How Diet Impacts UTIs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are uncomfortable and often painful infections that affect the urinary system. They occur when bacteria, often from the digestive tract, get into the urethra and begin to multiply. While antibiotics are typically used to clear UTIs, making dietary changes can help prevent them from occurring in the first place. Understanding how certain foods can contribute to or prevent UTIs gives you more control over managing this condition.
High Sodium Foods
Consuming too much sodium causes the body to retain more fluid, which can make UTIs more likely. Salty foods also make urine less acidic, which allows more bad bacteria to grow. Here are some high sodium foods it's best to limit with UTIs:
- Processed meats like bacon, sausage, ham
- Canned soups and vegetables
- Frozen dinners
- Fast food
- Salty snacks like chips, pretzels
- Store-bought salad dressings and sauces
- Cheeses
- Olives
- Pickle juice
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods containing ingredients like chili peppers can irritate the bladder in much the same way they can irritate the mouth and digestive tract. This makes your system more vulnerable to infection. Some spicy foods to limit include:
- Hot sauces
- Chili
- Hot peppers
- Spicy curries and stews
- Cajun or creole dishes
- Latin foods with chopped peppers
- Wasabi
Caffeinated Beverages
Drinking a lot of caffeine may contribute to UTIs in a couple ways. First, caffeine is a diuretic causing increased urination which can remove protective bacteria. Caffeine also irritates the bladder making it more receptive to infection. Some caffeinated drinks to limit include:
- Coffee
- Black tea
- Sodas
- Energy drinks
- Iced teas
Alcohol
Like caffeine, alcohol increases trips to the bathroom removing "good" bacteria that protect against UTIs. Alcohol also dehydrates the body and irritates tissues. It's best to avoid or significantly limit intake of:
- Beer
- Wine
- Mixed drinks
- Liquor
- Coolers
Sugary Foods
Bacteria feeds on sugar, so consuming sugary foods gives bacteria more fuel to grow and take over. This allows infections to get worse quickly. It's important to limit intake of:
- Candy
- Ice cream
- Cakes
- Cookies
- Sweetened beverages
- Fruit juice
- Jams
- Honey
- Syrups
- Fresh fruits in excess
Foods That Can Prevent UTIs
While limiting the foods above can help prevent painful UTIs, adding more of the foods below can also make a big difference.
Water
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to flush bacteria from your system and prevent infection. Getting sufficient fluids prevents dehydration while also causing you to urinate more frequently. This helps remove bad bacteria before they can multiply. Drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of plain water daily.
Yogurt
Consuming probiotic-rich yogurt supplies "good" bacteria to the digestive tract. This crowds out space for "bad" bacteria that can cause UTIs. Getting a daily dose of yogurt helps reduce painful infections. Choose varieties with live cultures listed.
Cranberries
Cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining, reducing likelihood of infection. They also make urine more acidic deterring bacterial growth. You can get benefits from drinking cranberry juice, eating fresh cranberries, or taking cranberry supplements.
Pineapple
Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that acts as an anti-inflammatory helping soothe pain and discomfort associated with UTIs. The fruit is also rich in vitamin C which supports immune function critical in fighting off infections. Enjoy fresh pineapple as a snack or dessert after meals.
Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants called flavonoids which help protect against bacteria invading cells in the lining of the urinary tract. Flavonoids make it harder for bacteria to attach preventing them from multiplying. Top yogurt, cereal, salads or pancakes with fresh blueberries.
Ginger
Ginger root has natural anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce urethra inflammation making urination less painful with a UTI. It may also slow bacterial growth. Enjoy ginger tea, use ginger powder when cooking or take ginger supplements.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid capable of preventing bacteria growth as well as limiting accumulation of alkaline urine which favors development of infection-causing bacteria. Add a tablespoon to a glass of water once or twice a day to take advantage of bacteria-busting benefits.
Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidant compounds that inhibit bacterial growth while also soothing bladder inflammation. Enjoy hot or iced green tea a few times a day to ward off painful UTIs.
The Takeaway
What you eat and drink impacts likelihood of developing uncomfortable UTIs as well as severity when you have an active infection. Limiting intake of salty, spicy, sugary, caffeine and alcohol containing items allows less opportunity for bad bacteria to take hold. Increasing consumption of water, probiotic foods, fruits and herbs flushes away bacteria, reduces inflammation and makes the urinary tract less hospitable to infection.
Paying attention to dietary choices allows you to play an active role in preventing recurrent UTIs without sole reliance on antibiotics. Talk with your doctor about making the dietary adjustments covered here to improve urinary health in conjunction with other UTI prevention strategies they may recommend.
FAQs
Why do I keep getting painful UTIs?
There are many potential causes of recurrent UTIs including genetic predisposition, sexual activity, use of certain forms of birth control, menopause, blockages in the urinary tract and dietary factors. Consuming foods that irritate the urinary tract or feed infection-causing bacteria makes some people more prone to repeat infections.
What drinks should you avoid with a UTI?
It's best to avoid drinks containing caffeine like coffee, tea and soda which can irritate the bladder. Alcohol also irritates tissues and increases bathroom trips disrupting good bacteria growth. Limit sugary fruit juices which feed bacteria. Focus on drinking lots of plain water instead when you have a UTI.
What foods irritate your bladder the most?
Spicy foods containing ingredients like hot peppers, chili powder and cayenne are common bladder irritants for many people. Acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices can also bother some bladders. Individual foods that seem to aggravate your unique urinary tract should be limited.
Should you avoid bananas with a UTI?
Most experts consider bananas UTI-safe, even helpful when recovering from an infection. Bananas contain vitamin C and potassium which support immune function critical to fighting infection. They also help replace potassium lost through frequent urination. Just avoid adding sugary toppings that bacteria feeds on.
What vegetables are good for UTIs?
Some vegetables offer protective compounds and nutrients that can help prevent UTIs. These include spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli and green beans. Pineapple and blueberries also supply beneficial compounds. Eat plenty of diverse fruits and vegetables to starve bad bacteria.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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