What foods can cause urinary tract infections? How can your diet affect your risk of developing a UTI? Discover the surprising connection between diet and UTIs, including evidence-based dietary modifications to prevent and treat recurrent UTIs.

The Link Between Diet and Urinary Tract Infections

While many websites claim that your diet has a significant impact on your susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs), the scientific evidence is less clear-cut. Research on the connection between diet and UTIs is limited, and current evidence suggests that diet is not considered an independent risk factor for UTI development. However, some studies have identified dietary patterns and specific foods or beverages that may influence your risk of developing a UTI.

Plant-Based Diets May Offer Protection Against UTIs

Interestingly, several studies have linked vegetarian or plant-based dietary patterns to a lower risk of UTIs. A 2020 study that followed 9,724 Buddhists over 9 years found that a vegetarian diet was associated with a 16% reduced risk of developing a UTI, particularly in women (2). Researchers suggest that this protective effect may be due to the avoidance of certain “food reservoirs” of the bacterial strains of E. coli that cause the majority of UTIs. Additionally, plant-based diets tend to make urine less acidic, which can help prevent the growth of bacteria associated with UTIs (3-6).

The Role of Beverages in UTI Risk

Older research has indicated that certain beverages may be linked to an increased risk of recurrent UTIs. A study from 1985 involving 225 women found a strong association between drinking cola soft drinks and UTIs (1, 7). Additionally, some studies have suggested that beverages that can act as bladder irritants, such as coffee, tea, alcohol, and carbonated or artificially sweetened drinks, may be connected to lower urinary tract symptoms, including frequent and urgent urination (8, 9).

Beverages That May Reduce UTI Risk

In contrast, some studies have found that certain beverages may help reduce the risk of UTIs. A 2003 study involving 324 women found that frequently drinking freshly squeezed, 100% juice — especially berry juice — as well as consuming fermented dairy products like yogurt, was associated with a decreased risk of UTI occurrence (10).

Dietary Modifications to Prevent and Treat UTIs

While the research on the link between diet and UTIs is limited, the available evidence suggests that adopting a plant-based dietary pattern and avoiding potentially irritating beverages may help reduce your risk of developing a UTI. Additionally, incorporating more fermented dairy products and 100% fruit juices into your diet may offer protective benefits. However, it’s important to note that dietary changes alone are not considered a substitute for medical treatment, and individuals should consult with their healthcare providers for proper management of UTIs.

The Bottom Line: Navigating the Dietary Factors in UTI Prevention and Treatment

In conclusion, while the connection between diet and UTIs is not fully understood, the available research suggests that certain dietary patterns and specific foods or beverages may influence your risk of developing a UTI. By adopting a plant-based diet, limiting potentially irritating beverages, and incorporating protective foods like fermented dairy and berry juices, you may be able to help reduce your susceptibility to UTIs. However, it’s crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to preventing and treating urinary tract infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What foods should you avoid when treating a UTI?. While the evidence is limited, some studies suggest that certain beverages like soda, coffee, and alcohol may exacerbate UTI symptoms or increase your risk of recurrent infections. It’s best to limit these potentially irritating beverages while treating a UTI.

Can a vegetarian diet help prevent UTIs?. Yes, some research indicates that vegetarian or plant-based dietary patterns may offer protection against UTIs, potentially by avoiding “food reservoirs” of the bacterial strains that cause most UTIs and by promoting a less acidic urine environment.

What drinks can help treat a UTI?. Certain beverages like 100% fruit juices, especially berry juices, and fermented dairy products like yogurt have been associated with a decreased risk of UTIs in some studies. These foods and drinks may have protective effects against UTIs.

All You Need to Know

Some studies show that certain foods or beverages, such as soda, may increase your chance of getting a UTI. However, more research is needed to explore the connection between diet and UTIs.

You may have heard that your diet can affect your susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Many websites claim that you should avoid certain foods and beverages while optimizing your intake of others to treat and prevent recurrent UTIs.

However, many of these recommendations aren’t backed by sound science, leaving many people to question whether any dietary pattern or specific foods can treat or prevent UTIs.

This article explains how your diet contributes to UTIs and suggests evidence-based lifestyle and dietary modifications that may help prevent and treat UTIs.

Although many websites claim that your diet has a lot to do with UTIs, there’s a lack of evidence supporting this association.

