Few studies have been done to explain why certain diseases are more prevalent in American Indians. Some studies do show that aside from social factors, genetics are implicated. American Indians cannot metabolically adapt to a diet that is high in gluten or sugar and are more sensitive to these foods because of their genetic makeup. For hundreds of years, the Eastern Woodlands Indian had a diet that consisted mainly of different types of
corn, beans, squash, nuts, and wildlife.
In addition, allergies to high gluten foods and sugar contribute to obesity because it promotes inflammation. Fat cells, having a separate metabolic system, release cytokines which contribute to further inflammation. Inflammation continues the cycle of obesity, making obesity a high risk factor for other diseases such as diabetes and many cardiovascular diseases that are seen in Native Americans.
Cigarette smoking is most prevalent in American Indians
compared to all ethnic groups in the US.
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American Indians have the highest rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and obesity in America.
It bears repeating........
Compared to all other ethnic groups in America, American Indians have the highest rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease. |
American Indians and Alaska Natives die from chronic liver disease, chronic lower respiratory diseases, cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, unintentional injuries, assault/homicide, and intentional self-harm/suicide at rates higher than other Americans.
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Compared to all other races, Native Americans experience disproportionate rates:
>>> Alcoholism is 627 % greater
>>> Tuberculosis is 533% greater
>>> Diabetes is 249% greater
>>> Accidents are 204% greater
>>> Suicide is 72% greater
>>> Pneumonia and Influenza are 71% greater
>>> Homicide is 63% greater
>>> Overall American Indians have the lowest life expectancy in America
- Indians on the Pine Ridge Reservation have the second lowest life
expectancy in the Western hemisphere
>>> Alcoholism is 627 % greater
>>> Tuberculosis is 533% greater
>>> Diabetes is 249% greater
>>> Accidents are 204% greater
>>> Suicide is 72% greater
>>> Pneumonia and Influenza are 71% greater
>>> Homicide is 63% greater
>>> Overall American Indians have the lowest life expectancy in America
- Indians on the Pine Ridge Reservation have the second lowest life
expectancy in the Western hemisphere
American Indians have suffered immensely from the harshness of settler colonization. Inter-generational
trauma continues and the perpetuation of colonialism are reflected in current statistics that reveal:
>>> American Indians experience the highest rate of violent crime in the US, mostly at the hands of
non-Indians
>>> 34% of Native women will be raped in their lifetime, mostly at the hands of non-Indians
>>> 39% of Native women will be victims of domestic violence, mostly at the hands of non-Indians
>>> American Indians have the highest high school drop-out rate at 36%
>>> Highest poverty rate where 1 of 3 residing on a reservation live below poverty
trauma continues and the perpetuation of colonialism are reflected in current statistics that reveal:
>>> American Indians experience the highest rate of violent crime in the US, mostly at the hands of
non-Indians
>>> 34% of Native women will be raped in their lifetime, mostly at the hands of non-Indians
>>> 39% of Native women will be victims of domestic violence, mostly at the hands of non-Indians
>>> American Indians have the highest high school drop-out rate at 36%
>>> Highest poverty rate where 1 of 3 residing on a reservation live below poverty
