https://www.facebook.com/105000302081896/

Health talk with zikora, Okigwe Road, Owerri (2025)

18/08/2025

Another Epistle of a General Hospital Nutritionist–Dietitian Corper 📜

👩🏽‍⚕️ Scene at the ward:
Dietitian prescribes a renal diet for a patient. Strictly no high-potassium foods.

Family member walks in confidently with a big bowl of plantain… 🍌
“Ah, dietitian, it’s just plantain. It gives strength. He will be fine!”

Me: smiles but sighs internally 😅
“Strength is good, but not when the kidneys can’t handle it. That ‘strength’ might land him back in crisis.”

And there lies the struggle—fallacies vs. science.
Families mean well, but cultural food myths often fight against medical nutrition therapy.

When prescribed diets are ignored, the patient suffers. Diet therapy isn’t a suggestion; it’s part of the treatment plan. Healing is teamwork—patients, carers, and professionals all pulling together in the same direction.

So dear carers, next time you feel tempted to “smuggle” in food for love, remember—it might do more harm than good. 💡

27/06/2025

🌾🍤🥜 Food Allergies: More Than Just a Preference — It's a Matter of Safety

Imagine being afraid of a sandwich. Or dreading a birthday party because of a slice of cake. For over 250 million people worldwide, food allergies aren’t a dietary trend or a personal choice — they’re a daily survival challenge.

As a nutrition educator, I see firsthand how misunderstood food allergies can be in both casual and professional spaces. Many still confuse allergies with intolerances or lifestyle preferences, often overlooking the life-threatening severity of the former.

🔍 So, what exactly is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food — even a trace amount. The body mistakenly identifies a specific food protein as harmful and launches an attack. Symptoms range from mild (hives, itching, digestive discomfort) to severe anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Common culprits?
🥜 Peanuts,🌰 Tree nuts,🐟 Fish,
🍤Shellfish,🥚 Eggs,🥛 Milk
🌾 Wheat,🍞 Soy

🔗 Here’s the catch: Many allergens are hidden in everyday products — sauces, baked goods, dressings, or processed snacks. For someone living with food allergies, reading ingredient labels isn’t optional; it’s a form of self-defense.

💡 For employers, school administrators, restaurant owners, and even colleagues — awareness is crucial.

Here’s how we can build safer environments for people with food allergies:

Encourage clear labeling in workplace kitchens and events.

Promote inclusive menu planning in cafeterias and restaurants.

Educate teams about recognizing and responding to allergic reactions — yes, even CPR and EpiPen training matter.

Respect personal boundaries around food without jokes or pressure.

🚨 One accidental exposure can be deadly. It's not about being “too sensitive” — it’s about staying alive.

✅ Let’s normalize asking, “Does anyone here have food allergies?” It’s a simple step with life saving power.

26/06/2025

*"Unlocking the Secrets of Nutrigenomics: How Food Talks to Your Genes"*

The relationship between nutrition and DNA is a fascinating field that has gained significant attention in recent years. Nutrigenomics, the study of how food interacts with our genes, has shown that the food we eat can influence our gene expression, affecting our health and well-being.

The Basics
1. *DNA as a blueprint*: Our DNA contains the instructions for our growth, development, and function.
2. *Nutrition as a trigger*: The food we eat provides the necessary signals to regulate gene expression.

How Nutrition Affects Gene Expression
1. *Epigenetics*: Nutrition can influence epigenetic marks, which affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
2. *Nutrient-gene interactions*: Specific nutrients can bind to specific genes, influencing their expression.
3. *Hormone regulation*: Nutrition can impact hormone levels, which in turn affect gene expression.

Key Nutrients and Their Effects
1. *Folate and vitamin B12*: Essential for DNA methylation and gene expression.
2. *Omega-3 fatty acids*: Influence gene expression related to inflammation and heart health.
3. *Antioxidants*: Protect against oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and disrupt gene expression.

Implications for Health
1. *Personalized nutrition*: Understanding how nutrition affects our genes can help tailor diets to individual needs.
2. *Disease prevention*: Nutrigenomics can help identify nutritional interventions to reduce disease risk.
3. *Optimal health*: By understanding the relationship between nutrition and DNA, we can make informed choices to support overall well-being.

