio). 4) Cyanocobalamin is actually preferred if you have digestive issues because methylcobalamin requires your body to properly produce intrinsic factor, whereas cyanocobalamin uses a different pathway and has no such requirement.

[@MISSYMINX261]

So what test determines actual calcium and protein levels?

[@MightyHungry]

MISSYMINX261 1) A healthy human body will maintain serum calcium levels within normal ranges, even at the risk of bone loss. One can be very calcium deficient, but show perfectly normal serum levels. A DEXA scan can be used to indirectly determine chronic calcium deficiency. Acute calcium deficiency is something that can be determined through blood tests, but low serum calcium is almost always a diseased state unrelated to diet (for example, parathyroid or kidney issue). 2) Because it's so difficult to be deficient in protein, the only tests that exist for low protein are the same that are used for malnutrition. Sarcopenia testing (loss of muscle tissue) is the best way, and requires imaging (MRI or CT) as well as functional tests to determine muscle mass. This is because one of the most effective biomarkers is myostatin, but there are currently no reliable assays available for quantifying that particular protein in humans.

[@Ayaa29048]

My LDL is 73 and HDL like 40 but it always was. Since eating vegan LDL dropped from 89 to 73 no complaints! Hah!

[@thenewhope8171]

best comment :)

[@agajafarli6707]

+Healthyfoodies how long have you been vegan?

[@vixenbeauty2991]

This is a great idea thanks

[@rawkarina5669]

Thank you !!!! Gr8 video and very helpful.

[@NikkiVegan]

Thanks Karina! Happy you liked it 💜💜💜

[@jamessang5027]

You are a very neat cook!

[@leahbamxo]

This is one of the most helpful and convincing videos out there. I've considered going vegan for health reasons, but this definitely shows me even more. I'm anemic, lactose intolerant, and low b12 runs in my family! There are not a lot of vegans who go into these sort of videos (they make food videos-that's it!). So glad I found this channel :)

[@NikkiVegan]

That's awesome Leah! I'm so glad you found me too

[@JayJay-ue3xy]

OMG how is this convincing? Her B12 was 254, very low.Mine was 946. Her D3 was pathetic...15?!! Mine was 73. You people are unbelievable

[@birdmad9]

This was a really well done interesting video. Thanks very much. I have an appointment for a physical in a couple weeks, and I've been eating a vegan diet for about 3 1/2 months now so I'm so curious to see what my blood test will end up showing versus the last time I had it checked almost 2 years ago. Currently I take a vegan multi-vitamin a few times a week.

[@birdmad9]

cherry glazzer thanks for your comment- if my Vitamin D is still low on my blood test then I'll know that's true

[@katielovesmusic94]

I had mine done a few weeks ago and everything came back normal! One thing I've started doing is mapping out which vitamins I'm getting when I meal prep for the week. The 22 Day Revolution book has a great vitamin index that lists all the plant based sources for each vitamin. If I notice I'm missing something, I'll read up on sources and make sure I add that to my meal prep. Love your videos, Nikki!

[@crissyf7973]

My labs were quite similar to yours. My Vit D was 25.7 and my B12 was off the charts. LOL. I've decreased my B12 supplements and I increased my D. My physician has vegan patients but you could tell she was a bit surprised how well I was doing. I've been vegan for about 16 months and this was my first vegan blood level draw. I feel so absolutely fantastic and as you said, I feel even better using a higher D supplement. ❤️🌱🌱❤️🌱🌱❤️

[@moneypac6126]

here in switzerland we cant take our health in our own hands ... a blood test for all vitamins and minerals would cost about 2000 -3000 dollars, which the insurances do not pay ... So its very easy for you in America to be a vegan

[@NikkiVegan]

Wow! I'm sorry to hear that! But don't get discouraged, you can still take your health not your own hands by eating well and getting fresh air/sunshine. Both are good for the mind and body :)

[@roxy9944]

Money Pac stimmt ja hert nöd wtf. Bi auscho gsi und ha ned meh als 50 stutz zahlt

[@DavesArtRoom]

Great video! Keep it up. I am a vegan and your video is a great motivator.

