Topic: African Americans
Gynecomastia vs. Pseudo-gynecomastia in African American Men: The Role of Lifestyle, Hormones, Marijuana, and Alcohol
Gynecomastia vs. Man-Boobs Enlargement of male breast tissue, sometimes called “man-boobs,” is a common but often overlooked condition that can significantly affect physical health, self-image, and psychological well-being. It is more common in older Black men. Pseudo-gynecomastia, also known as…
Flatbush Diabetes: The Overlooked Form of Diabetes Impacting Black Communities
Diabetes is often framed as either Type 1 or Type 2. But for many patients—particularly in Black communities—that binary framework misses an important and potentially dangerous condition: Flatbush diabetes, also known as ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD). First identified in the 1980s…
Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, and Black Health: Why One-Size-Fits-All Supplement Advice Doesn’t Work
If you’ve spent any time online lately, you’ve probably seen someone promoting vitamin K2—usually alongside vitamin D3. Influencers call it the “missing link” for bone health. Supplement companies say it protects your heart. Some even claim everyone should be taking…
The Blood Type Diet: Is It Really “Precision Nutrition” for Us?
My patients often ask me what their blood type is. From my perspective, we only check this before surgery in case a transfusion is needed. Why do they ask? It’s usually a supplement they saw on social media or the…
New Year’s Resolutions For Black Health: Give Your Family the Information it Needs
Every year people across the country think of the new year as a new beginning, particularly for their health. Many of my patients take the same approach. “I'll stop smoking at the beginning of the year,” or “I'm going to…
Better Black Health Book
“Better Black Health: A Comprehensive Guide in the Age of Precision Medicine” is a coffee table reference book that should be in every African American’s home. This 400-page book offers a wide range of best practices for improving African American…
Low Vitamin D in African Americans
African Americans Have Low Vitamin D Vitamin D is acquired through diet and skin exposure to ultraviolet B light. The skin's production of vitamin D is determined by length of exposure, latitude, season, and degree of skin pigmentation. African Americans…
African Americans Fear Medication Side Effects
African Americans Fear Medication Side Effects I had a patient come with a number of complaints related to joint pain. His chronic pain was causing him anxiety about his quality of life, and all of these concerns made him feel…
Vanadium and African American Health
Health Benefits of Vanadium Supplementing with vanadium has been studied for its health benefits, especially in regulating blood sugar levels, particularly in diabetes. People with diabetes may benefit from vanadium because it mimics insulin and improves glucose metabolism. In addition…
Uterine Fibroids and African American Women
Uterine Fibroids and African American Women Uterine fibroids disproportionately affect African American women, leading to a higher prevalence and more severe symptoms compared to other racial groups. This disparity can result in adverse health outcomes, such as increased rates of…
