Indian diet plan for Urinary tract Infection

There are  a few things that we do not open up about with every one . But secretly wish that we knew a solution to it . Urinary tract infection is one of such health issue . So here is a detailed Indian diet plan for urinary tract infection for both men and women.

Urinary tract includes your bladder, kidneys, ureters (tubes from kidneys to bladder), and urethra (opening for urination).Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections of any part in the urinary system. They’re very common but not serious, though there can be exceptions.Most infections involve the lower urinary tract.

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Urinary Tract Infection is classified as:

• Bladder infection – cystitis
• Urethra infection – urethritis
• Kidney infection – pyelonephritis

Urinary tract infections are more common in woman than man. Women experience more than one infection during their lifetimes. This is because:

• Female anatomy: A woman has a shorter urethra than a man. This shortens the distance that bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.
• Menopause:Post menopause there is a decline in circulating oestrogen. This causes changes in the urinary tract that makes you more vulnerable to infection.
• Sexual activity: Sexually active women tend to have more UTIs than do women who aren’t.
• Type of birth control: Women who use diaphragms and spermicidal for birth control are at higher risk.

Risk factors For UTI:

• Women are more prone to UTI than Men.
• Neglected personal hygiene
• Problems emptying the bladder completely
• Faecal incontinence
• Blocked flow of urine
• Kidney stones
• Pregnancy
• Circumcision in men
• Menopause
• Suppressed immune system
• Immobility for a long period
• Heavy use of antibiotics
• Frequent sexual intercourse
• Diabetes
• Some types of contraception
• Use of spermicides and tampons

Symptoms of urinary tract infection for both men and women:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Strong and frequent urge to urinate
• Cloudy, bloody or strong smelling urine
• Muscle aches and abdominal pains
• Nausea and vomiting

Additional symptoms of UTI for men:

• Fever with chills
• Fatigue
• Dribbling of urine
• Pain in pelvis

Symptoms of a UTI involving the kidneys include:

• Pain in your sides or back that doesn’t change when you change position
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

• Shorter urethra in females makes it easy for bacteria from stool to get into urethra, causing infection in urinary tract.
• Most UTIs are due to E. coli bacteria that are normally found in our gut. The bacteria enter into the urinary tract through the urethra.
• Chlamydia trachomatis and mycoplasmaare sexually transmitted bugs that cause UTI in both men and women.
• In men, a bladder infection is almost always a symptom of prostate condition. The prostate is around the neck of the bladder. Enlargement of the prostate gland chokes the bladder neck, making it harder for urine to flow freely. Or if a tumour or something else is blocking or interfering with the urinary tract.
• Chronic kidney infections in children happen because the bladder doesn’t empty completely.

Treatment for UTIs

• Antibiotic medications:

Antibiotics kill the bacteria causing the bladder infection. Depending on the type of antibiotic it is prescribed for once or twice a day for five to seven or more days. It is important to finish full antibiotic course even if you feel better in between.

• Pain relievers:

Severe infections with long time without urination cause pelvic region pain. Pain medications relieve abdominal cramps, back pain, or any other discomfort. According to intensity the doctor will prescribe the relevant pain killer.

• Fluids:

Urination flushes the bacteria from your system.

• Healthy eating habits:

It strengthens the immune system and fights the infection.

Indian diet plan for urinary tract infection

Here is a sample Indian diet plan for urinary tract infection. This plan is effective for both men and women.

Try this Indian diet plan for urinary tract infection for 1 week and see a good change in your health. Here are a few more home remedies that when tried along with Indian diet plan for urinary tract infection , will lead to faster  results.

Home remedies for Urinary tract Infection 

• Ample water:

Water removes the bacteria in your bladder and helps to get rid of the infection faster. It dilutes the urine and makes it less painful. Drink at least 2 – 3 litres of water per day even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Frequent Urination:

Frequent urination eliminates the infection by throwing bacteria out of the bladder. Holding urine leads to multiplication of bacteria in the bladder.

• Heating pads:

Applying heat pads across your abdomen or back soothes the mild pain. You can also soak a small towel in warm water and place it over your bladder or abdomen.

