Dr. Neal Barnard Interview II

The President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM.org) answers more questions for our readers...

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We interviewed Dr. Neal Barnard some time ago. We still had some questions we felt were worth asking and Dr. Barnard graciously agreed to take time from his busy schedule to answer them for us.

As a founding member of PCRM, Dr. Barnard and his team have been on the forefront of research and study relative to nutrition and plant-based diets as well as leading the effort to move toward a more ethical method of research with regard to the treatment of animals.


~ The Interview ~

NJR - As a reminder for our readers, what is PCRM and when was it founded?

Dr. Barnard - The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine was founded in 1985 to promote preventive medicine, especially good nutrition, and to deal with ethical issues in research.

NJR - We know you follow a vegan diet. Most medical doctors we know do not suggest a vegan diet to their patients. Why is that? How long have you followed a vegan diet? Were you brought up eating animal products?

Dr. Barnard - More and more doctors are promoting vegan diets and similar regimens, because they are the most powerful approach to preventing and reversing heart problems, tackling diabetes, and helping people lose excess weight. I was raised in North Dakota on a rather meaty diet, but I now follow an entirely vegan diet, and would recommend it for anyone.

NJR - Whenever the topic of vegan diet is discussed, the question regarding B12 comes up? How can a person following a vegan diet ensure they are getting enough B12? Are vitamin supplements the best source for getting B12?

Dr. Barnard - It's easy, but important. All multiple vitamins contain B12, and there are vitamin B12 supplements, as well. They are all fine. It is important not to neglect it.

NJR - We know from a previous interview that you feel a vegan diet is great for children. Is a vegan diet safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers?

Dr. Barnard - Yes. And the real question is, is it safe not to follow a vegan diet during pregnancy and lactation. Vegan mothers have the cleanest breast milk- that is, the lowest in pesticide residues-and they are less likely to pass allergens (ie, cow's milk protein) to their infants.

NJR - We love sweets and baked goods at our house. Is sugar acceptable on a vegan diet? What is evaporated cane juice? How is it different from sugar? Is it better for you?

Dr. Barnard - Yes, sugar is vegan. It's not necessarily healthful, but it's from a plant source. Evaporated cane juice is just sugar derived from sugar cane. Manufacturers use this code word to disguise the fact that they are adding sugar to their products.

NJR - For those of us with over-weight issues, how important is portion control on a vegan diet?

Dr. Barnard - Completely unnecessary. If you eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans, and keep oils low, the calories take care of themselves.

NJR - Seems like there is a lot of grain consumed on vegan diets. Don't grains make you fat? Aren't they carbohydrates?

Dr. Barnard - Carbohydrates are not fattening unless there is a lot of grease baked into them (eg, cookies), in which case is the fat that fattens you up. Fat has 9 calories per gram; carbohydrates have only four. The thinnest people on the planet are vegans and Asians, and both eat lots of grain and other carbohydrate- rich foods.

NJR - Would you explain the concern regarding soy intake and hypothyroid & hyperthyroid conditions? We've read that soy and some other foods should be avoided or taken in moderation if one has a thyroid condition.

Dr. Barnard - Some studies have suggested that soy isoflavones take up some of the iodine that would normally be used to make thyroid hormone. The same is true of fiber supplements and some medications. In theory, then, people who consume soy might need slightly more iodine in their diets (iodine is found in many plant foods, and especially in seaweed and iodized salt.) However, clinical studies show that soy products do not cause hypothyroidism.

Soy products do seem to reduce the absorption of medicines used to treat hypothyroidism. If you take these medicines, your healthcare provider can easily check to see if your dose needs to be adjusted.

NJR - In our busy, day-to-day world, almost everyone we know is a carnivore. Many of our families think we are crazy. It's easy to fall off the vegan wagon. Do you have any suggestions regarding ways to stay committed to a vegan lifestyle?

Dr. Barnard - It's easy to fall off any wagon-the nonsmoking wagon, for example. Don't beat yourself up, just get back on. Remember why you're doing it. Surround yourself with vegan friends, read the relevant literature, stay in touch with good organizations, and join PCRM.

Not-Just-Recipes is very appreciative of the fact that Dr. Barnard took time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. We at NJR hope that we have been able to answer some of your questions as well. And please consider Dr. Barnard's advice - surround yourself with vegan friends (vegetarian friends are a good start!) and consider joining PCRM. You can get more information about PCRM and the excellent work they do by visiting their website at PCRM.org

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