A urinary tract infection begins in your urinary system, which is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women are more likely to develop UTI due to the close proximity of the genitals to the anus. An infection of the urinary tract is quite uncomfortable, often painful and causes the sensation of a persistent need to urinate. More worrisome is that the infection can quickly spread to the kidneys and cause life-threatening renal failure. Antibiotics are necessary in the treatment of UTIs, but eating certain foods can help prevent their development.
Cranberries
Cranberries can help prevent infections by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the bladder, according to Myrna and Mark Goldstein in their book "Healthy Foods." The infection-fighting ability is commonly attributed to the acidity of the cranberries, but it is actually the chemical compounds present in this fruit that prevent bacteria from clinging to urinary tract epithelial cells, the authors say. Approximately 85 percent of UTIs are the result of E. coli infection. Eating cranberries helps to reduce the proliferation of bacteria as well as prevent clinging for easy elimination.
Probiotic Dairy Products
Probiotic dairy products like yogurt and kefir contain beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. The presence of these friendly bacterial flora helps to ward against urogenital infections, such as UTIs, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, according to Susan Cho in the book "Handbook of Prebiotics and Probiotics Ingredients." Lactobacillus organisms that predominate the vagina help to form a barrier to the entry of pathogenic bacteria from the vagina into bladder, the author adds.
Horseradish
Horseradish may have antibiotic properties, according to David Grotto and Montel Williams in the book "101 Optimal Life Foods." It is abundant in chromium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, vitamins A and C, as well as niacin and zinc. It is commonly prescribed by herbalists to ward against bladder, kidney and urinary tract infections, according to Anthony Cichoke in the book "Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies." The author suggests making a horseradish tea by grating the herb into boiling water and allowing it to steep.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Urinary Tract Infection
- "Healthy Foods"; Myrna Goldstein and Mark Goldstein; 2010
- "Handbook of Prebiotics and Probiotics Ingredients"; Susan Cho; 2009
- "101 Optimal Life Foods"; David Grotto and Montel Williams; 2001