The Future of Nutrigenomics
1. *Genetic testing*: Advances in genetic testing will enable better understanding of individual nutritional needs.
2. *Precision nutrition*: Nutrigenomics will play a key role in developing personalized nutrition plans.
3. *New therapies*: Research on nutrigenomics might lead to better therapeutic approaches .

25/06/2025

🌾 Understanding Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM): A Silent Health Crisis

Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a serious form of undernutrition that occurs when the body doesn't get enough protein and calories to meet its needs for growth, development, and maintenance. It mostly affects children under 5 years of age but can also impact adults—especially during times of illness, poverty, or food insecurity.

---

🔍 What Is PEM?

PEM is not just about being hungry—it’s about not getting the right kinds of nutrients. It’s caused by inadequate intake of both:

Protein, needed for building body tissues and enzymes

Calories, the body’s fuel for energy and function

---

🚨 Types of PEM

1. Marasmus – Severe calorie deficiency. The person looks very thin with muscle wasting and no fat.

2. Kwashiorkor – Severe protein deficiency. Swelling in the belly, skin changes, and liver problems may occur.

3. Marasmic-Kwashiorkor – A combination of both conditions.

---

🧒🏽 Who Is Most at Risk?

Children under 5

Pregnant or breastfeeding women

The elderly

People with chronic diseases (e.g., cancer, HIV/AIDS)

Communities with poor access to food, clean water, and healthcare

---

⚠️ Signs and Symptoms

Stunted growth or weight loss

Fatigue and weakness

Swollen belly or limbs (in kwashiorkor)

Dry, flaky skin

Irritability or apathy

Frequent infections due to a weakened immune system

🍽️ How Can It Be Prevented?

1. Balanced Diet: Ensure meals contain a mix of carbohydrates, proteins (like beans, eggs, fish), and healthy fats.

2. Breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months protects infants.

3. Nutrition Education: Teach families and caregivers about affordable, nutritious local foods.

4. Food Security Programs: Governments and NGOs can help vulnerable communities get consistent access to food.

💡 Takeaway

Protein-Energy Malnutrition is preventable. It requires awareness, timely action, and support for proper feeding and

22/06/2025

“From Dieting to Nourishing: My Journey”

I used to think being “healthy” meant eating less.
Skipping meals.
Counting every calorie.
Avoiding carbs like they were poison.
Saying no to birthday cake and yes to guilt.

I thought smaller meant better.
Lighter meant happier.
Hunger meant discipline.

But I was exhausted.
Tired of starting over every Monday.
Tired of the scale deciding my mood.
Tired of hating my body for not fitting into someone else’s version of “enough.”

Then something shifted.

I stopped dieting.
I started listening.

To my hunger.
To my cravings.
To what made me feel alive, not deprived.

I started learning.
What foods gave me energy.
What meals actually satisfied me.
How to move in ways that felt joyful — not punishing.

I began to nourish.
Not just my body — but my mindset.
My relationship with food.
My self-worth.

Now, I eat because I love my body — not because I’m trying to shrink it.
I exercise because it lifts my mood — not because I “have to.”
I rest without guilt.
I enjoy food without fear.

From dieting… to nourishing.
From punishment… to peace.
From restriction… to respect.

This isn’t the end.
It’s the beginning.
And I wouldn’t go back for anything.

Have you been stuck in the diet cycle too?
Drop a ❤️ if you’re ready to start nourishing instead of punishing.

20/06/2025

"🥦 5 Quick Ways to Eat More Vegetables Today.
1 – Smoothie Boost
🟢 Add spinach to smoothies
A handful of baby greens blends right in — you won’t taste it, but your body will love it.

2 – Double the Veggies
🥕 Bulk up your recipes
Add extra veggies to pastas, stir-fries, tacos, soups — it’s easy and filling!

3 – Chop & Store
🥒 Keep ready-to-eat veggies in your fridge
Prepped carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers make healthy snacking automatic.

4 – Smart Swaps
🌽 Try veggie swaps
Zoodles, lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice — low-carb, high-fiber goodness.

5 – Lead with Veggies
🥗 Start meals with veggies
Soup or salad first fills you with fiber and slows down overeating.

