Exploring Black Resistance and Mental Health Nutrition with Sue-Ellen and Michael Haynes
The intersection of culture, nutrition, and mental health is deeply intricate yet increasingly vital. Sue-Ellen Anderson Haynes, MS, RDN, CDCES, LDN, NASM-CPT, and Michael Haynes, cofounders of the Cultured Health app, recently sat down with Dr. Charmaine Jackman on the InnoPsych YouTube channel. The conversation revolved around the powerful connection between Black resistance, cultural food practices, and mental health.
Their dialogue emphasized an often overlooked but critical point: culturally aligned nutritional care is essential for achieving better health outcomes. Diet plays a monumental role in mental and physical well-being, and understanding the cultural nuances of one’s diet is essential for effective treatment.
The Importance of Culturally Aligned Nutrition Care
Cultured Health, the app created by Sue-Ellen and Michael, aims to connect patients with dietitians who deeply understand their cultural preferences, food traditions, and nutritional practices. For too long, nutritional advice has been presented as a one-size-fits-all solution, ignoring the unique needs of diverse populations. In many cases, dietary advice fails to resonate with people whose diets are shaped by their cultural or ethnic backgrounds.
Sue-Ellen shared an insightful example from her career as a registered dietitian. She recalled working with patients from various cultures and struggling to provide culturally appropriate guidance. A language interpreter was needed, but more importantly, the dietitian’s lack of familiarity with the specific cultural foods hindered her ability to give nuanced advice. This experience illuminated the gap in the healthcare system when it comes to providing culturally tailored nutrition plans.
Cultured Health seeks to bridge this gap by offering users access to dietitians who share a cultural connection with them. This ensures that the recommendations they receive are not only scientifically accurate but also culturally relevant. The result? Better compliance with nutritional advice, fewer barriers to achieving health goals, and ultimately, improved mental and physical well-being.
How Nutrition Impacts Mental Health
The relationship between what we eat and our mental health is profound, though often underestimated. Diets rich in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats—commonly known as the Western diet—have been linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Conversely, diets rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, contribute to better brain function and emotional stability.
Sue-Ellen discussed how certain nutrients, or the lack thereof, can directly affect mental health. For example, deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and folate, as well as minerals such as zinc, are associated with higher risks of depression and mood disorders. In the Black community, where food traditions often include rich, flavorful, and sometimes high-fat dishes, finding a balance between cultural preferences and nutritional needs is crucial.
Culturally aligned nutrition not only fosters physical health but can also liberate individuals from the mental health issues tied to poor dietary choices. The simple act of modifying traditional recipes—using healthier cooking methods or substituting ingredients—can make a world of difference without erasing the cultural significance of the meal.
Embracing Food as a Tool for Mental and Physical Well-Being
The Cultured Health app offers a solution that goes beyond just matching users with dietitians based on their cultural backgrounds. It’s about creating a space where cultural identity is respected and preserved while still promoting healthier lifestyles. This balance is key to improving mental health outcomes, particularly in communities of color, where food often plays a central role in family gatherings, celebrations, and even acts of resistance.
For example, soul food—a staple in Black culture—is rooted in resilience and survival. It’s food that tells a story, but it can also be high in fats, sugars, and salt. By connecting with a dietitian who understands the history and cultural significance of these dishes, users can learn to adapt their favorite meals in ways that honor tradition while promoting health.
Michael, who has a background in financial services, explained how the app uses technology to facilitate these connections. By creating a profile, users can specify what aspects of their culture are important in their nutrition care. The app then matches them with dietitians who have expertise not only in general nutrition but also in the cultural foods that are part of the user’s daily life.
A New Approach to Health Equity
One of the most compelling aspects of the Cultured Health app is how it addresses health disparities in communities of color. Health equity has been a growing topic of discussion, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, which disproportionately affected minority communities. A lack of access to culturally competent healthcare providers is one of the reasons these disparities exist.
The app doesn’t just benefit patients; it also provides a platform for dietitians of color to thrive. Michael highlighted the app’s focus on supporting diverse dietitian entrepreneurs, helping them grow their practices by connecting them with clients who value their cultural insights. This, in turn, helps to increase the number of diverse dietitians in the field—a critical step toward achieving health equity.
By making it easier for patients to find dietitians who “get it,” Cultured Health is helping to remove the barriers that often prevent people from seeking and sticking to nutritional advice. And in doing so, it’s contributing to a broader movement of Black resistance—one that asserts the right to culturally competent, personalized healthcare.
Conclusion: Breaking Barriers with Cultured Health
The conversation between Sue-Ellen, Michael, and Dr. Jackman underscores a simple truth: food is medicine. But for it to truly work as medicine, it must be aligned with the cultural and personal needs of the individual. The Cultured Health app is revolutionizing the way we think about nutrition and healthcare by recognizing the power of culture in shaping our diets—and our health.
For those interested in learning more, the full episode above offers a deeper dive into these topics. Whether you’re a dietitian looking to expand your practice or someone seeking culturally relevant nutritional advice, Cultured Health is opening doors to better, more personalized care.
FAQs
What is the Cultured Health app?
The Cultured Health app is a platform that connects patients with dietitians who understand their cultural food practices and preferences, providing personalized and culturally relevant nutrition care.
How does Cultured Health support mental health?
The app promotes mental health by helping users develop healthier eating habits that align with their cultural background, which is crucial for both emotional and cognitive well-being.
Who can use the Cultured Health app?
Both dietitians and individuals seeking dietetic services can use the app. Users create profiles that help match them with dietitians who share a cultural connection.
Is the Cultured Health app available internationally?
The app is currently available in the U.S. and Canada, with plans to expand to other regions in the future.
How does culturally aligned nutrition impact health outcomes?
Culturally aligned nutrition improves health outcomes by ensuring that patients receive dietary advice that resonates with their cultural practices, making it more likely that they will follow through on the recommendations.
Can the Cultured Health app help with chronic diseases?
Yes, by providing personalized nutritional guidance that takes cultural factors into account, the app can support the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
Quick Links:
- Cultured Health: About Us
- Cultured Health: Dietitian Resources