Extreme Discomfort with Vega

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Permalink Reply by Dale Barbara on August 18, 2010 at 11:05am

Why do you need to use the Vega supplements? Why not just make your own shakes?, I do. My advice dont use it if it is upsetting your gut, just make your own shakes instead.

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Permalink Reply by Jill on August 18, 2010 at 12:21pm

Hi Brad,

We do hear this from people from time to time. Some of the reasons are the extra pre-biotics, chlorella and fiber that initiate a cleansing reaction. Many find that when they slowly introduce Vega, these detox symptoms are reduced - you may want to consider starting with a smaller serving size - even as small as half a scoop and then build up to the full two scoop serving as your body cleanses and adjusts.

All the best, please keep us posted on how you find the smaller serving size. Be sure to also drink plenty of water.

This thread may also have some additional insights for you: http://www.vegacommunity.com/forum/topics/thrive-diet-bathroom-side...

Jill

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Permalink Reply by Ann Richter on August 18, 2010 at 2:09pm

Brad, I'm betting that the primary ingredient in Vega that is upsetting your system is the inulin.
Try this to test my theory. Buy a Fiber One bar. It has 10 grams of fiber from inulin, so I think this is a pretty good control test.
For myself, I could eat one Fiber One bar a day and be fine, but if I had more than that, whoa, I had the symptoms you're talking about.
I agree with Jill that you should start small and try working yourself up to a full serving. If your symptoms are that severe, try mixing 1/2 scoop of Vega in your shake or smoothie and see how you do with that. You may also want to try some extra alpha-galactosidase, it's an enzyme that is used to help prevent gas when eating high-fiber foods like beans and cruciferous vegetables. This is the same active ingredient in Beano, but you can buy it by itself at the health-food store or your grocery store.
If you are able to handle the 1/2 scoop (which is 1/4 a normal serving), then you could work your way up from there. I know easing into it has helped me tons.
Also, as to IBS, have you tried Heather's Tummy Fiber? This stuff is AWESOME for IBS. You can get them online at http://www.helpforibs.com/shop/suplmts/acacia.asp?gclid=CKOTuK_3w6M... or at Amazon.com.
All the best,
Ann

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Permalink Reply by Brad M on August 18, 2010 at 6:36pm

Dale,
I use it in conjunction with my own shakes.

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Permalink Reply by Brad M on August 19, 2010 at 8:45am

Thank you, this is great advice. I am going to give your suggestions a try.

Ann Richter said:

Brad, I'm betting that the primary ingredient in Vega that is upsetting your system is the inulin.
Try this to test my theory. Buy a Fiber One bar. It has 10 grams of fiber from inulin, so I think this is a pretty good control test.
For myself, I could eat one Fiber One bar a day and be fine, but if I had more than that, whoa, I had the symptoms you're talking about.
I agree with Jill that you should start small and try working yourself up to a full serving. If your symptoms are that severe, try mixing 1/2 scoop of Vega in your shake or smoothie and see how you do with that. You may also want to try some extra alpha-galactosidase, it's an enzyme that is used to help prevent gas when eating high-fiber foods like beans and cruciferous vegetables. This is the same active ingredient in Beano, but you can buy it by itself at the health-food store or your grocery store.
If you are able to handle the 1/2 scoop (which is 1/4 a normal serving), then you could work your way up from there. I know easing into it has helped me tons.
Also, as to IBS, have you tried Heather's Tummy Fiber? This stuff is AWESOME for IBS. You can get them online at http://www.helpforibs.com/shop/suplmts/acacia.asp?gclid=CKOTuK_3w6M... or at Amazon.com.
All the best,
Ann

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Permalink Reply by Dale Barbara on August 19, 2010 at 8:54am

Thats the ticket then, if your own shakes do not upset your gut then why the need to supplement at all. It's cheaper making it yourself, less waste (packaging), and you can add your own ingredinds. I of course don't work for Vega so that is why my recommendation is different from the other replys you have recieved. I don't buy into the "well if it's bothering you, just take less of it" philosophy.


Brad M said:

Dale,
I use it in conjunction with my own shakes.

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Permalink Reply by juleah weikel on August 21, 2010 at 10:07am

Hi Brad,
I am so sorry to hear about this sudden change.. Have you ever been checked for Chron's disease or Celiac? I have had tummy issues my whole life and it wasn't until my son was diagnosed with Celiac and I changed my diet in support of him that I realized I was gluten intolerant.. After many years of mis diagnosis (even tummy biopsies) But now after having much success with my diet change I am suddenly having the same symptoms you are talking about going to the bathroom with blood... Doctor's are suspecting Chron's.. However, I suspect other food sensitivities as well..

Recently, friends told me that I should get an Elsa? test by a homeopathic.. They can check your food sensitivities via blood work and check to see if you are nutrient deficient in anything.. It did wonders for them when they were doing well on a specific diet and then things suddenly changed or reverted. You may be having a specific reaction to one item in the Vega if you have a sensitivity that you are unaware of.. Which could very well be the case. An Elsa test might be very helpful.

