Who is Ummi Ibrahim Usman – Ummi Zee Zee

Who is Ummi Ibrahim Usman – Ummi Zee Zee

Ummi Ibrahim Usman, popularly known as Zee Zee or Ummu Zee-zee is a former Kannywood and Nollywood actress who reached the limelight after starring in the Hausa movie Jinsi, where she got her nickname Zee Zee as well as the award. Aside from her being famous in Kannywood, the actress was known as a singer and businesswoman as well.

Born in 1987 to Shuwa/Kanuri parents in Borno State Nigeria, Ummi Ibrahim Usman has sparked a lot of controversy in the media for a variety of reasons.

She last starred in a movie in 2006, and when asked for the reason, she said that the film producers may not be able to afford her for a role.

Despite her exit from the movie industry, she has called upon current Kannywood actresses to keep honouring and respecting her because she has left an indelible mark in the industry that none of them can erase.

This was evident in the controversial interview with Premium Times Paper, where she said in Hausa, “nafi duka ‘yan matan Kannywood Aji”, which translates as “I have surpassed the status of all the [current] Kannywood actresses”.

In response to Ummi Zee Zee’s self-acclaimed supremacy, another popular Kannywood actress, Umma Shehu, strongly denied the claim and said she was nothing but a ‘small fly’ in the industry.

The Nigerian actress was rumoured to have dated General Ibrahim Babangida, former Nigerian head of state, the likely reason behind her expensive lifestyle, which included moving around in a convoy of several exotic Jeeps. In an interview, she confirmed the rumour that she was once in a relationship with him, but it has ended, however, they are still friends.

Ummi Zee Zee was said to have been previously in a relationship with the Benue-born musician, Timaya when she was in Lagos State. A relationship she has since described as one filled with regrets. Furthermore, there were speculations of her leaving Islam to make her relationship work with the artist, however, she denied it and described it as mere allegations because she loves practising her religion and nothing will make her convert to another.

In the year 2021, rumours had it that she contemplated suicide after she was duped by a fraudster of a huge sum of money amounting to about 500 million Naira who posed as a business partner in a supposed crude oil deal. However, she later cleared the air and confirmed being duped but denied that she had contemplated suicide as a result.

Ummi proudly said she doesn’t need to wear make-up as she was beautifully created and her natural beauty needed no artificial improvement. She often flaunts her long natural hair as seen in many of her photos online, however, she said it doesn’t translate to her being unserious with her religion.

Ummi Ibrahim Usman, once a household name in Northern Nigeria and beyond has starred in several blockbuster movies such as Jinsi, Flag of Love, Gender, Gambiza, and Yan uwa. She has made it to the media on multiple occasions because of controversies. She was said to have dated a former Nigerian Head of State, a popular singer, an Arabian man from Dubai, and other men of notable repute. However, at f the time of writing this, she is yet to get married.

Why Taking ORS for Sahur is Harmful for You

Why Taking ORS for Sahur is Harmful for You

Recently, there has been a new trend of taking ORS for Sahur. People are now of the habit of drinking the oral rehydration salts mixture during or immediately after the pre-dawn meal in Ramadan.

This habit is more prevalent in Kano State, even though other states have joined, too, as youth try to escape the dehydration of the hot weather. 

According to the responses of some users who reacted to our questionnaire, this practice is done in other states and is connected to the fact that citizens don’t eat well.

But what exactly is ORS, and what does it do? Is it reasonable to take ORS for your Sahur? Does it have side effects? Let’s find out!

What is ORS?

Oral rehydration salts, ORS, also known as oral rehydration solution or glucose-salt solution, is a mixture of modest amounts of salts and sugar used to prevent and treat dehydration. It was adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1978 as its primary tool to combat diarrhea. 

According to research, the use of ORS had resulted in about a 93% reduction in deaths —especially in children— previously caused by diarrhea from cholera or other diseases.

Also Read: How To Avoid Mouth Odor During Ramadan

What Does ORS Do?

When ORS is mixed with water and orally consumed, it helps prevent and treat dehydration. Failure to appropriately rehydrate dehydrated patients, e.g., as a result of cholera, as and when due, is a likely cause of death.

