Mormonism. The law of health—the Word of
Wisdom—contains the laws for proper eating and
the rules of abstinence for tobacco, alcohol, coffee,
tea, chocolate, and illegal drugs. Mormons must
choose foods that build up the body, improve endur-
ance, and enhance intellect. Products from the land,
such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, are to take
the place of meats; meats, sugar, cheeses, and spices
are to be avoided. Reason and self-control in eating is
expected in order to stay healthy.
Rastafarianism. Members of this group are per-
mitted to eat any food that isI-talfood, meaning that
it is cooked only slightly. Therefore, meats are not
consumed, canned goods are avoided, and drinks
that are unnatural are not allowed. Fish under twelve
inches long may be eaten, but other types of seafood
are restricted.
RomanCatholicism.Thedietarypracticesofdevout
Catholics center around the restriction of meat or
fasting behaviors on specified holy days.
On the designateddays, Catholicsmay abstain from
all food, or they may restrict meat and meat products.
Water or nonstimulant liquids are usually allowed dur-
ing the fast.
Seventh-day Adventists. The Seventh-day Adven-
tist Church advocates a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet,
including moderate amounts of low-fat dairy products
and the avoidance of meat, fish, fowl, coffee, tea, alco-
hol, and toboacco products (though these are not
strictly prohibited). The church’s beliefs are grounded
in the Bible, and in a ‘‘belief in the wholistic nature of
people’’ (Seventh-day Adventist General Conference
Nutrition Council).
While the dietary practices of different religions
vary, and the rationale for each practice is based upon
different texts, there is also much commonality. The
practice of fasting is almost universal across religious
groups, and most regard it as a mechanism to disci-
pline the followers in a humbling way for spiritual
growth. Many fasting practices are connected with
specific holy days. The variation in consumption of
meat and vegetables has a much wider variation.
Health Benefits and Risks Associated with
Specific Practices
Certain groups of people must necessarily be
excused from fasting and restrictive practices. These
groups include pregnant or nursing women; individu-
als with diabetes or other chronic disorders; those
engaged in very strenuous work; malnourished indi-
viduals; young children; and frail elderly or disabled
persons. Recognition of these exceptions has been
addressed by each religious group. Most fasting prac-
tices allow certain intakes of liquid, particularlywater.
In fasting regimes where water is restricted, a danger
ofdehydrationexists, and those fasting should be
monitored.
Those who fast without liquids increase their risk
of a number of health problems. Symptoms of dehy-
dration include headache, dry mouth, nausea, fever,
sleepiness, and, in extreme cases, coma. When these
symptoms occur, it is important to end the fast or add
water to the fast. Depending on the extent of the
symptoms, ending the fast may be the only alternative.
In severe dehydration cases, medical care should be
sought as soon as possible to restore proper health.
Some negative health consequences have been
observed as a result of fasting practices, however,
especially those carried out over longer periods, such
as the Muslim fast during Ramadan. For example,
excess acids can build up in the digestive system during
a prolonged fast. This gastric acidity results in a sour
taste in the mouth, a burning in the stomach, and other
symptoms of illness.
The structure and outward appearance of each
person’s body is, in part, a reflection of the food and
drink he or she consumes. All the organs of the body,
as well as the skin, bones, muscles, and nerves, need
nutrition to survive, regenerate, maintain function,
and develop structural foundations. The vital organs,
such as the liver, heart, brain, and kidneys, depend
upon essential nutrients from food and drink to sus-
tain life, increase strength, and improve health.
Throughout life, the body constantly breaks down
the food products that are ingested, using some com-
ponents to rebuild the tissues that contribute to good
health. Similarly, the body also disposes of the waste
products of food through excretory processes or in
storage centers (fat deposits, for instance) in the body.
The restriction of, or abstention from, certain
foods may have a direct impact on the health of those
engaged in such practices. Some effects have been
found to be positive, as in the case of vegetarian
diets, which are eaten by many Seventh-day Adven-
tists, Hindus, Buddhists, and Rastafarians. Research
results have documented a 50% reduction in heart
disease and longer life expectancy in people who eat
a well-planned vegetarian diet. There are a number of
religious rationales for a vegetarian diet. According to
the Book of Genesis in the Bible, humans were given a
plant-based diet at the creation of the world. There areReligion and dietary practices