Diet gun

Urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary tract, most often occurring in the lower urinary tract, i.e. the bladder and urethra.

The bacterium E. coli is the main cause of urinary tract infections, as it is found in 80% of cases. Especially in women, cystitis (which usually comes from E. coli) is the most common urinary tract infection because the length of the female urethra is shorter than that of the male, which makes it easier for germs to ascend from the urethra to the bladder.

Factors that increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection are usually the following: gender (women are more vulnerable), intense sexual activity, anal sex, poor hygiene and cleanliness of the genital area, urinary tract obstruction, diabetes mellitus, anatomical abnormalities, consumption of incompletely cooked animal foods.

Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics.

The following foods may help along with antibiotics for faster healing.

1. Water

Drinking plenty of water and increasing urine production will help flush bacteria out of your body.

2. Baking soda

Because baking soda is alkaline, it neutralizes the acidity of your urine and helps you recover faster. A teaspoonful in a glass of water once a day is enough.

3. Cranberries and blueberries

Cranberries contain the compound d-mannose, which prevents bacteria and germs from attaching to the walls of your bladder, thus reducing the chance of a urinary tract infection spreading.

Blueberries help prevent urinary tract infections because they have antimicrobial properties.

4. Pineapple

Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which helps in the action of antibiotics in case of urinary tract infection.

5. Garlic

Garlic is rich in sulfur which helps in strengthening the immune system and the number of white blood cells, it is an alkaline food (neutralizes acidity), and it also has antimicrobial action helping in the elimination of bacteria, germs and other microorganisms.

6. Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help the body respond positively to infections.

[Yogurt desserts should NOT be consumed because they contain sugar and do not have the benefits of genuine yogurt]

7. Vitamin C

Vitamin C, because it has a strong antioxidant action, helps in keeping the lower urinary tract healthy. Foods that contain vitamin C include yellow red and green sweet peppers, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli & cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, fronds (carrot greens), tomatoes, guava, kiwi, strawberries, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, papaya, mango, pineapple.

8. Zinc

Zinc helps the body produce more white blood cells (an important part of the immune system and helps the body fight infections) and makes existing white blood cells more active and aggressive. It also acts as an antioxidant.

Foods rich in zinc include turkey, beef, sardines, salmon, oysters, pumpkin seeds, and cashews.

Foods to avoid if you have a urinary tract infection are:

1. Sugar

Processed sugar is food for pathogenic microorganisms and its intake can block the strength of the immune system.

2. Acidic fruits

Oranges, lemons, grapefruit contain vitamin C, as mentioned above, but it is better to avoid them if you have a urinary tract infection because they can irritate the bladder and increase the intensity of the symptoms of the urinary tract infection.

3. Spicy foods

Spicy and hot foods that contain pepper, hot peppers can also, like acidic fruits, irritate the bladder and increase the intensity of the symptoms of the urinary tract infection.

4. Alcohol

Consuming alcohol can cause dehydration and bacterial overgrowth, as reduced urine production can cause bacteria to remain in the urinary tract for longer, allowing them to multiply.