Your body requires some amounts of salts (e.g., sodium and potassium), electrolytes, and sugar for normal functioning. You lose a significant amount of these when you have diarrhea and vomiting. Therefore, using only water to rehydrate the patient will not be sufficient.

Is ORS Bad for You for Sahur? 

ORS is generally safe for consumption. You can easily buy it from stores and pharmacies without any restriction. However, just like all other drugs, ORS has side effects; these include vomiting, high blood sodium, and high blood potassium.

The side effects are usually seen when it is inappropriately taken. The current trend of taking ORS for sahur is likely to increase the prevalence of medical cases resulting from such side effects, including stomach upset and nausea.

What Should You Take for Sahur Instead?

Since you have practically not lost any significant amount of electrolyte or salt during sahur and you aren’t likely to do so during the fasting period, you need not consume ORS.

It suffices for you to drink an adequate quantity of plain clean water, juice, broth, or soup. 

Conclusion

As I explained in this article, the effective use of ORS is to prevent dehydration in people at risk (e.g., those actively vomiting or having diarrhea) and to rehydrate already dehydrated patients (e.g., those were suffering from cholera). 

Unlike in the cases mentioned above, where the body loses salts and electrolytes and needs to be replaced, water is the main thing lost while fasting. Therefore the use of ORS for sahur has no medical basis and is thus uncalled for.

Avoiding this trend is especially important for patients diagnosed with hypertension or any heart or blood vessel disease. These diseases can be worse by the high blood sodium and potassium levels that could result from the inappropriate use of ORS.

FAQs

Can ORS be harmful?

Oral rehydration salts are generally safe and well-tolerated by your body but can result in side effects such as high blood sodium, high blood potassium, vomiting, etc. Nevertheless, the side effects are rarely seen.

When should you not take ORS?

Drugs should only be taken when absolutely necessary. It would help if you did not take ORS when you are neither at risk of dehydration nor already dehydrated.

When vomiting persists despite correct ORS administration, signs of dehydration develop, there is an intestinal blockage, or the person is unable to drink due to a lower level of consciousness, ORS should be withdrawn and fluids are given intravenously instead.

Who should not drink ORS?

Despite its several benefits, ORS can not be taken by some patients. Examples are unconscious patients and patients who cannot take food and water by mouth.

Is it good to take ORS daily?

If you are dehydrated or at risk of dehydration, it is advised that you take ORS until you get better. However, some health professionals recommend that you go to the hospital for better evaluation and treatment if symptoms persist after three days of home treatment with ORS. Despite losing fluid through vomiting, when you take ORS, your body will be able to retain some of the fluids and salts you need.

Does ORS raise BP?

ORS is safe for hypertensive patients; however, some hypertensive patients could occasionally experience a rise in blood pressure while using it because of the salt content. Therefore, I advise that such patients consult with their doctors to get appropriate advice.

Is ORS good for kidney patients?

As with hypertensive patients, kidney disease patients should also thread with caution and remember to take ORS only when its benefits outweighs the risks. If you have kidney disease, ensure to ask for your doctor’s advice.

8 Great Foods That Help You Sleep Better At Night

8 Great Foods That Help You Sleep Better At Night

Sleep is one of the best gifts given to man by the Creator. Imagine how life would be if there was no night at all, and one has to work for a good part of the 24 hours. Scary, right? Well, apart from getting an opportunity to rest, sleep also has several other benefits that you shouldn’t let pass you by. Unfortunately, sleep might sometimes elude you despite having had a stressful day, and of the several options available, natural foods that help you sleep better at night, are definitely worth a try.

In this article, I will be sharing with you 8 amazing foods that help you sleep better at night. Let’s hop into it.

Natural Foods That Help You Sleep Better

These foods and drinks are effective in improving your sleep because they contain sleep-promoting compounds such as serotonin, tryptophan, melatonin, flavonoids, folate, magnesium, anthocyanins, etc.

I will mention the foods alongside the compounds they contain.

1. Milk

If you have been a coffee lover for a while, and it is among the last things you take before going to bed, you might want to replace it with warm milk.

