![]() ![]() The reduction in HbA 1C from 11.1% to 6.3% in 3 months is much better than would be expected with monotherapy with metformin 6 or daily exercise. The presented case is a dramatic example of the effect a plant-based diet can have on biometric outcomes like blood pressure, diabetes, and lipid profile. Lisinopril was gradually decreased to 5 mg daily and his diabetes is controlled with metformin alone, 1000 mg twice daily. Follow-up blood pressure remained below 125/60 mmHg, HbA 1C improved to 6.3%, and total cholesterol improved to 138 mg/dL. He was completely weaned off of amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, glipizide, and neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin. Over a 16-week period, significant improvement in biometric outcome measures was observed. The patient was seen monthly in his primary care clinic. He was also asked to begin exercising 15 minutes twice a day. He was advised to consume unlimited non-starchy vegetables, legumes, and beans, in addition to up to 2 ounces of nuts and seeds daily. His physician also prescribed a low-sodium, plant-based diet that excluded all animal products and refined sugars and limited bread, rice, potatoes, and tortillas to a single daily serving. He was prescribed metformin, 1000 mg twice daily glipizide, 5 mg daily and 10 units of neutral protamine Hagedom insulin at bedtime. He was taking lisinopril, 40 mg daily hydrochlorothiazide, 50 mg daily amlodipine, 5 mg daily and atorvastatin, 20 mg daily. His total cholesterol was 283 mg/dL, blood pressure was 132/66 mmHg, and body mass index (BMI) was 25 kg/m 2. The result of a random blood glucose test was 524 mg/dL, and HbA 1C was 11.1%. We start with a case study and conclude with a review of the literature.Ī 63-year-old man with a history of hypertension presented to his primary care physician with complaints of fatigue, nausea, and muscle cramps. The goal of this article is to review the evidence supporting plant-based diets and to provide a guideline for presenting them to patients. National dietary guidelines for active living and healthful eating are available at 5 A typical healthful plate of food is 1/2 plant foods (nonstarchy vegetables and fruits), 1/4 whole grains or unprocessed starchy food, and 1/4 lean protein. This could be because of a lack of awareness of these diets or a lack of patient education resources. 3 Of all the diets recommended over the last few decades to turn the tide of these chronic illnesses, the best but perhaps least common may be those that are plant based.ĭespite the strong body of evidence favoring plant-based diets, including studies showing a willingness of the general public to embrace them, 4 many physicians are not stressing the importance of plant-based diets as a first-line treatment for chronic illnesses. 2 Risks of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, along with their ensuing complications (eg, behavioral health and quality-of-life problems) often go hand-in-hand and are strongly linked to lifestyle, especially dietary choices. 1 In 2011, Witters reported that in some areas of the country, the rate of obesity is 39% and is increasing at a rate of 5% per year. In the HBO documentary The Weight of the Nation, it was noted that if you “go with the flow” in the US, you will eventually become obese. Physicians should consider recommending a plant-based diet to all their patients, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity. ![]() They may also reduce the number of medications needed to treat chronic diseases and lower ischemic heart disease mortality rates. Research shows that plant-based diets are cost-effective, low-risk interventions that may lower body mass index, blood pressure, HbA 1C, and cholesterol levels. We present a case study as an example of the potential health benefits of such a diet. ![]() 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. For these reasons, physicians looking for cost-effective interventions to improve health outcomes are becoming more involved in helping their patients adopt healthier lifestyles. 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. The objective of this article is to present to physicians an update on plant-based diets. ![]()
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