Nutrition
Overcoming urinary tract infections with our diet
Infections of the urinary tract (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body. You may have a UTI if you notice pain or burning sensation when you urinate, an urge to use the bathroom much more often than usual, pain at the lower back, urine that smells bad, looks cloudy or reddish, and symptoms of fever, tiredness, or shakiness.
Bacteria are the villains behind UTIs. In fact, harmful bacteria from our stool sometimes manage to sneak into the urethra, the opening where urine exits the body. From there, they may spread to the bladder. Urinating helps wash/ flush these bacteria out of the urinary tract.
UTIs are more common in females than males, and particularly common in diabetics, people undergoing chemotherapy, people on steroids, people living with HIV/AIDS, among others. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, however the following tips will go a long way toward helping you avoid UTIs:
Food to include
• Proanthocyanidins rich foods such as Cranberries, blueberries, and grapes.
• Probiotic bacteria rich foods such as fermented milk or yoghurt.
• Vitamin C rich foods such as oranges, tangerines, pineapples, and bell peppers.
• Drinking about 8 glasses of water a day to increase urination and hence flush out bacteria.
Lifestyle modification
• Avoid unnecessary usage of steroids.
• Adherence to medication if you are diabetic or a person living with HIV/ AIDS.
• Observe very good personal hygiene.
• Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Avoid sedentary lifestyle and incorporate exercise in your daily lives.
In conclusion, to avoid the uncomfortable and painful situation of living with a UTI, there are many ways and means that are well within our reach. Our diet and lifestyle play a major role which should not be underestimated, and with careful adherence to these tips, we will avoid UTIs completely.
The writer Dr. Bernice Korkor Asare is the CEO of Holistic Health Consult
“Your diet your health, your health your wealth”
E-mail: holistichealthconsultgh@ gmail.com
Ingredients
-2 cups of cooked rice
-Oil
-2 pounds of fresh lobsters
-1/2 tablespoonful of grinded ginger
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/2 onion
1 cup frozen peas
-3 large carrots
-3 eggs
-3 tablespoonful of soy sauce
-2 tablespoonful of diced green onions
Preparation
-Cut lobsters into bite-sized pieces and toss for 2minutes.
-Put a saucepan on fire and add a tablespoonful of oil.
-Stir in diced onion, garlic, peas, carrots and other vegetables.
-Add rice and stir to coat. Stir occasionally until rice is warmed through.
-Add soy sauce to the rice and stir well
-Remove from heat and serve.
Benefits of Lobsters
Snack (Baobab drink)
Ingredients
-Condensed milk
-5 tablespoonful of honey (optional)
-1 teaspoonful of flavour (vanilla or strawberry essence)
Preparation
-Place 2 tablespoonful of baobab powder in a bowl and mix with water.
-Set mixture aside for it to dissolve properly.
-Sieve the baobab mixture to remove lumps and fibre for a smooth drink.
– Add honey or sugar, milk and flavour to your taste.
-Best served chilled.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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Lobster is a nutritious seafood that provides several health benefits. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy nutrients that support the proper functioning of the body.
– Builds and repairs body tissues: Lobster is rich in high-quality protein, which helps build muscles and repair damaged tissues.
-Supports brain health: It contains vitamin B12, which helps maintain healthy nerves and supports proper brain function.
Strengthens the immune system: Lobster contains zinc and selenium, minerals that help the body fight infections and protect cells.
– Promotes healthy bones: It provides phosphorus and some calcium, which contribute to strong bones and teeth.
–Supports heart health: Lobster contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help support cardiovascular health.
–Prevents anaemia: Its vitamin B12 and iron content help the body produce healthy red blood cells.
–Supports thyroid function: Lobster contains iodine, which the thyroid gland needs to produce hormones that regulate metabolism.
–Helps maintain healthy skin: Its protein and zinc contribute to skin growth, repair and maintenance.
Supports energy production: Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins help the body convert food into energy.
Helps maintain healthy muscles: Its protein and potassium support muscle function and maintenance.Health.com
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