Urinary tract infections are common but painful. The University of Maryland Medical center indicates that more than 50 percent of females are likely to experience an infection at one point in time. There are numerous alternative medicine treatments for UTIs -- including acidic foods. Acidic foods can help to prevent bacteria from thriving in your bladder. Urinary tract infections require treatment by a doctor, and eating acidic foods is not a substitute for medial treatment.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are 10 times more likely to affect women than men, as indicated by the University of Maryland Medical Center. A urinary tract infection can affect the kidneys, bladder, urethra or ureters. UTIs are marked by pain and burning during urination, the frequent urge to urinate while voiding little at a time, abdominal pain, back pain, foul-smelling urine, cloudy or blood-colored urine, chills, nausea or vomiting. A urine sample, medical history and physical exam will help your doctor diagnose a UTI. Treatment includes antibiotics, over-the-counter medication for pain and drinking plenty of fluids.
Cranberry
Cranberries are acidic and are often used as a means of preventing urinary traction infections. The University of Michigan Health System indicates individuals with a history of UTIs and frequent UTIs consume 400 mg of cranberry concentrate twice a day or consume 4 to 10 oz. of cranberry juice daily while receiving treatment for an existing UTI. The cranberry or its juice is a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent bacteria that causes UTIs from attaching themselves to the walls of your bladder. Drinking cranberry juice during a UTI can make it more difficult for bacteria to flourish.
Oranges
Oranges can also be beneficial for urinary tract infections. Oranges are a source of vitamin C, also referred to as ascorbic acid. The vitamin C in oranges can help to boost your immune system, making it more difficult for infections to develop in your body. The acidic properties of oranges and orange juice create a poor environment for bacteria to thrive in. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises individuals prone to UTIs to consume vitamin C regularly. Vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables including oranges, kiwi, peppers, broccoli and cantaloupe. For the prevention and treatment of UTIs, consume 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C on a daily basis.
Considerations
There are a number of foods -- including sesame oil, beef, fish, pork, barley, corn, lard, cheese, milk, butter, beans, noodles, rye, olive oil, wheat germ and potatoes -- that are acidic and beneficial in treating as well as preventing UTIs. Acidic foods can help to make urination less painful by reducing the amount of bacteria thriving in the walls of your bladder.
