Urinary tract infections or UTI are primarily caused by bacteria. Also, when you eat certain foods, your condition can actually worsen.
Would you like to know foods you should never consume if you have UTI? Here are the foods you should avoid for UTI.
Foods to Avoid If You Have UTI:
1. Acidic Fruits
Acidic fruits such as lemons, tomatoes, pineapple, oranges, limes, oranges and grapefruits are considered acidic foods and can irritate your bladder. These foods can cause inflammation to the bladder and make symptoms of a UTI worse, according to urologist Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, author of “A Seat on the Aisle, Please.” Therefore, it is best to refrain consuming bladder irritants until the UTI is gone.
2. Alcohol
Beer, liquor and wine can irritate your stomach if you have an ulcer or reflux, and alcohol can irritate the bladder, too, most especially if you have a bladder infection.
It is recommended to get plenty of fluids when you are suffering from UTI, therefore, it isessential to avoid alcohol.
So, take a break from cocktails, at least while you are trying to remove the bacteria, and recover from UTI or urinary tract infection.
3. Caffeine
Is a stimulant which increases the speed of blood flow to the affected area. Aside from refraining from drinking coffee, it is also recommended that you don’t consume soda, tea, or commercial juices because these drinks contain substances that have the same effect.
Choose water or natural fruit juices, which help eliminate the infection and are diuretic.
4. Red Meat
Hamburgers, steaks, and grilled meats are included on the list of foods to avoid when you are suffering from a urinary tract infection. This is because they introduce lots of acid to the body, and the bacteria, instead of dying, are reproduced.
Instead of red meats, substitute white meat such as chicken or fish.
5. Refined Flour
PIzza, pasta, breads, and every food that is made with white flour is bad for your health. Not just when you are sufering from a urinary tract infection, but all the time because your body converts them into sugars.
Avoid these foods when you are suffering from the symptoms of a UTI, and also cut back on these foods to avoid having another episode shortly after.
6. Sausages and Spicy Foods
When you are suffering from a urinary tract infection, avoid processed meats, sausages, and all foods that are spicy, including cumin, curry, or chili seasoning.
These spices and foods irritate the bladder, and increase the acid levels in your body, therefore creating an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria.
7. Sugar
According to Dr. Wendy Hodsdon, a well-known naturopath and a licensed primary care physician, whose studies have been pubslihed in many different scientific journals, people should avoid sugar when in the midst of a UTI. This is because bacteria feeds on sugar. Certain bacteria use sugar as food.
This includes avoiding refined sugars in foods including cookies, cakes, chips, soda, crackers and starchy foods.
Sources:
Step to Health
Everyday Health
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