Apart from the good taste it has, milk is also one of the foods that help you sleep better at night. This is because it is rich in calcium, melatonin, Vitamin D, etc. and all of these are compounds that promote your sleep.

2. Walnuts

Sleep promoting compounds such as serotonin, melatonin, magnesium, and calcium are present in walnuts. While scientific research is yet to strongly support it, eating walnuts a few hours before sleep has been associated with a good night’s rest.

3. Add Fatty Fish

Fish contain Vitamin B6, which is important in melatonin production. Melatonin is important in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Additionally, remember that serotonin is among the sleep-promoting compounds.

This compound is also regulated by omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D found in fatty fish. This includes Mackerel, tuna, salmon, and sardines.

With the right amount of serotonin in your body, you are more likely to fall asleep and have a good night’s rest.

4. Almonds

Apart from being a good snack for people trying to lose weight and avoid unhealthy fats, almonds are one of the natural foods that help you sleep better. This is because they are rich in melatonin, a hormone that is very important for regulating sleep.

Almonds also contain magnesium and other compounds. Other nuts you can eat are flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.

5. Kiwi

Kiwi fruit can help you sleep better at night because it contains melatonin, calcium, magnesium, and other sleep-promoting compounds. More research is still needed to establish its actual relationship with sleep, but it is worthwhile to give it a try.

6. Warm Chamomile Tea

Taking tea is one of the ways to relax after a hard day’s work. Chamomile herbal tea has been used for quite a while to treat insomnia.

Its sleep-promoting activity is likely due to the flavonoid compound it contains. Just like several other herbs, its relationship with sleep is still unclear and more research is needed.

7. Dairy Products

Dairy products are also natural foods that help you sleep better at night. These include milk, yogurt, cheese, and crackers. They are rich in calcium. Calcium is important in regulating sleep hormones like melatonin and tryptophan.

8. Chicken

Eating poultry at night can also help you to sleep. Poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese. They contain tryptophan which is an essential amino acid that your body cannot produce and thus must be obtained from food.

It helps your body to make serotonin and melatonin; both are important hormones that enable you to sleep well at night.

Other Foods and Drinks You Can Try Include;

  1. Tart cherries
  2. Lettuce
  3. Barley grass powder
  4. Passionflower tea
  5. Banana
  6. Whole grains
  7. Honey etc.

General Tips for Sleeping Better at Night

Using the foods and drinks mentioned in this article will go a long way in helping you sleep better at night. Nevertheless, for better results, here are some tips that will help you sleep better at night.

  1. Do not eat immediately before sleep
  2. Keep your phone away before you go to bed. If you can’t do this, use a lens that blocks out blue light coming from your phone’s or laptop’s screen.
  3. Do not sleep in a noisy environment
  4. Switch off the lights in your room
  5. Reduce your intake of caffeinated drinks and snacks before sleep
  6. Keep hydrated
  7. Avoid alcohol consumption
  8. Find the best mattress and pillow for you

Conclusion

Whether it is school activities, work at the office or factory, or some workout in the gym, our days are almost always filled with lots of activities. Getting a good night’s sleep is a sure way of taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the day.

Now that you have read our list of some of the foods that help you sleep better at night, you should also apply other good sleep etiquettes in order to achieve optimal results.

Have you tried using any of the foods and drinks above to improve your sleep? We would love to hear about your experience in the comments section

FAQs

I am 25 years old, what is the average amount of sleep I need per night?

For someone your age, getting 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep is recommended.

What other natural methods can I use to get better sleep at night?

You might want to try adjusting your daily activities to reduce stress and create a good sleep environment by avoiding noise and bright lights. You might want to keep your phone at least an hour before you go to bed.

I am having trouble sleeping, can I take sleeping pills?

Sleeping pills can come with a lot of side effects when poorly used, thus it is best prescribed by doctors.

10 Surprising Foods That Are Bad for Your Breath (No. 5 Will Shock You)

10 Surprising Foods That Are Bad for Your Breath (No. 5 Will Shock You)

You have probably taken several measures to avoid bad breath, including regular brushing, flossing, rinsing with a mouthwash, and many others, but it all does not seem to be working. The culprit could be right under your nose – the food you eat! Here, we are going to look at some of the foods that cause bad breath and what to do regarding them.