[@NikkiVegan]

Thanks! I'm so glad you liked it :)

[@johnparadise3134]

Great Video!

[@IyeBako]

Thank you for this video! Please do a follow up video in 3 months or more to let us know if your numbers go up.

[@NikkiVegan]

Will do! So glad you liked this video Iye

[@r.m8146]

Great video!

[@Puertoricanbeauty22]

I love this video so much!!! I’ve been vegan for almost a year and I have been worrying about getting enough nutrients lately. My body is kind of changing as I let go of most vegan junk food..and eat more whole plant based foods...so I’ve been having different body aches. This happened when I first went vegan and went away for a long time. I’m thinking it’s like a detox again. Thank you so much for this video! At 1 year I plan on getting a blood test. I truly hope all of my levels are in a healthy range :)

[@NikkiVegan]

Hey Alexa! First of all, congrats on being vegan for almost a year :) That's exciting! It's awesome that you're starting to eat a more plant based vegan diet, that's what will give you the most nutrients and make you feel really good! If you're having body aches, I would definitely go to a doctor just to check to make sure everything's ok. In addition to that I would try to focus on getting a wide variety of plant foods and maybe tracking your nutrients on cronometer.com for a while to check to make sure that you're hitting your targets. I did that for a while until I felt really comfortable with figuring out a plant based diet. Let me know if you have questions or want to see any specific videos!

[@Puertoricanbeauty22]

NikkiVegan I can’t believe it went by so fast! :) okay I will do that thank you so much! I really think I am getting enough nutrients and more...but it would be very self assuring to find out everything is ok. I used chronometer in the beginning I will start using it again. I will definitely let you know what videos I would like to see if I ever think of any. Thank you for the thorough reply! Have an amazing day :)

[@myfinlandstory]

I will be taking my tests next month. This is my first time and I hope it comes back alright.

[@juiicii1]

Olivia Brownie Hey girl! I guess we follow the same ppl. Hehehe!!!

[@StevenMerlinoGames]

This was a great video! I'm taking standardized turmeric (immune), and a vegan multivitamin (by Deva). But, I don't truly know if I need the multivitamin? Should I stop taking it before my next blood test?

[@KathrynWilkinon8492]

I was vitamin D deficient about a year ago. My level was 9. I wasn't vegan but vegetarian at time. As soon as I started supplementing my acne cleared up and my skin got softer. I also had some much more energy. Crazy how different you can feel when you're low in something.

[@NikkiVegan]

Yes! Our bodies definitely give us signs when something is off! So cool that your skin got softer, I wonder if that will happen to me too :) My mood and energy has improved a lot already!

[@estellelerecouvreux3916]

I feel like that too about veganism, thank you for the video ;)

[@NikkiVegan]

Glad you can relate!

[@marcelomiceli5291]

you are absolutely right, the only way to know is by a blood test, I have one recently done and I have to stop the b12 because I had 2000, too much, but anyways is not dangerous. I became vegetarian 45 years ago and vegan in 2003 and I feel great, at 62 never took a pill for any condition and have lots of energy. Good job and very beautiful

[@jholmie6016]

awesome video! i had the hardest time convincing my doctor to do blood work for me last time i went in. i told him i was vegan and that though i felt great and wasn't worried about anything, i wanted to see my blood work. he just didn't see any need for it. in the end i was able to convince him to test my iron and my blood cell count, but that's it. anyone else had this experience? i'm going to try a different doctor next time i go in. it's so frustrating, i feel like no one wants to test anything until something goes wrong. what happened to preventative medicine!!

