Urinary tract infections are the second most common bodily infection and the reason for over 8 million doctor visits each year, according to 2005 information from the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. UTIs typically develop when bacteria from the digestive tract cling to the tube connecting the bladder and genitals, then multiply. Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include painful, frequent urination, bloody urine, abdominal cramps, nausea, fever and chills. Altering your diet may help prevent or reduce your symptoms.
Function
Although dietary factors are not known to cause or cure UTIs, certain foods may help reduce or prevent your symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. An overall nutritious, balanced diet supports a strong-functioning immune system, which helps your body resist and heal from infections. Drinking plentiful amounts of fluids is important for flushing toxins from your body through urine once you have a UTI. Eating foods that promote health and bacterial balance in your urinary tract may help prevent or reduce the frequency of recurrent UTIs.
Prevention
In a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in March 2003, researchers analyzed the dietary habits of 139 women diagnosed with UTIs and 185 women who had not experienced a UTI within the previous five years. Women who drank at least one glass of fresh juice daily were 34 percent less likely to develop a UTI then women who did not. Berry juices were particularly beneficial. Women who consumed at least three servings of fermented milk products, such as yogurt or kefir, each week were nearly 80 percent less likely to face a UTI than women who consumed less than one serving per week. For potentially similar benefits, consume yogurt or kefir containing live, active cultures, known as probiotics, and berry juices such as cranberry or blueberry juice, routinely.
Symptom Management
UTIs are typically treated with antibiotic medications. Increasing your antioxidant and fiber intake and cutting back on saturated fats may also help reduce your symptoms, according to the UMMC. Top food sources of antioxidants include berries, cherries, tomatoes, squash, leafy green, broccoli and bell peppers. Fiber-rich foods include beans, lentils, barley, whole wheat pasta and cereals, air-popped popcorn, artichokes, peas, raspberries and pears. To cut back on saturated fats, which may increase inflammation, avoid red and processed meats, high-fat dairy products, egg yolks and fried foods. For reduced inflammation, consume omega-3 fatty acids, which are prevalent in cold-water fish, such as salmon, herring and halibut, ground flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil.
Fluids
Maintaining proper hydration is important for overall wellness and preventing fatigue, excessive thirst and other symptoms that may interfere with UTI recovery. In addition to fresh juices and water, the UMMC recommends caffeine-free green tea as a valuable antioxidant source, and adding 5 to 10 drops of grapefruit extract to your favorite beverage several times each day for reduced viral and bacterial problems. Citrus and tomato juices provide rich amounts of the antioxidant vitamin C. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can promote dehydration and make proper rest and recovery difficult.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Urinary Tract Infections in Adults; Dec. 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Urinary Tract Infection in Women; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; JUne 13, 2010
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Factors Protecting Women from Urinary Tract Infection; Tero Kontiokari et al.; March 2003
