Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are a common health problem among children, especially girls. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that UTIs affect about 2 percent of American boys and about 8 percent of American girls. This health problem is responsible for more than 1 million pediatrician visits annually. Certain dietary practices may help to treat or prevent UTIs in your child, although you should always discuss the safety and efficacy of diet and nutrition for this health purpose with your child's doctor first.
Chronic UTIs
UTIs are caused by bacterial invasion. According to PubMed Health, certain factors may increase your child's likelihood of developing this kind of bacterial infection, including nervous system illnesses that make it difficult for your child to fully void her bladder, birth defects in your child's urinary tract, improper wiping techniques by girls following defecation and the wearing, by girls, of tight-fitting clothes. Blood in your child's urine, malaise, increased urinary urge and frequency and burning pain with urination are all possible signs and symptoms of UTIs in children.
A Helpful Diet
Some dietary practices may be helpful in treating or preventing chronic UTIs in your children. Naturopathic physicians Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, co-authors of "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," state that your child should avoid consuming all simple sugars, refined carbohydrates, undiluted fruit juices and food allergens. Certain foods serve as natural cleansers and are beneficial in treating UTIs, including celery, parsley and watermelon. Garlic is also a natural antibiotic and immune enhancing agent.
Highlighted Food
Celery may be one of the most helpful foods in treating chronic UTIs in children. Celery possesses diuretic action and has historically been used to treat urinary tract infections, including bladder infections, notes certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Balch notes that celery juice or extract may be the most helpful forms of this food in treating this health problem, and that these products are commonly available at health food stores. A greater volume of scientific research studies may be needed to determine this food's true effectiveness in treating UTIs in children.
Considerations
Chronic UTIs, though a common problem in children, should never be left untreated. If left unchecked, UTIs may lead to increased blood pressure, kidney infections, kidney swelling and kidney failure. Before altering your child's diet to help treat her UTI, meet with her doctor to review the merits, drawbacks and limitations of nutrition therapy for this health purpose. Certain foods may not be appropriate for your child or her condition. Avoid using nutrition therapy in lieu of other, more conventional treatment approaches suggested by your child's doctor.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Urinary Tract Infections in Children
- PubMed Health: Urinary Tract Infection - Children
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.; 1998
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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