[@NikkiVegan]

Yeah that's annoying! That may have had something to do with insurance because doctor's have to listen to what insurance companies tell them to do sometimes. I think finding a different doctor is probably a good idea because you want someone who is thorough and really cares about your health :)

[@user-bv7mk8id5t]

That’s very strange. But I did know someone who didn’t have insurance and they only tested for certain things. But they skipped b12 and d and a few others for some odd reason. It was very strange, but this was at a health center and he was a dope and he didn’t even ask for anything, even though I warned him to ask. My doctor doesn’t skip but we do ask for a full blood panel test, plus Lyme’s (I think they hate doing Lyme’s). But I know we are very lucky our insurance is excellent due to husband being an RN. So our doc just does what we want. But she is mediocre, she just shows up and ask the same questions and writes scripts if she has to. I wish I could find a better doctor but she’s fine for now. I would suggest to find a new doctor who’s willing to do it all. You have to tell them you want a full panel blood count or a wellness checkup when you make your appointment. Also I wouldn’t even mention vegan, some doc’s doesn’t even know what that means, my doc doesn’t and she suggest I eat eggs every time, she’s young too 🙄. Do fast and tell them that you fasted for 12 hours and you need a full blood panel count, sometimes they forget and you have to remind them. If you don’t fast they will use that as an excuse not to do it. I would too suggest to call your insurance before and ask about these issues with the doc. It may be an insurance issue, or a very lazy doc. But everyone with good, bad or mediocre insurance should be allowed 1 wellness check and a full blood panel count and urine at least once a year! Even wo insurance you are allowed at a health center, but there I know you have to definitely ask. Anyway I hope you were able to resolve this by now.✌🏼

[@user-bv7mk8id5t]

Sorry that was long I know. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@1BethMcBeth]

Thank you Nikki! Most informative and, much appreciated. I'm going to DM something to you either on Twitter or IG regarding my recent results so, please let me know you saw it. Thanks!

[@kraylthunderhorn7891]

Love your video! Just a note: Mushrooms aren't fortified with vitamin D, they grow it naturally if you expose them to U.V. light. They just illuminate them with light as they mature and they produce lots of natural vitamin D. But normally mushrooms aren't treated with light. It has to say on the package that they have vitamin D, or you can assume they've been completely in the dark and will not contain much vitamin D.

[@CassGoldsmith]

Does anyone know if it's possible to get these kind of tests on the NHS in the U.K.?

[@strongeronplants]

B12 is the only vitamin I've been supplementing. Going to see my doctor in about two weeks to do this detailed blood and everything test :D really excited. I've been vegan for about year and half. Last year, I was still little below in iron but way over in protein. Let's see

[@DrLMD657]

Thanks for sharing! I just wanted to point out when one gets blood work done, and asks to have all the elements and vitamins checked. Proper patient education needs to happen. For example: very low sodium and high potassium are an indicator of renal disease and are dangerous. Sodium is pumped into the cell and potassium is pumped out. Those levels give more insight into our organ system function, not necessarily "how healthy are we eating".

[@janettackett7659]

I just got my blood work done after being on a plant based diet for 4 months and all is good! My vitamin D was a little low, however I remember reading in the Starch Solution that Mary McDougall's was lower and McDougall says you don't need to take a supplement for that just get more sun. ☺️ Mine were only 2 points from being normal. Is your doctor plant based? Thanks for the video!

[@NikkiVegan]

Yeah for some people a little more sun is enough, sounds like that might be the case for you. Mine was just very very low and I was honestly feeling the effects. I just felt like something was right and my energy levels were a bit low. I'ma most never in the sun though so it makes sense that I became insufficient. My doctor recommend taking the supplement for 3 months to see if it made a difference and then getting adequate sun should be enough, but she believed I needed it to get to that point and so do I. I feel so much better now :) So glad you liked the video! Congrats on 4 months of plant based living! Happy for you :)

[@mellozz91]

I have only been vegan for a month or so and i am loving it so far but i'm not sure if it is too soon for a blood test? Do you think i should wait until the 3 month mark? I am currently only supplementing with a B12 spray :)

[@NikkiVegan]

Hey Melissa! Congrats on one month as a vegan! That's awesome! How do you feel? And I don't know if there's a "right time" to get a blood test after going vegan. I didn't do it right away but that wasn't really planned, just worked out that way. I'd say check with your doctor to see what he/she says

[@user-pg9ps1co6h]

I've also heard that if you expose your mushrooms to direct sunlight it activates the vitamin d. But I'm not sure if it's true. I'm currently pregnant and I'm anemic. I've been vegan for over a year;however, I feel like I've been like this for years. So I'm trying my best to increase my iron.

