Vegetarian Advice: Going Veg On Restricted Diet

Question: Restricted diet, mouth ulcers, not sure how to get good nutrition

I want to go vegetarian and I am not sure how I can get good vegetarian nutrition. I'm on a restricted diet as I have a problem of mouth ulcers that I've been getting for over 8 years.

I avoid salt, sugar and most fruits because they irritate them and cause new outbreaks. I can't eat apples, oranges, grapes, and tomatoes (among others) regularly and I try to stay away from them all together.

What sorts of fruits should I try that lack the acid and citrus? What should I substitute for fruit? - L. T.

Savvy Vegetarian Advice

Dear L. T.,

Not being a doctor or nutritionist, I couldn't say what causes your mouth ulcers, but ph balance, and minerals may be related. Also lysine is a possibility. You need some salt in your diet for minerals, but not refined salt - the unrefined pink rock salt is best. Add just small amounts to cooked grains and legumes.

If you drink RO or distilled water, add mineral drops such as Concentrace - Google search to find it online. Dark leafy greens have a good effect on body ph, lowering acidity, and also are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Juiced green cabbage is a wonderful remedy for acidity, and will kill all your parasites as well!

A varied, balanced vegetarian diet based on whole grains, legumes and vegetables can give you all the nutrients you need, even with dietary restrictions such as you've described. Most fruits are much more acidic than vegetables. Cucumbers and avocados might be good for you. Yams too. Avoid the nightshade family - tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant: in Ayurveda they're considered inflammatory. Spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, fennel, cardamom could help, and herbs like rose buds, camomile, nettles, horsetail. Try SV'sEveryday Herbal Tonic Tea.

I've attached two free reports for you: 10 Tips For Beginning Vegetarians and Vegetarian Nutrition. They should help get you started on a vegetarian diet.

All the best, Judith Kingsbury, Savvy Vegetarian

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