Prone to UTI’s? This diet might be the solution

We’ve been told for years that drinking cranberry juice can help prevent and cure urinary tract infections (UTIs). But new research published in Scientific Reports suggests a vegetarian diet may be the key to keeping the painful infection at bay.

UTIs are usually caused by gut bacteria, such as E. coli, which enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Left untreated, a UTI can move up to the kidneys and bladder and cause further infection. Previous research has shown that meat is a major reservoir for E. coli strains known to cause UTIs.

UTIs are very common, particularly in women, babies and older people. Around one in two women and one in 20 men will get a UTI in their lifetime. The most common symptoms of a UTI include an urgent need to urinate, a burning pain when urinating, pressure or pain above the pubic bone, and urine that is cloudy or dark in colour with a strong odour.

For the study, the researchers compared the occurrence of UTIs among vegetarians and non-vegetarians, and found that the overall risk of developing UTIs was 16 per cent lower in vegetarians. Of the 3,040 vegetarians in the study, 217 developed a UTI compared to 444 UTI cases in 6,684 non-vegetarians studied. The study also found that the reduced UTI risk associated with a vegetarian diet was greater in men than women.

The authors suggest that by not eating common meat products such as poultry and pork, vegetarians may avoid ingesting E. coli that may cause UTIs. They also believe that the fibre-rich diet of many vegetarians may help prevent the growth of E. coli in the gut and decrease the risk of developing a UTI by making the intestine more acidic.

Other preventative measures include emptying your bladder as soon as you feel the urge to, wiping front to back, using the bathroom immediately after sex, avoiding tight fitting clothing and staying hydrated. A 2017 study found women who suffer from recurrent UTIs may reduce their risk by drinking more water.

“While doctors have long assumed this is the case and often recommended that women at risk for UTIs increase their fluid intake, it’s never really undergone a prospective trial before,” lead author Thomas Hooton said.

“It’s good to know the recommendation is valid, and that drinking water is an easy and safe way to prevent an uncomfortable and annoying infection.”

If you think you may have a UTI, seek medical attention immediately.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.