[@NikkiVegan]

Lentils, beans, whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, and farro and if you and your doctor still think you need more then take a supplement for a while until you're back on track :) congrats on having a little baby on the way! So happy for you

[@user-pg9ps1co6h]

Thank you!

[@beachgirl48]

Don't forget your spinach. I was anemic for 35 years - taking vitamin c and iron sulfate. Since I started plant based eating I have nipped that nasty anemia!

[@TeamBroccoli]

Bianca Loren I have anemia as well. But I have Crohn's disease so it's hard to absorb nutrients. I've heard that molasses in lemon water is also good for iron absorption. 🌱👍🏻

[@areolagrande5488]

Bianca Loren cooking on a cast iron pan also increases your iron intake

[@14renst]

Totally agree about how veganism has helped me to better myself, totally more self aware nowadays and i try to consider the impact of my actions more consistently!

[@NikkiVegan]

LOVE this! I feel the same way. It's so cool how it starts with food and leads to compassion and awareness in every other part of your life. So beautiful :)

[@dave3k]

I'd be interested to know what your cholesterol numbers were before you went vegan? I had mine done recently and it was 270, my mother has FH so I might have it too but I definitely wasn't very healthy before I started eating better. I got another test coming up in about a week so it'll be roughly a month after the first one. I'll probably get another one done in about 6 months to see if I'm on the right track.

[@n.c.9133]

I take vitamin d and b12 ;)

[@gabimarinhoas]

Very nice video, Nicky! I'd just like to point that I don't know why Vitamin D deficience is often linked to vegans or propagated as a vegan problem, when is acctually mostly caused by low sun exposure. I was tested to Vit D around 3 years ago while still eating meat, eggs and dairy every single day, and the results came out as already defficient in it, while my mom and my sister (also meat eaters back then) were in the insuficient range, so... I haven't take a blood test since going vegan yet to check that out again, but just to show that that's not, for sure, a vegan problem.

[@jomonpotato9180]

Thanks for sharing your blood test.I been without animal products and oils for about 8 months. I will definitely stay on diet. I just wish it were more convenient. Hard to eat out.

[@NikkiVegan]

Congrats on 8 months! That's awesome Jose :) When I eat out and non-vegan restaurants I usually make my own meal by choosing a lot of sides instead of one entree. Usually I'll look for something filling first like a baked potato, rice, or roasted potatoes (and ask if they can do it without butter or cheese) and then add veggie sides like broccoli or asparagus, and if they have sauces like salsa and guac, or even vinaigrette salad dressing I'll get that on the side and make own veggie plate. Sometimes they'll have bread that doesn't have dairy in it so I'll get that and ask for a side of avocado and tomato and make my own avocado toast with a little salt and pepper on top. Also a lot of dried pasta does not have eggs so if I ask the chef to make a pasta dish with tomato sauce and veggies, I usually get something pretty good. I just remind them not to add dairy and to please make it spicy. For lunch, places like subway have a lot of veggie sandwich options and chipotle has a lot of good stuff as well. Hope that helps!

[@jomonpotato9180]

Cool. good ideas you have.

[@Anna-qz6xw]

I just always take make friends to Chipotle lol thought I wouldn’t make it without sushi, but here I am 10 months and still vegan)))

[@garrettb69]

Wendys always has baked potatoes. :D

[@barbararup2123]

How often do you use the vitamin B12 spray? One spray a day?

[@lomoplateado8402]

And how are your insuline levels?, and your sugar levels? and tryglicerides?.

[@joyce1343]

I was deficient in citamin D so now I take a vegan 2400 Vitamin D. Deva is a great vegan vitamin company I suggest purchasing them

[@NikkiVegan]

That's awesome :) My dr told me to stick to 1000 iu of vitamin D so I think I'll stick with mine but great suggestion for anyone look for a pill version! Thanks hun

[@melissahenderson7344]

Just as a quick little fact - spirulina is not a good source of b12. The b12 that is in spirulina cannot be absorbed by our bodies unfortunately (although it does have many other beneficial nutrients so still worth taking!). Fortified foods and supplements are still the best way to get b12?. Otherwise this was a very interesting video 😊

[@NikkiVegan]

oh interesting! there's so much to learn!

