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.

What Foods To Eat And What To Avoid

Table of content

UTIs or urinary tract infections, frequently termed UTIs, are among the most widely recognized infections commonly in females. Strong pain in the abdominal area, a burning sensation, and cloudy urine are all significant signs of a potential UTI or urinary tract infection. This uncomfortable infection can affect any part of the urinary system such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra.  

The painful symptoms of a UTI are not only annoying, but they can also be severe, and sometimes that leads to serious consequences. Without hesitation, your first step should be to contact your doctor.  So, let’s educate ourselves more about this disease management before we get into foods and drinks for UTIs:

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

As discussed above urinary tract infections (UTIs) are typically more common in ladies, but anyone can experience them. If you suspect you have a UTI, observe these symptoms:

• Strong, persistent urge to pee
• Fever and chills
• Pain and pressure within the abdomen
• Foul-smelling urine
• Signs of blood in the urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Cloudy urine
• Nausea
• Pain during intercourse
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Pelvic pain, in women 

Urinary Tract Infection or UTI Treatment

UTI symptoms can aggravate over time if left untreated. If you suspect you have a UTI and are experiencing any symptoms do visit your doctor for a checkup. Mainly your physician will prescribe antibiotics to treat a UTI. 

In addition, following the care plan provided by a physician will be sticking to a certain diet which can help you manage uncomfortable UTI symptoms and speed up the healing process at home. 

What to Drink for a UTI

Well, people say that cranberry juice and water are the two best liquids to drink. Let us read is it true.

• In some clinical, the consumption of pure cranberry juice helped reduce the risk of repeated UTIs.
• In any case, however, the benefit of drinking cranberry juice for a UTI is small. 

When It comes to water, then-

• Water is by far the perfect beverage choice for someone with a UTI.
• Drinking at least 10-12 glasses of water each day while you have an infection as it helps your internal body function to flush the bacteria from the system and can speed up the healing process.

Foods to Eat for a Urinary Tract Infection

In order to recover from a UTI as soon as possible, eat the following food suggestions: 

1. Berries

Although scientists or researchers are still studying berries effectiveness, it’s believed that eating raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries can help fight off a UTI. Berries contain proanthocyanidin, which has been shown to prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.

2. Probiotic-rich Foods

Start incorporating foods like plain yogurt and pickles into your diet, since these foods contain good bacteria that can help combat infection.

3. High-fiber Foods

Consume high-fiber food such as bananas, beans, lentils, nuts, oats, and other whole grains. This food can help remove harmful bacteria from your body. Also stimulate regular bowel movements, which can soothe the relief of bladder pressure.

4. Salmon

Salmon is a cold-water fish. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation caused by a UTI. Moreover, fish oil supplements are also a great alternative for individuals who don’t eat fish. But always consult your physician before adding any supplements to your diet.

Things to Avoid: Sugar & Urinary Tract Infection or UTIs

While maintaining your diet for a UTI, also involves more than introducing certain foods and drinks. In fact, it also means refraining from things. 

Are you wondering where to start?

Here’s a simple thumb rule to follow: Avoid sugar intake in UTIs. As added sugar aggravates UTI infection. Start avoiding these sugary delights and boost your care plan for a UTI, also avoid:

• Soda
• Carbohydrates
• Added Sugar 
• Alcohol (beer, wine, and liquor)

Also, there are a few other foods and beverages to avoid with a UTI including:

• Spicy foods: Commonly spicy foods can irritate the bladder. So, always try to avoid spicy food and maintain a balanced diet. 
• Citrus: Although citrus food is high in immunity-boosting such as vitamin C, fruits like oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits can irritate your bladder and increase UTI symptoms.
• Caffeinated Drinks: It is crucial to stay hydrated when you have a UTI but stay away from coffee and other caffeinated beverages. When in doubt, choose water!

Brown Rice vs White Rice- Which Rice is better for Weight Loss?

Do most fitness gurus suggest that brown rice is the perfect way to go but is it true? What is the reality? Which rice to eat to lose weight?  Let’s see and compare both white and brown rice and figure out answers to this most frequently asked question with the help of Dietitian Mac Singh.

Bottom Line 

Therefore, if you want to remain UTI-free, you should adopt a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet to keep your bladder and kidney fit. One of the crucial elements for the same is to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep you away from all infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is There Any Surgery For UTI?

Ans: No, you don’t need any surgery for UTI. Surgery is required only when there is a blockage in your urinary system, like a kidney stone or extended prostate. 

Q: Can Sexual Intercourse Lead To UTI?

Ans: Yes, intercourse is a cause of UTIs in ladies because physical relations bring bacteria into the urinary tract. During intercourse, the urethra comes into direct contact with microorganisms from the genital region. This enables them to enter the urethra, the bladder, and the kidneys, which results in bacterial infection.

Q: How Dangerous Can UTI Be? Can It Lead To Death?

Ans: An untreated UTI may cause harm to your kidney, irritate your bladder, and worsens the infection. It can, likewise, cause sepsis. 

Fun Fact

Why waste money when you can cook a restaurant-style chicken at home? Yes, Fitelo presents you with a yummy and healthy recipe of chicken kali mirch that you and your family can relish in dinner. It is easy to cook and also, can become a perfect choice of recipe for a party at home.

Contact Us Today

Your search to find the right guidance to be a part of all those fat-to-fit stories ends here. So, contact us today if you are looking for a diet plan with cheat meals. Also, we will discuss how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your own health before starting a diet that is restrictive. Therefore, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long happy life.

Mushroom Soup Recipe: Easy Vegetable Soup At Home

6 months ago
by
Chirag

3 min read

No comments

Make the most of your mushrooms with this hearty mushroom…

Some articles from our experts

• Blog

• Blog

• Blog

• Blog

View all

Get access to 500+ healthy and tasty recipes, fitness tips and more.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Successfully requested!
Invalid Email

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 drinking too much and not drinking enough. 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.

ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW

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.