Dr. Peter Gott healthy living Vegetarian diet works for Hodgkin's patient

Q: In the past, a reader of your column extolled the virtues of eating meat. Here is my humble opinion on the subject.

I am a 56-year-old male who is 99 percent vegetarian. If I were responsible for all my own meals, I could easily make that 100 percent.

I am not a great consumer of eggs or milk, although I do use them in baking, and it is hard to make a pizza without cheese. So I do get some animal protein. My intake of meat is closer to 3 ounces a month rather than the 3 ounces a day put forth by the writer as a minimum daily requirement.

When I was 23, I was diagnosed with stage III Hodgkin's lymphoma. I survived 18 months of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The cancer has not come back.

My health has been closely monitored for the past 30-plus years, with regular checkups and blood work. If going meatless were bad, I would have found out by now.

I minimize my intake of salt, fat and especially sugar. My cholesterol, body-mass index and blood pressure are ideal for my age. Oh yes, my current doctor is a practicing Hindu. No meat? No problem.

A: You certainly do appear to have your dietary habits under good control. And it is my guess that you know more about nutrients than the average person does.

My initial concern for you would be possible mineral, vitamin B complex and calcium deficiencies, as well as iron-deficiency anemia. Because you have regular checkups and blood work, any abnormalities would be apparent, and your doctor would address them.

Does your diet include beans, soy or other forms of protein? Are you taking a good multivitamin?

The fact that you are free of your Hodgkin's is impressive. You certainly must be doing something right. Good work.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Vitamins & Minerals." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a check or money order for $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.