According to statistical data, the lifetime risk of a woman contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI) is close to 40%. Many suffer from frequent UTIs, which cause significant discomfort. It’s also common to see people struggling with recurrent UTIs, where the infection reoccurs quickly. Various foods can help in such cases. Let’s explore some foods that, when consumed regularly, can help mitigate UTI symptoms.
Water
Drinking plenty of water is the most direct way to treat UTIs. It’s important to hydrate regularly, avoid holding in urine, and refrain from wearing tight clothing. Drinking water more often than you think is necessary ensures the smooth elimination of inflammatory substances. It’s recommended to develop a habit of drinking at least eight glasses of water daily.
Tomatoes
Eating tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene, is highly recommended. Lycopene, an antioxidant, can help eliminate reactive oxygen species that trigger inflammation and accelerate aging. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which can be beneficial for UTIs. They can be eaten raw, but for enhanced nutrition, it’s advisable to cook them slightly with a touch of olive oil.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a food that can actively promote diuresis. It can help improve kidney health and reduce swelling, making it a popular food for those recovering from illness. Often sold in health shops for new mothers, it contains beta-carotene, dietary fiber, and vitamins that enhance diuresis, helping to eliminate waste and maintain bladder health.
Kelp
Kelp is widely known as a food that purifies the blood. It can help improve blood circulation and is rich in alginate, a substance excellent for removing toxins and waste from the body. This can lead to improvements in bladder inflammation and stimulate metabolism. Known as the vegetable of the sea, kelp contains various nutrients like dietary fiber, iodine, calcium, and selenium, making it a popular diet food.
Lotus Root
Lotus root, which is rich in tannins, can help improve UTIs. Tannins are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of lotus root can alleviate inflammation, lower abdominal pain, and strengthen hematuria. It’s also rich in dietary fiber, which can help with indigestion, and nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium, which are beneficial for skin health and boosting immunity.
Black Beans
Black beans contain isoflavones, which can benefit bladder health. Isoflavones also improve kidney health and enhance urinary function, helping to expel waste efficiently. They can also help balance hormones in women. Black beans warm the body and are good for improving cold symptoms. They also prevent hair loss and are known to be effective for skin beauty.
Berries
Various berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are not only delicious but can also be beneficial for health. They can benefit bladder health thanks to flavonoids like anthocyanins and flavonols. These not only act as antioxidants but also protect blood vessels. In particular, flavonol compounds can help prevent bacterial and germ infections that can cause irritating urinary infections by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.
Yogurt
Probiotics in yogurt help produce bacteria that effectively break down food, facilitating the elimination of waste and preventing urinary tract diseases. When a person has a UTI, their immunity decreases, but the lactic acid bacteria in yogurt can strengthen the intestines and activate immune cells. However, overeating can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Celery
Celery is beneficial for health in many ways. It is a good food for both the bladder and kidneys, can lower blood uric acid levels, and alleviate discomfort before and after urination. The antioxidants in celery can break down toxins, preventing inflammation from worsening. It not only aids in producing urine but can also prevent bacterial infections.
Foods to Avoid
While consuming beneficial foods for bladder health is essential, avoiding foods that can cause adverse effects is equally crucial. Coffee and alcohol should be avoided as they act as diuretics and bladder stimulants, and the same goes for carbonated beverages. Particularly, carbonated drinks containing sugar can irritate the bladder and cause overactive bladder. Hot and spicy foods should also be avoided as they can aggravate bladder symptoms by irritating the bladder lining.
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