Topic: African Americans
Vitamin C Deficiency in African Americans
VITAMIN C My Black patients know they should get more vitamin C, but somehow they are not able to eat enough. Vitamin C is essential for overall health as it plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, aiding…
Statin Intolerance in African Americans
When my patients have high cholesterol levels, I frequently suggest starting a statin to bring the levels down and, therefore, lower their risk for heart attack, stroke, and circulation problems. Many are scared to start the medications and they frequently…
Metformin Intolerance in African Americans
"I DON'T WANT METFORMIN" When my patients get diagnosed with diabetes, the first medication I want to prescribe is metformin. Almost immediately, my patients pushed back, saying metformin is "a terrible medication" and, "isn't there something else they can try…
Fish Oil Benefits for African Americans
Fish oil and African Americans There a lot of people taking fish oil capsules as a supplement on a daily basis. Where did that come from? Why is it important? It has been shown that people who eat more fish…
Apple Cider Vinegar and Black Health
Many of my Black patients report taking apple cider vinegar to treat almost anything! Unfortunately, it's not that simple and it doesn't cure everything. Apple cider vinegar has been touted for its potential health benefits. Some studies suggest that it…
Calcium Causes More Advanced Cancer in Black Men
Calcium and Prostate Cancer A number of studies have found that higher calcium intake was associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer, specifically in Black men. Black men who consumed more milk and dairy products tended to have…
HbA1c Diabetes Test is Inaccurate in African Americans
If you have diabetes, there is no question your doctor has measured your hemeglobin-a-1-c (HbA1c). The HbA1c measures the average blood sugar level over the past three months. It provides valuable information about long-term blood sugar control and helps healthcare…
African Americans Advanced Farming in America
Historical evidence supports the connection between African farmers and Black Americans. During the transatlantic slave trade, enslaved Africans were taken from inland farms from as far as 500 miles from coastal Africa to be loaded on ships bound for America.…
Salt Intolerance is Killing the Black Community: Understand Why
The biggest dietary message that I give to my patients is to decrease their consumption of salt in their diet in order to lower their blood pressure and, therefore, lower their chances of suffering a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure,…
Low WBC in African Americans is Likely Not a Problem
Is There Something Wrong With Me? I have had several patients ask me why the white blood cell (WBC) count on their CBC (complete blood count) panel was flagged (or red) as abnormal. After digging deeper into the lab result,…
