Date of Award

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Jaime Shaffer

Abstract

This article delves into the prevalence and costs associated with various chronic diseases, elucidates how adopting a whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet can effectively combat these ailments, and offers resources and guidance for healthcare providers to engage in discussions about WFPB diets with their patients. A WFPB diet centers around unprocessed, natural foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while eschewing animal based products. This dietary regimen prioritizes nutrient-rich, plant-derived foods, favoring minimally processed options to enhance overall health and vitality. Its design is deliberate, offering a therapeutic approach to tackling chronic diseases and fostering recovery. By emphasizing plant-based sources and minimizing intake of detrimental nutrients like animal protein, saturated fat, trans-fats, cholesterol, simple sugars, and sodium, this dietary pattern serves as a shield against the development of disease. Scientific evidence has consistently linked these nutrients to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including Heart Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and certain cancers, owing to their potent disease-fighting properties. Moreover, the inclusion of dietary fiber in such foods plays a pivotal role in enhancing digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and fostering satiety. This multifaceted benefit aids in weight management by curbing caloric intake and thwarting overeating tendencies. It's imperative to acknowledge that many healthcare providers currently lack familiarity with WFPB diets or struggle to effectively integrate nutrition into holistic healthcare practices. Equipping providers with a comprehensive understanding of WFPB diets and their potential benefits can empower them to communicate nutrition-based prevention and management strategies for patients at risk of or grappling with chronic diseases, thus bridging the gap between the current and desired state of nutritional healthcare.

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Veena Patel Capstone Virtual Poster.pdf (1765 kB)
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Veena Patel Capstone Virtual Presentation (1).mp4 (318219 kB)
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Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet Impact on Chronic Disease Reversal

This article delves into the prevalence and costs associated with various chronic diseases, elucidates how adopting a whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet can effectively combat these ailments, and offers resources and guidance for healthcare providers to engage in discussions about WFPB diets with their patients. A WFPB diet centers around unprocessed, natural foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while eschewing animal based products. This dietary regimen prioritizes nutrient-rich, plant-derived foods, favoring minimally processed options to enhance overall health and vitality. Its design is deliberate, offering a therapeutic approach to tackling chronic diseases and fostering recovery. By emphasizing plant-based sources and minimizing intake of detrimental nutrients like animal protein, saturated fat, trans-fats, cholesterol, simple sugars, and sodium, this dietary pattern serves as a shield against the development of disease. Scientific evidence has consistently linked these nutrients to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including Heart Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and certain cancers, owing to their potent disease-fighting properties. Moreover, the inclusion of dietary fiber in such foods plays a pivotal role in enhancing digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and fostering satiety. This multifaceted benefit aids in weight management by curbing caloric intake and thwarting overeating tendencies. It's imperative to acknowledge that many healthcare providers currently lack familiarity with WFPB diets or struggle to effectively integrate nutrition into holistic healthcare practices. Equipping providers with a comprehensive understanding of WFPB diets and their potential benefits can empower them to communicate nutrition-based prevention and management strategies for patients at risk of or grappling with chronic diseases, thus bridging the gap between the current and desired state of nutritional healthcare.