High Risk Nutritional Practices
Health care providers understand that food is needed for physical survival, however to provide culturally competent care it is imperative to have a broader comprehension of the meaning of food to a culture. (Purnell, 2013). The types of food eaten, the order they are ingested, and avoidance of certain foods are often interwoven in the religious and spiritual beliefs of specific ethnic groups. Understanding these concepts provides the knowledge needed for comprehensive care as well an identification of factors that may predispose a population to poor health related to nutrition (Sagar, 2014). Health care providers must be cautious about making assumptions, as favorite foods or food preparation choices do not always indicate a cultural tradition but are often driven out of access and affordability. The purpose of this paper is to explore nutrition as it relates to the common foods, rituals and the impact on health and illness in ten diverse cultures within the United States (U.S.).
African American According to Purnell (2013) the African American population is the second largest minority group within the U.S. Known for a diet that nourishes both the body and the inner self the term soul food is a reflection of a people whose history in the U.S. originated in slavery and lower socio economic areas of the south. (Kulkarni, 2004). The traditional foods of this ethnic group are often high in fat, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Breaded and fried meats included chitterlings, ham hocks, salt pork, oxtail, tongue and catfish. The preference for frying meats resulted from the shorter cooking time and the sweltering heat of the summer months in the southern U.S. (Kulkarni, 2004). Corn, dried beans, potatoes, okra and various greens are staples on the African American table. Additionally seen are carbohydrate rich fares such as biscuits, cornbread and sweet potato pie (Purnell, 2013). Understanding the beliefs and traditions of the culture will assist the health care provider in the development of an effective plan of care. Religious beliefs while mostly Protestant, also include Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness, Muslim and Rastafarian. Dietary restrictions practiced in various religions may play a significant role in the health and wellbeing. Nutritional deficiencies and diet related health concerns of this population include hypertension, obesity and hypocalcemia. Food is associated with strength and wellbeing and subsequently being overweight is often considered a safety net to help a person deal with illness (Purnell, 2013). This belief is also seen in the care and feeding beliefs of infants. The thought that milk or formula alone will not provide the nutritional needs for a baby results the practice of adding cereal to the bottle often before the age of two months. Traditions such as these contribute to a higher prevalence of obesity and should be considered when providing diet and nutritional education (Carteret, M. 2011). Hypocalcemia is especially prevalent in both woman and older African Americans. Lack of awareness regarding the risk of low calcium levels is thought to be the most common driver of the condition followed by the lactose intolerance seen in approximately 75% of the population. Additional nutritional deficiencies commonly seen are low levels of thiamine, riboflavin, vitamins A and C as well as iron (Purnell, 2013). Appalachian Appalachia is a 205,000 square mile area surrounding the Appalachian Mountains extending from southern New York to northern Mississippi (Appalachian Regional Commission, n.d.). This expansive area includes several larger cities, however the majority of the population reside in small communities that are isolated from the mainstream (Purnell, 2013). Food in the traditional Appalachian family is frequently associated with financial status and the …show more content…
Food is the universal symbol of welcome, support and togetherness (Purnell, 2013). Meal preparation is a family event with multiple choices of foods to meet the individual tastes of all people. Animal proteins are costly and prepared in minimal quantities, but the diet is rich in the many types of seafood’s abundant to the country. Fruits and vegetables are eaten in large quantities with rice served at every meal. Milk is rarely consumed by anyone other than infants due to lactose intolerance. Dietary calcium is found in dark green leafy vegetables yet may be problematic for post-menopausal women and pregnant women as they typically do not ingest the same quantities of these
Health care providers understand that food is needed for physical survival, however to provide culturally competent care it is imperative to have a broader comprehension of the meaning of food to a culture. (Purnell, 2013). The types of food eaten, the order they are ingested, and avoidance of certain foods are often interwoven in the religious and spiritual beliefs of specific ethnic groups. Understanding these concepts provides the knowledge needed for comprehensive care as well an identification of factors that may predispose a population to poor health related to nutrition (Sagar, 2014). Health care providers must be cautious about making assumptions, as favorite foods or food preparation choices do not always indicate a cultural tradition but are often driven out of access and affordability. The purpose of this paper is to explore nutrition as it relates to the common foods, rituals and the impact on health and illness in ten diverse cultures within the United States (U.S.).
African American According to Purnell (2013) the African American population is the second largest minority group within the U.S. Known for a diet that nourishes both the body and the inner self the term soul food is a reflection of a people whose history in the U.S. originated in slavery and lower socio economic areas of the south. (Kulkarni, 2004). The traditional foods of this ethnic group are often high in fat, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Breaded and fried meats included chitterlings, ham hocks, salt pork, oxtail, tongue and catfish. The preference for frying meats resulted from the shorter cooking time and the sweltering heat of the summer months in the southern U.S. (Kulkarni, 2004). Corn, dried beans, potatoes, okra and various greens are staples on the African American table. Additionally seen are carbohydrate rich fares such as biscuits, cornbread and sweet potato pie (Purnell, 2013). Understanding the beliefs and traditions of the culture will assist the health care provider in the development of an effective plan of care. Religious beliefs while mostly Protestant, also include Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness, Muslim and Rastafarian. Dietary restrictions practiced in various religions may play a significant role in the health and wellbeing. Nutritional deficiencies and diet related health concerns of this population include hypertension, obesity and hypocalcemia. Food is associated with strength and wellbeing and subsequently being overweight is often considered a safety net to help a person deal with illness (Purnell, 2013). This belief is also seen in the care and feeding beliefs of infants. The thought that milk or formula alone will not provide the nutritional needs for a baby results the practice of adding cereal to the bottle often before the age of two months. Traditions such as these contribute to a higher prevalence of obesity and should be considered when providing diet and nutritional education (Carteret, M. 2011). Hypocalcemia is especially prevalent in both woman and older African Americans. Lack of awareness regarding the risk of low calcium levels is thought to be the most common driver of the condition followed by the lactose intolerance seen in approximately 75% of the population. Additional nutritional deficiencies commonly seen are low levels of thiamine, riboflavin, vitamins A and C as well as iron (Purnell, 2013). Appalachian Appalachia is a 205,000 square mile area surrounding the Appalachian Mountains extending from southern New York to northern Mississippi (Appalachian Regional Commission, n.d.). This expansive area includes several larger cities, however the majority of the population reside in small communities that are isolated from the mainstream (Purnell, 2013). Food in the traditional Appalachian family is frequently associated with financial status and the …show more content…
Food is the universal symbol of welcome, support and togetherness (Purnell, 2013). Meal preparation is a family event with multiple choices of foods to meet the individual tastes of all people. Animal proteins are costly and prepared in minimal quantities, but the diet is rich in the many types of seafood’s abundant to the country. Fruits and vegetables are eaten in large quantities with rice served at every meal. Milk is rarely consumed by anyone other than infants due to lactose intolerance. Dietary calcium is found in dark green leafy vegetables yet may be problematic for post-menopausal women and pregnant women as they typically do not ingest the same quantities of these