Introduction
Faith and beliefs are crucial in one’s career as people incorporate their worldviews into their work. For a nurse, it is essential to find an alignment between these aspects. Nutrition is often affected by one’s religion, as there are numerous nuances stemming from beliefs that affect dietary habits. In this paper, veganism and vegetarianism will be discussed from the perspective of a Christian nurse. A plant-based diet holds significant meaning for Christians, who may see how this approach aligns with the teachings of the Bible.
Topic Definition
A dietary habit based solely on plants is not a novel concept, as many people incorporate it into their lifestyle. Such an eating habit limits, avoids, or restricts animal-based products entirely (Medawar et al., 2019). Followers of these diets are called vegans or vegetarians, depending on the extent of their food exclusion criteria and views on non-food products made from other living beings.
Controversies
Plant-based diets are a subject of numerous controversies, as they involve both ethical and nutritional aspects of such food restrictions. Many vegans and vegetarians see their dietary habits as beneficial for the planet and their health. Indeed, one’s well-being is bound to improve after switching to a plant-based diet. This eating behavior has several short- and medium-term beneficial effects on one’s health, as it helps people control their weight, glucose, and sodium intake and reduces systemic inflammation (Medawar et al., 2019).
Moreover, a plant-based diet can be perceived as an ethical way of living, as people do not pay for the lives of animals to be taken. Even long-term adherence to such a form of nutrition may provide an advantage due to the high fiber concentration in one’s food intake (Medawar et al., 2019). However, this claim is yet to be proven accurately, often leading to its exclusion from positive aspects of such meal compositions.
However, the primary controversy arises when one takes this diet as their only means of receiving nutrients. Many plants contain components that act as antinutrients, which hinder the absorption of minerals and proteins in food (Popova & Mihaylova, 2019). Without advice from dieticians, one is likely to fail to construct an appropriate diet that satisfies all of the organism’s needs. In addition, it is challenging to conduct quantitative studies that analyze the long-term effects of plant-based diets due to the interference of external factors in one’s health (Medawar et al., 2019). Due to the difficulties in establishing a proper plan that satisfies one’s nutritional needs, people commonly perceive adverse effects, which causes them to view this diet as detrimental to their well-being.
My Perspective as a Christian Nurse
As a Christian nurse, I believe the benefits of adhering to a plant-based diet can be significantly enhanced when explored further. A balanced intake of essential nutrients can help patients overcome numerous chronic diseases and improve their overall well-being. The discussed studies indicate that a person can become healthier by temporarily adopting vegetarian practices.
In healthcare, it is essential to understand the extent to which this eating behavior is applied and apply it correctly. For healthcare professionals, this diet can become a feasible recommendation for patients undergoing various treatments. Patients with access to healthy food during their in-hospital stays can incorporate this form of nutrition into their healing process and continue adhering to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle in the future (Storz, 2020).
In addition to this notion, a plant-based diet can be seen as a way to praise God’s creation. God’s vegan or vegetarian choices preserve life on the planet through their conscious actions. It is essential to comprehend that God teaches people that “everything that has the breath of life, [he has] given every green plant for food” (English Stand” rd Version, Genesis 1:29-30).
While crucial nutritional components can be found in animal products, readily available plant-based substitutes are also available. A nurse with sufficient knowledge can help patients establish an appropriate eating regimen. As a personal factor, I believe that veganism can help protect the health of others by reducing its impact on climate change, which aligns with my Christian values.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a plant-based diet has both advantages and disadvantages, aligning with the Bible’s teachings that respect all of God’s creation. There are well-documented benefits of vegetarianism and veganism for one’s long-term health, which can improve overall well-being and protect it from further deterioration. However, one must comprehend how to obtain all vital nutrients from such a diet. Antinutrients present in plants can lead to deficiencies of minerals and proteins, damaging one’s health instead of protecting it. As a Christian nurse, I view veganism and vegetarianism as a means to preserve life on our planet and demonstrate compassion to other beings, all of whom are created by God.
References
Holy Bible: English standard version. (2016). Crossway.
Medawar, E., Huhn, S., Villringer, A., & Veronica Witte, A. (2019). The effects of plant-based diets on the body and the brain: A systematic review. Translational Psychiatry, 9(1). Web.
Popova, A., & Mihaylova, D. (2019). Antinutrients in plant-based foods: A review. The Open Biotechnology Journal, 13(1), 68-76. Web.
Storz, M. A. (2020). Should plant-based hospital meals be the law? An American experience. Hospital Practice, 48(5), 241-243. Web.