Many chronic diseases are hitting the Black community hard.
In fact, due to genetic, social, and environmental factors, certain health conditions are way more prevalent and way more severe among Black patients. From high blood pressure to diabetes, prostate cancer, and cardiovascular disease, the issues range far and wide.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent and address such issues.
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You may not realize it, but five major causes may be leading to your issues.
Not sure which ones are contributing? It’s easier than you think…
1. Chronic Lack of Sleep
You’ve probably heard it all the time. Get more sleep, at least eight hours per night, don’t neglect it!
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But it’s often easier said than done. Especially if you find yourself stressed, busy, and overwhelmed by life at large. But no matter your situation, you should always make it a priority. Good sleep affects your metabolic processes, helps regulate inflammation, and even affects how your body handles sugar.
Your heart, brain, and overall health are closely connected. So, get it straight! Dedicate yourself to a consistent sleep schedule, keep away from caffeine and electronics at least a couple of hours before bed, and keep your room preferably cooler.
If need be, practicing mindfulness can help!
2. Environmental Toxins
Unfortunately, many marginalized communities are close to problem sources, like industrial areas, where toxins pollute the air and water, causing everything from cancers to respiratory conditions. This may include things like heavy metals, pesticides, and all kinds of unfriendly gasses and particulates in the air.
The last thing you wanna do is struggle with health problems that can directly be addressed by changing your environment!
So mix it up. Keep tabs on local weather and look out for bad air quality days. If you’re near a corporation that is polluting the area, become more vocal. Get involved in policies or activism that push for cleaner food, air, and water.
When you’re free, make it a habit to find a park or sanctuary escape. The fresh air and nature will do you good.
RELATED: 9 Important Differences Between Acute & Chronic Illness
3. Microbiome Imbalance
Whether we like it or not, we have countless microorganisms swarming in our digestive tract.
If you have an imbalance, this can lead to chronic inflammation, problems with your gastrointestinal system, and even your mental well-being. Many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have gut imbalances as well.
The easiest thing you can do is boost your diet with higher fiber content, more fermented foods, and prebiotics to help your gut. You can also consider probiotics (similar to prebiotics), which can help in keeping the ‘good bacteria’ up and the ‘bad bacteria’ down.
4. Too Many Antibiotics
While antibiotics have their uses, and can be very effective when used correctly, they can also run their course. In other words, the overuse of these drugs may lead to health issues, such as creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria that mess up your microbiome further. Not to mention, it may be harder to treat your illnesses in the future!
So, make sure you use them as recommended and nothing more. And always, make sure to practice safe, sound daily habits, like good hygiene, eating whole and clean food, and regular exercise.
5. Poor Oral Health
You may not realize it, but oral health is linked to all kinds of health problems across the body. For instance, poor oral hygiene may cause gum disease, tooth loss, and infections. And believe it or not, cardiovascular disease and diabetes can result.
One way to treat this is by balancing your diet and avoiding refined sugars. Make sure you see your dentist at regular intervals for check-ups and cleanings as well. Every day, opt to brush your teeth twice, using mouthwash and flossing too.
You’ll be glad you took the extra effort.
Because when it’s all said and done, that’s what this is all about. Chronic diseases can be a major problem within the Black community, so playing games with health is not an option. That’s why your best bet is to always take a preventative approach.
Be wary of your environment, use products as directed, and try to buy healthier alternatives where practical. Overall, safeguarding against disease is about making a daily commitment to smarter, safer, healthier choices.
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel here. You’re simply stringing good habit after good habit. Start modestly, don’t get ahead of yourself, and you’ll be surprised how far you come. Not to mention, how much you’ll actually enjoy it!
