Geraldine Mae F.

Herrera
BSN 2 YC - 9

Religious beliefs affect a person's value system, traditions, and dietary

patterns, which in turn affects food choices. The depth to which a person is
committed to their religion may alter whether they adopt religious dietary
practices. Other cultures have beliefs that might affect their food consumption.
People from various cultural backgrounds consume various meals. Food
preferences and dislikes are influenced by where families live and where their
ancestors came from. We must understand and know the various cultures'
and beliefs' of different cultures because there are things that are not
acceptable for them to eat in each culture and religion. For example, in
Muslims they did not eat pork. Then in Chinese, they didn’t put ice in their
drinks. In Jewish Heritage, they did not eat pork and no blood. Also, we have
to know the religion of our patients, because in other religions there are foods
that is not allowed for them to eat. Like in Catholics, they are not allowed to
eat meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and they are fasting during
Lent Season. Then, on Islamic Religion they are not allowed to eat pork, no
alcohol and drugs. On Buddhist Religion, no alcohol and drugs. On Hinduism
no pork and veal. On Jehovah, they are not allowed to eat food with blood. On
Judaism, they are not allowed to eat meat and drink milk. And on 7 th day
Adventist they are not allowed to drink alcohol, coffee, tea and they are not
allowed to eat meat and scavenger fish. We must recognize their culture and
beliefs because if you were to assist a client or patient in changing their diet,
you may have difficulty finding alternate foods if you do not know what their
religion allows them to eat. You may even offend them, resulting in the
session being terminated and even the loss of a client. Even if the individual
does not fully adhere to these principles, you should inquire before they have
to tell you so that you do not insult them. It is critical that we understand their
culture and values so that we do not insult them when we adjust their diet.
That’s why, it’s important that we assess first our clients, so that we will not
offend them. And so that, we have knowledge about what nutritional needs we
will give to them.