April 2, 2008
Nutritional Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections
The frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is much higher for people with high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can interfere with your immune system, and lead to increased bacteria in the body. Controlling your blood sugar, therefore, is an essential aspect of treating and preventing UTIs.
Saturated fat and alcohol are known for suppressing the immune system, so limiting your alcohol intake, along with foods that contain saturated fat can help to prevent recurring UTIs.
Women with UTIs are encouraged to drink lots of fluids (but not coffe or alcohol) and empty their bladders frequently to help flush out infectious bacteria. To decrease bacteria growth, you should increase the acidity of your urine by eating more vegetables.
Potatoes, avacado, spinach, broccoli, mustard greens, onion, green beans, yams, and zucchini are all recommended for helping to control blood sugar, and for good overall health. Grapes can be put in this category also.
Cranberry has been well known for over two decades to help prevent UTIs. Studies show that cranberries in liquid or supplement form are equally effective. Cranberry juice prevents E coli from attaching itself to the urethral wall and bladder. E coli is the known as the most common bacteria for causing UTIs.
After an infection has occured, however, cranberry juice is no longer effective, because the bacteria is already attached. The majority of doctors don't recommend cranberry juice for acute attacks, only for prevention. To be an effective preventative measure, cranberry juice should be taken daily.
Anecdotal reports have also shown blueberries to be effective for decreasing the frequency of UTIs. There has been no scientific research to back this up, though.
Both blueberries and cranberries contain chemicals known as tannins, which are known to inhibit the growth of bacteria, and to prevent it from attaching to the urethral and vaginal lining.
Vitamin A and Vitamin C have also been touted for treating and preventing UTIs, although there has been no concrete evidence to show this. Certain proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin and bromelain (found in pineapples) have been found to complement antibiotics (by acting synergistically with them) to provide a rapid cure for UTIs.
These products, however, are destroyed by high stomach acidity, preventing them from being absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. There are coated versions of these enzymes available, that have to be used with antibiotics or other UTI treatments.
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