Plant-based Food Plans Witnessing Quick Adoption across Hospitals and Care Centers

Offering healthy, medical food and Plant-based meal alternatives is crucial for improving patient outcomes, cutting health care costs, and lowering the risk of chronic illnesses in the community.The clinical outcomes of a patient are directly influenced by nutrition.However, many Hospitals have a history of serving unhealthy food, a choice that affects millions of individuals with food allergies, chronic illnesses, and GI intolerance.

Patients who require tube feeding have even fewer allergen-free options, as the majority of enteral formulas contain synthetic chemicals, which can induce digestive problems and intolerance, resulting in lengthier ICU stays.A plant-based diet is increasingly being shown to be a helpful strategy in preventing, treating, and controlling some of the most common chronic illnesses in the United States.

Several studies suggest obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia, and cognitive decline are manageable with plant-based diet plans.Furthermore, research shows that plant-based enteral formulas increased tolerance and weight maintenance in cancer and pediatric patients, helping them control their conditions better, and enhance their overall quality of life. Indeed, boosting plant-based diet adherence might prevent up to 80% of chronic diseases, saving the US healthcare system billions of dollars.

More Hospitals and healthcare systems recommend a “food as medicine” attitude by offering meal and enteral formula alternatives focusing on fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains as health care practitioners and patients learn about the advantages of plant-based nutrition.While certain states, such as California and New York, require Hospitals to provide plant-based meal alternatives, health care institutions across the country are well-positioned to educate patients, visitors, and staff on the benefits of plant-based nutrition.