Some inherited health conditions, such as hypertension and heart disease, can be treated partially by dietary changes. Although your diet is important, it's just as important to get plenty of exercise. If you're concerned about inheriting potentially life-threatening health conditions, talk to your health-care provider about your family history.
Hypertension
Having a family history of high-blood pressure automatically puts you at an increased risk of developing it yourself. It's important to monitor your blood pressure, but especially important if one or both of your parents are hypertensive. Consuming less salt and having a healthy diet can help you control your blood pressure, but medication may also be needed. Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Regular exercise can be helpful, as well.
Migraines
Migraines can be debilitating and last for days. Unfortunately, migraines sometimes run in families. Certain foods or smells can trigger a migraine, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Among those foods are pickled items, pea pods, passion fruit, alcoholic beverages, canned soup, caffeine, chocolate, seasoned salt and cured, canned, aged and processed meats. Keep a log of the foods you eat and how you feel. The log can help you pinpoint migraine triggers. If you suffer from chronic migraines, your doctor may be able to prescribe a medication for you.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a disorder that affects the digestive tract. Like migraines, Crohn's disease sometimes runs in families, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Crohn's disease typically affects the small intestine. Diarrhea and pain are just two symptoms. Although no special diet is recommended for those with Crohn's disease, many have trouble tolerating spicy and fatty foods. If you notice that certain foods aggravate your condition, avoid them completely or limit your consumption.
Heart and Blood-Vessel Disease
Heart and blood-vessel disease is an inherited condition, according to the American Heart Association. The children of those who tend to accumulate fatty deposits in their blood vessels are more likely to develop these deposits, as well. A family history of diabetes, gout and high-blood pressure can also increase your risk of heart disease. You can avoid heart disease by adopting healthy eating habits and eating a low-fat or fat-free diet. Include more grains, vegetables and fresh fruits in your eating plan.
References
- KidsHealth: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure); April 2011
- FamilyDoctor.org: Migraine Headaches: Ways to Deal With the Pain; FamilyDoctor.org Editorial Staff; Sept. 2010
- "Journal of the American Osteopathic Association": Diagnosing and Managing Migraine Headache; L.L. Mueller; Nov. 2007
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse(NDDIC): Crohn's Disease; Feb. 2006
- American Heart Association: Heredity as a Risk Factor: Can Heart and Blood Vessel Disease be Inherited?
Member Comments