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Severely Aching Joints?
I became a vegan about two and a half weeks ago, and regularly work out lifting weights, and run for an hour, three times a week. I've noticed over the past few days that my body absolutely aches. I've taken a few days off running because every step I take feels like I've just ran a marathon. I'm only 21, and have quite a high pain tolerance, but I've had to stop twenty minutes into a jog and hobble away in agony. Previous to going vegan I act a very clean, healthy lifestyle so I didn't notice any detox signs, and I've done many cleanses throughout my life and nothing has ever came close to this. Has anyone ever experienced this before? I'm wondering if it's something I'm lacking in my diet? I've tried increasing protein, and am taking my vitamins daily, but this is getting a bit absurd. Especially when I feel the need to stretch out my calves every five minutes because they feel as though they're about to fall off. Please help!!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jvegegirl on -
I think many people accept too many symptoms as "detox." I do not mean to cause alarm, but I would suggest you go see a doctor for such pain. There may be underlying causes unrelated to detox. It may be nothing, but in this case I would go ahead and confirm this with a physician.
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Permalink Reply by Charlene Tomlinson on -
I agree with Jvegegirl...I hope everything works out
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Permalink Reply by Tiffany on -
well it's not that it's been a long-term issue, it's only started after going vegan. I assume it's a lack of nutrient, fat or protein that I simply haven't noticed yet as I've been balancing out my eating habits while being very active. Yes, it's a horribly debilitating ache, but of the three doctors I've called they told me to start eating meat and dairy and that being vegan was unhealthy for anyone, which I know is absolutely bogus. I'm considering calling a nutrionalist or personal trainer since they're most accustomed to health issues and injuries via diet, unlike illnesses as medical professionals are. I was just hoping that someone else had come across the same issue and could recommend a solution.
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Permalink Reply by Jocelyn on
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i had this. Try Omega threes. Chia seeds are particularly good. Add them to breakfast and post work out snack.
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Permalink Reply by Chris on -
Yeah I'd love to have an answer but I've somewhat gone through the same issue. When you switch diets you may be lacking something and it's difficult to peg exactly what it is. Everyone is different but I started increasing omega 3's and things seem somewhat better. Sorry i can't be of more help but i am interested to see what discussion this creates and what you find.
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Permalink Reply by Tiffany on
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I went ahead and spoke to a close friend and he said I wasn't getting nearly enough fat in my diet, and my chiropractor said to increase oils as well, he suggested fish. I immediately went home and hand a small handful of macadamia nuts and an avacado salad, and flax, hemp, coconut and udo's oils (since I really didnt want to compromise my new-found veganism with fish oil). I've kept up this regimen for a few days and am happy to report that I don't have the severe ache anymore, and actually completely a 65 minute run without any abnormal pain whatsoever, just reasonable muscle fatigue. The explanations I've been getting is that because of a lack of enough fat for my high activity life, my body was cannibalizing my muscle tissue as a form of fuel. It makes complete sense, and I've also upped the amount of protein sources in my diet, as I was unaware that I wasn't getting complete protein unless I combined two or more rice/nut/grain proteins in one. So far good results, we'll see how long this lasts or if any further amendments are needed.
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Permalink Reply by Charlene Tomlinson on
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I am so glad to hear that, Tiffany! Thanks for letting us know what the problem was & how it all turned out. It's helpful to know so we can help others :) Happy you're feeling better!
Tiffany said:I went ahead and spoke to a close friend and he said I wasn't getting nearly enough fat in my diet, and my chiropractor said to increase oils as well, he suggested fish. I immediately went home and hand a small handful of macadamia nuts and an avacado salad, and flax, hemp, coconut and udo's oils (since I really didnt want to compromise my new-found veganism with fish oil). I've kept up this regimen for a few days and am happy to report that I don't have the severe ache anymore, and actually completely a 65 minute run without any abnormal pain whatsoever, just reasonable muscle fatigue. The explanations I've been getting is that because of a lack of enough fat for my high activity life, my body was cannibalizing my muscle tissue as a form of fuel. It makes complete sense, and I've also upped the amount of protein sources in my diet, as I was unaware that I wasn't getting complete protein unless I combined two or more rice/nut/grain proteins in one. So far good results, we'll see how long this lasts or if any further amendments are needed.