Regarding the Vega.. I bought some bars at whole foods and LOVED them but my stomach got upset too.. My stomach very very tender from even light touch on the outside and I had the D. I am not sure if it is because of detox or because the bars are processed in a facility that processes wheat along with some other common allergens.. Which is something to consider if you are wheat free..

I don't know if any of this helps... But good luck to you:)

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Permalink Reply by Kelleigh on August 21, 2010 at 6:10pm

Often people with IBD/IBS have very little tolerance for inulin (FOS), which is in the Vega. Their bodies can't break down the polysaccharides and this leads to bloating, cramps and multiple visits to the washroom. If this proves true for you, unfortunately having even just a little Vega will continue to cause you grief. Hope this helps in your quest for health.

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Permalink Reply by Ann Richter on August 21, 2010 at 7:14pm

Thanks for this info, Kelleigh! I was unaware that so many people with IBD/IBS had a problem with inulin. I also appreciate your letting us know why this is the case.

Personally, I never take more than half a serving at a time, and I do all right with that. The WFHO is so chock-full of goodness that I hate to miss out on it completely, even if I can't have a full serving everyday.

Jill, are there any plans to make a version of Vega without the inulin (FOS)??? Brendan seems sensitive to people with food allergies and sensitivities, so even though it wouldn't be his "exact" formulation without this, I would still hope that he and Sequel would consider it. I know I would MOST DEFINITELY purchase the product without the inulin over the product as is.
If there aren't any current plans to do this, perhaps you all could do some market research to see if it's a viable option.

Kelleigh said:

Often people with IBD/IBS have very little tolerance for inulin (FOS), which is in the Vega. Their bodies can't break down the polysaccharides and this leads to bloating, cramps and multiple visits to the washroom. If this proves true for you, unfortunately having even just a little Vega will continue to cause you grief. Hope this helps in your quest for health.

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Permalink Reply by Jill on August 23, 2010 at 1:30pm

Ann,

Thanks for your feedback! If you're looking for a product without inulin, you could try Vega Shake & Go Smoothie: http://myvega.com/products/vega-shake-and-go/features-benefits. It has many of the same great base ingredients as the Whole Food Health Optimizer, without some of the supplements. Alternatively, you could try just a straight hemp protein...

I've passed along your suggestions, thank you - all the best!

Jill

Ann Richter said:

Thanks for this info, Kelleigh! I was unaware that so many people with IBD/IBS had a problem with inulin. I also appreciate your letting us know why this is the case.

Personally, I never take more than half a serving at a time, and I do all right with that. The WFHO is so chock-full of goodness that I hate to miss out on it completely, even if I can't have a full serving everyday.

Jill, are there any plans to make a version of Vega without the inulin (FOS)??? Brendan seems sensitive to people with food allergies and sensitivities, so even though it wouldn't be his "exact" formulation without this, I would still hope that he and Sequel would consider it. I know I would MOST DEFINITELY purchase the product without the inulin over the product as is.
If there aren't any current plans to do this, perhaps you all could do some market research to see if it's a viable option.

Kelleigh said:

Often people with IBD/IBS have very little tolerance for inulin (FOS), which is in the Vega. Their bodies can't break down the polysaccharides and this leads to bloating, cramps and multiple visits to the washroom. If this proves true for you, unfortunately having even just a little Vega will continue to cause you grief. Hope this helps in your quest for health.

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Permalink Reply by Ann Richter on August 23, 2010 at 2:09pm

Thanks, Jill!! I truly appreciate it.
I will make sure to try the Shake and Go smoothie. I followed the link you provided and saw the Shake & Go has got the same protein blend (and so same fabulous amino acid profile) of the WFHO.
I'm still hopeful Sequel will decide to make another version of the WFHO as I adore the ease of being able to get so many vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and other goodies all in one fell swoop from the WFHO.
Light and Blessings to you and yours.

Jill said:

Ann,

Thanks for your feedback! If you're looking for a product without inulin, you could try Vega Shake & Go Smoothie: http://myvega.com/products/vega-shake-and-go/features-benefits. It has many of the same great base ingredients as the Whole Food Health Optimizer, without some of the supplements. Alternatively, you could try just a straight hemp protein...

I've passed along your suggestions, thank you - all the best!

Jill

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Permalink Reply by vrega on September 21, 2010 at 7:02pm

Hi,

I've had a very similar experience with WFHO. For many months, it has been a great supplement, until September when I got a ton of this stuff in a sale at liquid nutrition, where I usually get it.

I got nasty stomach cramps, gas and acidity and the doctor gave me a regular antacid prescription which helped alleviate the symptoms a bit. I got off WFHO for 2 weeks and the symptoms were almost gone, though my stomach is still recovering from what seems to be an ulcer.

Not sure if this has anything to do with WFHO, but I resumed it today and the nasty cramps returned pretty much exactly as they had started. Since I have been having WFHO (between 2 - 3 smoothies a day) for almost 6 months now, it's strange that I am suddenly experiencing this only now.

I am afraid to try it again now, and I have 3 boxes from the sale lying at home.

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