[@melissahenderson7344]

NikkiVegan it's still crazy healthy though! I take it every day in my smoothies. And since you're talking a supplement anyway I doubt it makes any difference 😊 keep on going, you're inspiration to be healthy!

[@333steven]

So supplements are unnatural

[@Georgeloveschocs]

I have a seriously bad phobia of needles, which leads to very serious panic attacks, and I find that the stressful environment at the doctors makes it even worse. So I can't get my blood tested. To try to manage this, I take vegan multivitamins every day with one or two of my meals (depending on the type), and stick to a whole food vegan diet.

[@NikkiVegan]

I know what you mean! I don't like needles either and can totally get in my head about it. I think it's awesome that you take a multivitamin and eat a whole food plant based diet :) How long have you been vegan?

[@Georgeloveschocs]

NikkiVegan Since late April, and I've been a vegetarian since the start of the year :)

[@valeriacarrascoferrari6006]

Did you get your omega 3’s tested? Just to make sure you are converting enough ALA to DHA 🌱👍 this was really helpful

[@NikkiVegan]

Thanks Valeria! Yep I've had my bloodwork done serval times, all good :) You're right though, omegas are super important!

[@valeriacarrascoferrari6006]

NikkiVegan thank uuuu 😭💕

[@ngab2208]

I love tempe too, especially from TulungAgung Indonesia

[@bobbyjackson1194]

I think clear clarifications are needed for describing "normal" vs. "healthy" - many "healthy" descriptions are determined by doctors to be for normal people on a 'normal' standard american diet, which is most frequently not healthy but considered normal. My blood pressure is considered quite a lot lower than 'normal' but it is normal for a plant based vegan

[@NikkiVegan]

yeah good point! Words are important. I think as long as you and your doctor feel good about your health, that's all that matters :)

[@vladi1475S]

I did the same as you, blood test before and after 6 months. After going vegan I got my testosterone jumped up, high level of protein (basically from all legumes), my cholesterol was ~100, no vitamin deficiency (I started taking B12 and D3 immediately), my liver was way better than the average very healthy individual and I am working out every day and building muscles much faster now and there are soooo many other values improved. I went vegan after reading tons of articles. I am a researcher so I always read peer revied scientific articles as a prove. I also did cut on processed food and sugar. Before going vegan I was already on a plant-based diet. I was eating meat 1 time every 2 weeks (chicken or fish ) and used to have milk cheese, eggs, and yogurt. After going vegan I still improved so much, unbelievable. The vegan diet is directly related to a healthy lifestyle and longevity. Very good advice! Ask the doctor for the blood test before and after 3 months and tell him you are going vegan. I like to see other people's stories about their vegan experience. Nice video btw. Thank you! :)

[@NikkiVegan]

Thanks! I'm so glad you're happy and thriving on a plant based diet!! 😊😊 It's really amazing to see the power of plants at work!

[@lzewgh9484]

Hey Nikki, have you recently got your iron tested? I feel like that's always one I am low on. Been vegan for nearly 4 years now :)

[@shannon2748]

Where do you live? I'm concerned about Vitamin D because I currently live somewhere that has had a really gloomy summer...and I am feeling grumpy.

[@n.c.9133]

11:20 same!!

[@janeeelsworth1885]

Hey girl!! I also think being vegan is the healthiest lifestyle!!! With that being said...I think the medial community in general does not do all the blood work they should. I recently had more advanced blood work done and it revealed that my COQ10 was very low as well as my DHEA along with that I had some genetic abnormalities...one being a problem with clotting too much and also a methylation problem which is an MTHFR gene mutation. If you have that mutation your body does not detoxify as well as others and you have a harder time absorbing B vitamins. So now I have to take activated or methylated B vitamins. Just something to keep in mind!! Thanks for spreading your message!!! ❤️

[@michellebeckham6402]

So I had blood work done and like you I’m low in vitamin D, I was at a 5. Now they want me on a high dose D for a few months and then a re-check. My problem is I’m sure what they prescribe me won’t be plant based. Grr! Not sure on my B12 as they didn’t do it as I requested, but they put an order in now.