🌟 Start with one tip today — and tag us in your veggie wins!

20/06/2025

🩺✨ Meet Your New Healthcare Sidekick: The Medical Virtual Assistant! ✨🩺

Imagine having a smart, reliable assistant available 24/7 to help manage your health. No more waiting on hold, missed appointments, or scrambling for test results. 🚀

Say hello to the Medical Virtual Assistant — your digital health companion that helps with:

✅ Booking & managing appointments
✅ Medication reminders
✅ Symptom checks & health advice
✅ Access to medical records
✅ Answering FAQs instantly
✅ Supporting doctors with admin tasks

💡 Whether you're a busy patient or a healthcare provider, it's time to revolutionize care with AI that’s fast, secure, and HIPAA-compliant.

Because healthcare shouldn’t be complicated. 🧠💬

19/06/2025

Carbs Make You Fat? Let’s Bust That Myth!

Carbohydrates have been the black sheep of the nutrition world for years. With the rise of low-carb diets like keto and Atkins, many people have come to believe that carbs are inherently fattening. The phrase “carbs make you fat” is thrown around so often that it’s almost taken as fact. But is this actually true?

Let’s break it down and bust the myth once and for all.

What Are Carbs, Really?

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients that our bodies need to function, alongside protein and fat. They are found in a wide range of foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and dairy products. Even sugary treats fall under the "carb" umbrella — but not all carbs are created equal.

Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred energy source. When you eat carbs, your body breaks them down into glucose (a type of sugar), which is then used by your cells for energy. Any excess glucose can be stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen, or converted to fat if the storage capacity is exceeded.

But here's the key: Carbs in themselves do not cause weight gain.

The Real Cause of Weight Gain

Weight gain occurs when you consume more calories than your body needs over time — regardless of whether those calories come from carbs, fat, or protein. This is called a caloric surplus. If you're eating more than you burn, your body stores the extra energy, often as fat.

Blaming one nutrient, like carbs, oversimplifies the complex science of metabolism and energy balance.

In fact, some of the leanest, healthiest populations around the world (such as the Okinawans and people in the Mediterranean region) eat high-carbohydrate diets primarily consisting of whole, plant-based foods like sweet potatoes, rice, fruits, and legumes.

30/04/2025

Title: The Hungry Mother
Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the heart of a lush forest, there lived a young woman named Elara. Elara was expecting her first child and was thrilled at the prospect of becoming a mother. However, as her pregnancy progressed, she found herself plagued with intense cravings and a voracious appetite that seemed insatiable.
One day, as Elara sat down to a meal with her husband, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her stomach. She clutched her belly in discomfort and tried to push through the pain, but it only seemed to worsen with each passing moment.
Concerned for his wife's well-being, Elara's husband rushed her to the village healer, a wise old woman known for her expertise in matters of health and nutrition. The healer examined Elara carefully and soon realized the root of her troubles - she was severely malnourished.
You have been neglecting your body's needs, my dear, the healer chided gently. Pregnancy is a time of great importance in terms of nutrition. You must eat well and take care of yourself for the sake of your unborn child.
Elara hung her head in shame, realizing her mistake. She had been so consumed by her cravings that she had forgotten the importance of proper nutrition. Determined to make amends, she listened attentively as the healer outlined a diet plan that would provide her with the essential nutrients she and her baby needed.
Over the following weeks, Elara diligently followed the healer's advice, incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods into her meals. She discovered a newfound appreciation for the nourishing power of food and felt her strength returning day by day. As her due date drew near, Elara's body bloomed with vitality, and she embraced the impending arrival of her child with joy and gratitude. She had learned a valuable lesson about the importance of feeding and nutrition in pregnancy, and she vowed to pass on her newfound wisdom to other expectant mother

29/01/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Precious Chiamaka, Okolie Emeka, Sympathy Oluchi, Onyi Chima

17/07/2024

Deworming can never be overemphasized

16/07/2024

Healthy supplements at it's peak

Health talk with zikora

18/08/2025

27/06/2025

26/06/2025

25/06/2025

22/06/2025

20/06/2025

20/06/2025

19/06/2025

30/04/2025

29/01/2025

17/07/2024

16/07/2024

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share