Why I Became A Vegan

I have been a Vegan for 13 years. I first adopted the vegan diet when I learned that horses were being slaughtered in the United States for human consumption in Europe and Asia. I rescue horses and knowing that I would never dine on 'Filet du Fedon' (Filet of Foal), I could not reconcile not eating horses with eating other animals.

A vegan diet is very healthy. The diet is based on soy proteins as well as legumes, fruits, and nuts. A clever cook can whip up a wonderful meal that is satisfying to even the most skeptical of non vegans. Dessert included! My cholesterol levels are in balance for my age and weight, and it is difficult to become over weight by following this diet. There are many resources regarding recipes and acceptable ingredients to be found by performing an Internet search.

My primary reason for adopting a vegan diet was my desire to not have my dinner brutalized before it arrived on my plate. My secondary reason is my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2006. MS is an autoimmune disease that is managed by injections of various medications depending on the type of MS one has. Men experience Primary Progressive more often than other forms of the disease. Women greatly outnumber men with MS cases, and we are most commonly subject to the Relapsing Remitting form. This means that when we relapse we lose our ability to walk. The treatment to get us back into remission is an anti-inflammatory drug for 20 days. Some patients relapse very frequently, others can pass years without a relapse. I happen to be a rapid relapser!

MS steals movement. This is why the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has the annual 'Walk for the Cure' event. It has been determined that an anti-inflammatory diet should be followed by all MS patients. This diet is either vegan or vegetarian. Vegetarians must monitor their intake of dairy products; animal products are disallowed on an anti-inflammatory diet. Having been a vegan for 11 years before being diagnosed, I did not have to suffer a radical change in the foods I eat. My Neurologist was pleased. Many MS patients have difficulty adapting to the change in diet.

It is interesting to note that humans are not the only species to be affected by MS. Horses who have 'Wobbler's Disease' actually have a form of MS. Corgi dogs as well as the Belgian Malinois breed also are affected. The vets are rather clueless about it, however, I rescued a horse with 'Wobbler's' and insisted he be treated the way I am. When he relapses, he gets the anti-inflammatory drug for 20 days. He is fine as long as I keep him out of extremes in temperature. Temperature extremes will trigger a relapse.

Horseback riding is an alternative modality for the treatment of MS. Thus, the horses I rescue actually help me! Horses are Vegans too!