Foods That Causes Bad Breath

1. Garlic

This is usually the first food to come to mind when this topic is mentioned.

This is usually the first food to come to mind when this topic is mentioned. From experience, most of us have tasted a meal containing garlic and we must have noticed people’s reactions to us when we speak shortly after. And while it adds a good flavour and even taste to food, the aftermath is usually disturbing.

After enjoying your meal containing garlic, it gets absorbed into your bloodstream and makes its way to your lungs; so apart from the odour resulting from chewing the garlic, an additional one will be released from your lungs and through your mouth whenever you breathe out.

 2. Onions

One of the foods that cause bad breath is onions.

One of the foods that cause bad breath is onions. Onions are widely used worldwide for their taste as well as nutritional and health benefits. However, along with garlic, it is considered to be among the top causes of halitosis, a fancy word for bad breath. I personally love onions to the moon and back, so getting rid of them completely from my meals might be a very difficult thing to do.

The good news is that you can avoid the bad breath that comes along with eating it by, cooking it a little bit longer than you normally do.

It’s easy, right?

 3. Coffee

Coffee has caffeine as one of its constituents, and caffeine has an effect on saliva production.

You might have experienced some level of dryness in your mouth after taking coffee a number of times before. Coffee has caffeine as one of its constituents, and caffeine has an effect on saliva production.

The decrease in saliva that results from drinking coffee means there will be more accommodation for odour-causing bacteria in your mouth.

 4. Canned Fish

Yes, canned fish is among the foods that cause bad breath.

Yes, canned fish is among the foods that cause bad breath. When seafood begins to oxidize as a result of storage, it tends to become sour.

Eating this without brushing your mouth afterwards might likely leave you with a stinking breath.

 5. Protein

Protein is also among the foods that can cause bad breath, as eating too much of it and too little carbohydrates

Proteins form a very important part of our meals due to their body-building qualities. Nevertheless, it is also among the foods that can cause bad breath, as eating too much of it and too little carbohydrates will lead to the production of an unpleasant smell, known as ketone breath. This occurs when the body resorts to using proteins and fats as fuel due to a shortage of carbohydrates.

Unfortunately, this smell cannot be masked by brushing and/or flossing, so it is best prevented by avoiding excess proteins in your diet and taking adequate water.

 6. Sugar

Apart from the white sugar we all know, carbohydrate foods are also converted to sugar in our bodies after eating. A lot of us cannot do without sugar in our meals and beverages. The sugar debris that remains in our mouths after having that sumptuous pounded yam or rice meal or even after licking sweets can encourage the growth of odour-causing bacteria because they feed on it to survive.

Apart from the white sugar we all know, carbohydrate foods are also converted to sugar in our bodies after eating. A lot of us cannot do without sugar in our meals and beverages. The sugar debris that remains in our mouths after having that sumptuous pounded yam or rice meal or even after licking sweets can encourage the growth of odour-causing bacteria because they feed on it to survive.

Therefore, cutting down on your sugar intake and maintaining very good dental hygiene can keep you safe from the embarrassment that might result.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are acidic in nature and this is just what odour-producing bacteria need to thrive.

Tomatoes are acidic in nature and this is just what odour-producing bacteria need to thrive. Whether you eat the fruit raw in your salads or as a sauce for your rice or yam, try as much as possible to drink an adequate amount of water to reduce the acidity, then you can brush afterwards.

8. Peanut butter

Rinsing with mouthwash after consuming peanut butter can help keep your breath fresh.

This is a paste made from ground dried peanut and spread on bread, toast, crackers and even sandwiches. Its thick nature makes it difficult for saliva to break down so it could stay for hours in your mouth and ultimately cause bad breath.

Rinsing with mouthwash after consuming peanut butter can help keep your breath fresh.

9. Cheese

Whenever you eat cheese, the bacteria in your mouth will act on amino acids contained in the cheese to produce sulfur compounds that can give you bad breath.

Whenever you eat cheese, the bacteria in your mouth will act on amino acids contained in the cheese to produce sulfur compounds that can give you bad breath.

