What foods should you avoid when dealing with a urinary tract infection. How can certain dietary choices impact UTI symptoms and recovery. Which beverages may worsen bladder discomfort during a UTI.

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue, particularly among women. The National Kidney Foundation reports that one in five women will experience at least one UTI in her lifetime, with 20% of those affected experiencing recurrent infections. These infections result in nearly 10 million doctor’s visits annually as women seek relief from the associated discomfort and symptoms.

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, causing irritation and inflammation. This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Painful urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Lower abdominal pain or cramping
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Low-grade fever

While antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat UTIs, understanding the condition and making appropriate dietary choices can help manage symptoms and prevent further irritation.

The Role of Diet in UTI Management

When dealing with a UTI, it’s crucial to be mindful of your diet. Certain foods and beverages can exacerbate symptoms by irritating the bladder or promoting bacterial growth. By avoiding these items, you can help reduce discomfort and support your body’s healing process.

Why does diet matter during a UTI?

The foods and drinks we consume can directly affect the urinary system. Some items may increase urine acidity, irritate the bladder lining, or provide an environment conducive to bacterial growth. By being aware of these potential triggers, you can make informed choices to support your recovery.

Caffeine: A Common Culprit in UTI Discomfort

One of the primary dietary elements to avoid during a UTI is caffeine. This stimulant, found in coffee, tea, and many soft drinks, can significantly irritate the bladder and worsen UTI symptoms.

How does caffeine affect UTI symptoms?

Caffeine is a known bladder irritant. It can increase bladder muscle contractions and enhance the sensation of urgency and frequency. A study focusing on individuals with interstitial cystitis (chronic bladder inflammation) found that coffee consumption led to worsened symptoms. This suggests that those with acute bladder infections may also experience increased discomfort from caffeinated beverages.

To support your recovery, consider replacing your morning coffee with herbal tea or other non-caffeinated alternatives until your UTI symptoms subside. This simple change can make a significant difference in managing your discomfort.

Alcohol: A Risky Choice During UTI Treatment

While it’s generally advisable to increase fluid intake when dealing with a UTI, alcohol should be avoided. Alcoholic beverages can irritate the bladder and potentially exacerbate UTI symptoms.

Can drinking alcohol worsen a UTI?

Yes, alcohol consumption can indeed worsen UTI symptoms. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. This can concentrate urine, potentially increasing its acidity and irritating the already inflamed bladder lining. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the body’s immune response, potentially hindering the fight against the infection.

It’s best to abstain from alcoholic beverages while recovering from a UTI. Instead, focus on drinking plenty of water and other bladder-friendly fluids to help flush out bacteria and promote healing.

Carbonated and Citrus Beverages: Hidden Bladder Irritants

Sodas and other carbonated drinks, especially those with citrus flavors or caffeine, can be particularly problematic for individuals with UTIs. These beverages can irritate the bladder and potentially worsen infection symptoms.

Why are carbonated drinks harmful during a UTI?

Carbonated beverages, particularly those containing citrus flavors or caffeine, can irritate the bladder lining. The carbonation itself may cause discomfort, while the acidity of citrus flavors can further aggravate an already sensitive urinary tract. Caffeinated sodas combine two potential irritants, making them especially problematic during UTI recovery.

Opt for water or unsweetened cranberry juice instead of sodas when you’re battling a UTI. These alternatives can help flush out bacteria without causing additional irritation to your urinary system.

Acidic Fruits: A Double-Edged Sword for UTI Sufferers

While fruits are generally considered healthy, those high in acid content can pose problems for individuals with UTIs. Citrus fruits, in particular, may exacerbate bladder irritation and worsen infection symptoms.

Which fruits should be avoided during a UTI?

Fruits to avoid or limit during a UTI include:

• Lemons
• Oranges
• Grapefruits
• Tomatoes
• Apples
• Peaches
• Grapes
• Plums
• Strawberries

These fruits are known for their high acid content, which can irritate the bladder lining and potentially worsen UTI symptoms. While they offer numerous health benefits, it’s best to avoid or limit their consumption until your UTI has resolved.

Spicy Foods: Adding Heat to UTI Discomfort

Spicy foods, while delicious, can be problematic for those suffering from UTIs. The compounds that give these foods their heat can irritate the bladder and potentially exacerbate UTI symptoms.

How do spicy foods affect UTI symptoms?

Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spiciness in many foods, can irritate the lining of the bladder and urethra. This irritation can lead to increased discomfort, urgency, and frequency of urination in individuals with UTIs. Additionally, spicy foods may increase overall inflammation in the body, potentially slowing the healing process.

