Urinary tract infections can cause pain and burning when urinating, and if left unchecked, can also affect your heart rhythm and mental status, according to Judith Schilling McCann. These common infections plague women more often than men. Instead of waiting for an infection to take hold and treating it with a medication, small additions to your diet can prevent them from occurring in the first place. If you begin to experience symptoms of a UTI, you should consult your healthcare provider for proper treatment.
Berries
Those luscious berry fruits that grace your table can help prevent urinary tract infections. The tannins contained in cranberries, lignonberries and blueberries coat the inner walls of the bladder and urinary tract, thereby inhibiting the E.coli bacteria from sticking to them, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consumed as whole fruits or as 1 to 2 cups of juice daily, these berries can prevent future infections, states Phyllis Balch in her book, "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing."
Greens
Dandelion greens, celery and parsley added to your salads, act as diuretics and flush fluids out of tissues. Diuretics can alleviate that sense of urinary urgency that often accompanies urinary tract infections, states Balch. Whether you consume these greens raw or drink in tea form or extract, the benefit is the same. Should you decide to use these foods to prevent UTIs, make sure you also drink plenty of water to maintain adequate fluid balance.
Probiotics
A daily cup of yogurt added to your diet provides the "good" bacteria of probiotics, which inhibits growth of bad bacteria. The lactobacillus strain of acidophilus, contained in yogurt, can also be taken in a pill form if desired. Urinary tract infections frequently occur after you take a course of antibiotics, and upon completing the medication protocol, you should begin either consuming probiotic foods or taking probiotic supplements to prevent a future infection.
Fiber
Whole grain products provide several healthy benefits to your body and the more whole grains you consume, the lower the risk of a UTI. Whole grains provoke an acidic response from the body. Higher acid content provides a less favorable environment for bacterial growth. Try adding whole grains such as oatmeal, buckwheat, pasta and high-fiber legumes such as lentils and chickpeas to your diet.
References
- "Pathophysiology: A 2-in-1 Reference Guide for Nurses"; Judith A. Schilling McCann, R.N., M.S.N.; 2005
- "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infections
- University of Michigan Health System: Urinary Tract Infection
