also ethical issues that involve the killing of animals
for food, and environmental issues regarding the rais-
ing of livestock and the safety of the food supply.Use of, and Abstention from, Stimulants
A stimulant is a product, food, or drink that
excites the nervous system and changes the natural
physiology of the body, such as drugs and consumable
products that containcaffeine, such as tea, coffee, or
chocolate. The use of caffeine is prohibited or restricted
by many religions because of its addictive properties
and harmful physical effects. Many also restrict spices
and certain condiments, such as pepper, pickles, or
foods with preservatives, because they are injurious by
nature and flavor the natural taste and effect of foods.
The use of wine in religious ceremonies is regarded
as acceptable by certain groups. For example, Roman
Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, and certain
Protestant denominations use wine as a sacramental
product to represent the blood of Christ in commu-
nion services. According to the writings of the apostle
Paul, wine used in moderation may be consumed for
the soothing effect it has upon an upset stomach.
Mormons, however, specifically forbid wine or any
alcoholic drinks because of their stimulant properties.
Jews regard grapes as a fruit of idolatry, and therefore
forbid the use of wine or products made from grapes
except under special conditions.
Many religious leaders and health care experts
regard tobacco, another stimulant, as a malignant
poison that affects the health of its users. Research
continues to support the harmful and deleterious
effects of the use of cigarettes and tobacco products.
Cancer, high blood pressure, and heart disease have
all been linked to tobacco use.
Although marijuana has been shown to control
pain in advanced diseases such as cancer, it has been
considered a restricted drug by all but those practicing
Rastafarianism. Rastafarians introduced marijuana
into their religious rites because they consider it the
‘‘weed of wisdom,’’ and because they believe it con-
tains healing ingredients.Resources
BOOKS
Brown, Linda Keller, and Mussell, Kay, eds.Ethnic and
Regional Foodways in the United States: The Perform-
ance of Group Identity. Knoxville: University of Ten-
nessee Press.
Desai, Anita (2000).Fasting, Feasting. New York:
Houghton Mifflin.Fishbane, Michael (1992).The Garments of Torah: Essays in
Biblical Hermaneutics. Bloomington, MN: Indiana
University Press.
Gordon, Lewis, ed. (1997).Existence in Black: An Anthology
of Black Existential Philosophy. New York: Routledge.
OTHER
Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. ‘‘The Word of
Wisdom.’’ Available from<http://www.mormon.org>
‘‘Judaism 101.’’ Available from<http://www.jewfaq.org>
Orthodox Christian Information Center. ‘‘Living an Ortho-
dox Life.’’ Available from<http://orthodoxinfo.com>
‘‘The Rastafarian Religion.’’ Available from<http://www
.aspects.net/nick/religions.html>
‘‘Rastafarianism.’’ Available from<http://hem1.passagen
.se/perdavid/rastafar.htm>
Seventh-day Adventist General Conference Nutrition
Council. ‘‘GCNC Position Statements.’’ Available from
<http://www.andrews.edu/NUFS/resources.html>Ruth A. WaibelRenal nutrition
Definition
Renal nutrition is concerned with the special dietary
needs of kidney patients.Purpose
According to the National Kidney Foundation,
more than 20 million Americans, one in nine adults,
have chronic kidney disease, and an additional 20
million others are at increased risk. Kidney disease is
a consequence of damaged nephrons, the tiny struc-
tures inside the kidneys that function as filters to
remove wastes and extra fluids from the blood. It
takes a long time to damage the kidney’s nephrons,
and the process usually occurs gradually over years.
The most common causes of kidney disease include:
Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes results from the body’s
inability to use the sugar glucose efficiently, either
because it lacks insulin, the hormone that controls
the level of glucose in the blood, or because it can not
use the available insulin. The glucose stays in the
blood and over time, high blood sugar levels can
damage the kidneys.
Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the
small blood vessels of the kidneys with the result that
the kidneys can no longer filter wastes from the
blood very well.Renal nutrition