Topic: Diet & Nutrition
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…
Vanadium Supplements and African American Health: What to Know Before You Buy
What is vanadium? Vanadium is a trace mineral found in small amounts in foods such as mushrooms, shellfish, black pepper, parsley, and whole grains. It is sold as a supplement, usually as vanadyl sulfate, and marketed for blood sugar control…
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and African American Health: What It Does and Who Needs More
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and African American health Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, helps the body turn food into energy. It is also needed to activate other B vitamins, including vitamin B6 and folate, and it supports healthy skin, eyes, nerves,…
Probiotics and African American Health: What Your Gut Bacteria Say About Your Risk
Probiotics and African American health Probiotics are everywhere, from yogurt aisles to supplement shelves. They may help digestion, and researchers are finding that the bacteria living in our gut may influence the risk of colon cancer, a disease that hits…
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…
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…
Apple Cider Vinegar and Black Health: What It Can (and Can’t) Do
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 weight loss, better digestion, and lower blood sugar. Some…
Garlic and African American Health: Can It Replace Your Blood Pressure Medicine?
My African American patients are always talking about taking garlic rather than starting blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications. But what is the truth about the benefits of garlic? And how much should you take? Garlic does have real health benefits.…
