Foods You Shouldn’t Eat if You Are Treating a UTI

Introduction to UTI:

It is very essential to know what the exact disease which you are facing is. So, before beginning the diet plan for a UTI, you must know what a UTI is!

UTI is the short form for Urinary Tract Infection. It is an infection which can occur in any part of the urinary system, like bladder, ureters, kidneys, and urethra. And, the chances of getting a UTI infection in the lower urinary tract i.e. urethra and bladder are most likely to attack women.

If the infection is just limited to the bladder then it can be painful and irritating, but if it spreads to the kidney then it can lead to cause serious problem. It is typically treated with antibiotics, but there are several other home remedies which can be practiced to treat UTIs.

Signs and Symptoms:

The most significant signs and symptoms of UTI, which are necessary to notice on time to control this infection from spreading further in the urinary tract are:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-color which is a sign of blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine

It is quite dangerous if the infection is not noticed before and spreads in the upper urinary tract or kidney. The symptoms that are quite evident at the stage of acute pyelonephritis are:

• Upper back and side pain
• High fever
• Shaking and chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting

These symptoms can be mistaken for any other infection or disease, so you must get it checked to prevent the infection to spread any further.

Causes:

UTI is a typical infection, which can be caught if a bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra by any means of communication; it begins to multiply itself in the bladder that can eventually move up to the entire urinary tract. Although, the mechanism of the urinary tract is designed in a way that makes sure to keep these microscopic infectors away from the track, sometimes, due to lack of good immune system the defense mechanism of the tract fails to do it, which eventually grows an infection in the urinary system. This infection is most likely be caught in the system of women and ends up affecting their bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis).

So, girls, protect yourself from catching this infection by following certain significant steps like:

• Don’t use public washrooms
• Protected sexual intercourse
• Certain types of birth control methods

Food to Avoid in UTI:

• Alcohol

It can irritate your bladder and cause a bladder infection.

Artificial Sweeteners

If you are suffering from chronic interstitial cystitis, these will worsen your situation.

• Spicy Food

It might also irritate your bladder so you have to ditch extra hot and spicy foods.

• Citrus Fruits like lemon and other acidic foods

They contain a lot of acids which can worsen your symptoms.

• Caffeine

It decreases the blood flow to the bladder, making it more difficult for your immune system to shut down infections.

• Potatoes, rice, and wheat

It breaks down to sugar in your body.

Most Important Things Which Can’t Be Avoided:

UTI is a disease which, if left untreated, can be painful and may spread if not treated promptly. There are several important things which can be kept in mind to prevent worsening the situation of the infection.

Never delay in going to the doctor if you have any symptoms of UTI.

• Never quit your medicines in the middle of the cycle.
• Avoid insufficient intake of water.
• Never control the urination process.

How Much Does Diet Affect The Chances of Catching UTI?

A good diet forms the basis of a healthy life, so having a bad diet is a natural way to invite infection in our body. It naturally influences the ability to deal with the infection.

Your diet has a major affect on the pH of the urine; a bladder with high pH is more likely to get infected from the naturally thriving bacteria. The food you eat directly reflects on the pH level of your urine.

Your overall well-being is most likely to be influenced by the food you eat. Eat healthily and in correct proportions to improve your immune system ad build a healthy foundation, so that your body doesn’t catch any infection.

What Are The Major Risk Factors for Women Due To UTI?

UTIs are most likely to attack the health of women. The risk factors which women face during their lifetime due to UTIs are:

Improper sexual activities:

Women who are sexually active tend to have more chances to catch a UTI. Also, having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of catching the infection.

Menopause:

After menopause, the urinary tract is more vulnerable to infection.

Female Composition:

Women have a shorter urethra, hence the bacteria is most likely to travel to the bladder easily.

Remedies:

• Drink Plenty of Fluids
• Increase Vitamin C Intake
• Take a Probiotics
• Intake of yogurt and other fermented foods are a great source of probiotics
• Intake of green leafy vegetables
• Practice Healthy Habits
• Follow hygienic sexual activities
• Wipe your pubic area both in front and back
• Try Natural Supplements
• Empty your bladder soon after intercourse
• Avoid feminine products in the genital area
• Change of birth control methods

Having a perfect diet is not sufficient alone, so intaking of the best probiotics and healthy precautions will help you to cure a UTI without antibiotics and it also helps to improve the health of your urinary tract!