Women’s Health Kuel Thought Leader: Lisa King
As you enter midlife and menopause does it seem that Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are becoming more frequent?
Midlife Women Are More Prone To UTIs:
If the answer is “Yes”, this is not your imagination. Half of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. Midlife women are more prone to UTIs due to hormonal changes. The decrease in estrogen during menopause can cause dryer vaginal tissue. The dryer tissue creates an environment where good bacteria cannot thrive and the bacteria that cause UTIs can become more prevalent. Many midlife women will experience recurrent UTIs. Recurrent UTIs are typically defined as three or more UTIs in twelve months or two or more occurrences in a six-month period.
A Urinary Tract Infection can cause increased burning and frequent urination and leave your bladder feeling very irritated. Certain foods are bladder irritants and can further irritate an already irritated bladder.
To Help UTIs Avoid These 5 Foods:
The following foods are the TOP OFFENDERS that can increase bladder irritation and/or increase symptoms of overactive bladder. Consider avoiding these foods for increased bladder comfort if you are experiencing a UTI or may have just experienced a UTI.
Coffee and Caffeinated Drinks
Alcohol
Spicy Foods such as salsa or spicy peppers
Acidic foods such as tomatoes, tomato sauce, citrus and citrus juices, tropical fruits such as pineapple
Sugary Foods and Drinks and Artificial Sweeteners are often reported by many women to increase symptoms of overactive bladder and also cause bladder irritation
Cranberry juice is often recommended to treat UTIs but can cause bladder pain in some women when the bladder is experiencing tenderness. Be sure to check in with your body to see if any of these foods are increasing bladder symptoms when experiencing a UTI.
A Potential Hack:
Calcium Glycerophosphate can be purchased over the counter and reduces acidity in foods up to 90%. It is very effective when eating or drinking the acidic foods listed above.
D- Mannose is a natural sugar that is not absorbed by the body. When ingested, the bacteria that cause UTIs will adhere to the D-Mannose and then will be urinated out as opposed to sticking to the bladder wall. D-Mannose will not cause an increase in blood sugar as it is not absorbed by the body. It is very soothing to the bladder and is a great alternative to cranberry juice.
4 Foods That Help When Experiencing A UTI?
Drinking water and staying hydrated will help to flush out bacteria. Hydration will cause less concentrated urine which is less irritating to the bladder wall as well.
Blueberries are high in Vitamin C and also naturally contain D-Mannose. They are bladder friendly too.
Foods that are high in fiber like oats, beans, fruits and vegetables will keep the GI tract moving and prevent constipation that can increase bladder urgency feelings.
Probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt or sauerkraut can help improve immunity by promoting good gut health.
Urinary Tract Infections can be very painful and at times difficult to treat. Avoiding foods that increase bladder irritation can be a helpful part of a treatment plan. Please be sure to consult with a physician if you are experiencing bladder issues.
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