Diabetes and Hypertension in African-Americans

Diabetes is a common disease in African-Americans. History and the records tell us that. Also, African Americans have the tendency to have hypertension. So, these diseases – diabetes and hypertension are just very common to them.

Diabetes

The diabetes that is prevalent in African-Americans usually is caused by genetics and obesity. As we know, this illness can lead them to more serious conditions like hypertension, kidney problems, heart diseases, eye disorder and many others that can lead to strokes, heart accidents and death.

Sodium and salt

Sometimes it is speculated that a gene of the African-American race has made them more responsive to salt. In fact, they similarly have high rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity which put them at greater risk for high blood pressure and diabetes respectively.

Now, most sodium come from salt or becomes present through food processing. Foods with sodium are chicken, pasta, condiments, salad dressing and some more. Adding salt when cooking foods provides a portion of African-American intake of sodium. Being aware of their risk factors to diabetes and hypertension, African-Americans demand a cut down or elimination of sodium content as they are sensitive to salt. So, the African Americans use the unprocessed foods and no-salt foods. In cooking their foods, they are using herbs and spices as a replacement for salt. They are experimenting and testing different kinds of herbs and spices combination that will bring out the greatest taste for the dish. They also follow DASH diets which help to lower the blood pressure.

High blood pressure

High Blood pressure is a disease that contributes additional damage to the heart and intensifies the risk for a stroke, cardiovascular accident, kidney disease, heart failure and early death.

Other diseases in African-Americans

Diabetes and hypertension are not the only common diseases in the African-American community, but other illnesses as well. Though, there have been not much proof, it is credited to their racial background and their records of enduring sufferings in the past.