Traditional Indigenous Foods Diet for Physical Activity

Overseen By Tori Kaster

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center

Must not be taking: Anti-inflammatories, Blood thinners, Insulin, Biologics

Disqualifiers: Mobility impairments, High blood glucose, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

12 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this research is to determine whether eating a diet made up of Traditional Indigenous Foods from the Northern Great Plains area will spontaneously result in an increase in physical activity by American Indians, and whether the diet improves metabolic measures of health, mood and self-regulation of healthy eating and engaging in physical activity.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, if you are currently taking anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinning drugs, insulin, biologics, chemotherapy, or immune suppressant medications, you cannot participate in the trial. Also, if you have started a new medication for high blood sugar, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, or psychosis in the last two months, you are not eligible.

What data supports the effectiveness of the Traditional Indigenous Foods diet treatment?

Research shows that traditional Indigenous foods offer many benefits, such as better nutrition, increased physical activity, and positive health outcomes like improved self-efficacy (belief in one's ability to succeed) and control over one's health. These benefits suggest that a diet based on traditional Indigenous foods can support overall health and well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Traditional Indigenous Foods Diet generally safe for humans?

Research suggests that traditional Indigenous foods are an important part of a healthy diet and can improve diet quality by providing essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and potassium. However, there are concerns about inadequate intake of some nutrients like calcium and vitamin A, so it's important to ensure a balanced diet. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

How does the Traditional Indigenous Foods Diet treatment differ from other treatments for physical activity?

The Traditional Indigenous Foods Diet is unique because it emphasizes the consumption of nutrient-rich, unprocessed foods that are part of Indigenous cultural practices, which not only provide exceptional nutrition but also encourage physical activity through their procurement. This approach contrasts with more conventional diets that often rely on processed foods and do not integrate cultural and community aspects into the treatment. ^{3 4 5 10 11}

Research Team

Julie Hess, PhD

Principal Investigator

USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for American Indians interested in seeing if eating Traditional Indigenous Foods from the Northern Great Plains can lead to more physical activity and better health. Details on who can join or reasons one might not be able to participate are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

American Indian

Body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-42.0 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria

Allergic to any of the study foods shown in the menu and list of ingredients

Currently exercising for 60 minutes or longer greater than 2 times per week

Fasting Blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dl

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Diet Intervention

Participants consume a diet comprised of traditional indigenous foods

1 week

1 visit (in-person) at the start, daily monitoring

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity and metabolic measures

1 week

1 visit (in-person) at the end

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Traditional Indigenous Foods diet

Trial Overview The study investigates whether a diet of Traditional Indigenous Foods affects physical activity levels, metabolic health, mood, and self-regulation regarding healthy eating and exercise habits among American Indians.

Participant Groups

Group I: Traditional Indigenous Foods diet Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will consume a diet comprised of traditional indigenous foods.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

60

Recruited

5,300+

Findings from Research

A 6-month study involving 114 Northern Plains Indians with type 2 diabetes showed that those receiving culturally adapted nutrition education based on the Medicine Wheel Model experienced significant weight loss and decreased BMI compared to a usual care group.

While the intervention led to positive changes in weight, it did not significantly impact blood glucose or lipid levels, suggesting that more frequent and longer educational support may be necessary for better metabolic control.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The medicine wheel nutrition intervention: a diabetes education study with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Kattelmann, KK., Conti, K., Ren, C.[2021]

A 6-month study involving 114 Northern Plains Indians with type 2 diabetes showed that those receiving culturally adapted nutrition education based on the Medicine Wheel Model experienced significant weight loss and decreased BMI compared to a usual care group.

Despite the positive changes in weight and BMI, the intervention did not lead to significant improvements in blood glucose or lipid levels, suggesting that longer and more frequent educational support may be necessary for better metabolic control.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Medicine Wheel nutrition intervention: a diabetes education study with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Kattelmann, KK., Conti, K., Ren, C.[2010]

Traditional food harvested by Dene/Métis communities offers exceptional nutritional benefits and is free from industrial processing, which helps maintain its quality and taste.

The practice of harvesting traditional food promotes physical activity, strengthens community bonds through sharing, and enhances individual and community health by fostering self-efficacy and a connection to the natural environment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits of traditional food in Dene/Métis communities. Receveur, O., Kuhnlein, HV.[2022]

Traditional diets of Siberian Chukotka Natives and Alaska Natives in the 1980s significantly influence health outcomes, with Alaska Natives having a more 'western' diet that includes higher carbohydrates and fats.

