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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a diet of Traditional Indigenous Foods can help American Indians become more active and improve their overall health and mood. Researchers aim to determine if this diet naturally boosts physical activity and enhances metabolic health, mood, and self-control over healthy habits. It suits American Indians with a BMI (body mass index, a measure of body fat) between 18.5 and 42, who are not currently on specific diets or heavy exercise routines. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to valuable research that may enhance health and lifestyle for their community.

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 prior data suggests that the Traditional Indigenous Foods diet is safe?

Research has shown that the Traditional Indigenous Foods diet is generally safe and easy to digest. Indigenous communities have consumed these foods for generations, with no reports of major issues. The diet consists of natural, whole foods that have long been integral to these cultures.

Since this trial focuses on a diet rather than a new drug or medical treatment, the risks remain quite low. Prospective participants can feel confident, as these foods have been safely used for many years. As always, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable for any specific dietary concerns or allergies.

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

The Traditional Indigenous Foods diet is unique because it focuses on using foods that are native to Indigenous cultures, potentially offering a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach to improving physical activity and overall health. Unlike typical dietary interventions that might rely on calorie counting or processed supplements, this diet emphasizes natural, whole foods that have been consumed for generations. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it not only respects cultural heritage but might also provide benefits that go beyond nutrition, such as enhanced community well-being and a connection to traditional practices.

What evidence suggests that the Traditional Indigenous Foods diet is effective for increasing physical activity?

Research has shown that traditional Indigenous foods offer many health benefits. One study found that these foods can improve nutrition and encourage more physical activity. Traditional diets, which include a variety of plants and animals, have been linked to better health and reduced stress. Another study created a menu based on these foods and found it helped people maintain a healthy weight. Overall, eating a traditional Indigenous diet is associated with better health and increased physical activity.

In this trial, participants will consume a diet of traditional Indigenous foods to evaluate its impact on physical activity and overall health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Julie Hess, PhD

Principal Investigator

USDA Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 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 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 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]

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]

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]

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/traditional-indigenous-foods-diet-for-physical-activity-1cbb9

Traditional Indigenous Foods Diet for Physical Activity Research shows that traditional Indigenous foods offer many benefits, such as better nutrition, increased physical activity, and positive health outcomes like ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7101483/

Food Diversity and Indigenous Food Systems to Combat ... Such a traditional diet of diverse plant- and animal-based foods combined with high physical activity and relatively low psychological stress maintained a ...

3. greatplainstribalhealth.org greatplainstribalhealth.org/health-promotion-and-prevention-programs/traditional-foods-161.html

Traditional Foods Each card contains information about the role of the food in tribal culture as well as nutritional information, including calories, fat, and cholesterol.

4. ars.usda.gov ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=424315

Healthy Body Weight Research: Grand Forks, ND This study developed a dietary intervention (menu) based on traditional foods consumed by Indigenous peoples who lived in the Northern Great Plains region near ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2475299122136942

Social Determinants of American Indian Nutritional Health Dietary changes, less access to traditional foods, and subsequent poor health outcomes are well described in the health literature. However, the need exists to ...