• Appropriate dress:

Tight jeans and clothes trap moisture in delicate areas. This moisture gives rise to bacteria in groin area. Loose cotton clothes allow your skin to breathe and help to keep the bacteria away from around your urinary tract tissues. Prefer cotton underwear, loose cotton pants or skirts to facilitate air circulation and reduce bacteria growth.

• Baking Soda:

Baking soda neutralises the acidity in the body. This speeds up the recovery. Add one teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water and drink it once or twice a day. Read – Benefits of baking soda

• Tea Tree Oil:

Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that fight bacterial infections. Add 10 drops of tea tree oil in your bath water to wash the urethral opening. This helps to reduce pain that accompanies UTI. Do this once daily for three to four days.

What food is good for urinary tract infection?

• Vitamin C rich foods:

Vitamin C boosts immunity and fights UTI. It creates pH to kill the bacteria in urine itself. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C help fight UTI. Consume red peppers, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, bananas, papaya and kiwifruit all contain high vitamin C.

Read – Benefits of Papaya , Benefits of Lemon, Sources of Anti oxidants.

• Take a Pro biotic:

Pro biotics provide healthy microbial environment in the gut as well as body. It improves immunity and decreases the risk of UTI. It can be taken as a supplement, curd, yogurt, buttermilk or kefir.

• Complex carbohydrates and fiber:

Complex carbs and fiber clear the gut of impurities. It also flushes out the unwanted bacteria and increases the immunity. Eat whole grain cereals, whole fruits, vegetables and isabgol.

Read – Benefits of Isabghol, Sources of Complex carbs , 10 dishes that are low in carbs.

Super foods for treating UTI :

• Blueberries:

Blueberries have antibacterial properties that can help treating UTIs. The antioxidants prevent growth of bacteria. You can consume fresh blueberries or unsweetened blueberry juice. Daily consumption can help to prevent UTI.

• Cinnamon:

Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon acts as an antibiotic and pain reliever. Research shows cinnamaldehyde prevents growth of E. coli with no toxic effects on urinary bladder. Add cinnamon liberally on oatmeal, fruit, yogurt or smoothies.

• Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar has useful enzymes, potassium and other useful minerals that prevent the bacterial growth. It acts as a natural antibiotic.

Read – Apple cider vinegar and kidney stones , Benefits of apple cider vinegar on skin and hair.

• Indian Gooseberry (Amla):

Amla is high in vitamin C. It inhibits the growth of UTI bacteria. Boil 1 teaspoon amla powder with 1 teaspoon turmeric powder in a cup of water till it reduces to half. Have this daily.

Read – Benefits of Indian gooseberry on health.

What foods should be avoided in UTI?

Image :Indian diet plan for urinary tract infection

• Refined flour: Refined flour and products like maida, pasta, pizza, cakes, cookies, soda, chips, crackers, starchy foods and breads are all high in sugars. Sugars feed the bacteria and prolong the duration of infections. Thus, avoid simple sugars.

• Spicy foods: Spices irritate the bladder and acidity in the body. This causes increase in bacterial infections.

• Caffeinated beverages: Avoid caffeine containing coffee, teas, sodas, chocolates. Caffeine increases the heart rate and spreads the infections quickly.

• Red meat: Meat is acidic for the body. This allows thriving of the bacteria. Thus opt for white meat like fish or chicken and not red meat.

How to Prevent urinary tract infections (UTI)

• Drink lots of water and urinate frequently
• Follow our Indian diet plan for urinary tract infection
• Keep genital area clean
• Use sanitary pads or menstrual cups instead of tampons
• Avoid use of diaphragm or spermicide for birth control
• Avoid use of any perfumed products in the genital area
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to keep the area around the urethra dry

End note:

Hope this Indian diet plan for urinary tract infection helps you in treating your issue and further helps in prevention . Some key points to remember are

• Women are 50 % more prone to UTI.
• Do not ignore subtle signs and treat UTI immediately or else it will worsen.
• More fluids and healthy diet are key for prevention and treatment of UTI.
• Cranberry extracts do not treat UTIs but reduce the risk of recurrent UTI.