During UTI treatment, it’s advisable to opt for milder, less spicy alternatives. This can help reduce bladder irritation and support a more comfortable recovery process.

Artificial Sweeteners: Unexpected UTI Aggravators

Artificial sweeteners, commonly found in diet sodas and “sugar-free” products, may seem like a healthy alternative. However, for those with UTIs, these substances can potentially worsen symptoms and delay recovery.

Why are artificial sweeteners problematic during a UTI?

Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners, particularly saccharin and aspartame, may irritate the bladder. This irritation can exacerbate UTI symptoms, leading to increased discomfort and urgency. Additionally, the consumption of artificial sweeteners may alter the balance of gut bacteria, which could indirectly affect urinary tract health.

While recovering from a UTI, it’s best to avoid products containing artificial sweeteners. Opt for naturally sweetened alternatives or unsweetened options to support your healing process.

The Importance of Hydration in UTI Recovery

While we’ve discussed many foods and drinks to avoid during a UTI, it’s equally important to highlight the significance of proper hydration in the recovery process. Drinking adequate amounts of water is crucial for flushing out bacteria and supporting overall urinary tract health.

How much water should you drink during a UTI?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as individual needs can vary. However, a general guideline is to drink enough water to keep your urine pale yellow or clear. This typically translates to about 6-8 glasses of water per day for most adults. During a UTI, you may need to increase this amount slightly to help flush out bacteria more effectively.

In addition to water, unsweetened cranberry juice can be beneficial. Cranberries contain compounds that may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls. However, it’s important to choose unsweetened varieties, as added sugars can potentially feed bacteria and worsen the infection.

Understanding UTI Risk Factors

While dietary choices play a significant role in managing UTI symptoms, it’s also important to understand the various risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing these infections. By being aware of these factors, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of future UTIs.

What are the common risk factors for UTIs?

Several factors can increase your susceptibility to UTIs:

1. Gender: Women are more prone to UTIs due to their shorter urethra, which allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily.
2. Sexual activity: Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
3. Certain types of birth control: Diaphragms and spermicidal agents can increase UTI risk.
4. Menopause: Changes in hormone levels can affect the urinary tract’s ability to resist infection.
5. Urinary tract abnormalities: Structural issues in the urinary system can make it easier for bacteria to grow and spread.
6. Catheter use: Long-term catheter use can increase the risk of bacterial introduction and growth.
7. Compromised immune system: Conditions that weaken the immune system can make it harder for the body to fight off infections.
8. Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to UTIs.

By understanding these risk factors, you can work with your healthcare provider to develop strategies for reducing your UTI risk. This may include lifestyle changes, preventive antibiotics, or other personalized approaches based on your individual risk profile.

Long-Term Dietary Considerations for UTI Prevention

While adjusting your diet during an active UTI is crucial for managing symptoms, considering long-term dietary habits can play a significant role in preventing future infections. A balanced, bladder-friendly diet can support overall urinary tract health and reduce your risk of recurrent UTIs.

Which foods can help prevent UTIs?

Incorporating the following foods into your regular diet may help support urinary tract health and reduce UTI risk:

• Cranberries and cranberry products (unsweetened)
• Blueberries
• Fermented foods rich in probiotics (e.g., yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
• Garlic
• Vitamin C-rich foods (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, leafy greens)
• Green tea
• Water-rich fruits and vegetables (e.g., cucumber, watermelon, celery)

These foods offer various benefits, from promoting beneficial bacteria growth to boosting immune function and supporting overall urinary tract health. However, it’s important to remember that diet alone cannot prevent all UTIs, and you should always consult with a healthcare provider if you experience recurring infections.

The Role of Probiotics in UTI Management and Prevention

Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, have gained attention for their potential role in maintaining urinary tract health and possibly preventing UTIs. While research is ongoing, incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet may offer some benefits for those prone to UTIs.

How can probiotics help with UTIs?

Probiotics may help prevent and manage UTIs in several ways:

1. Balancing urinary tract bacteria: Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract, making it harder for harmful bacteria to thrive.
2. Boosting immune function: Some probiotic strains may enhance the body’s overall immune response, improving its ability to fight off infections.
3. Producing antimicrobial substances: Certain probiotic bacteria produce substances that can inhibit the growth of UTI-causing bacteria.
4. Reducing inflammation: Probiotics may help reduce overall inflammation in the body, potentially easing UTI symptoms.

While more research is needed to fully understand the role of probiotics in UTI prevention and treatment, incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet or considering a probiotic supplement (under the guidance of a healthcare provider) may be beneficial, especially for those with recurrent UTIs.

