Reference no: EM133872138

Question

As millions of Americans continue to struggle with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, many continue to seek healthier alternatives to the typical American diet. According to an expansive review published in 2020, plant-based diets "were associated with a significantly reduced risk of negative health outcomes with a pooled ES of 0.886 (95% CI: 0.848 to 0.926; P < 0.001) without significant heterogeneity (I2 = 43.16%; 95% CI: 3.55 to 66.51; P = 0.02)."13 Given that so many health conditions and adverse outcomes can be mitigated by a plant-based diet, and that there is rapidly-growing public interest in this diet, physicians need to be educated and ready to counsel their patients on the benefits and risks of a plant-based diet. A well-planned diet of plant-based whole foods incorporating a variety of vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes can be one tool to help physicians and patients address the chronic lifestyle diseases with which many struggle.

Patients with chronic health conditions who adhere to this diet may expect to see weight loss, improvement in blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduced risk of heart disease. Care should be taken to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and legumes to ensure adequate consumption of protein. Vitamin B12 and calcium can be found in fortified foods or added via supplementation to ensure adequate intake. Organizations like the American Heart Association and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics now recognize that a well-planned plant-based diet is healthy and safe for most adults. Physicians should feel confident recommending such a diet to their patients and supporting this choice when a patient expresses interest.