Urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria and affects ten times more women than men, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning sensation with urination, blood in the urine, abdominal pain and fever. Incorporating certain foods into your diet may help prevent or eliminate a urinary tract infection. If you suspect that you may be suffering from a urinary tract infection, you should see your doctor.
Cranberries
It has been known since the year 1914 that cranberries and cranberry juice are an effective treatment for urinary tract infections. A study published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" that year explained that cranberries help to acidify the urine such that environmental conditions become unfavorable for bacterial growth. However, more recent evidence has shown that specific compounds present in cranberries are helpful in warding off infection because they prevent bacteria from adhering to the tissue of the urinary tract.
Blueberries
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council explains that compounds called proanthocyanidins are present in blueberries and blueberry juice. These compounds have been shown to prevent the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections from adhering to the epithelial tissue lining the urinary tract, thereby preventing infection.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is found in many fruits such as strawberries, oranges and apples. Increasing the dietary intake of vitamin C may help limit bacterial growth in the urinary tract by decreasing the the pH of the fluid surrounding the tissues, creating an unfavorable environment for bacterial reproduction.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infections
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; The specific role of foods in relation to the composition of the urine; N.R. Blatherwick; September 1914
- "Journal of Urology"; Inhibition of bacterial adherence by cranberry juice: potential use for the treatment of urinary tract infections; AE Sobata; May 1984
- US Highbush Blueberry Council
- Women's Day Magazine: UTI Checkup
