Food To Avoid With A Urinary Infection

Food to Avoid with a Urinary Infection

Nov 15, 2010 | By Ashley Tyson

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, can occur anywhere along the urinary tract. Generally a UTI will not progress further than the bladder if treated properly with antibiotics, so it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately. An infection of one or both kidneys is extremely dangerous, as it can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of a UTI include cloudy and foul smelling urine, pain or burning while urinating, as well as an urgent and frequent need to relieve yourself.

Acid-Forming Foods

Acid-forming foods create acidity in the bloodstream and promote bacterial growth at the site of infection, according to Steve Meyerowitz in the book "Power Juices Super Drinks." Unlike foods that taste acidic, acid-forming varieties can exacerbate a urinary infection and increase discomfort. If you are suffering from a UTI, you should avoid foods like dairy, red meat, white flour, alcohol and pastries. Drinking raw cranberry juice and fresh-squeezed orange juice, however, can help increase the acidity level in your bladder to inhibit bacteria from adhering to its walls.

Sugary Foods

Eating sugary foods impairs the ability of white blood cells to destroy infection-causing bacteria, according to Meyerowitz. A high intake of sugar during a UTI can further suppress your immune system, making it exceedingly more difficult to ward off the infection. Sugary items like candy, chocolate, refined sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, processed desserts, simple carbohydrates and soda are detrimental to your recovery.

Coffee

The caffeine present in coffee is a bladder irritant, according to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Herbal Healing." Coffee is also an acid-forming beverage that progresses bacterial growth while contributing to the overall discomfort of an infection. Balch recommends drinking birch leaf tea, as it helps to relieve bladder pain. You should drink plenty of water to regularly eliminate bacteria from your urinary tract.