Should you consult a dietician if you’re trying to transition to a more plant based diet? Elizabeth Tracey reports

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Plant based eating is gaining momentum as more people turn to it for better health, to control weight, and for a more sustainable planet. Jaclyn Rose, a dietician at Johns Hopkins, says if you’re considering this, it’s wise to consult an expert.

Rose: If anyone is thinking about transitioning to a more plant based style of eating, or even going further to a more vegetarian or vegan diet, I do recommend speaking with a dietician because we look at other factors. So what chronic diseases do you currently have? Certain stages of chronic kidney disease you do have to be monitored by a dietician because a lot of vegetable sources and a lot of fruit sources are high in potassium. Another example is someone with an active IBD flare, so Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, a plant based diet might just not be appropriate at that time.  :32

Rose says there can also be considerations for people with cancer or other conditions, so seeking advice beforehand is wise. At Johns Hopkins, I’m Elizabeth Tracey.