While some studies have shown that certain beverages and dietary patterns may increase susceptibility to UTIs, there’s limited research on how your diet affects your risk for developing UTIs, or whether certain foods and beverages can limit the length or severity of a UTI.

In fact, according to research, your diet and fluid intake are not considered independent risk factors for UTIs (1).

Still, the available research on dietary pattern, foods, and drinks that may affect your risk for developing a UTI is covered in the following section.

Summary

Research on the connection between diet and UTIs is lacking, and diet isn’t currently considered an independent risk factor for UTI development. However, some evidence suggests that certain dietary patterns may protect against UTIs.

Some research suggests that certain dietary patterns may protect against UTIs. Plus, some foods and beverages have been associated with an increased risk of developing UTIs.

Plant-based diets

Studies have linked vegetarian diets to a lower risk of developing a UTI.

For example, a 2020 study that followed 9,724 Buddhists for 9 years found that a vegetarian dietary pattern was associated with a 16% reduced risk of developing a UTI. This protective effect was mainly seen in women (2).

Researchers have suggested that certain foods, including poultry and pork, act as “food reservoirs” for bacterial strains of E. coli called extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), which account for 65–75% of all UTIs (2).

This means that food reservoirs may be a vehicle for transmission of ExPEC. The researchers in the 2020 study suggested that because vegetarians avoid common food reservoirs of ExPEC, vegetarian dietary patterns may help protect against UTIs (2).

Another way that vegetarian diets may help protect against UTIs is that they make urine less acidic. Research has shown that when urine is less acidic and more neutral, it helps prevent the growth of bacteria associated with UTIs (3).

Red meat and other animal proteins have high potential renal acid loads (PRALs), meaning that they make urine more acidic. Conversely, fruits and vegetables have low PRALs, making urine less acidic (4, 5, 6).

These factors could explain why vegetarian diets may help protect against UTIs. Still, more research on this potential protective effect is needed.

Summary

Some evidence suggests that vegetarian diets may protect against UTIs. One reason may be because certain foods such as pork act as “food reservoirs” for bacterial strains of E. coli, accounting for the majority of all UTIs.

Studies have also found a connection between the consumption of certain beverages and UTIs.

Older research has shown that soda intake may be associated with recurrent UTIs. An older study from 1985 involving 225 women demonstrated that drinking cola soft drinks was strongly associated with UTIs (1, 7).

Some studies have likewise shown that certain beverages can act as irritants to the bladder and are connected to lower urinary tract symptoms.

A study in 30 women found that reducing potentially irritating foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, alcohol, and carbonated and artificially sweetened beverages, reduced lower urinary tract symptoms, including how urgently and frequently they needed to urinate (8).

However, the researchers could not determine whether the reduction in symptoms was caused by the reduction of one or all of the potentially irritating beverages (8).

Another study that included 4,145 adults also found associations between coffee and soda intake and infections of the lower urinary tract (9).

Conversely, some studies have shown that certain foods and beverages may help reduce the risk of UTIs.

A 2003 study that included 324 women found that frequently drinking freshly squeezed, 100% juice — especially berry juice, as well as consuming fermented dairy products like yogurt, was associated with a decreased risk of UTI occurrence (10).

The aforementioned study involving 4,145 men and women showed that citrus juice intake was associated with a 50% reduction in lower urinary tract symptoms in men only (9).

Additionally, increasing water intake may help reduce UTI occurrence in certain populations.

A 2019 study in older adults living at nursing homes found that increasing hydration to support the daily fluid intake recommendation of 6–8 glasses of water per day reduced UTIs requiring antibiotics by 58% and UTIs requiring hospital admission by 36% (11).

Another study in 140 women with recurrent UTIs who drank less than 51 ounces (1.5 liters) of water per day found that increasing daily water intake by 51 ounces (1.5 liters) over 1 year protected against recurrent UTIs, compared with women who didn’t increase their intake (12).

Although increasing water intake may be a way to reduce UTIs in certain populations, more studies investigating this potential link are needed, as most studies on this topic are outdated (13, 14).

Potential bladder irritants

When you have a UTI, avoiding potentially bladder-irritating beverages, such as coffee, tea, soda, alcohol, and artificially sweetened beverages like diet sodas, is a good idea and may help decrease symptoms (15).

Also, some research shows that certain foods and beverages, including spicy peppers, alcohol, tea, soda, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and some fruits and juices, may worsen symptoms of bladder-related conditions like bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) (16, 17).

However, these conditions are distinct from UTIs.

While it makes sense to cut these foods and beverages out for potential relief, there’s currently no strong evidence that avoiding certain foods or beverages will help cure or significantly reduce UTI symptoms.

Keep in mind that this article doesn’t address supplements in relation to preventing or treating UTIs. Research shows that certain supplements, including probiotics and cranberry, may help prevent and treat UTIs (18, 19).

Summary

Drinking soda and coffee may increase your risk for UTIs and irritate your bladder. Staying hydrated and consuming freshly squeezed juice and fermented dairy may help reduce UTI risk.

In addition to trying out some of the dietary recommendations listed above, lifestyle changes may help reduce your risk for developing a UTI.

Risk factors associated with UTI occurrence include (1, 20):

• having a compromised immune system
• frequent intercourse of four or more times per week
• estrogen deficiency
• anatomical abnormalities of the urogenital tract
• bladder dysfunction
• new sex partners and spermicide use, which may alter vaginal pH
• family history of UTIs or UTIs during childhood
• having a non-secretor blood type, which means your blood group antigens aren’t present in bodily fluids like tears, saliva, urine, or breast milk
• changes in bacterial flora

Other factors claimed to increase your chances for developing a UTI include wearing tight underwear, hot tub use, not urinating after sex, and douching, although strong evidence to support these claims is lacking (20).

While you may not be able to influence some of these factors, if you frequently get UTIs, trying to avoid risk factors that you can control, as well as making certain dietary and lifestyle changes, may help.

However, keep in mind that there’s currently a lack of strong evidence to suggest that any foods or beverages can treat or prevent UTIs.

Moreover, it’s essential that you see a healthcare professional if you’re getting frequent UTIs so that you can get proper treatment. Untreated UTIs can lead to serious complications, including urosepsis, a potentially life threatening infection (21).

Summary

Certain lifestyle modifications may help reduce UTI occurrence and UTI symptoms. However, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional if you frequently get UTIs. Leaving a UTI untreated can result in life threatening complications.

Although some studies show that certain dietary changes may help lower your risk for UTIs and reduce certain bladder-related symptoms, research in this area is currently lacking.

Following a vegetarian diet, increasing your fluid intake, and removing potential bladder irritants like soda, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and coffee from your diet may help prevent UTIs and ease symptoms.

However, more research exploring the potential association between diet and UTIs is needed before strong conclusions can be made.

If you frequently get bladder infections, it’s important to contact a healthcare professional so you can get proper treatment and advice. They can help you start feeling better and prevent UTI-related complications.

Foods You Shouldn’t Eat When Treating a UTI

If you’re experiencing discomfort when you urinate, your cup of coffee, hot-sauce-drenched tacos, or some other food could be to blame.

By Diana RodriguezMedically Reviewed by Kacy Church, MD

Reviewed: December 22, 2017

Medically Reviewed

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According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in five women will have at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in her lifetime — 20 percent of them will have more than one. In fact, bladder infections result in nearly 10 million doctor’s visits each year as women seek treatment for the pain, pressure, and constant urge to urinate.

A bladder infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract. The bacteria irritate the urinary tract, which often results in painful urination and even lower abdominal pain or cramping. Though certain antibiotics can treat a bladder infection, it’s important to know the symptoms of a bladder infection to help your body heal — and to prevent further bladder irritation.

Not everyone with a bladder infection has obvious symptoms. But according to the Mayo Clinic, common signs of a bladder infection may include the following:

• Blood in the urine (urine that looks red, bright pink, or cola-colored)
• Feeling of pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen
• Foul smelling urine
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Low-grade fever or chills
• Pain during intercourse
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Pelvic pain
• Stinging or burning feeling when urinating
• Strong persistent need to urinate
• Urine that is cloudy

A bladder infection can be irritating and painful, but it can become a very serious health problem if the bacterial infection spreads to your kidneys. That’s why understanding your body is important and seeking treatment early on for bladder infections helps you manage the symptoms.

Women are 10 times more likely than men to get bladder infections because they have a shorter urethra. In women, bacteria can reach the bladder faster because of the shorter distance.

While being a woman puts you at greater risk for bladder infections, other risk factors that are common include:

• Abnormal urinary tract shape or function
• Certain types of contraception, particularly diaphragms with spermicidal agents
• Diabetes
• Genetic predisposition — bladder infections run in some families
• Postmenopausal. In postmenopausal women altered hormone levels are linked to bladder infections.
• Pregnancy. Changes in a woman’s hormones during pregnancy increase the risk of a bladder infection.
• Sexual activity. Bacteria is pushed into the urethra during intercourse. Also, having multiple sex partners increases the risk of bladder infections.

Additionally, a number of common foods and drinks — artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, acidic fruits, citrus, or caffeinated drinks — can irritate your bladder, and may worsen UTI symptoms — so you should steer clear of them if you have signs of a bladder infection.

Take a Break From Coffee to Ease Bladder Infection Symptoms

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Sure, your morning cup of java perks you up, but it may also make your UTI symptoms act up again. Caffeine is known to irritate the bladder and worsen bladder infection symptoms. A study of people with interstitial cystitis (chronic inflammation of the bladder) found that people who drank coffee experienced worsened symptoms. Try a mug of noncaffeinated herbal tea to replace your morning coffee ritual until you are UTI-free.

Can Drinking Alcohol Cause a UTI?

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You may know that beer, wine, and liquor can irritate your stomach if you’ve got reflux or an ulcer, and alcohol can irritate the bladder, too, particularly if you have a bladder infection. Though you want to get plenty of fluids when you’ve got a UTI, it’s important to avoid alcohol. So, take a hiatus from cocktails — at least while you’re trying to flush out the bacteria and recover from a urinary tract infection.

Skip Citrusy or Caffeinated Sodas Irritate the Bladder

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Sodas in general have been found to irritate the bladder in people with chronic bladder inflammation, and they could aggravate symptoms in someone with a bladder infection. Citrus-flavored sodas (think your favorite lemon-lime concoction) and caffeinated sodas are the culprits when it comes to worsening urinary tract infection symptoms. So, when you’re struggling to overcome a bladder infection, stick to water or cranberry juice as your drink of choice.

Acidic Fruits Can Worsen Symptoms of a Bladder Infection

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Fruit may be an essential part of a healthy diet, but fruits containing a lot of acid can irritate the bladder — and worsen your UTI symptoms. So try to avoid lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and tomatoes when you’re treating a UTI. Other fruits that may cause bladder irritation and worsen a urinary tract infection include apples, peaches, grapes, plums, strawberries, and pineapple. You should also steer clear of juices made from these fruits.

Do Spicy Foods Irritate a Bladder Infection?

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Whether you top your nachos with jalapeños, sprinkle your pizza with red pepper flakes, or love your curry chicken extra hot, you’ve got to skip the spice when you have a UTI. Spicy foods are known to irritate the bladder and worsen UTI symptoms, so cool down your meals and opt for blander choices to treat a urinary tract infection.

Artificial Sweeteners May Worsen Bladder Symptoms

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When you’re trying to cut calories at every corner, artificial sweeteners may seem like a healthy replacement for sugar. But if you’ve got a urinary tract infection, it’s possible that your bladder infection symptoms may worsen if you use artificial sweeteners. While one study found that artificial sweeteners worsened bladder symptoms in people with chronic interstitial cystitis, there’s no real proof they irritate the bladder when you have a simple UTI. But if these fake sweeteners bother you, skip them.

BLADDER HEALTH FOOD

An overactive bladder occurs when the bladder muscles begin to contract involuntarily, even when the amount of urine in the bladder is small. This leads to frequent and sudden urge to urinate, sometimes lf;t urging accompanied by leakage of urine.

An overactive bladder (OAB) can significantly disrupt daily life. Patients with an overactive bladder may become incontinent and wake up several times a night (nocturia).

There are several possible causes leading to an overactive bladder. These include:

1. 1) Neurological diseases that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

2. 2) Diabetes.

3. 3) Urinary tract infections.

4. 4) Diuretic drugs commonly referred to as “water pills”. People with heart disease often take diuretics to lower their blood pressure.

5. 5) Old age and cognitive (behavioral) decline.

6. 6) Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol.

Diet and lifestyle changes can affect the severity of overactive bladder symptoms.

Nutrition recommendations for OAB include:

1) Fluid intake

For people with an overactive bladder, there is a fine line between too much and not enough fluid intake. Patients should try to stick to the recommended amount of 6-8 glasses of fluid each day. The body can regulate the amount of fluid in the body by excreting waste fluid in the urine. Therefore, exceeding the recommended amount will most likely result in you going to the toilet more often. However, it is important to avoid dehydration, as this will result in more concentrated urine, which can further irritate the lining of the bladder. You can control the level of hydration by the color of urine. Dark yellow urine can be a sign of dehydration.

It is best not to drink a lot at one time, but to distribute the intake of drinks throughout the day. It is also necessary to stop drinking a couple of hours before bed to minimize the chance of getting up at night.

2) Caffeine

Caffeinated drinks include tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks such as cola. Caffeine is a diuretic, which can aggravate overactive bladder symptoms.

3) Alcohol

Alcohol acts as a diuretic and increases urine output, so it can also aggravate the symptoms of an overactive bladder.

4) Spicy food

Some foods, including spicy foods, can irritate the bladder. Patients with an overactive bladder are best avoided.

5) Citrus fruits and fresh juices

Citrus fruits also irritate the bladder, which can cause painful and frequent urination.

Dietary advice and general lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

IMPORTANT!

Drink less before and during long trips.

Drink less in the evening to avoid getting up at night to urinate.

Cut down on alcohol and caffeine as they increase urine output and irritate the bladder.

Certain foods can irritate the bladder and worsen overactive bladder symptoms. It may be helpful to reduce artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, caffeine, and soft drinks from your diet.

Maintain a healthy weight (body mass index should be between 18-25 kg/m2). Weight loss can lead to a reduction in overactive bladder symptoms.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

Overactive bladder syndrome

What foods are useful and harmful for bladder problems

Of course, if you have an obvious disease, you need treatment, but it’s better to know what to eat and what to avoid.

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Some foods are highly acidic, which can make your urine more acidic. Acidic foods can irritate the bladder and increase symptoms such as pain and frequent urination.

Contents of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Researchers have found links between certain vitamins and bladder function, for example:

• Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased urination.
• Large amounts of vitamin C may also increase the need to run to the toilet, while more moderate amounts may relieve symptoms.

Hydration may also play a role in bladder health. Dehydration can increase the risk of urinary tract infections, while drinking too much fluid can exacerbate problems like an overactive bladder.

Some foods have anti-inflammatory properties. These foods may help relieve the inflammation and pain associated with an irritated bladder.

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Foods and drinks that can irritate the bladder

Understand that everyone is different; The foods and drinks on this list are the most common bladder irritants, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily triggers for everyone.

Common bladder irritants include:

• All alcoholic beverages, including beer and champagne
• Apples, bananas, citrus fruits, cranberries, grapes, strawberries, pineapple, peaches, plums, prunes, raisins0012
• Tomatoes
• Brewer’s yeast
• Cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, yogurt
• Chicken liver, ham
• Chili/spicy foods

90 009 Chocolate, coffee

• Beans
• Nuts (hazelnuts, pecans and pistachios)
• Artificial sweeteners
• Luke
• pickled herring
• rye bread
• Soy sauce
• Tea – black or green, ordinary or without caffeine, as well as herbal mixtures containing black or green tea.
• Vinegar

Foods to include in your diet

Although there is no specific diet for bladder health, including healthy natural foods in your diet can help. For example, you can follow a Mediterranean-style diet that is rich in antioxidants and also includes omega-3 fatty acids. Pay attention to the following products: :

Berries

They are rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant. Anthocyanins have antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic (cancer-fighting), and antimicrobial properties. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, meaning they can help fight bladder inflammation and pain associated with bladder problems. While all berries are nutritious, blackberries are especially high in antioxidants. Blackberries are superior in antioxidants to blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.

Non-acidic fruits and vegetables

Since acidic foods are potential bladder irritants, try to choose fruits and vegetables with a higher pH, for example:

• Avocados, dates, figs, olives, pears, persimmons, pumpkin, watermelon
• Squash, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn, cucumber, eggplant, mushrooms, potatoes, radishes, spinach, green beans

Salmon

Salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.