Foods That Lower the Risk of UTI
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is not just disruptive and painful but also highly prominent. Many adult women experience the pain and discomfort associated with UTIs. Sadly, many undergo more than a few recurrences of UTI each year. At times, these infections tend to have severe complications. Although these infections cannot be avoided totally, a few food choices can be helpful in preventing them.
Foods to help prevent UTIs
Here are a few foods to help prevent UTIs and improve overall health while at it:
- Berries
Raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and all other types of berries help promote the wellness of the urinary tract. Additionally, they offer adequate protection against UTIs. The best way to include a lot of berries in the diet is to add them to smoothies. One can also use frozen berries to ensure that they keep UTIs at bay throughout the year. - Unsweetened yogurt
Adding cultured dairy food items like yogurt to one’s regular diet helps lower the risk of UTIs by approximately 80%. That being said, read the labels carefully and pick only the ones that say “contains active culture.” Yogurt is a source of active culture and good bacteria that are incredibly helpful in preventing UTIs. They boost overall immunity, and yogurt is also a great way to improve digestive health. - Lemons, tomatoes, strawberries, and oranges
These foods that help prevent UTIs are all great sources of vitamin C and tend to make the urine acidic, preventing the growth of bacteria. Vitamin C is also an excellent immunity booster, and this vitamin is water-soluble. So, the excess water is flushed out of the body via urine; however, it is best to consume these in moderation, as overconsumption can lead to diarrhea, nausea, or an upset stomach. - Cranberry juice
Like cranberry, cranberry juice is also a healthy drink that should be a part of a diet to keep UTIs at bay. It can prevent bacteria from sticking around the lining of the urinary tract. Studies suggest that cranberry juice can potentially reduce the risk of UTIs by up to 26%. That being said, since a lot of juice drinks in the market are full of sugar, one should opt for cranberry concentrate and dilute it with water or make the juice at home instead. - Broccoli
Broccoli is another incredible source of vitamin C and one of the most important foods to help prevent UTIs. It makes the urine acidic, killing the bacteria. A study concluded that pregnant women who consumed a reasonable amount of vitamin C could significantly reduce the risk of developing UTIs. Also, since vitamin C boosts immunity, it automatically makes the body resistant to infections. One can also add Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, and bell peppers to their diet to prevent UTIs.