UTI or urinary tract infection has become one of the most common diseases, especially in older women. As per the National Kidney Foundation report, one out of five females has urinary tract infection or UTI. 20% of them may have more than once. Also, around 10 million females visit a doctor due to a bladder infection and seek treatment for the pressure, pain, and for the constant urge to urinate.
Another survey states that UTI usually happens more in females than in males, and its ratio is 8:1. Around 50–60% of females have UTI at least once in their lifetime, and one out of three are reported to undergo symptomatic necessitating antibiotic treatment of UTI between the age of 24 –30.
There are various foods for UTI that help in resolving this issue, including cranberry juice for UTI, orange juice for UTI.
Foods for UTI Treatment
1. Vitamin C
Researchers state that when you increase the intake of vitamin C in your diet, you can protect yourself from UTI(1). Vitamin C can increase the urine acidity, and thus, kill the bacteria that are responsible for the infection. Vitamin C has a protective effect. It reduces the risk of urinary tract infection.
There are various vegetables and fruits which you can add in your diet. Food is a perfect way to increase Vitamin C’s intake. Vegetables like red peppers and all green leafy vegetables and fruits such as grapefruit, kiwi, blueberries, strawberries, and orange juice for UTI consist of Vitamin C recommended an amount in just single serving.
As per the study, ladies who are suffering from UTI can take 100 mg of vitamin C daily.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies for UTI]
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria that you can consume through fermented foods or even supplements. They are capable of promoting the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. Probiotics can help in preventing UTIs, whether used alone or with antibiotics. It is also useful in improving digestive health for enhancing the functioning of the immune system.
You can find probiotics in foods for UTI such as kimchi, kefir, probiotic yogurt, and kombucha. Probiotics are also available in some eatables and dietary supplements. These are similar to the probiotics that are naturally present in your gut.
Probiotic capsules consist of L. fermentum and L. rhamnosus; you can consume 109 CFU dose once or twice every day. A common probiotic strain i.e. Lactobacillus effectively helps in preventing UTIs.
3. Blueberry
Blueberry is extremely sweet and nutritious and one amongst several foods for UTI. Blueberries(2) an excellent source of vitamin C, and helps in fighting Urinary Tract Infections. The substances, known as anti-adhesives present in blueberries help in preventing bacteria such as E. coli from binding up to the bladder wall.
Blueberries, which are antioxidant-rich food, help in reducing the symptoms. Blueberries are highly rich in fiber, which helps in normal digestive functioning.
The appropriate intake of blueberries depends on a variety of factors, for example, the user’s health, age, and many other health conditions. However, you can include approximately 2,000 calories per day in your diet.
4. Cranberry
Cranberries are widely useful in the treatment and prevention of UTI or urinary tract infections. It is the best food for UTI. Cranberry consists of an anti-adhesive substance that helps in avoiding bacteria from getting stuck on the bladder walls.
Cranberry products such as capsules or tablets can reduce the risk of UTI by 50%. In a research finding, 19% of patients from the cranberry treatment group developed urinary tract infections as compared to 38% of the placebo group. Cranberry juice for UTI and tablets act as a fantastic remedy for women who often suffer from bladder infections.
Usually, the recommended dosage for patients is two capsules of cranberry juice two times a day. It is equal to two eight glasses of cranberry juice servings.
[ Read: Foods to Avoid with UTI ]
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is useful in traditional medicine for treating bronchitis, controlling diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, and loss of appetite. Cinnamaldehyde, an extract of cinnamon, treat fungal, parasitic, and bacterial infections. Trans-cinnamaldehyde extracts are perfect for treating urinary catheter infections. A variety of trans-cinnamaldehyde concentrations are adequate to prevent the development of E-coli in catheters that are responsible for causing UTI.
Cinnamon, one of the foods for UTI, is available in capsules, dry powder, liquid or tea extracts. Cinnamon is also useful for medicinal purposes and to spice the food. You can take cinnamon from the tree bark.
There is no proper dosage for urinary tract infections of cinnamon. When talking about general medicinal purposes, doctors recommend 1g to 4g per day of ground cinnamon bark and 0.05g to 2g per day of cinnamon oil as a dosage. Cinnamon is considered safe for most people.
[Read: Cinnamon Can Spice up Your Health]
6. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato is one of the most nutritious vegetables. If you are suffering from recurrent UTI, add sweet potatoes to your diet. Sweet potatoes have become one of the best beta-carotene dietary sources. Beta-carotene is a nutrient, which is very useful as it protects against urinary tract infections. The yellow, orange and pink varieties are considered as one of the most concentrated beta-carotene food sources. The brighter the color, the more beta-carotene present in it.
With sweet potatoes in the diet, you can increase the levels of antioxidants in your body. Sweet potatoes consist of root proteins which have essential antioxidant properties.
A diabetes patient may take 4 g per day, in the form of caiapo tablets or have a delicacy of sweet potato preparation. As per the doctor’s recommendation, the intake of nutraceutical caiapo is 2-4 gms in a day.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt consist of probiotic bacteria. It is useful as a remedy for treating a variety of ailments. Researchers state that the probiotic bacteria, which is present in yogurt, is also helpful in preventing UTIs. Other researchers suggest that females who consume fermented dairy or milk products for about three times in a week have fewer chances to suffer from a urinary tract infection.
[Read: Yogurt for Hair Problems]
Along with antibiotics, an increase in yogurt intake may help. The antibiotics for treating a UTI can destroy probiotic bacteria that is present in the intestines.
You must consult a doctor before consuming probiotics or yogurt for treating a UTI. Yogurt cannot replace antibiotic treatment. In case you are allergic to yogurt, do not opt for it.
In case you have ever suffered, or are suffering from UTI, probably someone must have suggested drinking a glass of cranberry juice. But your diet is the best way to deal with it. You will find instant relief when you add a few food items in your diet.
Diet is essential to treat urinary tract infection or UTI, for supporting the immune system, and decrease irritation while urinating. During the healing process, it helps the body to shed bacteria.
However, when you stay hydrated and adopt some healthy habits along with supplements (UTI-fighting ingredients) in your diet, you can reduce the risk of getting UTI.
[Read: Supplements for UTI]
FAQs
1. What Are the Most Effective Foods For UTI?
The foods which can prevent UTI falls under the category of anti-UTI foods. The foods for UTI such as cranberries or cranberry juice, blueberries, sweet potatoes, etc. fight against UTI and can suppress E. coli compounds.
2. Which Berries Help Treat UTI?
Cranberry juice or cranberries and blueberries are considered the best food for UTI for preventing urinary tract infections. The flavonols present in blueberry and cranberry are capable of avoiding bacteria from getting attached to the walls of the bladder.
