Women have been advised to pay closer attention to their nutrition, blood groups, and body health as part of efforts to improve their overall wellbeing, productivity, and quality of life.
This advice was given by Prof. Dr. Pauline Zitolina, a Plant Based Dietician, Holistic Naturopath, Professional Massage Therapist, and health consultant, who has been educating women on the importance of nutrition, natural health, and lifestyle management.
According to her, many women suffer from fatigue, hormonal imbalance, weight gain, digestive problems, and other health challenges because they do not pay attention to the type of foods they eat and how those foods relate to their blood groups and body systems.
She explained that women, due to their biological and hormonal nature, must be more careful with their diet, lifestyle, and stress levels.
“Women’s bodies go through many stages including menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Because of this, what women eat is very important. Food should not just fill the stomach, it should heal and support the body,” she said.
She emphasized that understanding blood groups can help women choose foods that support their metabolism, improve blood circulation, and boost their immune system. She added that when women eat according to their body mechanisms, they experience better skin, improved energy, balanced hormones, and better mental health.
Women, Nutrition and Productivity
Prof. Dr. Zitolina further noted that women play critical roles in homes, businesses, government institutions, and various professions, and therefore their health must be taken seriously.
She explained that a healthy woman means a healthy family, a productive workplace, and a strong nation. She stressed that many women work long hours but do not pay attention to what they eat, when they eat, and how they eat.
She advised women to reduce processed foods, excessive sugar, and oily foods, and instead focus on vegetables, fruits, natural foods, herbs, nuts, and plenty of water.
Training of Professional Naturopathic Doctors
Prof. Dr. Zitolina also revealed that beyond health education, she is heavily involved in professional training in naturopathy and natural medicine.
She stated that she trains Naturopathic Doctors on a professional scale and has so far trained about 625 professional Naturopathic Doctors in Ghana and beyond, with some of her graduates currently working abroad using certificates issued through her training programmes.
She explained that her naturopathy training institute operated in Madina for about 15 years before entering into a collaboration with Wisconsin International University College to provide professional certificate courses in Naturopathy.
According to her, through this collaboration, many students were trained and graduated last year as certified naturopathic practitioners.
She used the opportunity to invite interested students and health practitioners who want to study naturopathy professionally to enroll in the next batch of training.
She noted that the programme is designed to train students professionally in naturopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition, natural therapies, and holistic health practice.
Her Educational and Professional Background
Prof. Dr. Zitolina attended Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, where she obtained her Certificate in Education. She later obtained a degree in Plant Based Diet in Bali, Indonesia, and trained as a Professional Massage Therapist in Singapore.
She is also an alumna of Happy Souls Academy in Canada where she studied Gemstone Healing and Mediumship. She studied Naturopathy and Master Herbalism with Stonebridge Associated Colleges in the United Kingdom and is now a naturopathic consultant physician and plant-based dietician.
In Ghana, she attended the Pan African Institute where she obtained a certificate in Professional NGO Management, Governance and Human Resources, and also obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management from the Graduate Training Institute.
She is a motivational health speaker, writer, health consultant, and founder of Sparklifeafrica Institute, an institute that promotes plant diet and natural therapies, with a strong focus on women’s health education and natural living.
Final Advice to Women
Prof. Dr. Zitolina concluded by encouraging women to take their health seriously, know their blood group, eat natural foods, manage stress, exercise regularly, and seek proper health guidance.
She stressed that when women are healthy, families are healthy, communities are strong, and the nation becomes more productive.
She also encouraged individuals who are interested in studying naturopathy professionally to take advantage of the training opportunities available through her institute and its collaboration with Wisconsin International University College.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson