Grant: Project Grant

The First Nations (FN) populations of Canada have significantly increased prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases such as Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). It is unknown whether FN people are at greater risk of developing these conditions because of the trend towards consuming Western rather than Traditional land based diets. The principal aim of this study is to determine whether FN study participants who consume a Traditional FN diet have less NASH and the metabolic comorbidities associated with NASH, including obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension than those who consume a Western diet. If so, a Traditional FN diet might protect individuals from these disorders. The findings will serve as an essential step to linking food consumption with chronic inflammatory diseases and highlight a wholistic intervention in modifying disease severity and outcomes. On a broader scale, the results will serve to inform healthcare providers and support First Nations Elders and community leaders in their efforts to promote greater food sovereignty and community wellbeing.