Trying to eat anything that you crave for at all times can be satisfying. However, at some point, it can affect the overall health, especially if the food can trigger conditions. That’s mostly the case when people consume foods that cause urinary tract infection. While the main factor for developing UTI is bacterial infection, food can also contribute to the problem. Thus, making people more prone to an infection in their urinary tract.
If you think you might be at risk for developing UTI, then you might want to discover the top 5 foods that cause urinary tract infection. This blog aims to raise awareness about the common foods, and help patients to be more cautious to prevent infection. Let’s uncover the foods in question below!
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections
Before dwelling into the list of foods, you might be wondering how alarming it is to develop UTI. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. This condition can result in discomfort due the bacterial infection in those areas. The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection (cystitis), which occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up into the bladder.
Patients can experience various symptoms when they have UTI. Symptoms include a strong persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, cloudy urine, and lower abdominal pain. In some cases, blood may be present in the urine. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a UTI, as prompt treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
How Diet Influences Urinary Health
When it comes to maintaining urinary health, diet plays a huge role in it. That’s why when people become careless of what they eat and consume foods that cause urinary tract infection, chances are they can develop the condition.
It happens because what people eat contains nutrients that the body needs. If individuals consume excessive caffeine and sugary items, and don’t drink enough water, it can be bad for their health. That’s because water is essential to dilute urine. When the urine is too concentrated, bacterial build-up can happen. Thus, UTI can occur.
In short, it will help if people try to have a balanced diet, which consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. If you are wondering which kinds of vegetables and fruits to consume, it is best to seek a dietitian for a consultation. That way you can be infection free and maintain urinary health at the same time.
Role of Dietitian for Identifying What Food to Eat
While avoiding the foods that cause urinary tract infection is the easy way to go, it is still important to seek proper health assessment with a doctor. If the patient is exhibiting early symptoms, that means the risk factor such as eating the mentioned foods can worsen the problem.
In the case of older adults, suffering from UTI can be painful and uncomfortable. Fasting from the top 5 foods that cause urinary tract infection can be a bit difficult considering their age and weak immune system. That’s why they’ll be needing the nutrients from some of the mentioned foods to avoid.
Don’t worry as consulting a dietitian can be beneficial for individuals looking to identify which foods to eat to support urinary health and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. A dietitian can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on an individual’s specific needs and medical history.
5 Foods That Cause Urinary Tract Infection
As mentioned, food intake can also contribute to the development of UTI. Consuming such food not only harms the urinary system, but can also impact the overall health. That’s because when the urinary system is compromised, that means the kidneys can malfunction. When the kidneys malfunction, it cannot filter the blood, which can be harmful to the body.
That’s why if it is your goal to enjoy life better, practicing restraint when it comes to foods that cause urinary tract infection is a must. Here are top 5 food items that you might want to avoid or lessen the intake to prioritize urinary health. Let’s discuss them below!
Acidic Foods
First on the list is acidic foods, which includes citrus fruits, sour dishes, and even sour beverages. Some of the common fruits that may include citric acid are lemon, grapefruit, pineapples, etc. The acid can cause irritation and discomfort in the bladder, making it more susceptible to bacterial infections.
It is advisable to limit the consumption of such food items, especially if you have a history of urinary tract infections or are experiencing UTI symptoms. Opt for less acidic fruits like or snacks that are gentle on the urinary tract to support bladder health.
Caffeinated Beverages
Meanwhile, people can also harm their urinary system and develop UTI by drinking caffeinated beverages. It includes coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which means it can increase urine production and contribute to the flushing out of bacteria from the urinary tract. However, excessive consumption of caffeine can also irritate the bladder and worsen UTI symptoms. It is important to maintain a balance and moderate the intake of caffeinated beverages to support urinary health.
Opting for decaffeinated alternatives or herbal teas can be a healthier choice for individuals prone to UTIs or experiencing urinary discomfort.
Spicy Foods
On the other hand, one of the foods that cause urinary tract infection is spicy foods. The spices in these foods, such as jalapeños or red pepper flakes, can irritate the bladder and worsen UTI symptoms. Consuming spicy foods can lead to discomfort and increased urgency to urinate, making it more challenging for individuals with UTI.
It is advisable to avoid or limit the consumption of spicy foods if you are prone to UTIs or currently experiencing urinary discomfort. Opting for milder flavors and incorporating soothing ingredients into your meals can help support urinary health and reduce the risk of UTIs.
Foods High in Sugar
Another type of food that can aggravate the condition of a patient is sugary items or foods high in sugar. Avoiding eating such foods that cause urinary tract infection allows the patient to not accumulate infection. That’s because sugar provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of infection. Thus, eating this type of food can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the urinary tract, which then affects the kidneys as it worsens the symptoms.
In short, it’s best to avoid foods and beverages with artificial sweeteners like soda and juices.
Choosing low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives can help prevent UTI and support overall urinary health. Incorporating fresh fruits or natural sweeteners in moderation can satisfy cravings without compromising bladder health.
Alcoholic Beverages
Lastly, this beverage can also cause urinary tract infection. Alcohol can have an effect on the urinary system and contribute to urinary tract infections. Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the bladder and increase the risk of UTI.
When consumed, it acts as a diuretic, increasing urine production and potentially flushing out bacteria from the urinary tract. However, alcohol can also dehydrate the body, which can decrease urine flow and make it easier for bacteria to multiply in the bladder. It is important to consume alcohol in moderation and maintain proper hydration to support urinary health and ensure lower risk of UTI.
Conclusion
Certain triggers can lead to the development of urinary tract infection. Unfortunately, poor diet can result in that outcome. That’s why it is more ideal to have a healthy and balanced diet to ensure nutrition, and not develop conditions. Individuals can rely on the list provided above, which are the top 5 foods that cause urinary tract infection and see what to avoid for the meantime.
Remember prevention can make a huge impact in your health, especially when there’s a possibility of an infection. If you need proper guidance on what to eat and not to eat, don’t hesitate to consult a health expert.Book an online consultation with a dietitian today to know more about which food items you should not eat. At the same time, if you feel the need to address any symptom of UTI, it is better to seek immediate help from a urologist.
