Do you ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A urinarytract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary
system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are
typically caused by bacteria and can lead to symptoms such as a frequent urge
to urinate, burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling
urine, and pelvic pain. While UTIs can affect anyone, they are more common in
women. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, and preventive measures can help
reduce the risk of recurrence.
It’s advisable to limit irritants such as
caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which may aggravate the bladder. A balanced
diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins further
supports overall health and immune function. By adopting these dietary habits,
individuals can potentially lower their risk of developing UTIs while enhancing
their overall well-being.
Food that Can reduce exposure to
UTI-causing bacteria
Certain foods
can harbor bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, while others do not.
For instance, meats like pork and poultry can be sources of extra-intestinal
pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC), which account for more than 70 percent of
UTIs. Consuming these types of meat frequently may heighten your risk of
developing a UTI.
In contrast,
plant-based foods are generally free from these harmful bacteria. Therefore,
adopting a vegetarian diet may reduce your likelihood of encountering these
pathogens and offer protection against both initial and recurrent UTIs.
UTIs Dietary prevention recommended
patients
Dietary prevention strategies for urinary tract infections
(UTIs) include staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help flush
bacteria from the urinary tract, consuming cranberry juice or supplements,
which may prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, and including
probiotics in the diet, such as yogurt, to promote healthy gut and vaginal
flora. Additionally, patients are advised to limit caffeine and alcohol intake,
avoid irritating foods such as spicy dishes and artificial sweeteners, and
maintain
Foods that Can make the urinary tract
favorable for growth of UTI-causing bacteria
There are certain foods that encourage the growth of
Escherichia coli and other UTI-causing bacteria. And so their intake should be
reduced when undergoing treatment for UTIs. For instance, taking too much sugar
encourages the breeding of bacteria in the urinary tract. That’s why you need
to reduce sugar consumption when undergoing treatment or avoid sugar when
struggling with a recurrent UTI. Also avoid sugary cookies, candies, or
sweetened beverages—substitute them with water. Likewise, potential bladder
irritants should be avoided. Once they irritate the bladder, they increase
lower urinary symptoms that end up creating conditions necessary for the growth
of infectious bacteria.
Therefore, when undergoing treatment for UTI, avoid bladder irritants such as tea, soda, alcohol, coffee, and artificially sweetened beverages. Equally, avoid spicy foods and stop eating acidic fruits, such as lemons, oranges, or limes. You can resume eating them after the infection is gone, especially to get vitamin C, which helps prevent future infections.
It's
essential to consult with a urologist professional for an accurate diagnosis
and personalized treatment plan for your specific case of UTIs and Diet for
preventions .
Take Action Today!
Consult wellsun medicity discuss your
risk factors and develop a personalized plan to reduce your risk.
WELLSUN MEDICITY HOSPITAL
Dr.
Neeraj Agarwal
MBBS
(KGMU) MS General Surgeon
M.CH Urologist, Kidney Transplant Surgery
