Nutrition

Overcoming urinary tract infections with our diet

Published

2 years ago

November 30, 2024

Cranberries, blueberries can prevent UTI

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

Nutrition

Wheat ‘angwa mo’ recipe

Published

1 day ago

October 17, 2026

WeeklySpectator

Ingredients

-Oil

-1 large onion

-2 cups of rice

-Salt

-2 cups of wheat

Preparation

-In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat

-Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft and turns golden brown

-Wash rice and wheat and put into pan. Sauté for two to three minutes, until toasty and fragrant

-Add water and salt and allow to boil.

– Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

-Taste the rice/wheat; if it is still a bit firm, add a few more tablespoons of water and cook a few more minutes.

-When the rice/wheat is ready, take it off the fire and serve hot

Benefits of wheat

–Improves digestion: High levels of insoluble fibre- wheat promotes regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support a healthy gut microbiome.

-Supports heart health: Whole-grain wheat helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, and decreases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

-Aids weight management: Complex carbohydrates and dense fibre slow digestion, increase feelings of fullness, and help prevent sharp blood sugar spikes.

-Lowers type 2 diabetes risk: Steady glucose release and minerals like magnesium improve insulin sensitivity.

– Provides essential vitamins and minerals: Wheat supplies B vitamins, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium, which help build bones and boost immune function.

–Delivers Antioxidants: Compounds like phenolic acids, ferulic acid, and lutein protect cells from oxidative stress and support eye health.

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