While you're undergoing treatment for a urinary tract infection, or UTI, consuming a well-balanced diet plays an essential role in helping your body conquer this potentially serious infection. Promote more prompt healing by making sure your diet includes an assortment of nutrient-rich foods from all of the food groups, paying particular attention to which fruits, vegetables and grains you consume. Always check with your doctor before making significant dietary changes while being treated for a UTI, especially if you take prescription drugs or suffer from chronic health conditions.
The Facts
A urinary tract infection is a potentially serious health condition that arises when bacteria -- most typically from the anal area -- enter the urethra and take over part of your urinary tract. Urinary tract infection symptoms vary, depending upon age, gender and severity of infection, but may include a burning sensation during urination, passage of discolored, pink or smelly urine in small amounts, the frequent urge to urinate and abdominal pressure or pain. A urinary tract infection typically requires antibiotic treatment, but you may be able to lessen the severity of the infection by including certain key foods in your diet during the treatment period.
Cranberries and Blueberries
Eating cranberries and blueberries may aid your body in fending off a more severe onslaught of UTI-causing bacteria, states Dr. Laurie Steelsmith, licensed naturopathic physician and the co-author of "Natural Choices for Women's Health." Both these fruits contain compounds called proanthocyanidins that lessen the ability of bacteria to adhere to the cells lining the walls of your urinary tract. Stick with the fresh, unsweetened fruit or fruit juice whenever possible; although it tastes more tart, it packs a more potent bacteria-fighting punch, since it contains higher levels of these helpful phytochemicals.
Whole Grains
Consume whole grain bread products during your UTI treatment period, since refined carbohydrates could increase the growth of the bacteria causing your urinary tract infection, according to Dr. Marianne Legato, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons professor and coauthor of "What Women Need to Know." This increase in bacterial growth could worsen the severity of the infection, possibly even allowing it to travel to your kidneys, so doing all that you can to minimize this growth is a key to controlling the infection. Choose whole grain bran cereal or oatmeal over sweetened cereals and opt for bread products made using whole grain wheat flour instead of refined enriched flour.
Vitamin C-Rich Fruits and Vegetables
Munching on fruits and vegetables that contain a hefty dose of vitamin C may help increase the acidity of your urine, which makes your urinary tract a less friendly dwelling place for the bacteria causing the infection. Vitamin C also helps boost your immune system so your body can fight infections more readily. Prime choices include red bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale and cantaloupe. Avoid citrus fruits, which may irritate the inflamed tissue lining your infected urinary tract.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Urinary Traction Infection in Adults
- "Treatment of the Postmenopausal Woman"; Dr. Rogerio Lobo; 2007
- "Natural Choices for Women's Health"; Dr. Laurie Steelsmith, et al.; 2005
- "What Women Need to Know"; Dr. Marianne Legato, et al.; 2005
- "What to Eat for What Ails You"; Winnie Yu; 2007
- "Nutrition"; Paul Insel, Ph.D., et al.; 2010
