Have These 5 Foods to Avoid Bladder Infection

Bladder infection happens when bacteria enter the bladder through the urinary tract. Hence the term "Urinary Tract Infections" (UTIs). These infections are not life-threatening, but they can disrupt your daily life and cause some serious damage.

Medications are available to cure these infections within a matter of a few days. But you can implement dietary changes to avoid them. In this article, we will talk about foods to avoid bladder infections so that you can make healthy lifestyle changes.

What Causes Bladder Infections?

A bladder is an organ that holds urine in your body. Bladder infection is caused when bacteria enter the bladder and start growing there. These bacteria could be from the digestive tract that came in the bladder along with the urine. Or it could be from the urinary tract - they entered your body through the urethra (A tube that carries urine out of the body.). Various bacteria can cause these infections, but Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common culprit. 

Certain factors increase the risk of bladder infection. They are as follows:

• Female Anatomy: 

Women are more likely to get bladder infections because they have a shorter urethra (a tube that carries urine out of the body.) than men. This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

• Sexual Activity:

Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria inside the urethra, especially if you are not using proper protection, like male or female condoms. Thus, it is suggested to pass the urine after intercourse, especially for females, to avoid infections.

• Certain Birth Control Methods:

Birth control methods, which include insertion in the vagina, like diaphragms and spermicide, may increase the risk of bladder infection.

• Urinary Retention:

Holding urine for extended periods or not fully emptying the bladder allows bacteria to multiply in the bladder.

• Catheter Use:

Catheters provide bacteria with a direct pathway to the bladder. A permanent or long-term catheter can increase the risk of infection.

Recognising and Reacting to Bladder Infections

It is easy to recognise a bladder infection. It has telltale symptoms like:

• Frequent urination (Bladder infection is different from Urinary Incontinence.)
• Pain or burning sensation while peeing
• Urgent need to urinate
• Blood in the urine
• Pelvic pain
• Lower abdominal pain

If you notice any or all of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. They will run urine tests to determine if you have an infection. Based on that, they will determine a course of treatment with antibiotics. It is important to diagnose and treat such infections in the early stages. If the bacteria is allowed to grow freely, it can cause other issues like kidney infection. So, timely treatment is of utmost importance.

Foods to avoid Bladder Infections

There's no single superfood to avoid bladder infection. However, a few food items can help maintain bladder health. It is important to note that diet alone cannot avoid bladder infection. However, you can include these foods in your diet in urine infection:

• Cranberries

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, which are compounds that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. Unsweetened cranberry juice or cranberry capsules can potentially reduce the risk of infection.

• Water

Water is important to stay hydrated and also flush out bacteria and toxins from the bladder. This will reduce the risk of infection. You must drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily for effective urinary function.

• Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that promote gut health and thus don't leave room for the growth of bad bacteria. Foods rich in probiotics, such as yoghurt kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut (sour cabbage), contain these bacteria that support a healthy balance of gut flora. This will indirectly prevent bacteria from growing in the bladder.

• Fibre-rich Foods

High-fibre foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promote regular bowel movements. This prevents constipation. Constipation can contribute to bladder infections by putting pressure on the bladder and preventing it from emptying fully. So, including these foods in your diet will indirectly help avoid urine infections.

• Vitamin C-rich Foods

Vitamin C acidifies urine and makes it less hospitable to bacteria. Citrus-containing fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, bell peppers, and broccoli are excellent sources of vitamin C. However, if you already have a bladder infection, it is better to avoid these foods. They will only irritate your bladder due to the acidic nature of the urine generated.

Diet in Urine Infection

The following is a sample diet chart to follow when you have a urine infection.

Meal	Food Options
Breakfast	Milk, Moong dal cheela with stuffed paneer
Mid-Morning Snack	Coconut water
Lunch	Chana dal, Bhindi, Chapatti, Curd, Salad
Afternoon Snack	Pomegranate juice
Dinner	Potato vegetable, Chapatti, Curd

 

Bladder Infection Treatment

Your doctor might recommend the following for bladder infection treatment:

• Drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated and flush out bacteria.
• Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen for pain relief.
• Use Friends Premium Adult Dry Pants for up to 10 hours of protection against leakage and moisture if you have urine leakage as a symptom.

Conclusion

Bladder infection is an easily treatable condition with proper diagnosis and treatment. But there are foods to avoid bladder infection, which will prevent them as much as possible. Incorporate these foods into your regular diet to see the changes. Don't hesitate to seek medical help if you see symptoms and get bladder infection treatment immediately.

FAQs

1. How does cranberry juice prevent bladder infections?

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins compounds. They prevent bacteria from adhering to the wall of the bladder. That's why cranberry juice can prevent bladder infections.

2. Can dietary changes alone prevent bladder infections?

Dietary changes alone cannot prevent bladder infections. Although it is a great way to aid in the prevention of infection, it must be accompanied by good hygiene practices and medications.

3. How does vitamin C intake affect bladder health?

Vitamin C decreases the pH of your urine. That means the urine is acidified. This environment is not suitable for bacteria growth. So, consuming vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and lemons can prevent bladder infection to some extent.

4. What is the role of probiotics in bladder health?

Probiotics don't play an active role in bladder health. They maintain good bacteria in the guts. That might reduce the chance of harmful bacteria from growing.

5. Is it beneficial to modify your diet if you frequently experience bladder infections?

Yes, it is beneficial to modify your diet if you frequently experience bladder infections. Include bladder-friendly foods and stay hydrated to help reduce the frequency of these infections.