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Permalink Reply by Jaslene on
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If you're eating soy (as you said you were increasing protein on your vegan diet), this will give you achy joints. One month I bought a box of soy cubes as I was going to put them in my stir-fry and I did. However, I was crying for a good two weeks. I was in agony to a point where I thought I needed to be put out of my misery. Definitely steer clear of soy anything and don't forget to look at your supplement bottles as they may contain soy too. I won't tell you what happened to me after 12 years of eating soy and drinking coffee. Soy blocks vitamin and mineral absorption and coffee washes it right out of your body. So you can imagine I went through a lot with my body. 50lbs overweight and malnourished not to mention severe alopecia and body pains and aches and...well, I could go on. After stopping it for a good 6 months with 3 months of my body detoxing from soy and I stopped coffee 2 months ago, at least my hair is growing back and no more severe IBS. :D
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Permalink Reply by Tiffany on
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Oh wow, that's aweful! Honestly I completely steer clear of soy, it's so highly estrogenic and overly produced that I worry about what it does to your body. Thank you so much for letting me know what happened to you, I'll make sure to continue avoiding it like the plague! :)
Jaslene said:If you're eating soy (as you said you were increasing protein on your vegan diet), this will give you achy joints. One month I bought a box of soy cubes as I was going to put them in my stir-fry and I did. However, I was crying for a good two weeks. I was in agony to a point where I thought I needed to be put out of my misery. Definitely steer clear of soy anything and don't forget to look at your supplement bottles as they may contain soy too. I won't tell you what happened to me after 12 years of eating soy and drinking coffee. Soy blocks vitamin and mineral absorption and coffee washes it right out of your body. So you can imagine I went through a lot with my body. 50lbs overweight and malnourished not to mention severe alopecia and body pains and aches and...well, I could go on. After stopping it for a good 6 months with 3 months of my body detoxing from soy and I stopped coffee 2 months ago, at least my hair is growing back and no more severe IBS. :D
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Permalink Reply by Eugene on -
Hey Tiffany, I noticed you mentioned protein combining. Just so you don't have to go through the hassle; you don't have to combine them in one sitting. As long as you are getting your protein from a variety of sources throughout the day (and if you eat a varied diet, you will) your body can synthesize what proteins you need.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA142995
I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. I train pretty hard 5-6 days a week, and my joints ache noticeably when I don't consume enough omega 3. I find if I up the flaxseed, hemp, walnuts, etc. in my diet, the pain subsides.
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Permalink Reply by Andrew John Connolly on
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Make sure you are eating enough for your activity levels and make darn sure you are not dehydrated as this can become very serious if left untreated. I would talk to a naturopathic physician in your area if there is one. It may sound gross, but you may want to visit a certified colon therapist as your naturopath may suggest. It does sound like the symptoms of detox because you made a recent significant life change. You are eating cleaner fuel and your body is trying to excrete crud built up in your system. That being written, I do agree with Jvegegirl that you should have a work-up with your MD to make sure it is nothing serious. Once they tell you there is nothing wrong, then try the naturopath.
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Permalink Reply by Melissa Marie Edman on -
I would go to a Dietitian. Personally as a Fitness instructor and almost RD (Dietitian) you cannot go wrong. We study food all day long and how people adapt to different diets. Look for a sports nutritionist with an RD by their name. If there is no RD then do not go to them. As an athlete fat is your fuel and is functional for joints. Think a diet should be based on energy carbs (grains, fruits, veggies), Fat for fuel (your joints are made up of Fatty acids), and protein is your repaire. Since you just became Vegan your body will need to adjust to your new life style.
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