This can make your mouth smell like rotten eggs! I am sure you wouldn’t want that. Drinking enough water, flossing and brushing with s fluoride toothpaste can do the trick.

10. Citrus fruits

t is not new knowledge that citrus fruits are acidic.

It is not new knowledge that citrus fruits are acidic. You must have experienced this yourself after tasting some —especially before it is completely ripe. The acid provides a comfortable environment for the bacteria to survive and trouble you with bad breath. This occurs especially when you are suffering from acid reflux conditions like peptic ulcer disease.

Reducing your intake of citrus, chewing sugar-free gum or candy and generally maintaining s good mouth hygiene can protect your breath from going sour.

Conclusion

Now that you know some of the foods that can cause bad breath, I hope you will also share the knowledge with your friends and save them the confusion and embarrassment that comes with it.

Do you know of any other food of a similar category? Please do let us know in the comments section; would love to hear from you.

How to Avoid Mouth Odour During Ramadan

How to Avoid Mouth Odour During Ramadan

Ramadan, the best month of the year is just a few days away and perhaps you are already thinking about how to do away with the unpleasant mouth odour that usually accompanies the fast. Well, you’re in the right place, as this article seeks to tell you how to prevent mouth odour during fasting.

First of all, what causes mouth odour while fasting?

Causes of Mouth Odour

Mouth odour is much more common while a person is fasting rather than when he is at liberty to eat and drink at intervals. This is because the mouth easily becomes dry due to reduced saliva production.

Apart from keeping the mouth moist, saliva also contains substances that are toxic to bacteria in the mouth, thus a decrease in saliva will provide a more comfortable environment for the bacteria to wine and dine.

Other causes of mouth odour include eating food containing onion and garlic during sahur (the predawn meal) and iftar (the meal taken after breaking the fast), consumption of sugary food, and most importantly, poor teeth hygiene.

Now that you know the causes, here’s

How You Can Avoid Mouth Odour During Fasting

1. Keep Hydrated

Dryness of the mouth promotes the survival and growth of bacteria in your mouth. By drinking enough water and avoiding diuretics (substances e.g. coffee, that increases urine production) during sahur and iftar, you help to reduce the bacteria, thereby, preventing the unwanted odour they produce.

You can also stimulate saliva production by chewing gum at night.

A person drinking water

2. Brush Twice a Day

Brushing one’s teeth is one of the ways to prevent mouth odour during fasting. Fasting does not prevent you from brushing your teeth. Ensure that you brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste before going to bed at night and after eating your sahur meal. And hey! Don’t forget to floss the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth. Here’s a quick guide on how to floss.

3. Use a Miswak (Chewing Stick)

“Although chewing sticks can be made from many commonly occurring plants, such as olive trees, Miswak is most generally associated with the Salvadora persica tree, commonly known as ‘arak’ in Arabic”. It has so many health benefits aside from just getting your mouth clean.

According to a study, the miswak, due to its many mouth-cleaning benefits is said to be superior to toothbrushes. An added advantage is that it can be used round the clock without fear of swallowing toothpaste in the process.

4. Don’t Forget the Tongue

Several people tend to rush while brushing their teeth, usually ending up not cleaning their tongue. Well, it will interest you to know that the tongue is a good breeding place for bacteria due to the food remnants that remain attached to it eat after eating. To prevent this, use your toothbrush, tongue scraper, or floss to clean it thoroughly.

5. Watch What You Eat

Ramadan is a month where many families get to prepare a variety of meals for iftar. It is important to be cautious not to eat food that will lead to one having an unpleasant mouth odour during the day. Avoid fresh onions and garlic and also cut down on foods that are too spicy, salty, or sticky.

Conclusion

Avoiding mouth odour is a good habit worth inculcating, not only during Ramadan or when you are fasting. Whenever your mouth oozes, it makes people around you uncomfortable, thus, making it necessary for you to ensure its cleanliness. Well, the above ways will go a long way in guiding you on how to prevent mouth odour during fasting or the month of Ramadan or any other time.

If you find this article of help, kindly leave a comment in the comments section. You could also tell if there are other ways one can ensure they don’t have mouth odour in the comments section as well. Thank you.