What to Eat with a UTI: Foods to Help Ease Symptoms and Avoid Recurrence

Introduction

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It is one of the most common types of infections, especially among women. Symptoms of a UTI include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Foods That May Help Ease UTI Symptoms

When you have a UTI, there are certain foods that may help alleviate your symptoms. These include:

Cranberry Juice

Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is one of the most widely recommended home remedies for UTIs. Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins, which can prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract. This helps flush out bacteria that cause UTIs.

Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Eating foods that are rich in vitamin C may help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of developing a UTI. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain the balance of microorganisms in your body. Research has shown that taking probiotics may reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs. Good sources of probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha.

Eating Right to Avoid UTIs

In addition to consuming certain foods to help ease UTI symptoms, there are also dietary changes that you can make to reduce your risk of developing a UTI. These include:

Increase Water Intake

Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it’s especially important for those who are prone to UTIs. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria from your urinary tract. You should aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

Limit Sugary and Processed Foods

Eating too much sugar and processed foods can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of infection. Try to limit your intake of sugary snacks, processed meats, and refined grains.

Consume More Fiber

Fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, which can help reduce your risk of UTIs. Aim to get 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day by eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

The Best Diet for Women Prone to UTIs

Women tend to be more prone to UTIs than men. To reduce your risk, you should focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet. This includes:

Increase Whole Grains

Whole grains are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which can help keep your digestive system running smoothly and reduce your risk of infection. Examples of whole grains include oats, quinoa, brown rice, and barley.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is essential for overall health. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of infection. Aim to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Consider Taking a Multivitamin

If you’re not getting enough vitamins and minerals from your diet, consider taking a daily multivitamin. This can help ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.

Foods to Avoid When You Have a UTI

There are certain foods that you should avoid when you have a UTI. These include:

Alcohol

Alcohol can irritate your bladder and worsen UTI symptoms. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics, so it’s best to avoid alcohol while you’re treating a UTI.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate your bladder and worsen UTI symptoms. If you’re prone to UTIs, it’s best to avoid spicy foods until your infection clears up.

Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks can irritate your bladder and increase your risk of developing a UTI. It’s best to limit your intake of caffeinated beverages while you’re treating a UTI.

Foods and Drinks to Help Treat a UTI

In addition to avoiding certain foods, there are also certain foods and drinks that can help treat a UTI. These include:

Coconut Water

Coconut water is high in electrolytes, which can help replenish fluids and reduce dehydration. Dehydration can make UTI symptoms worse, so drinking coconut water can help relieve your symptoms.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that may help reduce UTI symptoms. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink it three times a day.

Tea Blends

Certain herbal teas may help reduce UTI symptoms. For example, chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in your urinary tract. Other herbal teas that may help include dandelion root, nettle, and marshmallow root.

Healthy Recipes to Combat a UTI

In addition to avoiding certain foods and incorporating others into your diet, there are also healthy recipes that you can make to help combat a UTI. These include:

Baked Salmon with Broccoli

This delicious dish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation in your urinary tract. Simply mix one pound of salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then serve over steamed broccoli.

Detox Salad

This detox salad is full of antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and fight off infection. Combine one cup of cooked quinoa with diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and enjoy.

Overnight Oats with Blueberries

Overnight oats are a great way to start your day. They’re packed with fiber, which can help keep your digestive system running smoothly and reduce your risk of infection. Simply combine one cup of rolled oats with almond milk, chia seeds, and blueberries. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy in the morning.

Conclusion

A urinary tract infection can be painful and uncomfortable, but there are certain foods and drinks that can help ease your symptoms and reduce your risk of recurrence. Try to limit your intake of alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeinated beverages. Increase your intake of water, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Consider taking a multivitamin, and incorporate probiotics, cranberry juice, vitamin C-rich foods, and certain herbal teas into your diet. Finally, try some of the healthy recipes listed above to help combat a UTI.

By making simple dietary changes and incorporating certain foods into your diet, you can help reduce your risk of developing a UTI and ease your symptoms if you do get one.