Lead Dietitian, MediGrace Medical Centre, Madam Fredricka Doku, has linked the growing rise in hormonal and lifestyle-related health conditions among women to poor eating habits and the increasing dependence on ultra-processed foods.
Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the dietitian explained that conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, endometriosis, menopause complications, and diabetes are strongly influenced by nutrition and lifestyle choices.
According to her, scientific evidence increasingly points to insulin resistance and unhealthy eating as major underlying causes of many women’s health conditions. “The first line of treatment for PCOS is nutrition. It is healthy eating,” she stated.
Mrs. Doku explained that many processed foods contribute to inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and excessive insulin production in the body. She added that poor nutrition affects important body processes and can significantly influence long-term health outcomes.
She further disclosed that many women experience major improvements in their health after changing their diets and adopting healthier lifestyles. According to her, some patients begin seeing positive changes within weeks, including better sleep, improved menstrual cycles, reduced acne, and improved hormonal balance.
The dietitian stressed that healthy eating does not necessarily require expensive or foreign meals. Instead, she encouraged Ghanaians to return to local whole foods such as millet, brown rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, and indigenous spices.
She also challenged the growing obsession with trendy diets on social media, stating that many so-called anti-inflammatory diets are simply ordinary healthy Ghanaian meals presented with attractive labels.
“Eating waakye with vegetables and fish with avocado is anti-inflammatory dieting,” she explained, adding that many people are paying heavily for nutrition advice that is rooted in simple local foods.
Madam Fredricka also expressed concern about the eating habits of young people, particularly university students and young professionals who heavily rely on fast foods, sugary drinks, and highly processed meals because they consider them convenient and fashionable.
She explained that habits such as late-night eating, skipping breakfast, and excessive intake of processed foods are increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hormonal disorders among young people.
The nutrition expert additionally encouraged consumers to pay attention to food labels and ingredients before purchasing packaged foods. According to her, many processed products contain unhealthy additives, excess sugars, and artificial ingredients that contribute to inflammation and poor health.
About Springboard Hangout
Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube.
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