The Importance of Professional Medical Care for UTIs

While dietary changes and home remedies can play a crucial role in managing UTI symptoms and preventing future infections, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of seeking professional medical care when dealing with a UTI. Proper diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications and ensure effective recovery.

When should you see a doctor for a UTI?

You should consult a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent or severe UTI symptoms lasting more than a day or two
• Blood in your urine
• Fever or chills
• Back pain or flank pain (which may indicate kidney involvement)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Recurrent UTIs (three or more in a year)
• UTI symptoms in men (as these are less common and may indicate other issues)
• UTI symptoms during pregnancy

A healthcare provider can perform the necessary tests to confirm a UTI diagnosis and prescribe appropriate antibiotics if needed. They can also help identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to recurrent UTIs and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Remember, while dietary changes and natural remedies can be helpful, they should complement, not replace, professional medical care for UTIs. Prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys, which can lead to more serious health 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.

Urinary Tract Infections Linked to Meat Consumption

If you’re prone to urinary tract infections even when you do everything you can to prevent them from happening — like taking showers instead of baths, staying hydrated, and urinating after sex — it might be time to change up what you eat.

That’s because a new study suggests that more than half a million urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the United States each year might be caused by strains of E. coli bacteria found in meat.

“It’s a pretty surprising finding, given that this kind of E. coli is not actively monitored in the food supply or among food-production animals by the USDA, FDA, or CDC in the United States,” says senior study author Lance Price, PhD, co-director of the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center and professor of environmental and occupational health at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

DNA Reveals Meat Consumption May Cause Urinary Tract Infections

For the study, published in the journal One Health, scientists examined the DNA of almost 1,200 samples of E. coli taken from the urine and blood of infected individuals, as well as the DNA of more than 1,900 samples of E. coli from raw meat including chicken, turkey, and pork.

When they evaluated all of these samples in the lab, researchers found that about 8 percent of urinary tract infections may be caused by E. coli from meat, translating into as many as 640,000 UTIs each year.

One limitation of the study is that all of the samples came from a single U.S. city, and it’s possible that these results might not reflect what would happen nationwide.

How Could Eating Meat Lead to a UTI?

The results are still compelling because E. coli is the leading bacterial cause of urinary tract infections in the United States, says William Schaffner, MD, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, who wasn’t involved in the study.

“It was a surprise that such a large number of urinary tract infections — over a half-million — are estimated to be caused by the E. coli bacteria which we acquire from the food we eat,” Dr. Schaffner says.

There are hundreds of different strains of E. coli, and most are harmless, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, E. coli is present in the intestinal tracts of both humans and animals. But some strains can cause infections, including strains that come from animals.

These infections happen when bacteria — which could come from unclean hands or from the rectum — enter the urethra and travel to the urinary tract, according to the CDC. UTIs are more common in women, and are also more likely to occur in people with a history of previous UTIs, sexually active individuals, older adults, young children, and people who have poor hygiene (like kids going through potty training).

Common UTI symptoms include pain or burning sensations during urination, frequent urination, bloody urine, and pressure or cramping in the groin or abdomen.

Bladder infections are the most common type of UTI, but they can also lead to kidney infections that can be more serious and involve symptoms such as fever, chills, lower back pain, nausea, and vomiting.

How to Prevent UTIs

There are several ways to prevent urinary tract infections, according to the CDC:

• Urinate after sexual activity.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Limit douches, sprays or powders in the genital area.
• Wipe front to back after using the bathroom.

The new study results suggest that safe meat handling might go on this list, Dr. Price says. “All the same safe handling principles apply for this kind of E. coli as are recommended to prevent other foodborne infections,” Price says. This includes:

• Keep other foods away from areas where you handle raw meat.
• Use separate cutting boards, knives, and bowls just for raw meat.
• Cook meat thoroughly.

Doing these things will help minimize transmission of any E. coli in raw meats to other foods you eat, Price says. Cooking meats kills this bacteria, so stir frying foods together or mixing foods on your plate after you prepare meats isn’t an issue, Price notes.

Beyond this, it also helps to buy meat products that are labeled “raised without antibiotics” or “USDA organic” because if these foods do contain E. coli, it’s less likely to be a strain that is resistant to treatment with antibiotics, Price notes.

Another common hygiene tip for minimizing your exposure to E. coli from meats: “Always wash your hands and cutting surfaces thoroughly when preparing food,” Schaffner says. “Also wash your vegetables and salads thoroughly.”

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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.

dennis von westburg/unsplash.com

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.