A bladder infection, or cystitis, begins with a bacteria-induced infection in the urethra that moves to the bladder, causing a burning sensation when urinating and strong-smelling urine. Although many bladder infections can be treated simply with antibiotics, following certain dietary guidelines may decrease symptoms during treatment. These include drinking cranberry juice and plenty of water, eating high-fiber foods and healthy fats and avoiding sugar, soft drinks, coffee and beer.
Fresh Berry Juice
Cranberries and blueberries help block the binding of infection-causing bacteria to bladder tissues and help in flushing out bacteria through the urine. Regular consumption of unsweetened cranberry juice provides you with vitamins and antioxidants that acidify the urine and help stop bacterial growth. Make your own fresh berry juice daily, adding mixed fresh berries to cranberry juice in a blender. Blueberries are a good choice because they are related to cranberries and possess the same bacteria-fighting qualities. Because bacteria feed on sugar in the blood, do without sugar or add stevia if you need extra sweetness.
Water
One of the best dietary measures for a bladder infection is drinking plenty of pure, filtered water throughout the day to help dilute your urine and flush out bacteria. Other fluids such as herbal teas help vary your liquid diet without your turning to coffee and citrus fruit drinks, which can aggravate your symptoms. The herb goldenseal, because it contains berberine with antibiotic properties, may be a good herb choice, although no studies prove it has any effect on bladder infections. Other herbs known to increase urine flow, such as juniper, dandelion and goldenrod, may also be good herbs for your teas, although their efficacy is not backed up by scientific studies. Ask your doctor if these herbs are right for you.
Antioxidants and Fiber
A diet rich in antioxidant foods, including cherries, tomatoes, bell peppers and squash, is helpful to those with urinary tract infections and inhibits bacterial growth. These should be accompanied, as in any healthy diet, by high-fiber foods such as oats, beans, yams, potatoes and psyllium seeds rather than processed foods or refined foods such as white breads and pastas. Avoid saturated fats in fatty red meats and dairy products, and eat fish, tofu and soy for protein with olive oil or vegetable oils.
Sweeteners to Avoid
Because artificial sweeteners found in many foods and beverages may aggravate a bladder infection, it is best to avoid them until your symptoms subside. Bacteria is known to feed on the sugar in the bloodstream, so sugar is to be avoided as well as chocolate and bakery products which contain highly processed sugar.
Beverages to Avoid
While drinking pure water and cranberry juice is advised, drinking coffee, alcohol, carbonated soft drinks, citrus juices, sweetened fruit juices and caffeinated teas can irritate your bladder until your infection has cleared and aggravate urination. Chocolate milk and beer are also to be avoided.
