In many parts of Africa, shifts in lifestyle, urbanisation and exposure to novel risks are quietly eroding our health, Subtle daily routine which may seem harmless are slowly damaging our health. Hence, recognising these hidden habits is crucial. Below are ten behaviours common in African settings that may be undermining your health .
1. Relying on unregulated herbal remedies
Many people turn to traditional or over-the-counter herbal mixtures for ailments. Unfortunately, these remedies may carry risks of kidney injury, liver damage or drug interactions. In Nigeria, for example, one review found that acute renal failure from herbal remedies may account for around 30-35% of acute kidney-injury cases.
What to do instead: Always inform your healthcare provider about any herbal or traditional medicines you’re taking. Use verified, standardised medicines where possible. Seek guidance before combining them with prescribed drugs or if you have kidney or liver risk.
2. Eating more processed foods and sugary drinks
Urbanisation and global food markets have increased access to ultra-processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages and high-salt snacks. These diet patterns contribute to raised blood pressure, dyslipidaemia and obesity. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes unhealthy diets as a key modifiable risk for non-communicable diseases in the African region.
What to do instead: Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains. Read labels for salt and sugar content. Replace fizzy drinks with water or unsweetened beverages. Plan meals ahead to minimise reliance on fast-food.
As more work becomes sedentary and transport mechanised, many African populations are losing daily physical activity. In Uganda, for instance, office jobs, car-use and less walking are cited as major drivers of rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
What to do instead: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity (walking, cycling, active chores). Incorporate movement into daily life: take stairs, park further out, walk for errands. Encourage group activities for social support.
4. High-salt diets and insufficient blood-pressure monitoring
High blood pressure (hypertension) is becoming more prevalent. The WHO African Region identifies raised blood pressure as a key metabolic risk factor. In many homes, salt-rich diets (including processed foods) and low awareness of blood-pressure control contribute to silent organ damage. To read more on how hypertension kills click here.
What to do instead: Reduce added salt in cooking and limit processed-food consumption. Regularly check blood pressure—even if you feel well. If readings are elevated, work with a provider on lifestyle changes and, if needed, medications.
5. Cultural norms that favour larger body size
In some cultures, a fuller figure is viewed as evidence of wealth or health. Yet rising rates of overweight and obesity are driving non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension in Africa.
What to do instead: Shift perceptions of healthy body size through education and culturally-sensitive messaging. Encourage community discussions on health risks of excess weight. Focus on strength, mobility and wellbeing—not just appearance.
6. Delayed healthcare seeking and poor preventive screening
Many Africans seek care late, after disease is advanced. This bypasses opportunities for early screening of NCDs, such as hypertension, pre-diabetes or kidney disease. The WHO African report emphasises that detection and screening are key components of NCD response.
What to do instead: Make regular check-ups part of your health routine even in the absence of symptoms. Screen for blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and kidney/liver function as appropriate. Early detection allows simpler, safer treatment.
7. Indoor air pollution, occupational exposure and environmental risks
Indoor air pollution (from biomass cooking stoves, cigarette smoking), outdoor air pollution (dust, vehicular emissions) and occupational exposures (dust, cement, mining) are less well-recognized but important. For example, a Nigerian study found cement-dust exposure associated with overweight and hyperglycaemia.
What to do instead: Use cleaner cooking fuels or improved stoves where possible, Smoke outside the house, Ensure work areas have adequate ventilation and protective equipment. Monitor for respiratory symptoms and seek medical evaluation early.
8. Drinking alcohol heavily or smoking tobacco
Tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption and their combinations with other risk factors accelerate disease risk. The WHO reports that modifiable behaviours such as tobacco use and alcohol misuse increase NCD mortality in Africa.
What to do instead: If you smoke, seek help to quit, click here. Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels, and avoid binge-drinking. Support peers or family members in healthier choices.
9. Overlooking mental health and stress as disease amplifiers
Although less quantifiable in many settings, chronic stress, depression and poor mental-health support amplify NCD risk (via harmful behaviours, poor adherence to medications, increased cortisol). While data specific to Africa remain sparse, integrated care models increasingly emphasise mental-physical health links.
What to do instead: Seek help when needed, talk to a family , friend and qualified professional when you feel you mental health is at risk. Always know people are available to help and not judge
10. Living with multiple health conditions (multimorbidity) and medication overload
As infectious disease burdens decline in some areas, many Africans now have both infectious and non-infectious diseases (multimorbidity). Managing multiple conditions increases complexity, risk of drug interactions and adverse outcomes.
What to do instead: Work with your provider to coordinate care across conditions. Keep an updated list of all medications, supplements you use. Ask about interactions, side-effects and whether choices can be simplified.
These ten habits may be common, but they are modifiable. By recognising them and making targeted changes—improving diet, increasing activity, reducing exposure to toxins, prioritising preventive care—health outcomes can be improved. For practitioners and individuals alike, the challenge is to adapt strategies that fit local culture, resources and health systems. With awareness and action we can address the rising tide of NCDs in Africa.