8 foods to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs)

Urinary tract infection or UTI vector illustration.

Urinary tract infection (UTIs), are infection in any part of the urinary tract, they are common health problems that affect millions of people around the world. Although this type of infection can cause less severe life-threatening infection, but patients may experience significant discomfort. Urinary tract infection (UTIs) occurs more in women than in men, it was estimated that about 40-50% of women experience one episodes of these infection in their lives and 20-30% of them experience other episodes.

Causes of Urinary Tract infection (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are caused by microorganism usually bacteria that enters the urethra and bladder, causing inflammation and infection. Though urinary tract infection commonly happens in the urethra and bladder, bacteria can also travel to the ureters and infects the kidneys. More than 90% of bladder infections (cystitis) cases are caused by E. coli, a bacteria normally found in the intestine.

Common Symptoms of UTIs

Women may feel uncomfortable pressure above their pubic bone.
Tiredness.
Pains in the back or inside below the ribs.
A strong urge to urinate, but only small amount of urine is passed out.
Smelly urine.
Frequent urination
Changes in urine color, urine becomes dark, cloudy or reddish (blood may be present in the urine).
Vomiting
Pains during sex
Penis pains
Pains or burning when passing urine

Ways to prevent UTIs

Urinate when the urge comes, do not wait.
Females should wipe from front to back to keep bacteria away around the anus from entering into the vagina or urethra.
Clean genital areas before and after sex and urinate immediately.
Drink plenty of water every day.
Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays or scented douches.
Drink natural cranberry juice. Large amount of vitamin C limits the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine.

Foods to prevent (UTIs)

Broccoli: Broccoli is high in vitamin C, this helps to make urine acidic, hampering the growth of bacteria causing UTIs. According to a study done on pregnant women, those that took vitamin C had a lower risk of developing urinary tract infection. Vitamin C also aid the immune function overall, boasting the body’s resistance to infection. Other food high in vitamin C are bell pepper, leafy green, strawberries, brussels sprouts and oranges.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon has an antibacterial, it is rich in a compound that reduce inflammation and hampers the growth of bacteria and other pathogen. According to some studies, it discovered that cinnamon compounds prevent the colonization of E. coli in the bladder and urethra, and this bacteria is responsible for Urinary tract infection. Cinnamon An anti-inflammatory agent may also ease some of the discomfort associated with UTIs.
Cranberries: According to some studies cranberries can be quite helpful in treating and preventing urinary tract infections. They contain a compound called proanthocyanin, which prevent E.coli from adhering to the bladder walls. However, sugar can exacerbate the infection so be sure to drink unsweetened cranberry juice and if using dried cranberries make sure they are also unsweetened naturally with apple juice.
Blueberries: like cranberries, blueberries keep bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract, you can add blueberries to your diet by adding them to salads, smoothies or plain Greek yogurt.
Lemon juice and honey: For instant relief from UTIs start your day with a glass lemon juice and honey. Lemons are known for flushing out toxins from the body. Lemon acts as a diuretic agent, lemon allow expelling of urine frequently. Lemons are rich in ascorbic acids that makes the urine acidic preventing bacteria from multiplying.
Coconut water: Coconut water has a lot of antimicrobials, antifungal properties which makes very good for preventing urinary tract infections. Its healthy fatty acids can help invade bacteria like E.coli, thereby making them effective against UTIs , stomach ulcers and other diseases.
Bananas: Bananas help in bowel movements and create pressure in the urinary tract, fiber rich food like bananas, legumes help to fight UTIs.
Yogurt: Taking yogurt and other cultured dairy products regularly may decrease the risk of urinary tract infection by up to 80%. Yogurt contains good bacteria active culture that helps prevent certain infection and boost the body immune system. Yogurt is an effective way to keep your digestive system in good working condition.

Foods you need to avoid when you have urinary tract infection (UTIS)

Avoid Alcohol: taking alcohol does not increase the risk of (UTIs) but it can cause irritation to your bladder during an active infection. Alcohol makes you urinate frequently which may increase the intensity and frequency of UTIs symptoms.
Avoid Spicy Food: Eating spicy food may irritate the bladder lining and cause discomfort, avoid eating spicy pepper like jalapeno, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Eating spicy food is fine if you are not experiencing urinary tract infection.
Avoid acidic food: Fruits are an essential part of a healthy diet, but fruits containing a lot of acids can cause irritation in the bladder and also worsen Your UTIs symptoms. Avoid fruits like lemons, oranges, grapefruit and tomatoes when you are treating urinary tract infection. Other fruits that may cause bladder irritation and worsen UTIs symptoms includes plums, strawberries, pineapple and peaches.

Summary

Urinary tract infections are infections in any part of the urinary tract. If you are suffering from (UTis), you need to improve your diet to reduce the pains you feel as much as possible, these means you need eat the right food to avoid infections. Above are the kind of food you can eat to prevent (UTis). For more treatment on urinary tract infection please contact your health provider.