A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urethra and the bladder. The bacteria can also spread to the kidneys and cause infection. Women are more prone to these infections because their urethras are shorter and closer to the anus than those of men. UTIs are also common in patients with medical conditions such as diabetes and pregnancy. Dietary modifications can help prevent UTIs.
Cranberries and Cranberry Juice
Patients with UTIs are advised to eat cranberries and drink plenty of cranberry juice. Cranberries and cranberry juice protect against urinary tract infections, especially in women who are prone to getting UTIs. Cranberries contain substances that prevent bacteria that cause UTIs from sticking to the urinary tract walls. Cranberries also make urine more acidic, which prevents bacteria from surviving in the urine.
Water
Patients at risk for UTIs are advised to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to help flush toxins out via the urinary tract, according to NIDDK. Patients should ensure that they drink enough water that it makes their urine appear pale yellow instead of amber or deep yellow. Patients should also not resist the urge to urinate, as this can cause reflux of urine containing bacteria into the bladder.
Bladder Irritants
During UTI treatment, patients with UTIs should avoid foods that can irritate the bladder, according to MayoClinic.com. Examples of foods that irritate the bladder irritants include coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, caffeine and spicy foods. These foods can be reintroduced into the diet once the infection has cleared.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms of UTI include burning sensation while urinating, a strong urge to urinate, foul smelling urine, cloudy urine, blood in urine, passing frequent small amounts of urine, upper back pain, high fever, shaking chills, nausea, vomiting, flushed, warm, reddened skin, and pelvic and rectal pain, according to PubMed. Eldery patients may not display these symptoms of UTI. Older adults experience sudden mental status changes and confusion when they have UTIs.
