Don Johnston
To say that our health is our most important asset is an extreme understatement. After a spinal injury, nerve signals that control digestion and bowel function are disrupted, leading to a high incidence of bowel dysfunction. So, there are preventive measures we can follow to maintain a healthy, active life.
The simplest and easiest first steps are how we can manage and create a lifestyle of better eating. We can ask which foods affect our bodies so we can choose and manage the foods we eat. Prioritizing a healthy diet and recognizing that food can be considered medicine are a start toward the health goals we set.
I began my journey by exploring ways to improve my bladder and bowel health and my overall sense of well-being. Of course, the first thing I did was drink a lot of water. We need to stay hydrated! But then I researched what I could use to focus on my bladder —what superfoods I could buy that would have a positive effect on my system. I found fruits and berries! Strawberries and blueberries, along with raspberries, pears, and bananas. They are known to help fight bacteria. You can consume fresh or frozen; both have the nutrients to help. And the best part is, all of these fruits are loaded with a compound called flavanol, which has been shown to help fight bacterial infections, like the kind that can cause an irritating urinary tract infection. They flush out the urinary system and provide vitamin C.
I didn’t want to overdo it with fruit, so I incorporated berry smoothies for breakfast in the morning. Without spending too much, I bought a variety of items — oats, yogurt, berries, apples, and honey — to make a range of filling drinks.
I once thought lemons in my water were the answer to all my UTI issues. The citric acid in lemons can help prevent kidney stones by binding to calcium and blocking stone formation. Lemons also have diuretic properties that help flush harmful toxins out of the urinary tract. And drinking just one cup in the morning can help promote healthy digestion, alleviate heartburn, and stimulate healthy bowel function by reducing bloat and stimulating bowel movements. But, they have caused irritation of the bladder and worsened symptoms like urgency and frequency in some individuals. So, I drink homemade lemon water 3 times a week to cleanse my system. So far, I’m finding no issues with doing this.
A dietitian can help create a list of foods that support our digestion. But my own research found benefits in eating cucumbers. I personally love these plants, which are actually a fruit and members of the gourd family. They are low in calories and high in vitamins A, B, and C. They contain 96% water, which is extremely effective at keeping stool soft and promoting regular bowel movements. I eat them in salads or as a snack by slicing them and dipping them in my favorite dressing. But they can be prepared in so many ways. You can eat small amounts and still enjoy great health benefits. Combining cucumbers with spinach and carrots gives it a health boost, filling your body with essential vitamins and nutrients.
There are so many ways to boost your diet and maintain the proper health benefits that we need. I’ve tried everything that’s been mentioned, but I’m excited to try so much more. Fruits and vegetables eaten in moderation can be a major plan for controlling our bowel and bladder health. It’s up to us to explore our own journey and see what is right for us.
