Urine infection diet

what can i eat for urine infection
(25 Jan 2008)

The urinary tract consists of all the organs that are responsible for urine production, transfer, and discharge. The process begins with the kidneys, which filter your blood and produce urine to get rid of waste products, including ammonia. Next, the ureters carry the urine to the bladder, which it is stored until discharge (urination) via a narrow hollow tube called the urethra.

Urinary tract infections can occur at one or more of these organs. You may already have noticed symptoms such as a burning sensation while urinating (in some cases accompanied by pain), some fever and unexplained weakness, frequent urge to urinate, and urine that is cloudy or even reddish. This last symptom is referred to as hematuria, and is caused by the presence of blood in the urine. If you notice signs of hematuria, it is advisable to get tested by a doctor, since any infection that affects the kidneys can lead to serious complications.

Your doctor could conduct several tests before confirming a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection. This will include a urinalysis and urine culture to determine the type of bacteria causing the infections. Based on these results, you will be prescribed appropriate antibiotics. If the infection does not threaten the kidneys, you may even be asked not to take any medication; simple infections resolve on their own in a matter of days. However, if the kidney is infected, you may need hospitalization.

When it comes to a diet, cranberry juice has long had a positive reputation in cases of urinary tract infection. In fact, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NCCAM) is currently funding studies on the effects of cranberry. Some research appears to show that cranberry products are effective in preventing urinary tract infections due to components that may prevent bacteria from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract. However, the potential of cranberry in treating infections is still under study. It is advised to drink at least two glasses of cranberry juice every day to take advantage of its preventive properties. Drinking plenty of water also helps patients since it dilutes the urine and may flush out harmful bacteria. Until your infection is cured, avoid alcohol, caffeine, and citrus juices since they can irritate the urinary tract. Consume natural yogurt and fermented milk; studies have shown that the lactobacilli in these foods can protect against bacterial infections. If you are suffering from pain or discomfort, try a hot compress over the lower abdomen for relief.

answered by G M on 6 Apr 2010, 6:56:26

Under normal circumstances, the urine passed out of the body will contain waste products like salt and fluids, but is germ free and does not contain viruses and bacteria. However, sometimes an infecting agent will cling onto the opening of the urethra, which is the tube that the waste products flow through and originates in the urinary bladder. The bacteria will then begin to reproduce, causing an infection in the urinary tract. Hence the medical term – Urinary Tract Infection or UTI. Symptoms that show up when you have urinary tract infection are: a higher frequency of urination, the urine may start to look a bit milky, you might experience pain in the bladder, an uneasy pressure toward the top of the pubic bone and only a small amount of urine can be passed at a time. If the kidneys are infected as well, you may also start to experience a fever as well as a pain in the back or side of the ribs. Diet does not have much effect on your urinary tract or on the infection, so you can pretty much eat whatever you want, as long as you drink plenty of water. This increases the frequency of urination, and thus helps to flush out the bacteria causing the infection.

If this is not enough to clear up the infection within two or three days, you should probably visit a doctor promptly. Urinary tract infections can lead to an infection of other organs involved in the urinary process like the kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra as the infection can travel up the urinary tract and into these organs.

Most UTI’s are caused by a bacterial virus known as E.coli. This is a type of bacteria that normally exists around the colon. Other known microorganisms that can cause this infection are chlamydia and mycoplasma, which are known to infect both men and women. These 2 microorganisms can cause the infection to be spread through sexual interaction as well and will cause both partners to look for treatment options. It is therefore advisable to abstain from sexual intercourse till your infection has cleared up.

Some home remedies that you could also use are:

Cranberry juice is found t be very helpful in fighting UTI’s as it stops bacteria from clinging on to the urinary bladder.

Mix the same quantities of sandalwood oil, juniper oil, tea tree oil, frankincence oil and bermagot oil together. For at least 3 days, rub this lotion onto the region of the bladder.

answered by G M on 8 Dec 2009, 4:50:38

Dietary Treatment form Urinary Infection

Plenty of fluids in your diet is a must during a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Apart from just water, you should also make room for around 6 - 9 glasses of any caffeine - or alcohol-free beverages. Fluids free the bladder of unwanted germs and rinse out the bacteria from your urinary tract.

The sign to know that you are drinking enough water to flush out toxins out of your systems, is to check that the color of your urine is almost colorless. Amber or yellow or even straw colored urine is a sure sign that your body is demanding more water than you are consuming.

Taking in four ounces of cranberry juice two or three times a day during the course of the infection causes the urine to acidify, which is necessary for the kidneys to purge out the bacteria. But make sure that the cranberry juice you have is undiluted and free of sugar. Ban sugar and spicy foods from your diet during a UTI. Foods including coffee, tea, and chocolate should be kept away. Even more harmful are artificial sweeteners that are just as bad as natural sugar. Avoid these till the time your infection clears up.

answered by C B on 1 Feb 2008, 4:35:24

Urine infection diet

what can i eat for urine infection (25 Jan 2008)

what can i eat for urine infection
(25 Jan 2008)