Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are not uncommon in women, and many experience recurrent bouts of this condition. Symptoms include an urgent need to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, and blood in the urine. As painful and inconvenient as these infections are, a little prevention can go a long way. For many women, a few dietary modifications can make a big difference.
Drink Fruit Juices
Women who suffer from frequent or chronic UTIs are often advised to drink cranberry juice or take capsules of cranberry concentrate. The high vitamin C content and acidity levels of cranberry help prevent infection. But it turns out that it's not just cranberry juice that can make a difference. The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide reports that women who drink at least one glass of any fruit juice daily are 34 percent less likely to develop a UTI.
Eat Fermented Dairy
The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide also notes that women who eat fermented milk products at least three times a week were 80 percent less likely to develop a UTI than women who ate such products less than once a week. Fermented milk products, also known as cultured milk products, include yogurt, cheese, kefir, buttermilk and creme fraiche. Dairy products with added probiotic cultures may also have the same effect.
Up the Antioxidants
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, blueberries and cherries, to help ward of recurring UTIs. Antioxidants help your body fight off infection.
Avoid Sugar
The bacteria that cause UTIs thrive on sugar. Therefore, reducing the amount of sugar in your diet can keep these bacteria at bay. Avoid soft drinks, sweetened juice drinks and other high-sugar foods whenever possible.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol may irritate your urinary tract, causing you to be more susceptible to infection. If you're prone to UTIs, cut down on coffee, tea and colas as well as beer, wine and cocktails or hard liquor. Many of these drinks also contain extra sugar, so avoiding them will help your urinary tract health on two fronts.
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