According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, infections of the urinary tract are the second-most-common type of infection and account for approximately 8.3 million doctor visits per year. Urinary tract infections can cause discomfort and in rare cases can damage the kidneys or cause a systemic infection. Fortunately, dietary changes can reduce your risk of developing recurrent urinary tract infections.
Background
Urine is typically sterile, meaning that it is free of bacteria and viruses. Infection can easily occur, however, given the proximity of the urethra to the anus, which harbors bacteria from the digestive tract. If even a small amount of bacteria is introduced into the urinary tract, the bacteria can multiply and cause infection. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can include a frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning with urination, pressure above the pubic bone and fever.
Berry Juice
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2003, fresh juices such as cranberry or blueberry juice have a protective effect against the development of urinary tract infections. This is probably because berries are rich in flavonols, which are chemicals that plants produce in response to a bacterial invasion. Flavonols are believed to have an antimicrobial effect in human cells as well and probably suppress the ability of bacteria to multiply.
Fermented Milk Products
Additionally, the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2003 notes that women who ate fermented milk products such as yogurt or cheese three or more times per week were less likely to have a urinary tract infection than women who ate these foods less than once a week. This protective effect did not extend to plain milk, indicating that the process of fermentation provides the benefit. Lactobacillus in fermented milk products can replace the bacteria that typically cause urinary tract infections.
Benefits
If you have suffered from a urinary tract infection in the past, you have a 20 percent chance of having another urinary tract infection in the future. Adhering to a diet that includes berry juice and fermented milk products might help to reduce this risk. Also, starting this diet when you first notice symptoms of a urinary tract infection might reduce the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys, where it could become more serious and potentially life-threatening.
Considerations
While increasing your intake of berry juice and eating fermented milk products can reduce your risk of urinary tract infection, antibiotics remain the first-line treatment for an existing urinary tract infection. Your physician will prescribe one of several antibiotics depending on your medical history, and symptoms typically resolve quickly once you start treatment. During treatment, you should avoid foods that can irritate the bladder such as coffee, alcohol and spicy foods. Once your urinary tract infection is cleared up, you can institute your new diet to prevent recurrence.
