Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue, especially among women. While antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat UTIs, many people wonder whether dietary changes can play a role in preventing or managing these infections. This article explores the connection between diet and UTIs, examining which foods and beverages may help or hinder urinary tract health.
The Link Between Diet and UTIs: An Overview
The role of diet in UTI development and treatment is a complex and not fully understood area of research. While diet isn’t currently considered an independent risk factor for UTI development, some evidence suggests that certain dietary patterns may offer protection, while others may increase susceptibility to UTIs.
Foods and Beverages That May Help Prevent UTIs
Plant-Based Diets
Some studies suggest that vegetarian diets may be associated with a lower risk of developing UTIs, especially in women. A 2020 study found that a vegetarian dietary pattern was associated with a 16% reduced risk of developing a UTI. This may be because vegetarian diets avoid common food reservoirs of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), a bacterial strain that accounts for a large percentage of UTIs. Additionally, vegetarian diets tend to make urine less acidic, which can help prevent the growth of bacteria associated with UTIs. Red meat and other animal proteins have high potential renal acid loads (PRALs), meaning that they make urine more acidic, while fruits and vegetables have low PRALs, making urine less acidic.
Water
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things for your urinary and digestive systems and may help reduce UTI occurrence in certain populations. 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%. Another study in 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.
Berries
Berries such as cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries promote urinary tract health and provide protection against infection with an important compound that helps fight bacteria and keeps it from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract. One of the best ways to get a large amount of berries into your diet is through smoothies.
Read also: Foods and Fibroids
Yogurt
Eating yogurt and other cultured dairy products (fermented with “good” bacteria) regularly may decrease the risk for urinary tract infections by up to 80 percent. When selecting yogurt, it is important to look for a statement on the packaging that says “contains live and active cultures.” Yogurt contains good bacteria, active cultures that help prevent certain infections and boost the body’s immune system.
Fiber
A diet high in fiber paired with drinking enough water promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Lack of regular bowel movements can cause pressure in the urinary tract and block urine flow, allowing bacteria to grow. Some of the best sources of fiber are whole-grain breads, apples, bananas, other fruits and legumes (dried beans, lentils, etc.). Bananas and other high-fiber foods can be good for urinary tract health and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) by encouraging regular bowel movements and relieving pressure on urine flow.
Vitamin C
Oranges, lemons, strawberries and green leafy vegetables packed with vitamin C makes urine more acidic, which helps prevent bacteria from growing in the system. A great rule for picking fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C is to choose ones that are brightly colored.
Freshly Squeezed Juice and Fermented Dairy
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. Citrus juice intake was associated with a 50% reduction in lower urinary tract symptoms in men only.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid or Limit
Soda
Older research has shown that soda intake may be associated with recurrent UTIs. Drinking cola soft drinks was strongly associated with UTIs.
Read also: Diet Plan for Picky Eaters
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. 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).
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce UTI Risk
In addition to dietary changes, certain lifestyle modifications may help reduce UTI occurrence and UTI symptoms. Risk factors associated with UTI occurrence include:
- 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
- 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.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Advice
While 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. 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.
Personal Stories and Experiences
One individual shared their experience with chronic UTIs (CUTI), highlighting the limitations of antibiotics and the potential power of the body to heal itself through dietary changes. After struggling with recurrent UTIs and finding limited relief from conventional treatments, they consulted a nutritionist who recommended a specific diet to rebuild gut bacteria. This experience underscores the importance of exploring complementary approaches to UTI management, alongside medical care.
Read also: Vegan Diet for Diabetes Management
Sample UTI Diet Plan
This plan puts our recommendations into practice using cranberries, which have been connected to a lower prevalence of UTIs in women. The menu is also rich in vitamin C foods and probiotics, which help to balance your urine’s pH and improve immunity, respectively.