Philip J Tuso, MD; Mohamed H Ismail, MD; Benjamin P Ha, MD; Carole Bartolotto, MA, RD Perm J 2013 Spring;17(2):61-66
http://dx.doi.org/10.7812/TPP/12-085
Abstract
The objective of this article is to present to physicians an update on plant-based diets.
Concerns about the rising cost of health care are being voiced nationwide, even as unhealthy
lifestyles are contributing to the spread of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular
disease. For these reasons, physicians looking for cost-effective interventions to improve
health outcomes are becoming more involved in helping their patients adopt healthier
lifestyles. Healthy eating may be best achieved with a plant-based diet, which we define
as a regimen that encourages whole, plant-based foods and discourages meats, dairy
products, and eggs as well as all refined and processed foods. We present a case study
as an example of the potential health benefits of such a diet. Research shows that plantbased
diets are cost-effective, low-risk interventions that may lower body mass index,
blood pressure, HbA1C, and cholesterol levels. They may also reduce the number of
medications needed to treat chronic diseases and lower ischemic heart disease mortality
rates. Physicians should consider recommending a plant-based diet to all their patients,
especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity. |