[@markennvibryan]

Great video

[@NikkiVegan]

Thanks! Hope you found it helpful ❤️

[@harxmoond]

You didn't mention it but i was wondering if you also had your zinc and iodine levels checked.

[@NikkiVegan]

I did but I couldn't include everything in the video because it was already getting too long! Everything was normal :)

[@paulkowalczyk8665]

Hi, Nikki. What were your triglyceride levels? Thank you!

[@NikkiVegan]

They're good! Everything is good :) My dr was very happy with my results!

[@jesusaranda3726]

I had low vitamin D when I was an omnivore and my doctor told me to supplement. So, it's not a vegan problem. I also live in the midwest where we get poor levels of sun, especially in the winter months.

[@nivia7684]

Just saying, I LOVE her lasagna soup and so did my non vegan fam

[@NikkiVegan]

THIS COMMENT MADE MY DAY!!!

[@ZoeMayBlue]

I'm vegan and got the same kind of blood work checked, because my sister had a super low vitamin b-12 deficiency and a super high b-6 level that was actually super toxic to her body. All my levels were good, and my doctor said that my b-12 was perfectly healthy

[@NikkiVegan]

that's awesome hun! Keep doing what you're doing!

[@ZoeMayBlue]

+NikkiVegan I will! Thank you😊

[@MachismoFitness]

You have real nice glowing skin for someone that's low in Vitamin D.

[@MayasDream]

I take Vitamin D Vitamin B Complex Vitamin K DIM & Concern Trace Mineral Drops

[@marshkid1]

how much did the blood test cost?

[@davidthescottishvegan]

I don't take any supplements because I eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and other whole foods but also use plant based milks when I drink tea, coffee and have hot chocolate or with my breakfast in the morning. And all the plant based milks I use are fortified with vitamin D, B12 and Calcium and some even with B2 or vitamin E. My favourite vegetables are green ones kale, spinach, Brussel sprouts, green peppers, green chillies so Calcium and Iron should not be a problem. I also have Chia and Flax seeds every day in my breakfast. I also eat a lot of spices and herbs too.

[@anealin]

Hi! Just made an extensive blood work. Well, I spent around 100 $ for my complete biochemestry test +vit. D +active b12 + homocysteine. It turned out that theoretically I am a VERY healthy person. I do not regret a bit doing this test, because I see myself that this diet is really good in scientific terms. Now if a meat-eater doubts the positive effect of whole food vegan diet and asks me to show my results, I would say: only if you show me yours.

[@britinihajnos1716]

I feel the exact same way about the " proactive person" thing. I've always been that way. I don't agree with ignoring the truth. It's easier but that's why we live in one of the unhealthiest nations in the world. That's very scary.

[@NikkiVegan]

Agreed!! One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou...she said "When you know better, you do better" and I totally feel that way with diet and health. The more you know, the easier and more important it becomes to make better food choices. Plus I've found that it eating a plant based vegan diet makes me FEEL better, so I actually want to keep eating healthy lol So glad you can relate

[@Babyface6200]

Hey Nikki can you make vegan brigedeirro?

[@ChristianParkesArt]

What was your iron level?

[@starfire01245]

What should I eat two days before my blood test? I am kinda scared that if my tests will not be good my parents won't let me be vegan anymore :(

[@jamient]

Spirulina actually should not be relied on as a source of B12, because it's form is not always absorbed into the body.

[@TheStefif]

Wow, dr. Greger recommends taking cyano cobalamin and you're recommending the other one?

[@NikkiVegan]

Oh I didn't know he said that! I'll look into it. Thanks!

[@Julianna-dw3or]

What about LDL and HDL?

[@marshkid1]

Did they miss iron?

[@dmcfence]

Dietary cholesterol does not raise blood cholesterol. The real ratio for CVD risk is TG/HDL. When I was raw fruit based I had very poor(high) TG/HDL ratios.