Page 262 - Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice

250 U N I T 2 Nutrition in Health Promotion

Table 10.7 Summary of Dietary Laws of Selected Religions

Orthodox Judaism Islam Hinduism Buddhism

Meat Cannot be eaten with Prohibited Beef is prohibited Avoided by the
dairy products Avoided by the most devout
Pork and pork Prohibited
products Prohibited Strongly discouraged most devout Avoided by the
Yes Encouraged most devout
Lacto-ovo Only fish with fins and Practiced Restricted
vegetarianism scales are allowed Practiced Avoided by the Practiced by many

Seafood Yes most devout Avoided by the
most devout
Alcohol Practiced Practiced
Practiced
Coffee/tea Practiced
Ritual slaughter

of animals
Moderation
Partial or total

fasting

Sources: ElGindy, G. (2005). Cultural competence. Understanding Buddhist patient’s dietary needs. Available at MinorityNurse.com.
Accessed on 11/1/12; ElGindy, G. (2005). Cultural competence. Hindu dietary practices: Feeding the body, mind and soul. Available at
MinorityNurse.com. Accessed on 11/1/12; and ElGindy, G. (2005). Cultural competence. Meeting Jewish and Muslim patients’ dietary
needs. Available at MinorityNurse.com. Accessed on 11/1/12.

Judaism The only denominations in the Protestant faith with dietary laws are the Mormons (Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) and Seventh-Day Adventists.

■ Mormons do not use coffee, tea, alcohol, or tobacco. Followers are encouraged to limit
meats and consume mostly grains. Some Mormons fast 1 day a month.

■ Most Seventh-Day Adventists are lacto-ovo vegetarians; those who do eat meat avoid
pork. Overeating is avoided, and coffee, tea, and alcohol are prohibited. An interval of 5
to 6 hours between meals is recommended with no snacking between meals. Water is
consumed before and after meals. Strong seasonings, such as pepper and mustard,
are avoided.

In the United States, there are three main Jewish denominations: Orthodox, Conservative,
and Reform. Hasidic Jews are a sect within the Orthodox. These groups differ in their in-
terpretation of the precepts of Judaism. Orthodox Jews believe that the laws are the direct
commandments of God, so they adhere strictly to dietary laws. Reform Jews follow the
moral law but may selectively follow other laws; for instance, they may not follow any reli-
gious dietary laws. Conservative Jews fall between the other two groups in their beliefs and
adherence to the laws. They may follow the Jewish dietary laws at home but take a more
liberal attitude on social occasions. Because Jews have diverse backgrounds and nationali-
ties, their food practices vary widely.

Because dietary laws are rigid, Orthodox Jews rarely eat outside the home except at
homes or restaurants with kosher kitchens. Milk and dairy products are used widely but
cannot be consumed at the same meal with meat or poultry. Dairy products are not allowed
within 1 to 6 hours after eating meat or poultry, depending on the individual’s ethnic