Diet & Urinary Tract Infection

Dietary habits and lifestyle choices play a vital role in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infection and several other inflammatory conditions that may interfere with normal day to day operations. Dietary factors can significantly influence the pH and biochemical environment of the urinary and genital tract. For example, high intake of dietary sugars can increase the growth and multiplication potential of pathogenic bacteria within the urinary tract and intestine leading to recurrent episodes of UTI (UTI Antibiotics | Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections). Same is true for excessive intake of fruity drinks that are high in fructose content. After oral ingestion, dietary fructose is readily metabolized in the blood that directly increases the serum sugar levels (causing the same vicious cycle of high blood sugar and colonization of pathogenic bacteria).Besides diet, other important risk factors that may lead to urinary tract infection are:

• Choice of hormonal contraception methods (Hormonal Imbalances In Men)

• Poor physical and genital hygiene (Genital Hygiene | Maintenance)

• Use of poor sanitation techniques

• Genetics (UTI is more common in individuals with blood groups B and AB).

• Women in the age range of 25 to 29 or above 55 years of age are more prone to develop recurrent UTI episodes.

Dietary Guidelines for the Management of Urinary Tract Infection

A lot of individuals consume cranberry juice for prevention and treatment of Urinary Tract Infections; however, since most synthetically available juice products are loaded with extra sugar, the positive effects of cranberry juice are usually missed.Diets that are high in a special carbohydrate (called mannose. D-mannose) is considered exceptionally helpful in the management of blood sugar levels (Healthy Snacks) and prevention of Urinary Tract Infections. The naturally occurring saccharides is found in berries, apple and peaches, and is also produced in our bodies. The safe and nontoxic D-mannose serve following functions in the body after ingestion.

• It helps in maintaining a healthy urinary tract (Gluten Sensitivity And Urinary Tract). Since it is a naturally occurring substance, there are no side effects or complications associated with its prolonged use.

• It has a neutral pH that makes it safe to consume for extended periods of time.

• Thankfully it doesn’t harm the gut friendly bacteria that maintain the normal flora.

• It is 10-50 time stronger as compared to the cranberry.

Mannose have a propensity to aim for the same receptors on the bladder (Bladder Health | Keep Your Bladder Healthy) wall that also offers attachment to pathogenic bacteria. As a result of this activity, bacteria is quickly flushed off from the body.Be sure to use a highly potent, high quality probiotics that helps in maintaining normal pH of the gut, genital and urinary tracts.

Foods That Help Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection

Cranberry Juice:

• Cranberry-lingonberry and cranberry juices are effectively used in Urinary Tract Infection prevention (Bladder Infection Causes | Catheter). Almost all the berries supply varying amounts of flavonols (Flavonols Wiki Page) like epicatechin. Flavonols are produced by the plants against microbial agents and hence these compounds exhibit anti-microbial activity. Epicatechin prevents the attachment of bacteria (for example E. coli) to bladder lining cells, causing the bacteria to exit out of the bladder. Plums, cherries and apple also contain Epicatechin but the berries contain higher flavonol content. A glass full of berry juice can minimize the risk of developing Urinary Tract Infections up to 34%.

• According to a latest study, participants were encouraged to drink 16 ounce cocktail of cranberry juice. Within 2 hours of ingestion, the urine samples of these participants showed remarkably reduced adhesive capacity. Data indicates that the efficacy and health benefits of cranberry juice may last up to 8 hours after initial ingestion.

• As suggested by the report compiled by Howell (2): “A 1994 clinical study at Harvard University found that drinking 300 mL of a commercially available cranberry beverage containing 27% cranberry juice on a daily basis reduced urinary tract bacteria in elderly women by nearly 50%”

Yogurt:

Consuming milk products that are fermented (and contain probiotics) helps a great deal in lowering the recurrence of a Urinary Tract Infection. Various research studies have proved that the cumulative risk of a Urinary Tract Infection is not associated with calcium supplements, herbal formulations, minerals, vitamins and fluid volume intake. Yet, intake of probiotics like yogurt can reduces the risk of Urinary Tract Infections up to 80%. Yogurt also prevents against bladder malignancy. According to latest research, intake of yogurt, sour cream and other fermented milk products reduces the risk of a Urinary Tract Infection significantly (yet cheese and milk produce no significant effect).

Garlic:

Garlic (Superfood Alternatives) is well-known for its anti-bacterial properties. Garlic extract has been proven to induce cancer cell death in malignant cells. Likewise, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it may also help in managing and preventing recurrent episodes of a Urinary Tract Infection.Research published in International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (1) concluded that garlic has anti-bacterial properties that helps in preventing and treating bacterial infections. In addition, garlic also offer synergistic functions when used in combination with potent antibiotics like ciprofloxacin.

Dietary Antioxidants-Rich Foods & Urinary Tract Infection

Proanthocyanidin, is the primary active ingredient present in cinnamon (Cinnamon | Super Food), peanuts, grapes, apples and cocoa (Libido Boosters – Food). Being a highly potent antioxidant (Pomegranate Health Benefits), it is believed to play a vital role in the maintenance of healthy urinary tract. According to a latest study, the extract of grape-seed (which is obtained via wine or grape juice or by consuming grapes along with the seeds) may assist in preventing renal and urinary tissues that are most frequently exposed to reactive oxygen species and free radicals.

References:

Sohn, D. W., Han, C. H., Jung, Y. S., Kim, S. I., Kim, S. W., & Cho, Y. H. (2009). Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of garlic and synergistic effect between garlic and ciprofloxacin in a chronic bacterial prostatitis rat model. International journal of antimicrobial agents, 34(3), 215-219.Howell, A. B. (2011). Health Benefits of Cranberries-It’s not just about UTIs anymore!. Prevention, 56.