Topic: Precision Medicine for African Americans
Vitamin C Deficiency in African Americans: Who’s Really at Risk?
Why vitamin C matters My Black patients know they should get more vitamin C, but many are not able to eat enough fruits and vegetables to get it. Vitamin C supports the immune system, helps the body absorb iron from…
Erectile Dysfunction in Black Men: Causes and Solutions
Black men have erection problems too! Erection problems, also called erectile dysfunction or ED, are common. In the landmark Massachusetts Male Aging Study, about half of men aged 40 to 70 had some degree of ED, and it became more…
Statin Intolerance in African Americans: Why It Happens and What Helps
When my patients have high cholesterol levels, I frequently suggest starting a statin (a cholesterol medicine) to bring the levels down and, therefore, lower their risk for heart attack, stroke, and circulation problems. Many are scared to start the medications…
Metformin Intolerance in African Americans: Why It Happens and What Helps
“I don’t want metformin” When my patients get diagnosed with diabetes, the first medication I want to prescribe is metformin. Almost immediately, many push back, saying metformin is "a terrible medication" and, "isn't there something else they can try first?"…
Fish Oil Benefits for African Americans
Fish oil and African Americans A lot of people take fish oil capsules every day. Where did that come from, and why is it important? People who eat more fish have lower rates of heart disease, the number one killer…
Calcium and Prostate Cancer in Black Men: Why More Isn’t Better
Calcium and prostate cancer Black men should be cautious with calcium supplements and large amounts of dairy. Several studies have found that higher calcium intake is linked to a higher risk of advanced and aggressive prostate cancer, and the link…
Can Better Nutrition Lower STD Risk in African Americans? What the Evidence Shows
Do you keep getting STD infections? Do you have trouble with recurrent sexually transmitted disease (STD) infections? Is bacterial vaginosis a recurring problem? African Americans have the highest reported rates of HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital herpes in the country,…
Diet Differences in African Americans: What We Eat and Why It Matters
There are a number of important diet differences in African Americans that need to be considered prior to offering advice regarding improvements or adjustments. To tell someone to "eat better" without first knowing their current diet is a waste of…
Lactose Intolerance in African Americans: Why It Happens and How to Get Your Calcium
3 out of 4 of us have lactose intolerance An estimated three out of four African Americans are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance means that when you drink milk or eat yogurt, cheese, or other dairy foods in large amounts, your…