Coastal Chukotka Natives exhibited healthier cholesterol levels (lower LDL and higher HDL) despite high fat intake, suggesting that traditional foods may offer protective health benefits against common diseases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of the diets of Siberian Chukotka and Alaska Native adults and recommendations for improved nutrition, a survey of selected previous studies. Nobmann, ED., Mamleeva, FY., Klachkova, EV.[2022]

A collection of 12 traditional recipes was created from contributions at the Aboriginal Nutrition Network's gathering, promoting Indigenous foodways and cultural heritage.

A survey of 23 participants showed strong interest in traditional recipes, with 91% finding them easy to follow and 83% believing they met community needs, highlighting the resource's effectiveness in supporting Indigenous dietary practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sharing Indigenous Foods Through Stories and Recipes. Skinner, K., Tait Neufeld, H., Murray, E., et al.[2021]

In a study of 16 Dene/Métis communities in the Canadian Arctic, it was found that many adults had inadequate intakes of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, and folic acid, highlighting potential nutritional deficiencies.

Consumption of traditional foods was linked to better diet quality, as it resulted in higher intakes of beneficial nutrients like iron and zinc, while reducing harmful components like saturated fat and sugar, suggesting the importance of maintaining traditional diets for health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Decreasing traditional food use affects diet quality for adult Dene/Métis in 16 communities of the Canadian Northwest Territories. Receveur, O., Boulay, M., Kuhnlein, HV.[2022]

Effective communication and community involvement in food consumption advisories can lead to reduced contaminant exposure among individuals, highlighting the importance of clear messaging.

However, these advisories can also result in cultural loss and various disruptions in social, psychological, nutritional, and economic aspects of life, leading some communities to disregard them in favor of traditional practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impacts of traditional food consumption advisories: compliance, changes in diet and loss of confidence in traditional foods. McAuley, C., Knopper, LD.[2021]

A study involving 1,356 participants from 18 Indigenous communities in Canada found that reliance on traditional food intake remains high, which is important for understanding their nutritional health.

The research provides a detailed assessment of traditional food consumption, which can help identify how these foods contribute to nutrient intake and potential contaminants, aiding future health studies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Estimation of traditional food intake in indigenous communities in Denendeh and the Yukon. Batal, M., Gray-Donald, K., Kuhnlein, HV., et al.[2019]

Indigenous communities in the Dehcho and Sahtú regions of the Northwest Territories, Canada, are experiencing a shift from traditional foods to predominantly unhealthy market foods, which poses public health concerns.

Despite the decline, traditional foods still contribute to the diet of the Dene First Nations, highlighting the need for initiatives to promote and preserve these foods for the health and wellbeing of the community.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dietary Intakes of Traditional Foods for Dene/Métis in the Dehcho and Sahtú Regions of the Northwest Territories. Ramirez Prieto, M., Ratelle, M., Laird, BD., et al.[2022]

A study of 64 adult Inuvialuit in the Northwest Territories revealed that many participants did not meet recommended intakes for essential nutrients like vitamins A, B6, E, dietary fiber, calcium, and folate, indicating significant nutrient deficiencies.

Traditional foods were important for providing protein and iron, but the increased consumption of non-nutrient-dense foods, such as juices, contributed to inadequate nutrient intake, potentially leading to chronic diseases and malnutrition.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessment of dietary adequacy in a remote Inuvialuit population. Erber, E., Hopping, BN., Beck, L., et al.[2022]

A study of 424 American Indian adults revealed that diets high in unhealthy snacks and fats are significantly linked to a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, with odds ratios of 3.6 and 6.0, respectively.

The research highlighted that dietary patterns varied by community, suggesting the need for tailored, culturally appropriate interventions to promote healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of chronic diseases in these populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patterns of Food Consumption are Associated with Obesity, Self-Reported Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Five American Indian Communities. Trude, AC., Kharmats, A., Jock, B., et al.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The medicine wheel nutrition intervention: a diabetes education study with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Medicine Wheel nutrition intervention: a diabetes education study with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. [2010]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Benefits of traditional food in Dene/Métis communities. [2022]

4. Finland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of the diets of Siberian Chukotka and Alaska Native adults and recommendations for improved nutrition, a survey of selected previous studies. [2022]

5. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sharing Indigenous Foods Through Stories and Recipes. [2021]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Decreasing traditional food use affects diet quality for adult Dene/Métis in 16 communities of the Canadian Northwest Territories. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impacts of traditional food consumption advisories: compliance, changes in diet and loss of confidence in traditional foods. [2021]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Estimation of traditional food intake in indigenous communities in Denendeh and the Yukon. [2019]

9. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dietary Intakes of Traditional Foods for Dene/Métis in the Dehcho and Sahtú Regions of the Northwest Territories. [2022]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Assessment of dietary adequacy in a remote Inuvialuit population. [2022]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patterns of Food Consumption are Associated with Obesity, Self-Reported Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Five American Indian Communities. [2022]