5 foods you must include in your diet to prevent, treat urine infections

Health

Anushree Gupta

Updated Jun 24, 2020 | 13:53 IST

While there are no home remedies or foods that can treat UTI, there are some foods that can help you prevent the infection, and may also improve results of the medicine, providing more relief, and faster.

5 foods you must include in your diet to prevent, treat urine infections | Photo Credit: iStock Images

Key Highlights

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common conditions around the world

They are mostly caused by bacteria, but in rare cases can also be caused by viruses and fungi

While treating UTI with antibiotics is extremely important, it is also important to follow a healthy, balanced diet to prevent infection and accelerate treatment

New Delhi: A urinary tract infection, also known as UTI, is a common infection caused by microbes. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, while some may also be caused by fungi, and viruses, in rare cases. A UTI can affect any part of your urinary tract – from your kidneys, uterus, bladder, to your urethra. While lower tract UTIs are more common, upper tract UTIs are more serious.

UTIs can be caused if you come in contact with the pathogens. This can happen anywhere if proper hygiene is not followed. However, it is more common to contract a UTI from a public toilet or urinal. UTIs need to be treated with an antibiotic, and untreated UTI can grow further, and cause various complications in the urinary system. While there are no home remedies or foods that can treat UTI, there are some foods that can help you prevent the infection, and may also improve results of the medicine, providing more relief, and faster.

Water – Drinking water is extremely important to keep your urinary system healthy. It helps to flush out toxins and pathogens and can help prevent as well as treat a UTI. Make sure you drink at least 2 to 3 litres water in a day to prevent and treat a UTI.
Cranberry juice – While research suggests that cranberry juice cannot treat a UTI, it may help in the prevention of a UTI. Cranberries contain certain compounds that help in preventing the disease-causing bacteria from attaching to the cells of the host, preventing the infection.
Dark chocolate – Dark chocolate is known for its benefits when it comes to weight loss, menstrual pain, and improving reproductive health. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants which help to reduce the risk of infection.
Probiotic yoghurt – Yoghurt or curd is rich in good bacteria, which help to fight the bad bacteria in the gut and the body. Consuming probiotic bacteria can help in effective prevention and treatment of a UTI.
Fruits and vegetables – A balanced diet that includes loads of fruits and vegetables is sure to keep you healthy, and prevent conditions like a UTI. Include green vegetables like spinach, bottle gourd, etc, and fruits like oranges, kiwi, mangoes, banana, etc in your diet. These foods provide your body with the nutrition it requires and can help you stay healthy, prevent such conditions.