Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria and are 10 times more common among women than men. More than 50% of women will have at least one UTI during their lifetime.
If you are susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs), you may want to tweak your diet…
Symptoms of UTIs:
- Pain or burning during urination
- The need to urinate more often
- A feeling of urgency during urination
- Blood or pus in the urine
- Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
- Chills or fever
- Strong smelling urine
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Nausea, vomiting, and malaise
Risk Factors:
- A new sex partner or multiple partners
- More frequent or intense intercourse
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Use of irritating skin products
- Use of contraceptives
- Heavy use of antibiotics
- A blockage in the urinary tract
- Incontinence
What should you eat?
Here are the top sources of food (and drink!) that may help prevent your next urinary tract infection:
- Unsweetened cranberry juice
- Blueberries or blueberry juice
- Coffee (decaf is fine)
- Black tea
- Dark chocolate
- Unsweetened yogurt
- Lots and lots of water
What not to eat?
Foods and beverages that lower your urinary pH are going to work against you. These include a diet high in animal protein, and phosphoric-acid containing beverages such as carbonated drinks.