Ranging from an persistent need to urinate to a painful burning feeling when you do, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can make both everyday activities and sleep difficult. Although treatments such as antibiotics are commonly required, what you eat can influence how swiftly and pleasantly you heal.
Some foods and beverages may aggravate the bladder and urinary tract, intensifying your discomfort or hindering the recuperation. Understanding which items to steer clear of and which alternatives to opt for can aid in promoting your body’s restoration and decreasing the likelihood of subsequent episodes.
Below are the leading food items to steer clear of when dealing with a UTI along with useful suggestions to aid your quicker recovery.
1. Avoid caffeinated beverages
If you rely on coffee to kickstart your morning, you may consider avoiding it when coping with a UTI. Drinks such as coffee, black tea, green tea, and energy beverages can aggravate the bladder lining, heightening inflammation and exacerbating the frequent urge to urinate.
Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more often. While that might sound helpful for flushing out bacteria, it can actually worsen dehydration and cause more discomfort during urination.
As an alternative, consider drinking non-caffeinated herbal teas such as chamomile or peppermint. These options are calming and keep you hydrated without causing irritation to your bladder.
2. Reduce your alcohol intake
Another substance that can exacerbate UTI symptoms is alcohol, as it heightens irritation in the bladder. This happens because alcohol boosts the acid levels in your urine, leading to painful urination. Moreover, alcohol has a diuretic effect, causing dehydration which decreases the fluids needed to cleanse bacteria from your urinary system.
Alcohol likewise hampers immune system performance, potentially reducing your body’s capacity to combat the infection.
Tip:
If you have a UTI, avoid drinking alcohol over the weekend and focus only on staying hydrated with plenty of water or electrolyte beverages until you’ve completely recuperated.
YOU MIGHT LIKE:
10 nations globally where drinking alcohol is banned
3. Avoid foods with spice.
That serving of pepper soup or extra-spicy suya may look appealing, but such hot dishes could agitate your bladder.
If your urinary tract is already irritated, introducing spicy foods can intensify the discomfort and exacerbate the burning sensation during urination.
Improved options: Lightly flavored dishes incorporating herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil, providing taste without spice.
READ THIS:
What occurs within your body after consuming spicy foods?
4. Reduce consumption of acidic fruits and their juices
Fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, including their juices, contain significant amounts of ascorbic and citric acids. These components may cause irritation to the bladder lining and exacerbate related discomforts. Even though vitamin C plays an important role in supporting your immune system, these same acids have the potential to induce additional burning sensations.
Consider opting for bananas, melons, pears, and blueberries instead of citrus fruits. These alternatives are gentler on the bladder yet offer vital nutrients.
5. Decrease intake of processed and sweetened foods
Sugar not only impacts your figure but also nourishes the bacteria causing urinary tract infections (UTIs). E. coli, the primary offender behind these infections, thrives on sugars found abundantly in processed foods, pastries, sweets, and soft drinks. This can extend the duration of your infection and intensify its symptoms.
By indulging in sweet treats, you’re effectively fostering an ideal habitat for bacteria to flourish within your urinary system.
Alternatively, opt for whole fruits, unsweetened yogurt containing probiotics, or lightly salted nuts. You might also consider using natural sweeteners sparingly, such as honey or modest quantities of pure maple syrup instead.
READ MORE:
Why you should avoid consuming sweet treats right before bedtime
Other dishes to tread carefully with
Bladders can vary widely in their reactions, making it crucial to pay attention to what your body tells you. Nonetheless, certain foods often provoke irritation in bladders of susceptible people, particularly when dealing with a UTI.
Examples include:
If you find that your symptoms worsen after consuming these items, it’s advisable to steer clear of them until the infection has cleared up.
What to consume alternatively: Foods beneficial for UTIs
Therefore, when dealing with a UTI, which foods should you opt for? Choosing a diet that is gentle, reduces inflammation, and keeps you hydrated can aid in your recovery.
UTI-friendly choices include
And maintaining hydration assists your body in flushing out bacteria naturally and reduces the length of time you experience symptoms.
Certainly, diet should not replace professional medical attention. Should you encounter ongoing or intense symptoms, it is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare provider. By supporting your regimen with appropriate therapy, along with a balanced diet, you can quickly return to optimal health.
RELATED:
Ways to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
