BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Diets designed to lower blood pressure work — as long as the dieter sticks to the diet. But for many people, healthy diets do not fit the food culture that has shaped the dieter’s eating habits. UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) nutrition researchers say this is especially true among African-Americans.
“There’s something unique about African-American culture relating to food and health,” said Jamy Ard, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition Sciences at UAB. “There’s a huge emphasis on family, on taking care of family members and concern about how others will accept the dietary changes a family member is making.”
Ard has begun a research study that will make modifications to the popular DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet to make it more attractive to African-Americans. The study, ADAPT (Altering Diet in African-American Populations to Treat Hypertension), is funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.“Previous studies indicated that the DASH diet will lower blood pressure in African-Americans, provided they stay on the diet,” Ard said. “We believe that by adjusting the diet to take into account cultural food preferences while still maintaining the healthy benefits, the diet regimen is more likely to be followed successfully.”
African-Americans have a greater incidence of hypertension – or high blood pressure - than other ethnic groups, which may be attributable partially to traditional foods and food preparation methods that are common among African-Americans, particularly in the South, according to Ard. High blood pressure and obesity also are risk factors associated with health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
Study participants will attend weekly group sessions to learn about choosing healthy substitutes for popular foods that may be high in fat or salt. Participants also will learn how convenience foods can be worked into an overall diet aimed at lowering blood-pressure. The study also will provide tips on grocery shopping, meal planning and healthy ways to eat out.
The study will measure changes in blood pressure, weight, food intake, insulin, glucose and lipid levels. Ard hopes the ADAPT diet will help participants lower their blood pressure without feeling as though they are abandoning their culture. Individuals interested in participating in the ADAPT study should contact 205-996-5295.