If you have ever contracted a urinary tract infection or UTI, you already know what a pain it can be. UTI generally happens when bacteria travel into the urethra (a duct that passes the urine). Several diets for urinary tract infections help to prevent it if followed properly. This infection is painful, disruptive, and common among people. More than half of adult women have had UTI in their lifetime, and some even have had them frequently every year. It is because women’s urethra is shorter than men’s, but men can get them too.
People tend to leave their UTIs untreated that can pose serious health problems. You need to report it to a doctor as soon as you start seeing the symptoms. Any negligence can cause destructive consequences.
Symptoms of UTI
Following are the common symptoms of UTI:
- Frequent and uncontrollable need to urinate
- Strong-smelling urine with cloudy or bloody color.
- Burning sensations or pain when urinating
- Nausea
- Abdominal pains
Foods that Help Prevent UTI
A good and balanced diet can keep your body healthy and fight against bacteria. The following diet for urinary tract infection has proven to be helpful for the people who are sensitive towards UTIs or catch it often:
Papaya
If you are someone who often contracts UTI, adding papaya to your diet can help you fight the bacteria. Papaya is loaded with vitamin C that supports the immune system and increases the acidity of your urine. This increased acidity can help fight any sort of bacteria that your urethra might contract. It is also rich in carotenoids such as lycopene and beta-carotene.
These antioxidants are very powerful, and they boost the immune system. Some studies have shown that carotenoids from papaya are three times more bioavailable than carotenoids in other fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes. Mangoes, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens are also rich in carotenoids. This brings us to the question, is mango good for UTI? The answer is Yes!
Garlic
Garlic is rich in allicin and compounds that have antibacterial and antimicrobial activities to improve immune function. It has been shown to defend against various bacteria, including E. coli. Studies have suggested it can be an effective treatment for repeating UTIs. In one research, garlic extract showed more antibacterial action against UTI pathogens than common UTI drugs. Raw garlic is most effective because allicin can be easily damaged by heat.
Kefir
Kefir is a beverage made from fermented milk, and it is highly rich in probiotics. Probiotics are bacteria that benefit the gut. Studies suggest probiotics help defend against UTIs and prevent their repetition. They also showed the ability to reduce inflammation and support the immune system’s capacity to fight infection. It also helps prevent UTIs by keeping harmful bacteria from growing in the vagina, migrating to the urinary tract and cause infections. Some other good sources of probiotics are yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Does it clarify the question, “Is Yakult good for UTI?“ Yes, as this beverage is made of yogurt and contains good probiotics.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been used for its antibacterial properties for a long time. It is rich in substances that reduce inflammation and hinder the growth of bacteria and other pathogens. Research also showed that cinnamon prevents the expansion of E. coli in the bladder and urethra. It is the bacteria that promotes most UTIs.
Cinnamon acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and helps to ease some of the pain connected with UTIs. People often ask, “Is oatmeal good for UTI?”. Yes, because oatmeal contains prebiotics that is needed by probiotics to increase in growth. So, having oatmeal in the breakfast can help your body fight bacteria.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice helps to prevent UTIs by keeping bacteria from sticking to the wall of the urinary tract. It has been shown by many studies that drinking cranberry juice can limit the recurrence of UTIs among women. Likewise, a recent international analysis of 7 clinical trials found that cranberry juice can reduce the chances of contracting UTI by 26%. However, you should avoid taking it with sugar. It would be best to use cranberry concentrates by mixing them with water or taking the whole fruit.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C that helps make your urine more acidic, ultimately limiting UTI-causing bacteria’s growth. A study of pregnant women showed that those who took vitamin C had a lower chance of developing a UTI. Vitamin C is also famous for aiding immune function overall. It boosts the body’s endurance to infection.
Leafy greens, brussels sprouts, strawberries, bell peppers, and oranges are some other foods high in vitamin C that you should add to your diet.
Supplements that Help Prevent UTI
Although it is recommended that you take a diet for urinary tract infection prevention, but it can be difficult to include all the above-mentioned foods in your daily diet. Therefore, taking the following supplements can help prevent UTI for many:
Probiotics
Probiotics are the most beneficial bacteria that prevent the growth of infection caused by the outside environment. According to research, lactobacilli strains limit the bonding, development, and spread of pathogenic bacteria and help to restore healthy bacteria in one’s urethra. Therefore, taking probiotics supplements is great for the prevention of UTI.
Cranberry Supplements
Cranberry supplements are made in a powdered form and contain proanthocyanidins antioxidants. These antioxidants are famous for fighting all UTI-promoting bacteria. Several researchers found that people who used these supplements could see a remarkable difference in their UTI recurrence. It had lessened the recurrence from 30% to 40%. Therefore, adding it to your daily diet can make your immune system stronger and build good bacteria that can fight any harmful infection that you may contract.
These are the dietary products and supplements that you should use to avoid contracting UTI.
If you want to know more information about urinary tract infections, then visit a doctor and book your appointment with the best urologists in Karachi today.
