A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a typical bacterial illness that is notoriously uncomfortable and frequently causes symptoms to last for several days. If you have a UTI, you might be curious about which foods or drinks would make you feel better or your infection worse.
Contrary to what many people think, no cranberry juice, nutritious food, or special tonic can treat a UTI. The urinary system must be fully free of bacteria before symptoms can be completely relieved with antibiotic therapy. If not properly and promptly treated by a medical practitioner, a UTI can spread to the kidneys and result in potentially catastrophic complications—as well as further pain.
However, it is accurate to say that while some foods and drinks might irritate the bladder and worsen UTI symptoms, others can encourage a robust immune response and improve urinary health. In light of this, Specialty Care Clinics has created a useful guide on what to eat and drink (and what to avoid) when suffering from a UTI.
SYMPTOMS OF UTI
Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more frequently experienced by women, they can affect everyone. Keep an eye out for these signs if you think you have a UTI :
- Strong, constant urge to urinate
- Urinating with a burning sensation
- Urinating frequently and in small amounts
- Nausea
- Murky urine
- Urine that is cola, red, or pink in hue (signs of blood in the urine)
- Stench-filled urine
- Abdominal pressure and discomfort
- Pain during sexual activity
- Chills and a fever
- Female pelvic pain (around the center of the pelvis and around the pubic bone)
WHAT CAN YOU HAVE IN FOOD AND DRINK?
In the first place, if you’re experiencing UTI symptoms, it’s crucial to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. The recuperation process can be sped up by consuming six to eight glasses (or 48 to 64 ounces) of water daily to help flush some bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Probiotic-rich foods, such as sauerkraut, pickles, kefir, and probiotic yogurt, are also a good idea to eat. Good bacteria included in probiotics improve digestive health, boost the immune system, and can help the body fend off infections like UTIs. Eating non-acidic foods rich in immune-strengthening vitamin C, such as bell peppers and broccoli, can be beneficial while treating a UTI.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO AVOID?
The list of foods and drinks to avoid if you have a UTI is unfortunately quite lengthy. As you recover from your infection and begin to feel better, try to avoid the following things that can irritate your bladder :
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Caffeinated or sweetened drinks
- High-sugar fruit juices, including the majority of cranberry juices!
- Citrus-based drinks, like lemonade
- Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and tomatoes are among the acidic fruits.
- Sweets and candies
- Breakfast cereals high in sugar and artificial sweeteners
- Hot peppers and chilies are examples of spicy cuisine.
TREATMENT FOR UTI
Everyone hates getting UTIs, and if they go untreated, the symptoms may get worse over time. Don’t suffer in silence if you believe you have a UTI and are displaying any of the symptoms listed above. To prevent any exacerbations, get in touch with a reputable healthcare organization like Specialty Care Clinics as soon as you can.
Antibiotics are frequently prescribed by doctors to treat UTIs. Along with adhering to your doctor’s treatment plan, managing your uncomfortable UTI symptoms and hastening the healing process at home can be done by following a particular diet.
Urinary tract infections are extremely prevalent. Understanding what to eat and drink can help you greatly in avoiding these annoying infections from ruining your life. Call Specialty Care Clinics to book an appointment at (469) 545-9983.