Bladder infections may also be referred to as a urinary tract infection or cystitis. Bladder infections are a bacterial infection that can affect your kidneys, bladder, urethra or ureters. When treated, bladder infections are a minor infection. Bladder infections require antibiotics. While food cannot cure a bladder infection, maintaining a certain diet can ease symptoms and help to prevent reoccurring bladder infections.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants -- including cranberries, blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, bell peppers and squash -- can help to fight off the symptoms of a bladder infection. Symptoms of a bladder infection include pain and burning during urination; the frequent need to urinate; passing small amounts of urine at a time; foul-smelling urine; cloudy or blood-colored urine; abdominal pain; chills; fever and vomiting. Antioxidants can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder. The University of Michigan Health System recommends consuming 4 to 10 oz. of cranberry juice per day or 400 mg, twice daily of cranberry concentrate to prevent repeat bladder infections.
Water
Plain water is important in reducing the symptoms of a bladder infection. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates individuals with bladder infections should consume six to eight glasses of filtered water on a daily basis. Drinking water is a natural way to help flush your kidneys of toxins and bacteria via urination. Drinking water can also help to dilute your urine, making urinating less painful.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega- 3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in your urinary system caused by a bladder infection. Decreased inflammation can lead to less pain and burning during urination. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help to promote overall good health. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends consuming cold water fish such as salmon on a regular basis. You can also opt to consume fish oil or capsules. Consume one to two capsules of fish oil per day while fighting a bladder infection or 1 tbsp. of fish oil, one to two times per day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C can be found in oranges, limes, strawberries, mustard, watermelon, tomatoes and grapefruit along with many other raw fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C can help repair damaged bladder tissue. It is also beneficial in helping to promote a healthy immune system, which can help your body to fight off further bladder infections. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily.
Considerations
A healthy, well-balanced diet can help to fight off the symptoms of a bladder infection as well as help to prevent further infections. Fiber, fruits, vegetables and lean meats should be a part of your regular diet. Those susceptible to bladder infections should avoid red meats, refined sugars, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and fried foods from your diet. These foods can irritate the lining of your bladder.
