I have been a vegetarian for 17 years now. I am 38. In Russia where I grew up we ate a lot of meat. I never liked it too much. I was holding a religious fast (russian christian orthodox) when I was 21 with no meat for few weeks. I could have milk and all the dairy products except eggs. I felt so good and light and my digestion improved significantly (although I didn't feel sick before). But this feeling of lightness in your belly and your head was very exciting. I haven't eaten meat since then.
I also was suffering from eczema on my hands since I was eight years old. Nothing would help except anti inflammatory steroid ointments. About one year after I became a vegetarian (no meat, fish, eggs)it went away. I attribute it to change in diet and cleaner bowel. I am 100% for a vegetarian diet. It just has to be balanced.
Julia